Christmas at Kew Gardens

Step into a winter wonderland this festive season with Christmas at Kew Gardens, a breathtaking annual event that transforms the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens into a dazzling display of light, music, and holiday cheer.

Wander through enchanting, illuminated trails, marvel at creative light installations, and indulge in festive treats, all set within one of London’s most beloved green spaces.  

Discover the magic of Christmas at Kew Gardens

Photo Credit: Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew

Experience an enchanting three-kilometre festive trail illuminated by over twenty captivating light installations, including eight exciting world premieres making their UK debut. 

Highlights for 2025 include the iconic Great Pagoda, lit up for the first time ever as part of the event, alongside immersive installations such as the Christmas Orchestra, a mesmerizing fusion of festive music and light created by Culture Creative. Visitors will also experience ethereal petals swirling through the air with In Bloom. 

Explore the Palm House Pond adorned with a spectacular light display of 100 lilies, celebrating Kew’s famous waterlilies collection. The evocative Fire Garden, flickering with flames and glowing embers, adds a cozy ambiance to the trail. 

The light trail features glowing trees, sparkling water features, vibrant projections on the Temperate House, and interactive dancing floors with giant headphones inviting guests to immerse themselves in festive tunes. 

This extensive light trail showcases Kew’s natural beauty in a magical new light, creating an unforgettable festive experience for visitors of all ages. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way, adding a touch of family-friendly festive cheer.  

When is Kew Gardens’ Christmas lights? 

Christmas at Kew 2025 takes place on selected dates from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with the event closed on 17 November, 24 November, and Christmas Day. Timeslots are available from 4:20 pm to 8:00 pm, with the gates closing at 10:00 pm 

Last entry times vary by gate: 

Brentford Gate: 7 pm  

Elizabeth Gate: 7:20 pm  

Victoria Gate: 8 pm  

On Christmas Eve, the trail closes earlier at 9 pm. Visitors should note the last entry times to ensure they can fully enjoy the immersive light trail experience. 

Where is Christmas at Kew Gardens

Located in Richmond upon Thames, Kew Gardens is one of London’s most beloved green spaces. During the festive season, its stunning grounds are decked out in twinkling lights and creative installations, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Just 30 minutes by train from central London, it’s the perfect destination for a winter day out.

While you’re in the area, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Richmond Park or the quaint streets of Twickenham. Combine your trip to Kew with a little extra exploring for a full day of festive fun.

What to expect at Christmas at Kew

Photo Credit: Sebastian Kettley © RBG Kew

Christmas at Kew is an immersive experience filled with wonder and joy. Highlights include:

1. The Illuminated Trail

A 3km path through more than 20 sparkling light installations, including the stunning Cathedral of Light and a shimmering tunnel of lights.

2. Music and Projections

Enjoy seasonal melodies and dazzling projections at the lakeside and on the iconic Temperate House.

3. Family Fun

Children will love spotting Father Christmas and discovering interactive displays thoughtfully placed along the trail to entertain and engage.  

4. Food and Drink

Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate from the festive food stalls scattered throughout the trail. For something heartier, grab a bite to eat at one of Kew’s cafes, like the Victoria Gate Café or The Orangery.

5. Shopping

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shops for holiday decorations, botanical-inspired gifts, and souvenirs to remember your visit.

With each turn in Christmas at Kew, you’ll discover new surprises, from glowing trees to glittering water features, making it a magical evening for all.

How to get to Christmas at Kew Gardens

Photo Credit: Jeff Eden © RBG Kew

Travelling by train

Kew Bridge station is the nearest station to Kew Gardens when travelling by train. You can get a direct train to Kew Bridge from  London and Staines, and other popular routes include travelling from  Reading and Woking. From Kew Bridge, you’re just 800m from the Elizabeth Gate entrance.

Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right option for your journey. You can get cheap train tickets to Winter Wonderland by booking early or going off-peak, and you could save even more with our GroupSave tickets. Alternatively, our Evening Out and Sunday Out tickets are an excellent option, giving you extra flexibility if plans change.

