The Lost Gardens of Heligan‘s iconic Night Garden winter celebration opened to the public this weekend, setting the scene for a sparkling festive season.
A selection of new larger-than-life installations are lighting up the world-famous gardens, alongside much-loved classics.
Dance of the Standing Stones is a spectacular new light installation in Heligan’s Park-an-Lann area which pays homage to the menhirs and megaliths of Cornwall. Also new this year is Submergence, an immersive walkthrough light installation which transforms Heligan’s reserve yard into a glowing ocean of movement and colour.
Heligan’s much-loved animal-inspired lanterns are a key part of the experience with returning favourites such as a festive robin, giant spider and inquisitive foxes being joined by new additions in the shape of a water vole, dragonflies and a flock of vibrant bee-eating birds.
Also new this year is A Place We Call Home, a glowing tribute to the work of Heligan’s partner charity St Petrocs, which projects numerous words for home onto the ground around it. St Petrocs is working to end homelessness in Cornwall.
Night Garden also features special food and drinks options to keep trail-goers warm and toasty. A festive food village sees Heligan’s Meadow Kitchen open to night-time visitors for the first time, alongside a vintage ice cream van and Verdant Brewing Co. bar. Night Garden’s renowned fire pits are also back for toasting marshmallows and the Steward’s House will be serving up winter warmers and sweet treats.
David Harland, chief executive of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: “It has been a wonderful opening weekend for Night Garden, an event that brings light and warmth to the winter season at Heligan. It has been incredible to see so many people enjoying themselves in the gardens and we hope to welcome many more through the Christmas season and beyond.”
Heligan Night Garden is now open on various dates until January 3, 2026. Entry is £22.50 for adults and £13.50 for children. Under-threes and essential companions go free and reduced prices are available for Local Pass holders and Blue Light Card holders.
A relaxed session providing a quieter atmosphere is also available on Wednesday December 17.
For more information and to book, visit www.heligan.com.
