A 'MAGICAL after-dark illuminated trail' has opened at Delamere Forest, giving families a chance to experience these much-loved woods in a totally different light. 

Christmas at Delamere Forest sees Forestry England team up with Sony Music to deliver a festive attraction that will enchant both children and adults.

Northwich Guardian was given the chance to have a sneak peek. 

Northwich Guardian: 'Christmas Cathedral' (Chris Walker)'Christmas Cathedral' (Chris Walker) (Image: Chris Walker)

From fire breathing pinecones as big as cars to outsized illuminated snowdrops shimmering in the undergrowth, this trail is a visual feast that is sure to get even to the most Grinch-like grown-ups climbing up into the attic for the Christmas decorations when they get home.  

Though the whole trail is illuminated with hypnotic light projections which transform the forest canopy into something spectacular, each installation is very definitely a feature in its own right.

Northwich Guardian: 'Spiral Spinners' (Chris Walker)'Spiral Spinners' (Chris Walker) (Image: Chris Walker)

As you begin your journey around the forest, one of the first displays you come to is Christmas Cathedral – a seemingly endless tunnel of shimmering white lights that is truly immersive.  

As you glide through it to John Williams’ Somewhere in My Memory' – which you might know as ‘the Home Alone theme tune’ – you are left in no doubt that Christmas is definitely around the corner.

If that’s not festive enough, keep and eye out here for Father Christmas. And I don’t mean a pretend Father Christmas - I mean the actual one, or so he assured us after he let us take his picture.

Northwich Guardian: The actual Father Christmas (Chris Walker)The actual Father Christmas (Chris Walker) (Image: Chris Walker)

A little later comes a brand new installation for Delamere, Submergence, where visitors are led off the main path into the undergrowth, through strings of dangling lights. 

Further on is Firework Trees, where streams of lights shoot up tree trunks and through the branches, set to a soundtrack of swooshing and exploding fireworks.

Northwich Guardian: Other-worldly light displays (Chris Walker)Other-worldly light displays (Chris Walker) (Image: Chris Walker)

As well as the light installations, festive music, and illuminated walking trails, there are several independent food vendors offering festive treats including mulled wine, pulled pork rolls, and belgian waffles.

There is also chance to toast marshmallows over an open fire.

Northwich Guardian: Festive animal sculptures (Chris Walker)Festive animal sculptures (Chris Walker) (Image: Chris Walker)

Christmas at Delamere Forest runs from Friday, November 25 to Saturday, December 31.

Prices are £21 for adults, £14 for children or £67 for a family of 4. Parking is £8.

For more information, or to book, visit Christmas at Delamere Forest | Forestry England