Glow Wild Programme

Large colourful projection and Christmas tree at Wakehurst

Wakehurst's magical Christmas light trail returns for 2024.

28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

4.15pm to 10pm (closing times vary)

Book tickets

Christmas lights

Visit the festive favourites that return to Glow Wild every year.

Way-finding lanterns

Collect your Glow Wild way-finding lantern to illuminate your path and become a colourful part of the trail.

The Wakehurst Christmas Tree

See Wakehurst’s famous Redwood Christmas tree, covered in over 1800 energy-saving bulbs.

Glow Wild letters

Be welcomed by handmade, illuminated letters at the Visitor Centre.

The iconic moon and stars

Capture a selfie with our returning iconic Glow Wild moon and stars.

The Owl

Look out for the giant owl soaring over our lawns.

New for Glow Wild 2024

Discover new installations and reimaginings of classics at Glow Wild 2024.

Leaf chandeliers

Stroll through an avenue of giant leaf chandeliers, marveling at the magic of trees.

Silva Lumina

Discover a luminous forest of sculptures blending human and plant forms, embodying hope and community in a mental health art installation.

The Tiny Seed Collector

Seeds of hope dance in serene lakeside reflections.

The Tree of Life

Unveil wildlife secrets under the Great Oak and spot hidden creatures within.

Three Tree Tribe

Peek inside the mystical world of miniature tree folk.

Symbiosis - The Tree Creche

Explore a glistening filament network of tree roots underground.

The Top of the World

Experience life high in the canopy of a grove of woven trees.

Nematen - Sacred Leaves

Three suspended leaves, bejewelled by light and frost, honour the Oak, Beech, and Silver Birch.

The Wood Dragon

Meet Wakehurst’s mythical wood dragon.

The Playful Peace Garden

Sit alongside illuminated figures in the Winter Garden under a twinkling night sky.

Mansion projection

Enjoy the newly unveiled Elizabethan Mansion façade featuring a winter woodland projection and swirling snowflakes.

Gifts and experiences

Discover Wakehurst's Christmas gifts and experiences.

Storytellers

Enjoy magical songs and stories of Christmas as you tuck into your mince pies.

Pre-bookable lantern making kit

Take a piece of Glow Wild home with a festive lantern kit.

 

Christmas shopping

Feel the joy of Christmas shopping at the Visitor Centre Gift Shop and Plant Centre, where you'll find a range of botanical-inspired gifts and treasures.

 

Plan your visit

Indulge in festive favourites in our pop ups and restaurants, hop on our shuttle bus and download our Glow Wild map.

Christmas corner

Festive street food, classic winter warmers and sweet treats from our pop-up food and drink stalls under our Christmas tree.

Marshmallow Firepits

Toast marshmallows at our cosy Marshmallow Firepits.

Family dining at Seeds Café

Every adventure starts with a full tummy. Seeds Café offers a diverse menu for all ages, without the need to pre-book. Simply choose your meal on-site and enjoy!

Pre-book your Stables Kitchen experience

Experience the magic of our festive wonderland with a pre-booked two-course feast before or after the trail at The Stables Kitchen on selected evenings.

Free shuttle bus

Simplify your journey to Glow Wild 2024 with our complimentary shuttle bus service! Pre-book your tickets as part of your Glow Wild purchase and travel for free from Crawley, Three Bridges, Copthorne, and Turners Hill. Our new route takes you directly to and from the trail, making your visit hassle-free.

Download our map

Download our Glow Wild trail map, including where to find toilets and refreshments.

Holiday events

Find things to do at Wakehurst this Christmas holiday.

Lantern making: Weekly volunteer sessions

Weekly local volunteer gatherings dedicated to creating, repairing, and recycling handmade lanterns for our artisan Christmas trail.

Christmas wreath making workshop

Create a stunning Christmas wreath using foliage from our gardens at Wakehurst.

Discovery and Access at Wakehurst: Glow Wild Lantern Making workshops

Join accessible lantern-making sessions for a perfect group day out! Free sessions available for members of our Community Access Scheme and interested groups. Off-suit workshops available on request.

Wakehurst in the Community

Empowering local communities with offsite training, resources and workshops, including lantern-making for Glow Wild

Nature Heroes: Night Knight

Join the Nature Heroes Night Knight mission this half-term! Uncover Glow Wild trail's daytime secrets, learn about nocturnal creatures, and earn a glow-in-the-dark badge.