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Christmas at Kew Gardens 2024 | Timings, facilities, parking & more
Kew GardensChristmas
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Contents
Why celebrate Christmas at Kew Gardens
- Christmas at Kew Light Trail: The gardens are transformed with a spectacular light trail. This festive display includes a series of illuminated installations, projections, and light sculptures, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Seasonal decorations: Kew Gardens are beautifully decorated with festive lights and ornaments, adding to the holiday spirit. The iconic Temperate House and Palm House are often adorned with Christmas decorations. The frosty landscapes, serene lakes, and bare trees create a picturesque winter wonderland.
- Holiday activities: There are various seasonal activities and events for visitors of all ages. This includes Santa's Grotto for children, festive workshops, and live performances.
- Food and drink: Enjoy seasonal treats such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, and festive snacks from various food stalls. There are also pop-up cafes and restaurants offering special Christmas menus.
- Christmas shopping: The gift shops at Kew Gardens offer a range of unique Christmas gifts, decorations, and plants. It's a great place to find something special for your loved ones.
- Family-friendly: Kew Gardens is an excellent destination for a family outing during the holiday season. The combination of outdoor space, activities, and festive ambiance makes it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Top things to do on Christmas at Kew Gardens
See the lights on a walk
Take a stroll along the paths within Kew Gardens and step away from the bustling city. Breathtaking flowers and lush greenery along with twinkling lights in honor of the festive season would be the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing Christmas. Do not miss the lights on the Great Broad Walk Borders and the Treetop Walkway.
Christmas fest
Spend a jolly good Christmas at the jewel-studded Kew Gardens on a range of rides at the fairground, including carousels, free-fall rides, and more that are perfect for a family outing. There's also an ice-skating rink to make your Christmas at Kew Gardens all the more festive and cheery.
Indulge in seasonal delicacies
Make your Christmas at Kew memorable with a traditional dinner at The Botanical Brasserie. Indulge in seasonal treats like celeriac and truffle soup, mushroom Wellington, or turkey ballotine. You can also find independent food vendors that serve loaded hash browns, spiced cider, waffles, and hot chocolate along the trail.
Plan your Christmas at Kew Gardens
Timings
Access
Food & drinks
Facilities
Safety & security
Parking facilities
Christmas at Kew Gardens runs between November 13 and January 5.
Timings: 4:20pm – 10pm (Last entry at 8pm)
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.
There will be limited capacity with timed entry to Christmas at Kew so make sure to plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.
- Christmas at Kew attempts to make the trail fully accessible but there are a few difficult terrains with gradients that can be difficult during wet weather.
- 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.
- 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 is strictly prohibited along Kew Road. Parking at Kew’s Ferry Lane car park (TW9 3AF) and at the National Archives parking facility (TW9 4DU) is for advance booking only.
- For the safety of everyone present at Christmas at Kew, full security checks will be carried out at the entrance gates.
- Visitors are requested to let the nearest staff member know of any observed suspicious activity or behavior.
- 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:
- Visitors need to buy reserved parking tickets for £10 to park at Kew’s Ferry Lane car park, TW9 3AF.
- Entry to the Christmas at Kew is via Brentford Gate which is situated next to the car park.
- Daytime parking tickets are valid till 3pm. After that, you need another parking ticket for the evening.
- The car park will close at 10pm.
National Archives car park:
- 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.
- This car parking facility can be reached on foot from Victoria Gate and Lion Gate in 11 and 25 minutes, respectively.
Disabled access parking:
- Visitors with a disability can park in Kew’s car park, TW9 3AF, for free.
- Buy the reserved parking ticket and select the disabled-access parking option.
- Display the Blue badge when accessing the disabled access parking.
Book your Kew Gardens tickets
Frequenty Asked Questions about Christmas at Kew Gardens
What is Christmas like at Kew Gardens?
Christmas at Kew Gardens is an annual event where you can stroll through the Gardens after dark, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, and take photographs of the festive decorations at Kew.
Are the gardens disabled-friendly? If yes, what are the different facilities offered?
Yes, disabled guests can bring their wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or buggies to access the trail. You can even borrow wheelchairs at Kew Gardens and can bring registered disability assistance dogs with you.
Are there any parking spaces available during Christmas?
Brentford Gate Car Park and National Archives Car Park are accessible to guests during Christmas at Kew Gardens.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, visitors can take photographs during Christmas at Kew Gardens. However, please be mindful and do not disturb the experience of other visitors.
What should I wear when visiting?
Since the trail is uncovered and can be wet in many places, it is recommended that visitors wear warm and comfortable clothing and footwear.
Should I carry anything with me before arriving?
Kew Gardens winter lights are low so visitors can carry a torch with them to light up the path. Naked flames such as lanterns, flares, candles, etc. are not allowed in the gardens.
Are there toilet facilities?
Visitors can use the toilets at the Pavilion Bar and Grill, Victoria Plaza, and Brentford Gate during Christmas at Kew Gardens.
Do you offer any refreshments?
Guests can enjoy takeaway food from Victoria Plaza Cafe or Pavilion Bar and Grill. There are several street food vendors available on the trail as well that serve delicious street food. If you wish to splurge a little for a more memorable Christmas experience, book a 3-course Christmas Dinner at The Botanical Brasserie.