ABOUT SCARBOROUGH LIGHTS

Get ready to be dazzled this winter with a range of free and affordable light displays in Scarborough from Friday 14 November to Sunday 21 December.

Admire the sparkling town centre illuminations including Westborough’s LED light tunnel, the Dino-bouts on Vernon Road and Aquarium Top roundabouts, and take in the shimmering harbour lights with Ships Ahoy!

Don’t miss the drone display at Scarborough Castle from 19 – 23 November, plus Scarborough Histories and Mysteries which are three beautiful installations at St Mary’s Church.

Scroll down for more details about what’s happening.

Drone Display at Scarborough Castle

19 – 23 November

Enjoy a brand new drone display at Scarborough Castle! Take a journey round Scarborough with Thomasin Farrer and some local schoolchildren as we approach the town’s 400th anniversary as the UK’s first seaside resort. It is also a unique chance to see the Scarborough Castle illuminations up close. There will be fire, light and music performances before the show, plus food and drink stalls to enjoy.

Sprites

29 – 30 November

Something strange is happening at Scarborough Spa and the caretaker just doesn’t know what to do. Water is springing up everywhere – can you help us solve this mystery? From the producers of much loved family show, Grue, SPRiTES is a playful and beautiful immersive experience for families. Featuring a performer and an enchanting new world to explore, families will discover magic in Scarborough’s spa waters this Christmas.

Peasholm Island Illumination

14 November – 21 December

Enjoy the vibrant illuminations on Peasholm Island for Scarborough Lights.

Dino-bouts

14 November – 21 December

Watch as the dinosaurs on Vernon Road and Aquarium Top Roundabouts come alive as part of Scarborough Lights. 

Scarborough Castle Keep Exterior Illumination

14 November – 21 December

Scarborough Castle’s keep will be illuminated specially for Scarborough Lights 2025. Viewable from across the town every evening of the festival.

St Mary’s Church Exterior Illumination

14 November – 21 December

Admire the historic church which will be illuminated for Scarborough Lights.

Creatures of the Deep

14 November – 21 December

Head down to St Helen’s Square and discover the Glass Box Gallery transformed into a giant illuminated fish tank, home to a dazzling collection of fantastical sea creatures.

Charity Christmas Tractor Run in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance

5 December

All sizes of tractors, decorated with festive lights and adornments will travel from Moor Farm at Cloughton to Burniston, New, and Peasholm.

Towering Illumination

14 November – 21 December

Watch the iconic Stephen Joseph Theatre Tower light up with 1400 LEDs. Witness the movement and patterns of hundreds of LEDs light up the 14m window of the iconic 1936 cinema tower. Connect a smartphone to listen to music along with the display.

Sky Lights at Oliver’s Mount

14 November – 21 December

See the night sky lit up with a bright search light from the top of one of the most visible locations in town. Best viewed from anywhere in the South Bay and South Cliff area, you can’t miss this brilliant beam as it illuminates the sky around it. During the day, pop into Oliver’s on the Mount to enjoy their brilliant hospitality, excellent food and drink, and beautiful views.

Scarborough’s Curious Christmas Quest

6 – 20 December

Dance Ahead lights up Scarborough with their signature storytelling style! Follow the glowing characters as they play, sing and share festive tales through Scarborough’s streets counting down the days to Christmas. The trail unfolds from the Community stage at 1pm and 3pm each Saturday. Venture down each week for the next sparkling chapter in the story – join the quest, unlock the windows and discover the prizes!

Book your free ticket HERE.

Creating a Coastal Town

12 November

A fun activity where participants will create and decorate a wooden cottage or boat from suitable material, which will then make up part of the Scarborough Lights installation at Gallery Thirty Three celebrating Scarborough Heritage.

Santa’s Arrival

15 November

Santa will arrive by boat at Scarborough Harbour slipway at 11am. Join him on his route, and at the grotto where he will be greeted by Hunmanby Brass Band at 12pm.