Back for the third year running, Magical Lantern Festival welcomes guests through a giant 12-metre unicorn archway, before embarking on an adventure through the illuminated gardens, ponds and walkways of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Visitors will get to see everything from a larger-than-life Santa on his sleigh and magical fairy getting ready to take flight, through to an animal safari grazing the gardens and even a giant pair of football boots.

A celebration of art, heritage and culture, this year’s festival is bigger and better than ever with hundreds of carefully crafted lanterns creating a unique visual treat.

Speaking about the return of the event to the city, event director Naz Kabir comments: “We are so excited to open the doors and share yet another magical experience with the city. This event is all about celebrating creativity and bringing people together at the most wonderful time of the year. With something for everyone, we’ve created a stunning route around Birmingham Botanical Gardens that not only celebrates Christmas but a whole host of cultures in the beauty of the venue.

“Over the past two years, we’ve welcomed over 80,000 friends, families and colleagues to the festival and I can’t wait to share this fantastic experience with everyone again!”

James Wheeler, CEO of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, adds: “We’re delighted that Magical Lantern Festival has chosen to return to the gardens again this year; it’s such a fantastic and unique event that really gives people the chance to see us in a different light. We love the stunning workmanship behind the lanterns, which create the most stunning trail around our venue. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people down here over the next six weeks!”