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UK / East / Cambridgeshire

Cambridge Botanic Lights 2026 at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1JE

27th November - 23rd December

Cambridge Botanic Lights returns for a fourth year, inviting you to explore the Garden after dark with a spectacular trail of light, colour and sound, celebrating the amazing world of plants. Get ready for an unforgettable evening!

When the sun goes down, the Garden takes a new glow. Follow a trail of imaginative light installations inspired by plants, colours and stories of the Garden.

Each turn brings something new to discover – from glowing pathways and immersive displays to moments that invite you to pause and enjoy. The lights will highlight some of the Garden’s most beloved features, such as the Glasshouse Range, the Fountain and Lake, with new, original installations unique to the Garden, as well as the return of some of last year’s most popular pieces.

From 27 November to 23 December, the trail will be open for 17 nights with even earlier entry from 4.30pm, offering more time to experience this spectacular event.

Make new memories with family, friends and loved ones, or enjoy a different kind of night out in the heart of the city – and start a new winter tradition of your own.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly evening, a catch up with friends, a different kind of Christmas celebration with colleagues, or simply a chance to enjoy a winter evening at your own pace, Cambridge Botanic Lights offers a safe and relaxed way to enjoy the season.

With off-peak pricing available and group discounts of 10% for groups of six or more, it is the perfect opportunity to gather together and share the experience.

Friends of the Garden can enjoy a special discounted ticket price for Cambridge Botanic Lights – a great way to enjoy the trail while supporting the Garden’s future.

Conveniently located in the city centre, Botanic Lights is easy to reach by public transport – making it simple to meet up and enjoy an evening without worrying about parking the car.

Take your time exploring the route, with food and drink stops available on the way, offering seasonal treats and refreshments to enjoy as you wander through the Garden and warm up any chilly hands.

Cambridge Botanic Lights is more than an evening of light and discovery – it’s a way to support the Garden you’re exploring.

All ticket income (excluding the booking fee) goes directly back into caring for our living collection, helping us conserve rare plants, grow our landscapes and share the wonders of the natural world with everyone.

Thank you for helping the Garden continue to flourish. Visit: https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/cambridgebotaniclights2026/

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Opening Times

16.30 - 20.30

Prices

Standard Ticket Prices:

Adult

£24.75

Friend/Corporate Friend/CU student

£22.55

4-15 years of age

£17.00

3 and under

FREE

Carer of a disabled person

FREE

Prices include ticket office booking fee.

 

10% discount when purchasing 6 or more tickets.

Off-Peak Ticket Prices:

Adult

£18.15

Friend/Corporate Friend/CU student

£16.50

4-15 years of age

£13.50

3 and under

FREE

Carer of a disabled person

FREE

Facilities

Café

Disabled Access

Toilets

Other things to do nearby

24th - 30th Aug

The Struggle for Light at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

The Struggle for Light is a powerful new immersive exhibition created by The Glasshouse Artists, a community of artists brought together by Annabel Lee in collaboration with the University Herbarium and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Learning Team.

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19th - 21st Nov

Christmas Gift & Food Fair at Ely Cathedral

Step into the spirit of the season at the Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair.

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5th Dec 10:00am - 1:00pm

Christmas Crafts at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Celebrate the festive season by learning about some of the plants and trees that are important at this time of year.

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7th Nov 10:00am - 1:00pm

My Stick Family at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Make your own stick friend, give it a name and welcome them into your family. You will be amazed how much character a stick can have!

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10th Oct 10:00am - 4:00pm

Fungi Field Day at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

This UK Fungus Day, join us for Fungi Field Day at the Botanic Garden to celebrate fungi and their relationships with plants.

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5th Sep 10:00am - 1:00pm

Leaf Art at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Come and make some beautiful artwork with leaves from the Garden.

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26th - 27th Aug

Summer nature wand family activity at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Join us this school holiday to use sticks, leaves and petals to create a summer wand to spread some magic around the Garden.

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20th - 21st Aug

Nature impressions family activity at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Join us this school holiday to imprint leaves and petals into clay to create beautiful textures that can be used as decorations or painted back at home.

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