Kew Gardens' Illuminated Light Trail is back and better than ever! New highlights include Ombre, with huge, colorful light-up plants, and Threshold, a swirling helix of golden lights. Old favorites return too, like the Christmas Cathedral, with arches of fairy lights perfect for photos, and the Fire Garden, where flickering flames create a warm glow. You'll also love the Palm House's projections, which light up the glasshouse in dramatic style, and The Hive, a remarkable structure that glows and buzzes in sync with natural bees!
Prepare your stomachs because Kew's got some seriously delicious Christmas eats! The Botanical Brasserie serves an entire holiday feast with mulled wine and dishes like Norfolk turkey, chocolate clementine torte, and spiced apple crumble. If you want to grab a quick bite, check out the food stalls along the trail—think crispy loaded hash browns, spiced cider, sweet waffles, and cozy hot chocolate. And for the little ones, the Family Kitchen offers all their faves, from mac and cheese to fish and chips. Yummy!
Christmas totally brings out the kid in everyone, right? Well, Kew's got it all: a classic carousel with beautifully decorated horses, a gentle mini Ferris wheel for epic family views, and a thrilling free-fall ride for the brave! Little ones can bounce around in inflatable play zones, and bumper cars add a dash of friendly competition. And the best part? There is a magical ice rink where you can glide through a glittering, wintry wonderland and show off your skating skills!
Kew's Santa's Grotto is pure Christmas joy for the kiddos! Kids meet Father Christmas in his beautifully decorated grotto, listen to him read charming holiday stories, and snap a perfect photo together. Each child leaves with a special gift from Santa, and the intimate, small-group sessions, each being 35 minutes long, make every moment feel personal. It's a heartwarming holiday tradition for families to cherish!
Christmas at Kew Gardens is from November 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025! Since there's limited capacity and timed entry, it's best to lock in your preferred date and time soon. Don't wait—plan ahead for the ultimate festivities!
Brentford Gate car park:
National Archives car park:
Disabled access parking:
Looking for a place to crash after your Christmas adventure at Kew Gardens? Check out these spots!
You might have less time to enjoy the trail if you're late. To make the most of your experience, arrive on time for your allocated entry!
The trail spans about 2.7 km and usually takes around 40 minutes to an hour to walk, depending on how often you stop to admire the displays or grab a treat.
The event goes on rain or shine! To stay comfortable, wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, just in case the weather turns a little wet.
Outside food and drinks aren't allowed, but don't worry! Plenty of delicious food stalls and dining options around the gardens keep you fueled during your visit.
Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens during the event. Please leave other pets at home so you can fully enjoy the festive experience!
There aren't any designated charging stations, so it's a good idea to bring a portable charger to keep your phone powered up for all those Instagram-worthy moments!
If you lose something, inform a staff member or head to the visitor information desk for help. They'll help you locate your missing items!
Yes, for safety reasons, items like bicycles, roller skates, and open flames (like candles) are not allowed during the event.