A festive light trail is set to return this winter, promising a magical after-dark experience for visitors of all ages.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey will once again host the popular illuminated event, now reimagined as Radiance for 2026.

Produced by Light Up Trails, the experience will guide guests through immersive worlds of light and sound, including Starlight, Ember, Colour, Music, and Snow.

Libby Battaglia, creative director, and Lucinda Croft, hospitality director at Light Up Trails, said: "We can’t wait to share this year’s trail with our visitors – the response to last year’s trail was overwhelmingly positive, but it has only pushed us to go even bigger.

"Radiance is designed to awaken the senses. Each world has its own atmosphere, energy and moment of discovery, carrying guests from the first stars overhead to an unforgettable winter finale."

One of the highlights of this year’s trail is Ember Garden, an immersive display featuring more than 16,000 points of light illuminating the National Glade in glowing orange tones.

The garden will be filled with flickering reeds, suspended rings, and fireballs glowing in the trees, accompanied by bespoke music and sound design.

The trail will also feature the House of Bloom, where more than 3,000 illuminated lilies will create the illusion of a giant, glowing garden in bloom.

Visitors can pause at the Christmas Village, a central hub offering seasonal food and drink, including hog roast, fish and chips, gourmet burgers, Yorkshire wraps, churros, and Crumblelicious, with the addition of new Indian cuisine.

Other highlights include Wildlight Woods, filled with interactive smoke-filled bubbles, illuminated butterflies, and animated woodland animals, and the Kingdom of Snow, a final immersive experience created with Double Take Projections.

Guests will end their journey at Lightplay, where they can enjoy infinity stepping stones, interactive features, and a walk-through festive dome.

Ms Battaglia and Ms Croft said: "From the first star to the final snowfall, Radiance is designed to be felt as much as it is seen.

"And we look forward to meeting old friends and new when we open in November."