Sussex’s award-winning festive lantern trail at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden,
returns with an immersive journey exploring the hidden world of trees
Selected evenings 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
- Over 1000 hand-made lanterns and bespoke art installations will adorn
Wakehurst’s stunning wild landscape on new 2024 trail - For the first time ever, experience the magic of Glow Wild on Christmas Eve
- Under 4s and essential companions go free; selected adult only sessions;
expanded quiet and relaxed sessions for visitors with special educational
needs; group rates available - Flexible ticketing – swap your tickets up to a week before
- Tickets are on sale now
Be transported into the enchanting world of trees as Glow Wild returns for its eleventh
year in 2024 at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex. One of the South East’s
most celebrated festive events, this year the award-winning trail will be welcoming visitors
on Christmas Eve for the first time in its history.
Inspired by the diverse collection of global trees nestled in Wakehurst’s botanic
landscape, over 1000 hand-made lanterns, light animations, soundscapes, and
bespoke artworks will create an immersive trail. These pieces, created by nine
international artists and local community artisans, will bring trees and the vital role they
play on our planet to dazzling life as darkness falls over Wakehurst.
The interactive trail will give visitors the chance to experience life high in the canopy of a
grove of woven trees, explore a glistening filament network of tree roots underground,
and stroll through an avenue of giant leaf chandeliers, marveling at the magic of trees.
Visitors can glimpse a giant owl soaring over the glittering lawns, meet Wakehurst’s
fire-drenched mythical wood dragon, and peek inside the mystical world of miniature
tree folk. For those seeking moments of peace, sit alongside illuminated figures in the
Winter Garden, pause at serene lakeside reflections or gaze at whirling snowflakes dancing
on the newly revealed Elizabethan Mansion facade. At the heart of the festive offering is
Wakehurst’s iconic Redwood Christmas tree, a twinkling sentinel standing tall over the
gardens and bedazzled with over 1800 energy-saving bulbs.
To ensure the magic of Glow Wild is enjoyed by all, Wakehurst is increasing its accessible
options. Children under four can attend for free, and all visitors will have the flexibility to
swap or upgrade their tickets for free up to a week before their visit.
Throughout Glow Wild, the first slot of the night is reserved as a Quiet Session, designed
for visitors with disabilities and their essential companions who wish to enjoy the sensory
elements of the trail in a more comfortable setting. Relaxed Sessions, adapted for those
with special educational needs and disabilities, such as those with sensory processing
needs, will be available on selected nights.
Visitors will also be able to book exclusive late sessions for adults only, for those looking
for a memorable evening with friends or a show-stopping date night.
Glow Wild visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of delicious catering options, including
hearty hot food, festive drinks and hand-made marshmallows to toast around the fire
under a sea of starry lanterns. Wakehurst’s gift shop, opening until late on Glow Wild
evenings, provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on some last-minute
Christmas shopping.
