Christmas is seeing Fountains Abbey sparkle as the annual Music and Lights celebration lights up the late afternoon sky. As twilight falls see the abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow. Walk beneath the cellarium's vaulted ceilings, under the grand columns of the nave and stop to watch the live choirs and bands fill the ruins with festive music. Join in if you know the tune!

Music and Lights takes place each weekend from 19 November – 1 January and the abbey will be illuminated each day during Christmas week (excluding 24 & 25). Choirs and bands will be performing in the cellarium 2-3pm. The estate will close at 5:00pm as usual. You don't need to book a ticket to visit as Music and Lights is part of normal admission.

Live performances:

• Saturday 25 November: Lucy’s Pop Choir
• Sunday 26 November: Stray Notes Community Choir
• Saturday 2 December: Harrogate Ladies' College Chapel Choir
• Saturday 9 December: Phoenix Concert Band
• Saturday 16 December: Thirsk Royal British Legion Band
• Sunday 17 December: Euythmia Ensemble
• Saturday 23 December: Skelldale Singers
• Saturday 30 December: Members of Ripon Choral Society
• Sunday 31 December: Ripon Trinity Singers

Recorded seasonal music and carols are played on other days.

Special Carols by Candlelight events also take place in December:

• Carols by Candlelight 3 December
• Carols by Candlelight 10 December