6 sound and light shows to enjoy in Scotland this autumn - from GlasGLOW to the Enchanted Forest

Here we take a look at some of Scotland’s autumn and winter lights shows, from a Halloween walk in Glasgow to Perthshire’s Enchanted Forest.

The Enchanted Forest

When: 3 October – 3 November

GlasGLOW will return to Glasgow's Botanic Gardens this month.

Where: Faskally Woods near Pitlochry, Perthshire

The award-winning sound and light show is back in Pitlochry, with many weekend dates sold out. The original sound and light show is, this year, titled Symphony of Nature, and is taking place from 3 October until 3 November in Faskally Wood in Pitlochry. The Enchanted Forest won the UK’s Best Cultural Event for their 2016 show, which attracted just over 70,000 visitors, an 13% increase on the previous record-breaking year. More recently it has brought £10m to the local economy.

GlasgGLOW

When: 25 October – 3 November

The Enchanted Forest is back for 2023 and the theme is From the Deep.

Where: Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens are set to be completely transformed this Halloween into a Trick or Treat themed sound and light show. Running from the 25 October to the 3 November, GlasGLOW brings together immersive sound and light displays, photo opportunities, a street food village and Marshmallowland to create an immersive outdoor experience.

Illuminator: Night trail race

When: 26 October

Where: Glen Tanar, Royal Deeside

Anyone who loves running and is looking for something different this autumn should check out this night trail race. Participants are invited to go wild through the night on Scotland’s toughest night marathon, and can run or walk the 15 dark miles. Terrain is rugged hill trails, illuminated by runners' head torches, in which the beauty of Glen Tanar’s ancient Scots pine forest can be seen.

Castle of Light

When: 22-23 & 29-30 November; 6-7, 13-15, 20-23 & 27-30 December; 2-4 January 2025

Where: Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh’s most iconic landmark will once again welcome locals and visitors alike to experience an immersive after-dark walking trail – with immersive displays, interactive installations and music. There’s a new show for 2024, where visitors walk in famous footsteps, dance through the ages in Crown Square and, for the first time since the 17th century, they can “fire” Mons Meg.

Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available.

And for those planning something festive…

Monteviot Lights

When: 6 December until 22 December from 4.30-9pm

Where: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders.

After the overwhelming success of its inaugural event last year, Monteviot Lights will return for a second year. This time, the enchanting light trail will embrace the magic of the season with a captivating Christmas theme, transforming Monteviot House and Gardens into a festive wonderland. This event promises to be even bigger and better than last year, creating an even more magical experience for families and visitors of all ages. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself.

Christmas at the Botanics

When: 21 November – 30 December

Where: The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Christmas at the Botanics - the magical outdoor after-dark spectacular - is returning for its eighth year with an array of new installations that have been custom-designed especially for the Botanics by a selection of international and UK-based artists. New installations already confirmed for 2024 include candles which will drift over visitors as they flicker and cast their light to create a warm and festive atmosphere. This installation will transport Potter-heads to the world of witchcraft and wizardry as it evokes the magic of Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Designed by Pitaya, a French creative studio.