As winter's darker nights draw in, the Royal Horticultural Society is preparing to dazzle visitors with the return of its spectacular RHS Glow event. From late November through early January, five of the charity's most beautiful gardens across England will be transformed into magical winter wonderlands with breathtaking light installations and festive entertainment.
A Nationwide Festive Spectacle
The RHS is celebrating the festive season in style by illuminating its gardens with what promises to be an unforgettable Christmas experience. Running from November 19 to January 4 on selected dates, each garden will feature reimagined routes that showcase their most spectacular vistas in a completely new light.
Visitors can expect to discover illuminated fountains, glowing tree canopies and favourite garden features transformed by thousands of twinkling lights. The events also offer seasonal food and drink, Christmas shopping opportunities and family-friendly entertainment, creating perfect winter evenings out.
Garden-by-Garden Guide to RHS Glow
RHS Garden Rosemoor, North Devon
This Devon garden promises plenty of festive fun with an updated route featuring sparkling new installations. For the first time, the trail weaves through the redesigned Winter Garden, where shimmering trees and light installations create a perfect winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy festive shopping and warming seasonal treats at the Garden Restaurant, Otter Cafe, and Shepherd's Rest takeaway.
The event runs on selected dates between November 21 and December 30. Member prices start at £8.25 for adults and £4.50 for children, while non-members pay from £13.50 for adults and £7.25 for children. Under-fives go free.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire
Visitors to this North Yorkshire garden can take an enchanted walk featuring a reimagined trail with perfect picture opportunities and magical moments. Highlights include the breathtaking Thaliana Bridge casting reflections across the Queen Mother's Lake. The cosy Harrogate Arms Café will serve delicious seasonal treats, while the Garden's Bath House offers Christmas shopping from regional craftspeople.
Running on selected dates between November 19 and December 23, tickets for members start at £10 for adults and £5.25 for children. Non-member prices begin at £17.25 for adults and £9.25 for children, with under-fives admitted free.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex
Families can explore a twinkling new trail at this Essex garden that for the first time features the stunning Robinson Garden. Highlights include illuminated bridges, glowing vistas and the Winter Garden, where willow sculptures come alive with festive cheer. After exploring the lights, visitors can enjoy mulled wine or cider from lakeside cabins and seasonal shopping.
The event takes place on selected dates between November 21 and December 27. Member prices start at £10 for adults and £5.25 for children, while non-members pay from £17.25 for adults and £9.25 for children. Under-fives go free.
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford
The whole family can enjoy a magical evening at this Salford garden, wandering through the Western Walled Garden where each room becomes a glowing gallery of light and shadow. Brand-new immersive light installations will illuminate the iconic garden in entirely new ways, complemented by Christmas shopping opportunities, music, and delicious food and drink.
Running on selected dates between November 26 and December 30, tickets for members start at £8.25 for adults and £4.50 for children. Non-member prices begin at £13.50 for adults and £7.25 for children, with under-fives admitted free.
RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
The world-renowned Surrey garden welcomes back RHS Glow with an extended magical winter light show transforming more of its iconic sights with mesmerising installations. Beloved favourites return, including the illuminated Glasshouse Lake and spectacular grand finale at the Jellicoe Canal. Visitors can enjoy seasonal snacks from festive chalets or a festive meal at the Glasshouse kitchen, plus Christmas shopping in the Plant Centre and Gift Shop.
This show runs on selected dates between November 21 and January 4 (excluding December 24-26). Member prices start at £10.45 for adults and £5.25 for children, while non-members pay from £15.95 for adults and £10.95 for children. Under-fives go free.
Planning Your Magical Winter Visit
With festive light trails illuminating gardens from Devon to North Yorkshire, the RHS has created magical experiences perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Each location offers unique installations and seasonal treats, making them ideal family days out during the darker winter evenings.
Booking in advance is recommended through each garden's website, where visitors can check specific dates and detailed pricing information. The events represent some of the most spectacular UK winter events available this festive season, transforming beautiful gardens into breathtaking winter wonderlands that will create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
