Experience the magic of Christmas at RHS Garden Wisley, transformed into a festive oasis of illuminations, light installations and enchanting features.
Read on to find out more about RHS Wisley Glow’s 10th anniversary and why you should book this festive light trail experience.
- Where: RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB
- Times: Daily slots at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm
- Duration: Approximately two hours
- Tickets: From £21.25
What to expect at RHS Glow Wisley
RHS Wisley is luminous and radiant with Christmas decorations and light installations – right from the moment you arrive in the car park! This really set the scene for the evening, and I couldn’t wait to explore the grounds to uncover more.
As soon as you check in and step out into the start of the trail, dazzling light installations and atmospheric music envelop you. Ahead, street food chalets twinkle under the night sky and the scent of festive favourites drift through the air (but more on that later!).
The gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with winter illuminations, vibrant lights and immersive elements bringing plants and landscapes to life. As I began to walk the trail, I wondered how the seven acres had been transformed.
Highlights of the festive light trail
Stroll past a forest of fairy bell trees to the first selfie stop at the foliage, bauble and star arch, and marvel at the sparkling mirror balls casting glittery shadows around the forest.
Next, your eyes are drawn to the vivid glow of the neon tree, its sprawling branches and lengthy roots detailed beautifully with vibrant blue, red and green shades.
Delicate dandelion-style light installations await round the corner, gently leaning into the paved path. The vibrant colours entice you to look closer at the intricate detailing of the flowers, leading you to the next floral installation, casting playful colourful shadows on the ground.
The Glasshouse is next on the light trail adventure, with the indoor oasis dramatically lit to reveal the beauty of rare tropical plants and exotic blooms in the dark.
Top tip: Keep an eye out for the festive wreaths in the Glasshouse, the perfect opportunity to snap some selfies!
Step back outside and you’ll see the floating pontoon just outside the Glasshouse, new for 2025. Watch as lights and fountains dance across the water in a dazzling performance in time to music.
Follow the woodland path and take in the beauty of the poppy fields, where 300 glowing poppies sway gently in the breeze. The woodland area and glittering ponds are beautifully lit here, in vibrant shades of the rainbow. There are benches dotted along the route and this part of the trail is a particularly lovely to sit down and soak up the Christmas magic.
When you’re ready to carry on the trail, wander through the Wisteria Walk, transformed into a glittering tunnel of lights.
This leads onto the first of two viewing points to see the fire and fountains grand finale at the Jellico Canal. From here, you’ll see a glimpses of the finale and the Old Laboratory just behind the canal, decorated in a dancing, immersive light show.
Take a slow walk down the meandering path and you’ll discover a small courtyard area with immaculate topiary, decorated with fairy lights and more delicate soft lighting.
Head through the courtyard and you’ll find the second view point of the fire and fountain grand finale. From this view, I got to see the impressive show up close and personal. The light and fire show is set to a dramatic soundtrack, with fountains dancing high, colourful lights casting patterns over the water and puffs of intense fire.
The cherry trees wrapped in warm pink and white lights offer a final, glowing farewell – and the perfect ending to the most magical festive light trail.
Festive food and drink at RHS Glow at Wisley
Feeling peckish? Check out the delicious seasonal favourites and warming, comforting delights at RHS Garden Wisley. The Terrace Restaurant hosts evening dinners and Christmas afternoon teas which can be reserved in advance.
If you’re looking for more of a street food vibe, the charming chalets – located at the start of the trail – serve jacket potatoes smothered in toppings, classic hot dogs and indulgent sweet treats including warm crumble pots, candy floss and comforting mulled wine.
Top tip: A personal street food favourite was the loaded crispy roast potatoes with pigs in blankets, red cabbage, crispy onions and lashings of gravy – a must try!
There are also chalet pop-ups along the trail where you can buy warm drinks such as hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, and sweet bakery treats like chocolate chip shortbread and caramel Stroopwafels.
A wonderful evening at RHS Glow Wisley
The walk can take around two hours to complete if you stop along the way and soak it all in – which I did, taking a few moments to sit down and enjoy the pure Christmas magic! It really is the perfect festive, wholesome evening activity – book now before it ends 4 January 2026.
Feeling inspired? Check out some other Christmas light trails to enjoy, including Chelsea Winter Village, Christmas at Kew and Windsor Great Park Illuminated.