AN ATMOSPHERIC Christmas light attraction has received some added sparkle after no less than four marriage proposals were made at the location in its opening months.

The Christmas at York Museum Gardens features thousands of dazzling lights and festive installations set amongst the trees and medieval ruins in the city centre gardens. But it has also proved the perfect location for romantic gestures, as several couples have chosen the attraction to pop the question.

Wednesday evening saw Stephen Lough propose to Vanessa McGee in the heart of the gardens, and the response was a resounding yes.

Stephen worked with the team behind Christmas at York Museum Gardens to ensure that the proposal was everything Christmas-fanatic Vanessa could have wished for. The couple were then given Prosecco to celebrate the occasion whilst toasting marshmallows on the fire.

Stephen said: “I’d like to say thanks to Marc, Sophie and the rest of the team at Christmas at York Museum Gardens for making our day truly special.

“They went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. I couldn’t imagine a better place to propose to someone who loves Christmas as much as Vanessa and all their efforts made it even more magical.

“I honestly can’t thank them enough.”

Recommended by Britain Magazine as one of ‘the best British Christmas events 2017’, the attraction features an after-dark experience that includes an array of mesmerising and colourful displays.

Along the illuminated trail, visitors will come across a modern display of musical LED trees, a projection of a traditional Christmas scene onto the ruins of the medieval St Mary’s Abbey, and an awe-inspiring Finale of Fire on the library lawn where visitors can warm themselves with mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate.

Visitors also have the opportunity to toast marshmallows over a fire whilst listening to charming Christmas tunes.

The attraction has been organised by Lunchbox Events, who also produce Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in York. The new event is sponsored by TalkTalk and has already sold more than 20,000 tickets.

Maria Farrugia, general manager at Lunchbox Events, said: “We are delighted to be able to show York’s stunning Museum Gardens in a whole new light and have been thrilled by the response to our first season.

“Every weekend has been close to sold out. We are hoping that by the time we close on New Year’s Day more than 60,000 people will have enjoyed a novel festive experience.”

Tickets for Christmas at York Museums Garden are on sale at; christmasatyorkmuseumgardens.co.uk.