‘Tis the season of fairy lights, lanterns and turn-of-the-year celebrations.
All around the world houses, gardens, and stately homes are bedecked in every manner of twinkliness.
Some charge a hefty admission price, others just ask for a donation to charity.
But whether it’s on a grand scale or just a small affair, the cheerful glow is very welcome here in the Northern Hemisphere, as winter draws on.
We were invited to the opening night of the annual Glow Wild at Wakehurst, and we think they’ve excelled themselves in 2024.
As darkness falls, you’re led along a lantern-lit trail into an illuminated garden wonderland, inspired by the hidden world of trees, and accompanied by a wild and often eerie soundtrack.
There’s more than a mile of light installations, with over 1,000 lanterns and tableaux handcrafted by leading artists. The mysterious world of the forest is revealed at every turn, with streams of light leading you further up and further in.
And at the trail’s heart, as you circle and double back, is Wakehurst’s gigantic illuminated Christmas tree, sparkling with nearly 2,000 low energy lightbulbs.
The Mansion House, recently restored and liberated from behind its covering screen, provides the perfect backdrop for a sound and light show featuring a rural winter packed with badgers, foxes, deer and a soaring owl.
On Mansion Pond, the seed collector, in his delicate paper boat, tries to capture the pods floating serenely on the surface.
There’s a giant owl on the trail too, cleverly crafted in tissue, bamboo and lights and operated by a skilled puppeteer.
A dragon lurks in a field of fire, giant frost-lined leaves of oak, beech and silver birch twist and turn in the branches.
Down by the stream, there’s a delightful array of tree-houses and playful laughter in the miniature Tree Tribes village.
My favourite was the ‘coming of the comet’ scene, complete with miniature observatory and telescope, while Pork Belly spent ages, and I mean ages, taking photos.
In fact, it took us nearly three hours to complete what most visitors will do in an hour!
At the end of the trail, as you return your own, personal lanterns, you can warm up with hot drinks and marshmallows over a very welcome fire pit.
There are snacks and treats too, plus songs and storytelling. Aimed at children, of course, but enchanting for any age.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst in 2024 is a magical celebration of winter and wildness.
Here’s to the next eleven years!
More about Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Now in its eleventh year, Glow Wild is on selected dates between 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, from 4.15pm to 10pm – although closing times vary on some nights. For the first time ever, they have a special session on Christmas Eve.
Pre-booking is essential.
Tickets in 2024 are £19.50 for adults, children £13.00 and a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) is £62.00.
There are discounts for Wakehurst and Kew members.
Under 4s and essential companions go free, and they have specific quiet, SEN and adult only sessions on selected dates.
Wakehurst is 30 minutes from Brighton and London Gatwick, and accessible by public transport. A free shuttle bus is provided from Crawley and Three Bridges stations.
Free parking is available for any visitors arriving by car.
All images copyright: John Heinrich
Where to next?
• Best UK Christmas Markets
• Best European Christmas Markets
• Vintage Christmas Sweets