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 through the runup to Christmas 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 to be confirmed.

Special Carols by Candlelight events also take place in December for which prior booking is required:

• Carols by Candlelight 8 December
• Carols by Candlelight 15 December