Scarborough Lights is the first event in The Scarborough Fair programme and will see the whole town sparkle and shine from 15 November through to 23 December 2023, with many free light displays to enjoy (click on the links for more information).
Scarborough Lights will formally open with a launch event on the 18 November with a fabulous drone display over the stunning Scarborough Castle. The show is viewable from South Bay but the best view is from the ticketed event at the Castle.
A brand-new winter lights trail will see Peasholm Park illuminated like never before. Book your tickets and enjoy this enchanting trail through the park. Running from 4pm – 10pm daily, 15 November through to 22 December.
A first for Scarborough is the brand-new installation at St Mary’s Church, featuring incredible light artworks by Flemish artist Peter Snijder. The Fading Light of Ruins will see St Mary’s Church transformed into a spectacle of light between 16-30 November, book your tickets now.
The theatre will host around 35 themed stalls, including handmade gifts, Christmas cards, luxury chocolates, speciality liqueur, clothing and jewellery.
The Tipi, decked out in magical Christmas lights and complete with log fires, will be the ultimate destination to warm up in with mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and Christmas music.
Foodies will be in for a treat or two from the gourmet food stalls, serving up a wide variety of cuisines from around the world as well sweet treats including donuts, crepes, brownies and waffles.
Entertainment include the Ferris, wheel, teacups, hook a duck, MEGA fun house or take a ride on the illuminated land train!
Ships Ahoy! at Scarborough Harbour will see the fishing vessels and yachts all lit up at sea; a beautiful sight as you look out across the South Bay in Scarborough. This runs the duration of the festival and is free.
Signs of the Times created by Adrian Riley and produced by ARCADE and Stephen Joseph Theatre (supported by Scarborough BID) is a new and fascinating town centre trail of illuminated text artworks celebrating some of Scarborough’s uncelebrated or forgotten places, inspired by the stories of local folk and visually prompted by Scarborough’s heritage of illuminated signs.
Drift-Lit at Scarborough Train Station will run from 2 – 9 December between 6pm-7pm. The exhibition by local artist Paul Elsam will showcase sculptures made from Yorkshire driftwood that has been dried, cleaned and restored and dramatically lit to create beautiful light installations.
Grue by ARCADE at Scarborough Library is a fascinating part of Scarborough Lights. Built by Scarborough’s community and made entirely of recycled and repurposed materials, Grue is back for 2023! The fantastical world has been created from positive energy and discarded paper; a wandering cardboard labyrinth of rooms to explore and wonders to discover. However, much like our world, Grue became cluttered and clogged with rubbish. When you visit, we invite you to collaborate with each other, seeing the impact we can have on the environment we live in – both in and outside of Grue.
Across Scarborough, illuminations will sparkle and light up some of Scarborough most loved places to visit. From 4pm through till 10pm each day between 15 November – 23 December, explore Scarborough and the beautiful illuminations at the Town Hall, Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Spa and Scarborough Castle.
