Highlights of Christmas at Kew Gardens

Witness the gorgeous Illuminated Light Trail

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!

Relish some lip-smacking holiday delicacies

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!

Go on funfair rides

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!

Meet Santa

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!

Plan your Christmas at Kew Gardens

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!

Timings: 4:20pm to 10pm
Closed: November 18, November 19, November 25, December 2, and December 25.
Note: The Gardens close at 9pm on December 24.
Entrance gates: Via Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate, and Elizabeth Gate.
Last entry: 7pm (Brentford Gate), 7:20pm (Elizabeth Gate), and 8pm (Victoria Gate)

Photography: Guests can take photographs of the trail but should be careful of other visitors.
Toilets: Visitors can access toilets at Brentford Gate, Victoria Plaza, and Pavilion Bar.
Fairground: Enjoy family rides at the fairground during Christmas at Kew.
Parking: Parking along Kew Road is strictly prohibited. Parking at Kew's Ferry Lane car park (TW9 3AF) and at the National Archives parking facility (TW9 4DU) is for advance booking only.

wheelchair Accessibility in Kew Gardens Christmas

The Christmas trail at Kew is designed to be accessible, but a few areas with gradients can get tricky when it's wet. It's good to be aware, but don't worry—the festive vibes are totally worth it!
Visitors can bring their wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and buggies.
There are wheelchairs available for borrowing as well, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Registered disability assistance dogs are allowed in the Kew Gardens.

Full security checks will be carried out at the entrance gates for the safety of everyone present at Christmas at Kew.
If you notice any suspicious activity or behavior, please inform the nearest staff member immediately.
Do not leave your belongings unattended.
Be mindful of your children, and do not let them wander into the poorly lit areas of the Gardens.

Brentford Gate car park:

Entry to the Christmas at Kew is via Brentford Gate, which is situated next to the car park.
Visitors need to buy reserved parking tickets for £10 to park at Kew's Ferry Lane car park, TW9 3AF.
Daytime parking tickets are valid until 3pm. After that, you need another parking ticket for the evening. The car park will close at 10pm.

National Archives car park:

This car parking facility can be reached on foot from Victoria Gate and Lion Gate in 11 and 25 minutes, respectively.
You can use the car park spaces available at the National Archives parking facility from 3:30pm.
Access to the car park is available 40 minutes ahead of your time slot. This car park is pre-book only.

Disabled access parking:

Visitors with a disability can park in Kew's car park, TW9 3AF, for free.
Purchase a reserved parking ticket and choose the disabled-access parking option. When using the designated disabled-access parking spaces, be sure to display your Blue Badge.

The Botanical Brasserie: Celebrate the season with a 3-course Christmas dinner at the Botanical Brasserie! Relish house-cured salmon, mushroom Wellington, chocolate torte, and mulled wine. Just a heads-up, this dinner is only available with entry through Victoria Gate.
Victoria Plaza Cafe: Get yourself a steaming mug of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or mulled wine, and munch on some yummy takeaway bites like sausage rolls or hot dogs.
The Family Kitchen & Shop: A special spot just for your little ones, serving up their favorite classics like mac and cheese and fish and chips. Perfect for keeping the tiniest appetites happy!
Independent street food vendors: Along the trail, you'll find a tasty lineup of street food vendors serving up bites like loaded hash browns, waffles, and hot chocolate—perfect for munching while you explore!

man taking a stay in hotel near Kew Gardens

Looking for a place to crash after your Christmas adventure at Kew Gardens? Check out these spots!

Budget: Premier Inn London Kew Bridge Hotel (From £56 | 1.1 miles), Travelodge London Richmond Central (From £60 | 2.2 miles), Home2Home Rooms (From £79 | 2.8 miles)
Mid-range: Kew Gardens Hotel (From £190 | 0.2 miles), The Victoria (From £190 | 1.6 miles), The Kings Arms (From £200 | 1.8 miles)
Luxurious: Coach and Horses Hotel (From £300 | 0.2 miles), Bingham Riverhouse (From £225 | 2.4 miles), Hilton London Syon Park (From £190 | 3.4 miles)

kids wearing warmer clothes in Kew Garden during christmas

Aim for a mid-week visit or an earlier time slot to avoid the crowds and enjoy a calm stroll through the lights. It's the perfect way to experience Kew at its most serene!
The trail is outdoors, so be ready for a bit of chill or dampness. Layer up in warm, cozy clothes and sturdy shoes because you'll walk along those sparkling paths for 40 minutes to an hour!
While the trails shine bright, a little torch can provide extra light, especially in the darker areas. Plus, it's perfect for keeping an eye on uneven ground beneath your feet!
Kew Gardens can get packed during the holidays—why not take public transport to avoid the parking fuss? It's a chill way to start your festive adventure without the hassle.
Download the Kew Gardens app or check out their website for a map of the light trail and details on food vendors and attractions. It'll help you navigate like a pro!

Frequenty Asked Questions about Christmas at Kew Gardens

What happens if I miss my time slot?

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!

How long does it take to walk through the illuminated light trail?

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.

What happens if it rains during my visit?

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.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

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.

Are pets allowed at Christmas at Kew?

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!

Is there a place to charge my phone while visiting?

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!

What should I do if I lose something during my visit?

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!

Are there any restrictions on items I can bring into the gardens?

Yes, for safety reasons, items like bicycles, roller skates, and open flames (like candles) are not allowed during the event.