General
What time are the lights turned on?
Generally between 4pm-10pm, but please check the individual event page for further information and timeslots as it varies per light display.
I’ve booked the wrong day / I can no longer attend. Can I switch my tickets / get a refund?
Please contact the Scarborough OAT Box Office on 01723 818111 for any ticketing enquiries. The Box Office is open 10am – 4pm daily, except Wednesdays.
Tickets canot be exchanged or refunded after purchase, except in exceptional circumstances. These will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need a ticket?
Most of Scarborough Lights is free and unticketed, including the illuminations around Westborough, Eastborough, The Market Hall, Crescent Gardens, Ships Ahoy in the Harbour, the Dinosaurs on Vernon Road and Aquarium Top Roundabouts, Dean Road and much more.
Paid Events
You will need to buy tickets for:
- The South Cliff Fire Garden
- Reflections at St Mary’s Church
- The Aquarium of Light Interactive Performance
You must buy your tickets in advance of visiting. You can purchase these via The Scarborough Fair website.
You can also buy tickets in person or by phone from Scarborough Spa or Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Free ticketed events
There are a number of free workshops available, for which you will need to secure a ticket through The Scarborough Fair website.
You can also secure tickets for free, ticketed events in person or by phone from Scarborough Spa or Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
I have a question about Scarborough Lights / The Scarborough Fair. Who should I contact?
Please email scarboroughfair@northyorks.gov.uk
Do I have to pay the donation?
No, this is voluntary. You can change the amount (£2.50, £5, £10 or £20) or remove it altogether. The donations will be used to put on future events and make them bigger and better!
How is The Scarborough Fair funded?
On March 3, 2021, the Government announced that Scarborough had been successful in securing £20.2 million of Town Deals funding. The eight Scarborough projects being funded from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities programme are designed to deliver better outcomes for residents and businesses by making the town more vibrant while building on the cultural heritage.
The Scarborough Fair project is funded in part by £1.2 million from the Government’s Towns Fund programme, which is being used to help to organise 15 festivals over three years.
South Cliff Fire Garden
What should I expect from the South Cliff Fire Garden?
Come and discover an enchanting garden of fire and light, with 225 candles in Scarborough’s Victorian Rose Garden. Also featuring live fire performances, Moroccan lanterns, kaleidoscope lighting and a star walk. Food and drink available.
Brought to you by the creators of the fire gardens at Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court and events across the world.
Note that though there are timed entries, you can stay as long as you like and go back round to look around the Garden again and make use of the the Café.
Do I need a ticket for the South Cliff Fire Garden?
Yes, you must pre-book your ticket for the Fire Garden before arriving.
You can book via this page or by calling the Box Office on 01723 818111 (open 10am-4pm daily, excluding Wednesdays) , or purchase them in person at Scarborough Spa or Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
How long does the visit take?
You can take as long as you like and feel free to walk around. You should allow around 45 minutes to an hour to fully enjoy the Fire Garden, lights and fire performance and to buy refreshments.
Can I bring my dog?
We’re sorry, dogs are not allowed inside the Fire Garden.
Is it pram friendly?
Yes, the Garden is easily navigated with a pram.
Is it accessible?
Yes, the Garden is accessible for visitors with wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Are there toilets?
Yes, there are public toilets at Beeforth’s Hive (the main building on the site. Follow signs or ask stewards.
Is food and drink available?
Hot food, snacks and refreshments will be available from the Beeforth’s Hive (the main building on the site), including mulled wine.
Will The Rose Garden be closed for the Fire Garden?
The Rose Garden will be closed between 4pm and 10pm, 16th-23rd December but the remainder of South Cliff Gardens, including the Italian Garden will remain open. Please note that some paths, which join up with the Rose Garden will not be passable during the event opening hours.
Which entrance should I use for the Fire Garden?
The Fire Garden entrance is via the entrance near the corner of Belvedere Road and the Esplanade.
Is there parking on site?
There is on-street parking available in the area, both pay and display and disk parking. Albion Road and Sea Cliff Road Car Parks are approximately 10 minutes’ walk away. Please visit the North Yorkshire Council website for details.
