Christmas spirit has arrived early in Yorkshire, with popular family attraction Lotherton announcing a new wonder-filled, Wonka-esque woodland walk coming to this year’s Christmas Experience for the very first time.

From Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, the country estate just outside of Leeds will sparkle with Christmas cheer and festive frolics, while its iconic Captain’s Wood will be transformed into a brand new bonkers bonanza of imagination! 

Powered by the magic of Christmas through the eyes of children, this year’s 12 Days of Christmas trail takes visitors down the rabbit hole into wonderland, with bold, bright, larger than life installations where little ones become the main character in the magic.

Reimagined by the artists who first brought it to life back in 2016 and inspired by the nostalgia of iconic toys, Christmas characters, and residents of Lotherton itself, the new woodland walk combines traditional whimsy with a Wonka-esque world of imagination. 

From quirky cabins with slides where little ones become the four calling birds, to nine giant dancing flower ladies, and 12 nutcracker ‘high-striker’ soldiers reminiscent of fairground ‘test your strength’ games, each of the stops puts play at its heart. 

Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment said: “Imagination, play and joy are such a huge part of the magic of Christmas, and this year’s new Woodland Walk captures them perfectly! 

“Watching families literally step into Christmas and make magical memories among the trees, in the Fairy Dell, in the House, and of course in the snow-dusted North Pole and colourful Elf Village is so special. We can’t wait to welcome little ones and big kids alike to experience the wonder with us this year.” 

Frequently heralded as the best-value Christmas experience in Yorkshire, one ticket unlocks a full day of enchantment. From glittering paths in the snow-covered North Pole and Santa’s grotto, to wonder and delight in the elf village, fairy dell and woodland walk, the magic is everywhere and demand is already high. 

After announcing his annual residency alongside Mrs Claus and the mischievous elves, Santa’s weekend diary is already almost 60 per cent full in December, with another sell-out season for the festive favourites certain. 

This year, Santa and Mrs Claus will welcome families together in Lotherton’s magical North Pole. Little ones will be greeted by the cheeky elves and decorate gingerbread with Mrs Claus while hearing her stories, before meeting Santa to share their yuletide wishes and receive an early Christmas gift. 

Next door, a secret clearing strung with twinkling fairy lights is home to the Elf Village, which hums with festive mischief, the crackle of the firepit, the sweet scent of toasting marshmallows and plenty of glitter-dusted craft cabins where imaginations run wild and children can get creative.

The wider estate will also be decked in its full festive finery. Families can lose themselves among the whispers and giggles of the enchanted Fairy Dell, also being revamped for 2026, or cosy up in the Yuletide Yurts where grown-ups can enjoy a festive tipple or two.

Catch a weekend Magic Show inside Lotherton Hall, and step back in time for a traditional Edwardian Christmas in the historic house, exploring the lives of the Gascoigne family in the late 1700s before sneaking into the beautifully lit formal gardens where hedges glow and enchantment takes over. 

And for pre-schoolers or little ones on their very first Santa visit, Santa’s Cabin is perfect for a shorter, gentler 15-minute meeting with the main man. Running on weekdays throughout December this cosy experience is perfect for tiny tots with eyes aglow.

The Christmas Experience will open on Saturday 21 November 2026 and is run by Lotherton and Breeze. Tickets are available now from just £6.75, and early booking is essential as spaces are limited and strictly on a pre-booking only, time-slotted system.

Fly here to book Yorkshire’s best-value and most magical adventure this Christmas. Ticket details can be found here.