Wakehurst Puts the ‘Wonder’ in ‘Wonderful Christmastime’

The creative team behind this year’s festive Glow Wild trail have excelled this year – staging a walk-through show that’s ethereal, entrancing and entertaining in equal measure.

Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex, comes alive after darkness falls this month with a mile-long trail of illuminated landscape and hypnotic soundtracks guaranteed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Wakehurst’s carefully considered design means the whole trail is accessible and enjoyable for visitors with a range of disabilities. On the night Living with Disability visited, we spent a very relaxed two hours taking in the light installations at our own pace on easy to navigate paths, with helpful staff at regular intervals along the way.

The 2025 trail starts with a seed of a story – the story of a seed making its way in the world.

From the moment you enter the magical world through the starlit arches, there are seed-shaped lanterns to guide you – the sight of visitors’ lights seemingly floating in the air along in the distance adds to the overall magic of the experience.

Some of the simpler designs are some of the most stunning, from the majestic stag framed in the outline of Wakehurst’s architecture to the wolves howling at the moon as you finish the trail.

There are treats galore around the paths – from fantastical frogs, fungi and flowers to the breathtaking giant seed pods hanging like chandeliers from the branches of Wakehurst’s trees. This year’s installation is a really clever collaboration between the natural world and the festive lightshow – one seamlessly blends into the other to create a truly magical feel.

The gentle, unhurried pace combined with dream-like soundscape encourages you to wander at your own pace to take in every detail. Multiple generations of families were visiting on the day we went – there really is something for everyone here.

In previous years, the water features have been the stars of the show – but this year, the organisers really have saved the best ‘til last.

The truly fabulous light and sound show spreading across Wakehurst’s lawns, inviting some of their iconic trees in to play, is a stunning spectacle you’ll want to stand watch again and again.

The trail ends with a storytelling circle with some dramatic special effects, so make sure you catch the chance to participate in the seeds’ journey for next year too.

This year, the food and drink huts are cleverly situated just off the beaten track – with the vendors near the house tucked into the courtyard to avoid confusion in the queues.

There are Quiet Sessions nightly at 4pm for visitors with hidden disabilities, such as autism, to make for a more comfortable visit whilst still benefitting from the sensory elements of Glow Wild.

On selected nights (Dec 5, Dec 10, Dec 21, Dec 30), Relaxed Sessions will be tailored for children with special educational needs and disabilities, such as those across the autism spectrum and/or with sensory processing needs.

There are staff to help at very regular intervals around the path, and parking teams to guide you to the right place at the right time for your visit.

Glow Wild tickets are excellent value for money this year, offering a range of off peak and peak booking times – and there’s still plenty of availability for December.

To find out more about accessibility at Wakehurst visit https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/visit-wakehurst/accessibility, email wakehurstcommunity@kew.org or telephone 01444 884066 and ask for the Participation Team.