As a once highly-annoying teenage girl of the 90s, I couldn’t wait to relive the songs of the Nightmare Before Christmas at Arley Hall’s light trail, but my son’s reaction was the best part
The Nightmare Before Christmas light trail at Arley Hall in Cheshire is everything superfans have been waiting for(Image: Avery Brunkus)
I’m at an age where I can’t claim to have been introduced to the Nightmare Before Christmas through motherhood, I was there fan-girling away when it was first released in 1993.
My equally angst-ridden school friends and I went to the cinema to watch it over and over again (it was only £2.50 back then), investing heavily in Sally’s yearning for Jack Skellington and singing the songs with gusto – how very annoying we were.
Deciding to swerve Trick or Treating this year, I booked Halloween tickets for the Nightmare Before Christmas light trail at Arley Hall instead to share the magic with my son – but mainly for my own nostalgia. However, his excitement quickly overrode mine.
At five, he already lives and breathes all things Oogie Boogie, and as we arrived at 5pm while dusk was falling across the historic Cheshire estate, an eerie mist rolled in, making the trail look like the actual film set. The natural fog caught the neon purples, eerie greens, and warm holiday ambers and the sky turned pink, making it feel like pure movie magic.
The quirky film is brought to life through 1,700 dazzling light installations, interactive video projections, intelligent LED lighting, music and 3D-printed sculptures.
Taking a walk through Halloween Town, my son danced along the path singing, but did not afford me the same rights, reprimanding me for having the audacity to enjoy Danny Elfman’s iconic soundtrack.
What shocked me the most, however, was his reaction to the installations. Normally he despises having his picture taken. Here, he morphed into some kind of Zoolander, pulling his best ‘Blue Steel’ alongside the characters and demanding photos to take back to his friends. He proudly posed beside Jack and Sally, grinned next to Zero’s glowing doghouse, and ran around like a madman in Oogie Boogie’s lair.
The trail was dotted with cosy stop points to toast marshmallows or buy a mulled wine or hot chocolate, and the pace was ideal for little legs – long enough to feel like a full, immersive adventure without causing meltdowns or fatigue.
The production values were second to none – no whiff of the infamous Willy’s Chocolate Experience here with its forlorn Oompa Loompas. From top quality staging to breathtaking light displays, the craftsmanship, attention to texture, and detailed illumination make every set piece feel authentic and engaging from every angle.
If you have a young Tim Burton enthusiast in the family – or are one yourself – this is an unmissable seasonal outing that might even land you some rare family photos.
General admission prices start at £32 for adults, with discounted tickets available for children and seniors. Dog-friendly slots are available on Tuesday evenings from 8pm. For more details on the trail, which runs until January 3, visit thenightmarebeforechristmas.com/arley.