Travelling within London

Kew Gardens is just 30 minutes by train from central London. You can get a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Kew Bridge, but for the fastest train from London to Kew Gardens, hop on at Clapham Junction. Alternatively, you can take the District line (Richmond branch) or the London Overground to the aptly named Kew Gardens station, which is in London fare zone 3 and just 500m from the Victoria Gate entrance.

When travelling across London, make your journey as easy as possible with a London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless.

Tickets to Christmas at Kew

Photo Credit: Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew

Tickets to Christmas at Kew sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. Evening visits are particularly magical, with the lights shining brightest after dusk. Be sure to bundle up warmly and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trail. Please note that tickets for Christmas at Kew do not include daytime entry to Kew Gardens. If you wish to visit the gardens during the daytime as well, a separate reduced-price daytime ticket must be purchased. Daytime tickets do not grant access to the after-dark light trail, and Christmas at Kew tickets do not allow daytime entry. 

Please note that daytime tickets for Kew Gardens during the Christmas at Kew season do not grant access to the evening trail and cannot be upgraded to a Christmas at Kew ticket. A separate ticket is required for entry to the Christmas at Kew experience.

Important: If you plan to visit Kew Gardens during the day, you will need to exit the gardens by 3:15pm (last entry at 2:30pm) and then re-enter the Christmas trail at your designated gate and time.

Opening times

Christmas at Kew is open daily from 13 November  to 5 January 2025 (except Christmas Day). It opens from 16:20  to  22:00, with the last entry varying depending on entrance gate:

• Brentford Gate: 7pm (24 Dec: 6.20pm)
• Elizabeth Gate: 7.20pm (24 Dec: 6.20pm)
• Victoria Gate: 8pm (24 Dec: 7pm)

Ticket prices

Adult: Off Peak £27.50 / Peak £34 

Child (4-15): Off Peak £18 / Peak £22 

Child (under 4): Free 

Member adult: Off Peak £23.50 / Peak £28 

Places to stay near Kew at Christmas 

If planning to visit Christmas at Kew, you’ll find a range of accommodation options conveniently located in and around Richmond and nearby London areas. From budget-friendly stays to boutique hotels, there are choices to suit all preferences and group sizes. 

Near Richmond 

For easy access to Kew Gardens and the festive trail, consider staying at The Petersham Hotel. This charming boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, a cozy restaurant, and is just a short walk from Richmond town centre and the river Thames. 

Another excellent option is the Richmond Hill Hotel, which provides comfortable accommodation with scenic views, located close to Richmond Park and a quick drive or bus ride to Kew Gardens. 

Near Kew Bridge 

If you want to be close to the event entrance, the Premier Inn London Kew Bridge Hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms just minutes from Kew Bridge station and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s ideal for couples wanting to experience the light trail with minimal travel. 

Central London Options 

For visitors looking to explore more of London before or after Christmas at Kew, DoubleTree by Hilton London Kensington and Novotel London West provide comfortable stays with convenient transport links to Kew Gardens. 

Christmas at Kew accessibility

This year’s trail spans 3km and may take over two hours to explore. Set within the natural landscape, the trail showcases the beauty of the surroundings. 

While every effort has been made to ensure accessibility, some sections feature uneven terrain and varying gradients, which may be more challenging in wet weather conditions. 

Buggies and wheelchairs (electric or manual) are permitted on the trail, but bikes, scooters, skateboards, and similar wheeled devices are not allowed. 

Dogs are not permitted on the trail unless they are registered assistance dogs. 

Visitors encountering any difficulties can alert friendly stewards who can offer assistance and possible shortcuts.  

Plan your Christmas in Kew with SWR 

Planning your visit to Christmas at Kew? Travelling by train is the easiest way to enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey. To get the best fares, we recommend booking in advance. South Western Railway offers a variety of ticket options, including Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return, so you can choose what suits your plans best. If you’re travelling with friends or family, don’t forget to take advantage of our discounted GroupSave fares. 
 
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Don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hub for exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more while you’re planning your trip to Christmas at Kew.

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