'Fairies really could reside in those woods': Northern Lights Creative Director teases magical transformation

There's a certain cynicism when something that is Christmas-adjacent crops up for sale the very moment the annual summer holidays arrive—and admittedly, even the most "Christmassy" of people can appreciate the jadedness.

But as tickets for Temple Newsam’s Northern Lights Leeds are on sale as of writing, the team behind the scenes is arguing that booking now is less about festive fatigue and more about securing a truly reimagined experience.

For Creative Director Helen Wells, the 2026 trail marks a major shift in how the team approaches the festive staple, trading traditional light displays for a deeply interactive, story-driven experience that casts visitors as the main characters in a quest to save the season from darkness.

When asked about the summer ticket launch, she framed the early booking as a practical move for families, noting that the early bird ticket is a "bargain" and added that "future you will thank you" for securing the best dates and getting the experience sorted well in advance of the winter rush.

After all, it annually brings in over 100,000 visitors, and for a city with such a competitive festive calendar, demand for the best dates is high.

The narrative this year begins with a festive mystery: the spirit of Christmas has vanished, leaving the world in shadow.

Audiences are set on their quest by a familiar character and must journey through the grounds, encountering moments of hope, joy, and playfulness to restore the light.

"Physically turning the grounds of Temple Newsam into a living storybook requires a massive collaborative effort, and we work with a brilliant team who will transform the estate into a glowing, fantastical world," Helen explains. "We’re aiming for moments of wonder, surprise, intrigue, and I really hope people leave with their cup full of festive cheer.

“It’s pretty exciting to get hands-on and see your actions cause a reaction in light, and all these moments will make for great photos which helps the memory bank in future years".

Wells, who previously worked on the ambitious Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme, is using the project to merge large-scale cultural programming with the intimate, community-focused participation she championed in West Yorkshire.

Her time at Bradford 2025 provided a wealth of unforgettable cultural moments that had joy, togetherness, and a sense of place at their heart, and she has brought that same programming philosophy to Northern Lights.

Festival-grade production

The event is being brought to life by From the Fields, the team behind major festivals like Kendal Calling and Bluedot, known for their elaborate world-building and immersive atmosphere.

Merging that high-energy festival production magic with the intimacy and nostalgia that families expect from a Christmas tradition is the core of the challenge, but Helen believes the team has struck the perfect balance.

"From the Fields brings a quality and a vibe to the Winter light trail scene," Helen says. "There’s a wealth of experience within the team, and so much attention goes into what audiences see and hear in every space, so you can guarantee their trails stand out from the rest.

“Plus,” she adds, “we’re all big fans of Christmas!"

The team plans to leverage Temple Newsam's natural geography to build tension and surprise. It is a unique site to work with - from the dramatic, imposing architecture of the house itself to the sprawling, untamed woodlands and lakeside paths.

By starting with a "dark canvas" and choosing which spaces to illuminate and which to leave in shadow, the production team can work differently each year, highlighting the naturally "enchanted" feel of the woodlands.

"Walking through the woodlands, they already feel enchanted, so I believe fairies really could reside in those woods," Helen adds.

Designing an "interactive" trail in 2026 is an interesting challenge because people want to be genuinely immersed rather than just looking at static light installations.

The team is utilising a mixture of technology, soundscapes, and physical performance to get children and adults actively participating in the story.

Beyond the visual trail, the event will feature a range of winter indulgences, including toasted marshmallows, hot chocolates, and street food, aimed at creating a complete night out for families.

With the stakes raised and a new narrative arc at the centre of the experience, Northern Lights is positioning itself as a must-visit anchor event for Leeds families this winter.

Early Bird tickets for Northern Lights Leeds are available now from £13.75 (including transaction fee) and offer a Neuro Inclusive option - for more details, visit the official Northern Lights Leeds website.