Christmas at Kew Gardens | Magical Light Trail & Festive Nights

What to expect during Christmas at Kew

Botanical light trail: Follow a 3km route filled with shimmering installations, giant sculptures, and illuminated natural landscapes created by global light artists.
Festive atmospheres: Enjoy glowing tunnels, sparkling palms, water projections, and the iconic Christmas Cathedral, all paired with atmospheric music.
Brand-new creations: Each year brings new designs, making the 2025 Kew Gardens christmas lights trail fresh even for returning visitors.
Family-friendly magic: Look out for Father Christmas along the route, perfect for younger visitors and festive photo moments.
Seasonal feasts: Warm up with street food, sweet treats, hot chocolate, and winter warmers available around the trail and near the Temperate House.
Quiet Access sessions: On select evenings, visitors with hidden disabilities can enjoy a more relaxed version of Christmas at Kew.
Large-scale landscapes: See Kew’s lakes, woodlands, and glasshouses transformed with colour, projections, and interactive displays.

Christmas at Kew events

Kew Gardens illuminated with colorful lights during Christmas event.

Christmas at Kew Light Trail

Dates: 14 Nov 2025 - 4 Jan 2026 (selected dates)
Timings: 4.20pm to 10pm, last entry between 7pm-8pm depending on gate
Location: Kew Gardens (Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate, Elizabeth Gate)
Included with admission: Separate ticket required
Restrictions: Timed-entry event with limited capacity

Imagine a glowing 3km trail filled with shimmering installations, laser gardens, twinkling tunnels, and music drifting through the trees. New 2025 artworks brighten the route, Father Christmas makes surprise appearances, and cosy snacks and warm drinks keep the whole walk delightful.

Ice skaters at Kew Gardens Christmas event with illuminated tree and carousel.

Early entry experience at Kew

Dates: Selected evenings during the season
Timings: From 4pm
Location: Kew Gardens trail
Included with admission: Separate ticket required
Age restriction: Suitable for all ages

Enjoy rare early access to the trail before the usual bustle begins. Take in peaceful moments inside the Christmas Cathedral, find space for unforgettable proposals or family photos, and make the most of limited availability arranged directly with Kew Gardens.

Visitor information

Trail hours: 4:20pm to 10pm depending on the date
Last entry:
- Brentford Gate: 7pm
- Elizabeth Gate: 7:20pm
- Victoria Gate: 8pm
Last entry: On Christmas eve, the last admission happens one hour earlier

Note: The Gardens close at 9pm on 24 December and 10pm on all other open nights.

Ice skaters on a festive rink with illuminated trees in London during Christmas.

Daylight to dusk: Early slots let you start in soft twilight and watch the trail slowly glow brighter as daylight fades.
After dark: Evening visits give you the strongest, brightest views of the lights, with vivid reflections dancing on lakes and glasshouses.
Weekdays: Usually calmer than weekends and holidays, giving you a gentler, more peaceful festive walk.

Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9, London, United Kingdom

Find on Maps

By Tube: Take the District Line or Overground to Kew Gardens Station, around 500 metres from the entrance.
By Train: National Rail services stop at Kew Gardens Station, about 800 metres away.
By Bus: Routes 65, 110, 391, and R68 stop near Kew Gardens Station (H), roughly 1.1 kilometres from the gardens.
By Car: Kew is about 14 kilometres from Central London. Paid parking is available at Brentford Gate for £7 to £9 per day. You can also find free street parking around Kew Green on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Food stalls: Find festive street food, warm sweet treats, hot chocolate, and cosy winter snacks placed along the trail.
Pavilion Bar & Grill: Stop by this walk-in spot near the Temperate House offering a seasonal menu for hungry visitors.
Restrooms: Convenient restroom facilities appear at several points along the 3km route to ensure a comfortable visit.
Maps & signage: Clear signposts and simple maps guide you easily along the trail without worrying about losing your direction.
Medical support: On-site first aid teams are available throughout the event to help guests who may need assistance.
Wi-Fi: Expect limited internet access near entrance points, as full connectivity is not available along the entire trail.

wheelchair Accessibility in Kew Gardens Christmas

Trail design: The trail is generally accessible, though natural slopes and uneven ground may feel tougher during wet weather conditions.
Quiet Access sessions: Select dates offer calmer entry times designed to support visitors with hidden disabilities, including sensory sensitivities.
Parking: Blue Badge holders can use free parking at Brentford Gate when arriving with pre-booked disabled access tickets.
Mobility devices: Powered wheelchairs are welcome, while bikes, scooters, skateboards, and balance bikes cannot be taken inside the event.

Timed entry: Enter only at the time printed on your ticket, helping manage crowds and keeping the trail flowing smoothly.
Trail route: Stay on the clearly marked paths to protect delicate plants and ensure everyone enjoys a safe visit.
Food & drink: Picnics aren’t encouraged, and visitors cannot bring outside alcohol anywhere along the festive evening trail.
Ticketing: Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and they do not include daytime admission to Kew Gardens.
Weather: The trail runs in most weather, with cancellations happening only if conditions create genuine safety concerns.
Children: Children must remain with a responsible adult for the entire route to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
Photography: Non-commercial photography is fine, though tripods may be limited during busy periods to keep walkways clear.

Trail food court: Warm up near the Temperate House with soups, crepes, fries, churros, grilled dishes, and seasonal favourites.
Winter treats: Look out for marshmallow toasting, hot chocolate stands, mince pies, and traditional festive bites.
Pavilion Bar & Grill: Enjoy a festive sit-down menu with hearty seasonal dishes, ideal before or after your trail time slot.

Nearby restaurants:

Tap on the Line (550m): A lively spot next to Kew Gardens station, great for warm dinners after completing the trail.
The Botanist (650m): A cosy pub-style restaurant offering British comfort dishes and classic winter plates.
Galata Pera (1km): A Turkish restaurant known for grilled dishes and warm indoor seating perfect for cold evenings.