Christmas at Bedgebury creative boss reveals dazzling new showstoppers and forest magic
Dancing constellations high above the treetops, a spectacular new tunnel of light and around a million twinkling lights will transform Bedgebury magnificent National Pinetum and Forest into a sparkling Christmas wonderland, creative boss Zoe Bottrell tells Graham Walker.
BUY TICKETS: Limited capacity, with timed entries, see popular weekend and early evening slots sell fast so visitors are urged to buy now to get the day and time they want – CLICK HERE.
Imagine wandering through a darkened forest, surrounded by towering trees, when suddenly a dazzling constellation of stars begins dancing high above your head.
Follow the woodland trail and discover a magical tunnel of light, illuminated trees bursting into colour and a breathtaking laser display shimmering across the water.
Welcome to Christmas at Bedgebury 2026.
Around a million twinkling lights and 20 spectacular installations will transform the National Pinetum and Forest into an enchanting festive wonderland, from November 20 to December 31, 2026..
The popular after-dark attraction combines dazzling new creations with much-loved favourites, all set against one of Britain's most extraordinary collections of conifers.
And this year promises even more surprises.
That’s the exciting promise from the woman behind the magic , Zoe Bottrell, chief executive of Northumberland-based Culture Creative, which designs this and other spectacular illuminated trails across Britain and around the world.
Speaking exclusively to reveal the magic that awaits visitors on this year's Bedgebury after dark trail, Zoe told how the forest's magnificent trees provide the perfect setting for some breathtaking new installations.
"The great thing about Bedgebury is the fact that we can really focus on trees rather than being part of a wider garden," she explained.
"There is very rarely a place where you're not surrounded by huge 50-metre-tall cedar trees.
"It feels a little bit more rugged because you're not in a manicured garden."
Among this year's showstoppers is Across the Stars, a new installation created with artists Ithaca. As visitors descend into a sunken woodland track, dazzling lights will appear to dance like constellations high above the trees.
Zoe describes it as "almost like this dancing constellation of stars above your head, which will be absolutely beautiful."
Another new attraction will take visitors away from the main pathway and into a secluded woodland copse, where a specially designed light show will bring the surrounding trees to life.
"It's lovely because that will take you from walking along a linear footpath very much into the forest itself," said Zoe.
There's also a striking new twisted pentagon tunnel, making its Bedgebury debut.
Returning favourites include the spectacular Laser Lake, Laser Garden, magical Fire Garden and the hugely popular Christmas Cathedral.
The latter has become one of the most photographed attractions across Culture Creative's illuminated trails, with its glittering tunnel of delicate lights even providing a romantic setting for marriage proposals.
And this year, the Christmas Cathedral will twinkle, adding another magical dimension to the experience.
The mile-long trail will take around 60 to 90 minutes to explore, with a new two-way section allowing visitors to enjoy one of the magical displays twice.
At this time of year, Father Christmas is extremely busy so is unable to meet children individually, however be sure to look out for him as he will be on the trail.
But creating Christmas magic among precious living trees brings special responsibilities.
Zoe explained that ecological studies help determine where installations can safely be placed, protecting wildlife and potential hibernation areas.
One sensitive section will feature gentle ultraviolet lighting and a simple soundscape to minimise disturbance.
Most lighting is now energy-efficient LED technology, allowing designers to create more spectacular effects while using less electricity.Importantly, proceeds from the trail help support Forestry England's work maintaining Bedgebury's nationally important tree collection, pathways and visitor facilities.
Behind the scenes, Culture Creative works with concert promoter Raymond Gubbay Live (RG Live), part of the Sony Music family.
Their illuminated attractions now include around 15 locations across the UK, seven in America and two in Australia, with approximately 350 individual artistic installations across this year's worldwide programme.
Yet for Zoe, the greatest achievement isn't simply creating spectacular photographs.
It's making magical memories while protecting the landscapes that make them possible.As she puts it: "The only thing we should be leaving behind is footprints and memories."
Christmas at Bedgebury runs from Friday, November 20, until Thursday, December 31, 2026.
Adult tickets cost from £19 off-peak and £27.50 peak, while tickets for children aged three to 16 start at £13 off-peak and rise to £19 at peak times.
Children aged two and under go free. Prices include a £1 booking fee.
Entry is timed and capacity is limited, with advance booking advised.
Christmas At Bedgebury is brought to visitors by Sony Music Limited, with the trail is created by Culture Creative - the team behind Christmas at Kew and Blenheim.
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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What: Christmas at Bedgebury
Address: Bedgebury National Pinetum, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ
When: November 20 until December 31, 2026
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised.
Prices:
Adult ticket from £19 off-peak and £27.50 peak.
Child ticket, aged three to 16, from £13 off-peak to £19 at peak times.
Children aged two and under go free.
Prices include a £1 booking fee.
For full pricing, ticket information and bookings CLICK HERE.