These incredible illuminations will be dazzling Cambridgeshire this winter
City Centre & Station Area Lights Switch On
Although the city centre lights switch on has been cancelled due to concern over increasing Covid-19 cases in the area, Cambridge’s Christmas lights will not be dimmed this festive season! In addition to the classic Christmas lights that adorn the Christmas centre, Cambridge locals and visitors to the city can look forward to seeing the Train Station all spruced up with a sparkling tree and beautiful illuminations.
Christmas Lights at the Grand Arcade
The Grand Arcade is known for its elegant, glamorous festive lights, and this year’s will be no exception. For 2021, the shopping centre will be adorned in red, gold, green and white, featuring giant baubles, garlands, festoon lights and – for the first time ever – Christmas trees floating overhead. There will also be a series of festive attractions to seek out, including a virtual reality sleigh ride through Lapland, a carolling owl and a talking postbox where you can send letters to Santa and win extra gifts at the GA’s stores. As ever, Christmas tunes will be playing 24/7 throughout the centre, getting shoppers in the seasonal spirit.
Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey
One of the most beloved seasonal events in the local calendar, Winter Lights, returns to Anglesey Abbey for a tenth year on the weekends of 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 December. This year, the team is continuing its long-standing relationship with Pearce Hire, but guests can expect new, creative ideas from Eddie Barcan from Splendid Events. “I’m delighted to be working as creative producer for Anglesey Abbey’s magical and hugely prestigious Winter Lights 2021. My aim, drawing on the theme of Nature by Night, Nature by Light, is to build on the existing wow factors and established favourites, while introducing new elements and technology, to highlight the beauty of the gardens and stimulate the senses,” he enthuses. “This will include glimpses of the elusive creatures who live there, a natural soundscape, scent, stunning projections, interactive elements and some exciting partnerships.”
Cambridge author Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris are also working with the team to provide recorded readings from The Lost Spells. A magical book celebrating the power of nature, it makes a perfect fit with the Nature by Night, Nature by Light theme. There will also be inspiring projections from both Ross Ashton and Karen Monid from The Projection Studio, and Tom Woodcock from Cambridge Film Projects.
As you explore the gardens, you’ll be able to enjoy live performances from Cambridge Folk Festival and Cambridge Jazz Festival musicians – and treat yourself to food from stalls including Waffle + Co, Café Mobile, Vegeteria and La Maison Du Steak. Tickets are £17.50 per adult and £14 per child (under-fives go free and do not require a ticket).
nationaltrust.org.uk/AAWinterLights
Wimpole Christmas Trail
The Wimpole Estate team are pushing the boat out this Christmas, creating a magical outdoor trail with more than a million twinkling lights, fabulous installations and other festive treats. Running between 26 November and 2 January, the trail will see this historic stately home’s grounds animated with neon trees, flickering lanterns and attractions such as the Christmas Cathedral, with over 100,000 pea lights. Expect toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and spiced winter warmers to keep you cosy – plus you might even catch sight of Father Christmas! Tickets are £18 per adult/£14 for children.
Have you heard about all the fantastic Christmas fairs taking place in Cambridgeshire this year? Check out this article to get the low-down on all the festive fun happening in the next few weeks!
