Light Up Lancaster 2026: where to stay, eat and unwind

Light Up Lancaster, the free festival of light and art, returns to Lancaster city centre from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th November 2026. For three evenings, artworks and installations light up Lancaster Priory, Lancaster Castle, Williamson Park, Dalton Square and the Lancaster Canal from 5pm to 10pm.

Lancaster House Hotel is an official Light Up Lancaster Festival Champion for 2026. Festival Champions help the festival celebrate and showcase the best regional, national and international light art. Just outside the city centre, we're a comfortable place to stay, dine and relax while you explore the festival.

What's on at Light Up Lancaster 2026

Most installations run from 5pm to 10pm on all three nights, so you can explore at your own pace. Artworks confirmed for this year include:

• Dear Earthling by imitating the dog, at Lancaster Priory
• Garden of Shadows by Jony Easterby, a trail of animated light through Williamson Park
• Crystal Tide by Anne Bennett, a mirrored lighthouse among glowing crystal shards on Lancaster Canal by Waterwitch
• Sandcastle by leo&hyde, at Lancaster Castle
• Twist and Shine by Kaleider and Pig Farm by ARTshifters, interactive artworks in Dalton Square
• Street Aquarium by Marge Bradshaw, on Church Street
• Magical Night Market in Market Square, with hot food, cakes and drinks from local traders

More artworks are added to the programme in the run-up to the festival. See the full Light Up Lancaster programme on the official festival website.

Dinner before the festival at The Foodworks

Book a table at The Foodworks before you head into town. Our seasonal menu uses produce from across Lancashire and the Lake District, and it's a relaxed place to start the evening. We recommend booking ahead for Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November, as festival nights are busy.

Drinks at The Sandeman Bar

After an evening outdoors, finish the night with something warming at The Sandeman Bar, open to hotel guests and visitors.

Discounts on Food & Drink with Relish Card

Discounts on both food and drink at English Lakes venues are available through our Relish Card. Intended primarily for members within the local area (see postcodes) members can enjoy a 10% discount as well as range of seasonal offers. Join Relish and enjoy a discount on your food and drinks when you dine with us during this year's Light up Lancaster event.

Relax at Sandpiper Health Club

After a few hours walking Lancaster in the November cold, Sandpiper Health Club is the place to warm up. Our packages include use of the indoor pool, sauna, steam room and spa bath, with treatments available to add on.

Hotels near Light Up Lancaster: stay at Lancaster House Hotel

With three nights of light art spread across the city, staying over means you can see far more than you would in one evening. Lancaster House Hotel is around 3 miles from Lancaster city centre, so you can be at the installations in about 10-15 minutes, then come back to somewhere warm and quiet once the lights go down.

Our 99 bedrooms range from classic rooms to suites, with free parking and free Wi-Fi. Book a Bed and Breakfast stay and start each festival day with a proper Lancashire breakfast.

Planning your visit to Light Up Lancaster

• Dates: Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th November 2026.
• Times: most artworks run from 5pm to 10pm each night.
• Cost: free to attend.
• Families: Explore Week runs from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026 with free half term activities.
• Accessibility: British Sign Language guided tours are available for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
• What to bring: warm layers and comfortable shoes, as the artworks are spread across the city.

Light Up Lancaster: frequently asked questions

When is Light Up Lancaster 2026?

Light Up Lancaster 2026 takes place over three evenings, Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November 2026. Most artworks and installations run from 5pm to 10pm each night.

Is Light Up Lancaster free?

Yes. Light Up Lancaster is a free, family friendly festival of light and art, held across the city centre of Lancaster each November.

Where is the best place to stay for Light Up Lancaster?

Lancaster House Hotel is an official Light Up Lancaster Festival Champion and a short drive from the city centre. It has 99 bedrooms, The Foodworks restaurant, The Sandeman Bar and Sandpiper Health Club with an indoor pool, making it a comfortable base for all three festival nights.

Where can I eat before Light Up Lancaster?

The Foodworks at Lancaster House Hotel serves seasonal dinners using Lancashire and Lake District produce, and The Sandeman Bar is open for drinks after the festival. In the city centre, the Magical Night Market in Market Square offers street food during the festival.

What are the highlights of Light Up Lancaster 2026?

Highlights include Dear Earthling by imitating the dog at Lancaster Priory, Garden of Shadows by Jony Easterby in Williamson Park, Crystal Tide on Lancaster Canal, Sandcastle by leo&hyde at Lancaster Castle, and Twist and Shine and Pig Farm in Dalton Square.

Is Light Up Lancaster suitable for children?

Yes. The festival is designed for families, with interactive artworks such as Pig Farm and Twist and Shine. Explore Week also runs from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026 with free activities over half term.

Is Light Up Lancaster accessible?

British Sign Language guided tours are available for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. Visit the Light Up Lancaster website for tour times and accessibility details.

How far is Lancaster House Hotel from the Light Up Lancaster installations?

Lancaster House Hotel is around 3 miles from Lancaster city centre, roughly 10-15 minutes by car or taxi. Free parking is available at the hotel.