If you’re looking for one of the most spectacular Christmas lights trails in Sussex, put Glow Wild at Kew Wakehurst firmly on your festive calendar. Returning for 2026, the much-loved winter light trail promises to transform Wakehurst’s woodland, gardens and historic landscape into an illuminated world of giant lanterns, immersive installations and festive magic.
Running on selected evenings from 26 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, Glow Wild will take visitors on an after-dark journey through some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, from uncharted waters and underwater worlds to frozen polar environments. This year’s theme, In Search of Nature’s Gifts, draws inspiration from Kew’s global work exploring and protecting plant and fungal diversity, combining science, art and technology to create an immersive Christmas experience in the Sussex countryside.
Glow Wild 2026: What to Expect
Now in its 13th year, Glow Wild is set to be one of Wakehurst’s most ambitious Christmas light trails yet, with more than 2,000 handcrafted lanterns illuminating the 535-acre wild botanic garden.
More than 140kg of willow has been used to create extraordinary creatures, plants and landscapes, while award-winning artists and more than 200 volunteers have contributed to a collection of new installations created exclusively for this year’s trail.
Rather than just following a trail of Christmas lights, you’re invited to become explorers, travelling through a series of illuminated landscapes inspired by some of the planet’s most remote environments. Expect giant creatures, underwater worlds, past frozen landscapes, music, projections and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the spectacle along the way.
A Five-Metre Iceberg Will Be the Tallest Lantern Yet
One of the biggest talking points of Glow Wild 2026 will be a giant illuminated iceberg reaching almost five metres high, making it the tallest lantern ever created for the trail. Created by artist Kerith Ogden, the dramatic polar landscape will feature 68 penguins and 1,000 fish, bringing an icy world to life in the middle of Wakehurst.
The installation will also be accompanied by an Aurora Australis-inspired light commission from The Colour Project, creating the impression of the Southern Lights dancing across the polar landscape. For families visiting Glow Wild in Sussex, the combination of giant lanterns, penguins and colourful light projections is likely to be one of the most memorable sections of the trail.
From Polar Landscapes to an Alpine Flower Carpet
The journey continues through a series of installations inspired by the remarkable plants and landscapes found in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
One of the standout installations is an Alpine flower carpet by Michelle Dufaur, made using an incredible 2,500 handmade petals. The installation takes inspiration from plants capable of surviving in remote and challenging environments, while reflecting the conservation work carried out by Kew scientists.
That connection between nature and science is an important part of what makes Glow Wild different from a traditional Christmas lights trail. The installations aren’t simply designed to look spectacular; many have been inspired by Kew’s scientific research and conservation work around the world.
A Christmas Lights Trail Where Art Meets Technology
While handcrafted lanterns remain at the heart of Glow Wild, the 2026 trail also incorporates a range of immersive technologies. LED displays, hologauze effects and laser projections will be integrated into the installations, creating a constantly changing environment as visitors move through Wakehurst after dark.
The trail’s grand finale comes at Wakehurst Mansion, where artist Amanda Duncan will make her Glow Wild debut with Murmurations. The projection will see birds, fish, insects, stars and seeds move across the historic building’s façade, bringing together many of the natural themes encountered throughout the trail. It’s designed to provide a dramatic finale to the evening, with the illuminated mansion set against the night sky.
More Than 2,000 Lanterns Light Up Wakehurst
While several of this year’s installations are completely new, Glow Wild also draws on its extensive collection of lanterns created over previous years. Almost 1,000 lanterns have been refreshed as part of the preparations for the 2026 trail, with many of the lanterns designed to be reused year after year.
The result is a trail that combines ambitious new artwork with familiar elements from Glow Wild’s history, meaning returning visitors can expect something that feels both new and recognisably Glow Wild.
The Community Behind Glow Wild
Glow Wild isn’t created solely by professional artists. Community groups and volunteers play an important role in bringing the trail to life.
More than 200 volunteers have contributed to this year’s experience, with community involvement stretching across Sussex. Among the contributors are art students from Brighton, climate ambassadors from Peacehaven, family support networks and groups representing people aged over 65.
A new Village of Voices lantern exhibition will form the closing installation, with individual lanterns reflecting on the theme of nature’s gifts. There is also a local connection hidden among the lanterns. Eagle-eyed visitors can look out for a whale and a pink raven, both winners of a design competition held in collaboration with the East Sussex College group.
Christmas at Wakehurst
Of course, Glow Wild is about more than the lights themselves – it’s ideal for Christmas. Wakehurst’s vast landscape provides a particularly atmospheric setting for a Christmas light trail in Sussex, with visitors moving through woodland and gardens before reaching festive food, drink and entertainment areas.
At the Explorer’s Landing, visitors can meet Betty the Botanist, while the trail’s Base Camp provides somewhere to pause, eat and enjoy festive entertainment beneath Wakehurst’s enormous 38-metre Giant Redwood, which will be decorated with 1,800 energy-saving bulbs.
For families, couples and groups of friends looking for things to do in Sussex during the festive season, it’s an experience that combines a winter walk with Christmas lights, art, food and entertainment.
When Is Glow Wild 2026?
Glow Wild 2026 runs on selected evenings from Thursday 26 November 2026 until Saturday 2 January 2027 at Kew Wakehurst in Sussex.
The trail operates from 4pm, with the latest closing time at 10pm. Tickets need to be booked in advance, with prices starting from around £13, while children under four can attend for free. Flexible, family and group ticket options are also available.
Kew Wakehurst is located near Haywards Heath, around 30 minutes from Brighton and London Gatwick, with Haywards Heath railway station approximately 10 minutes away. Free parking is available on site.
Glow Wild 2026 at a Glance
Where: Kew Wakehurst, Sussex
When: Selected evenings, 26 November 2026 – 2 January 2027
Opening time: From 4pm
Closing: Up to 10pm
Theme: In Search of Nature’s Gifts
Highlights: 2,000+ handcrafted lanterns, five-metre iceberg, 68 penguins, 1,000 fish, Alpine flower carpet and illuminated Wakehurst Mansion
Tickets: from £12.70 (inc. booking fee): early-bird discounts available until 31 August. Under 4s go free
Parking: Free on site
Booking: Advance booking essential
Is Glow Wild One of the Best Christmas Lights Trails in Sussex?
For anyone searching for Christmas lights in Sussex, Glow Wild offers something considerably more immersive than a simple display of festive lights.
The combination of Wakehurst’s woodland setting, enormous handcrafted lanterns, contemporary artwork, projections, music and festive food creates an evening experience designed to be explored rather than simply viewed.
And with the 2026 trail introducing its tallest lantern yet, a spectacular polar landscape, thousands of illuminated creatures and a brand-new finale at Wakehurst Mansion, this year’s Glow Wild Christmas lights trail looks set to bring plenty of new reasons to visit.
Glow Wild 2026 takes place at Kew Wakehurst from 26 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.
