Cosy nights under the stars are on the horizon, with a spot over the Surrey border offering an evening of family joy, festive cheer and the light of Christmas.
A much-loved winter lights walk will be returning to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey this year with a new route for 2026.
For the fifth year, tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the botanical garden 50-minutes drive from Farnham as light, music and imagination transform the landscape into a series of unforgettable after-dark moments.
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Libby Battaglia, creative director and Lucinda Croft, hospitality director, both 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.”
On arrival, guests follow a path through a star arch entering a landscape of light and stars, creating the feeling of crossing into another world.
As the trail turns, Ember Garden is revealed.
“We’ve never made anything quite like this before,” say Libby and Lucinda. “More than 16,000 points of light will transform the National Glade into Ember Garden, creating a landscape that feels alive with warmth, movement and energy.”
An entirely new zone designed by artist James Smith with sound design by Thomas George, it is one of the most technically ambitious worlds created by organisers, Light Up Trails.
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Fireballs glow high in the trees, suspended rings burn with light, and flickering reeds and flame-like forms fill the landscape below.
Rich orange colour and specially commissioned music will come together to create an atmosphere that feels immersive and alive with heat and movement.
At the heart of the trail beneath a new Christmas tree will be a Christmas Village, a warm and welcoming place to pause, meet up and enjoy time together.
Surrounded by glowing lights, warming drinks and a wide choice of seasonal food will be on sale including hog roast, fish and chips, gourmet burgers, Yorkshire wraps, churros, Indian dishes and marshmallows to roast.
Other sights along the route include more than 3,000 illuminated lilies, smoke-filled bubbles, illuminated butterflies, animated woodland animals, an interactive pathway that seems to move beneath your feet and new fun stepping stones.
How to book tickets for Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas
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