Christmas at Gibside

Get away from it all at Christmas at Gibside (previously Ignite a Gibside) is a fantastical fire and lantern trail. We all love a walk in the countryside, but this is a brand new way to experience the stunning eighteenth-century house and gardens.

Weave your way through the 600-acre grounds, delighting in a host of woodland-creature-themed wicker sculptures and floral illuminations. Discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the specially chosen illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Flames flickering from hanging lanterns give the park an enchanted feel.

Wherever you go, a specially commissioned soundscape will help you to feel even more immersed in the magic. The event creators, live music promoters Raymond Gubbay, have soundtracked Christmas at Gibside with calming beats, helping you to switch off from the outside world.

Meet up with family and friends and take one of the maps to make sure you don’t miss any sections of the trail. There’s no need to pack food, because you’ll have a choice of independent street food vendors. Treat yourself to a festive spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows.

Gibside is a National Trust property, so if you’re a member you can take advantage of free car parking. Non-members can either purchase parking ahead of time or make use of public transport, including the nearby park and ride.

As far as after-dark, family-friendly experiences go in Tyneside, Christmas at Gibside takes some beating. Celebrate the festive season and see the splendour of this Georgian property in a whole new light.