The majority of this article was first published in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of IQ, the exclusive magazine for Mensa members. Find out more about becoming a Mensa member here.
As the nights begin to draw in, these winter light festivals are guaranteed to illuminate the skies and ignite the senses.
Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
As darkness falls, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden comes alive, its rolling lawns and draping tree canopies adorned with over a million glistening lights. There are lots of new displays to see this year [2023], including huge seed heads floating high in the night sky, colourful pampas grass and enormous glow-in-the-dark crocuses.
After grabbing a mulled wine or toasted marshmallow, you can stroll down the mile-long tunnel of light or gaze at the botanical projections that light up Inverleith House.
There’s a magical new trail for 2024. Find out here
Canary Wharf Winter Lights, London
The largest festival of its kind in London, the Canary Wharf Winter Lights festival sees the capital’s business district become a dazzling wonderland with more than 20 stunning light installations. The award-winning event showcases light art by some of the world’s most innovative light artists, including pieces never seen before in the UK.
Highlights from the 2023 festival included a floating earth, life-sized mammoths and a fibre-optic light tunnel, with many of the lights becoming part of Canary Wharf’s permanent public art collection.
Find out about plans for January 2025’s event here.
Dublin Winter Lights, Dublin city centre
Every year, Dublin’s lively city centre is transformed by the Winter Lights festival, with captivating light displays on iconic landmarks, bridges, statues and trees. This traditional festive experience is organised by Dublin City Council and the colourful and imaginative light projections are created by the city’s leading artists. Whether you are local to Dublin or just visiting, the event promises to give everyone a warm glow.
This year’s event [2024] includes a children’s art competition inviting entries (by 20 November) on the theme of Christmas magic in Dublin City Centre. Find out more here.
Plans for 2024 can be found here.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated, Windsor
Either side of Christmas, visitors will once again be welcomed to witness breathtaking displays of colour and light in the royal park. The team behind the festival is also promising that this year’s edition will feature new installations and a re-imagined light trail.
Wandering through the illuminated woodlands, you might spot mythical creatures, sparkles of fireflies and dancing fairies among the trees. Down at the lake, the water is alive with breath-taking projections. The park is dotted with cosy rest-stops, where visitors can enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate and toast marshmallows at the fire pit.
Windsor’s spectacular displays are back for a fourth year. Find out more here.
Winter Lights Festival at Bluestone, Pembrokeshire
Sprawling over 500 acres of wooded countryside in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Winter Lights festival in the remote resort of Bluestone is packed with activities for the whole family. Many visitors choose to stay in one of the hundreds of self-catering lodges within Bluestone’s private village, which also has a spa and waterpark.
The Wish Tree transforms the centre of the village with dazzling light shows throughout the day. In the Serendome, guests can meander along a ‘tell-tale light trail’ to explore magical twists on familiar Welsh tales while marvelling at weird and wonderful light creations.
Find out more about plans for 2025 here.
Glow 2023 at RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Experience the horticultural wonders of RHS Harlow Carr after dark. Taking a wander down the magical light trail, you’ll find majestic trees and shrubs aglow with colour and witness the ‘field of fire’ on the Main Lawn. New for 2023, the Thaliana Bridge that crosses the picturesque Queen Mother Lake will be illuminated in rainbow colours.
When it’s time to warm up, the iconic Betty’s Tea House is the perfect place to enjoy a hot drink and sweet treat – like a fat rascal, a Yorkshire delicacy.
The ‘brightest night of the year’ is back for 2024. More details here.
