FIRST LOOK: Christmas at Gibside 2021 dazzles with more than a million lights

That’s how many twinkling lights have now been switched on to transform National Trust’s Gibside near Gateshead into a spectacular winter wonderland.

BUY TICKETS: Admission is by timed entry slots, so book as soon as possible to guarantee the date and times you are after – for full pricing details and booking visit christmasatgibside.co.uk.

Storm Arwen kept crowds in anticipation but the countdown to Christmas is in full swing with the brand-new glittering illuminated trail now open, on selected dates, 4.30pm to 10pm, with last entry at 8pm, until January 2.

As these brand new photos reveal – giving a first look at the amazing festive attraction – visitors get to marvel at jaw-dropping light installations, set to a soundscape of classic Christmas tunes.

Discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

Twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations will delight visitors young and old.

Head for Christmas Cathedral if you’re after an amazing Instagram selfie, or photo with family and friends - this huge cathedral-window shaped walkthrough tunnel is made from thousands of pea lights.

Along the trail there are six ‘singing’ trees and 4km of Neon Strings, interwoven into the woodland and stretched between towering canopies.

A mesmerising real Fire Garden includes148 candles which have to be individually lit each night.

Look out also for larger-than-life illuminated crystals, snowflakes and stars, dripping from branches, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer for an additional charge - visitors can toast their own marshmallows over flames and enjoy a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special under the stars.

Christmas at Gibside provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail, which runs until January 2, is designed for visitors of all ages and is accessible to all to enjoy.

Christmas at Gibside is brought by Sony Music in partnership with the National Trust and the trail is created by Culture Creative.

On the edge of Newcastle, in Rowlands Gill, this Georgian landscape garden was built with 'wow' moments in mind. Different walking trails lead through acres of garden, past the ruin of Gibside Hall, a columned Palladian chapel, man-made terraces and impressive vista views.

Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves.

Sony Music has been delivering themed illuminated trails for over eight years. Each trail is designed to showcase the natural and unique environment of the individual location and to immerse visitors into a world of light, fire and soundscape. They currently have 26 trails across the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia.

Culture Creative is the creative project and production management company based in the North East of England. It works across a wide range of cultural fields including art, sport, heritage, tourism, festivals and events, developing projects from concept to delivery.

Tickets in advance are adult £18, child £13, family £58 (for two adults and two children), with free entry for carers and children aged two and under. On-site parking is £8 per car. Park and ride is £5 per car,

For information about COVID19 and booking tickets with confidence visit mychristmastrails.co.uk/covid-19.