YORK IS bathing in the glow of its latest tourist attraction that shines a light on one of the city’s historic landmarks.

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions has created what it calls an “enchanted trail” through the Museum Gardens, with light installations, illuminations and “an after-dark explosion of festive colour and twinkling lights”.

Visitors to Christmas in the Museum Gardens will see a fairytale village, as well as a vintage funfair ride, hook-a-duck game, face painting and a whole host of festive fare. The rides, food and drink cost extra, but certainly enhance the whole winter wonderland experience.

There is a UV light pathway for children to get involved in a unique game of hide and seek, and the garden also shows the ‘12 Frames of Christmas’, ‘singing trees’ and a spectacular festive lights projection onto the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

Father Christmas has also taken up residence in the gardens, with children able to write a quick wish list of presents, and the attraction’s spectacular finale is a series of flaming torches on the library lawn.

Even though it was a bitterly cold night when we visited, there were plenty of superb sights and sounds to ensure we were soon warmed up by the spirit of Christmas... and maybe the odd mulled wine or two!

The trail runs for quite some distance, and there is always something exciting to see round the next corner. It has full disabled access, and there are plenty of Santa’s elves en route to guide you along the way or offer helpful advice and information.

I also get the feeling this is very much an attraction that will improve with age. If the license is renewed in future years, I can imagine the team behind this exciting production will have lots of new ideas to add to, and enhance, the overall experience.

It was very much the perfect end to a day’s Christmas shopping in the city, or a great start to a night on the town.

The trail runs until New Year’s Day, from 4.45pm to 9.30pm every day except Christmas Day.

Entry to Christmas in the Museum Gardens costs £14.95 for adults, £8.95 for children and £40 for a family of four, while under fours are admitted for free. Visit christmasatyorkgardens.co.uk for more details.