Giant illuminated dandelions, bubbles floating through the garden and hot chocolate – Glow at RHS Harlow Carr is back for 2026, celebrating its tenth anniversary with new installations and plenty of sparkle!
Running on selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026, this popular light trail in Harrogate is a lovely excuse to wrap up warm and head out on a family adventure after dark. Here’s what to look forward to this year.
Explore the garden in a whole new light
With sparkling snowy effects, shimmering columns of light and colourful displays along the route, there’s plenty to entertain you as you explore. For the first time, the trail will take visitors through the illuminated Winter Walk, showing off some of Harlow Carr’s most impressive trees. Look out for a striking neon tree beside the Queen Mother’s Lake, before finishing with views of the glowing Doric Columns from the top of the Main Borders.
Bubbles and interactive art
The Bubble Man is back every evening, sending giant bubbles drifting through the lights. Look out for Common Ground too, a 30-metre sculpture by Yorkshire artists Are You Playing Out? that pulses with colour in response to sound.
Festive treats
Warm up with hot chocolate, bratwurst or jacket potatoes, and toast marshmallows over a crackling fire. Grown-ups can pick up handmade gifts in the historic Bath House or browse decorations and UK-grown Christmas trees in the Garden Centre.
A quieter evening for visitors with sensory needs
A dedicated Glow SEN Night takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026, offering a quieter, less crowded visit with reduced noise and fewer sensory distractions. Up to two accompanying carers can attend free of charge.
Something special for the grown-ups
Planning a festive evening without the children? The new Glow Premium Experience is an adults-only option combining the illuminated trail with hospitality from Bettys Café Tea Rooms. It includes a hot chocolate to enjoy in the garden, followed by a festive meal at Bettys, live music and a gift bag. Places are limited and this is a separate premium experience.
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr 2026 – Useful information
- Where: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
- When: Selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026
- RHS member tickets: Adults from £9.50; children from £5
- Non-member tickets: Adults from £15.25; children from £8.75
- Under-fives: Free
- Glow SEN Night: Sunday 6 December 2026
- Booking: All tickets must be booked in advance. Book early for the best choice of dates and times.
Win a family ticket to Glow!
We’ve teamed up with RHS Garden Harlow Carr to give one lucky family the chance to win a ticket to Glow for two adults and up to three children. You can enter in any or all of the following ways:
- Visit our Instagram, like the post about this giveaway and comment ‘Win’. You’ll need to follow @littlevikingsyork and @rhsharlowcarr to be eligible to win, too.
- Visit our Facebook page, like the post about this giveaway and comment ‘Win’. You’ll need to like/follow the Little Vikings page to be eligible to win, too.
- Email hello@little-vikings.co.uk with your name and postcode
The giveaway closes at midnight on 25 November and the winner will be notified shortly after. Please be aware of scammers on social media. We will never ask you for payment details!
The small print
- The prize is a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) for Glow at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, valid on specific dates only.
- Not transferable and no cash alternative
- One winner will be chosen at random and notified as to how they can redeem their prize
📍 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
🗓 Selected evenings, 26 November to 30 December 2026
ℹ️ Adults from £15.25, children from £8.75 (members from £9.50 and £5), under-fives free.
