If you’re going to do one festive thing in London this winter, make it this one.
Christmas at Kew has quietly become one of the most anticipated seasonal events in the city, and for good reason: it takes the already spectacular Royal Botanic Gardens and turns them into an illuminated trail of light installations, glowing tunnels, and large-scale projections that genuinely feel magical rather than just commercially festive.
It runs from 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, which makes it one of the longer-running Christmas events in London and one of the few that stretches properly into the new year.
World-renowned artists create brand-new installations each year, so even if you’ve been before, it’s worth going back.
What is Christmas at Kew?
Christmas at Kew is an evening illuminated trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Richmond.
As darkness falls, the gardens are transformed with light projections, shimmering tunnels, immersive installations, and a music and light show running throughout.
The trail takes you through one of the most beautiful green spaces in London, which in itself is worth the trip regardless of the lights.
There’s also a traditional festive fairground near the Temperate House with rides for all ages, plus street food stalls and warm winter treats along the route.
If you want to make a proper evening of it, a special festive dinner menu is available too.
One thing to know before you book: your ticket covers the evening illuminated trail only. If you want to explore the gardens during the day as well, there’s a combined Garden Entry and Christmas at Kew ticket available at a discounted rate.
Just note that all guests must exit the gardens before the evening trail begins and re-enter at their allocated gate and timeslot.
The highlights
The illuminated trail itself
The backbone of the whole experience. You’ll wander through the famous gardens past large-scale light installations, glowing archways, and projection displays that use the natural landscape beautifully. It’s the kind of thing that photographs well but genuinely looks better in person.
The music and light show
A more theatrical moment within the trail, combining projections and a live soundtrack into a set-piece that most visitors flag as a highlight.
The festive fairground
Classic rides near the Temperate House, suitable for adults and children. Fairground tokens are available as an add-on (£21 for six ride tokens, with more available to buy on the night).
Father Christmas
There may be a special appearance along the trail. No promises, but worth mentioning if you’re bringing small people.
Adult-only evenings
For those who’d rather experience it without the under-tens in tow, there are dedicated adult evenings on Thursday 3rd December and Wednesday 9th December.
Early Access Quiet Sessions
Available for visitors who’d benefit from a calmer environment, including those with hidden disabilities such as autism. Worth knowing about and worth booking if relevant.
Practical Information
Dates: 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Please note the trail is closed on 16th, 23rd, and 28th November and 25th December. Last entry on 24th December is 7pm.
Entry times: from 4.20pm, with the last entry at 7.40pm (for standard timed tickets).
Accessibility: fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Companion tickets are available separately with guaranteed availability for eligible guests. Contact Fever’s customer support team to arrange, and check the FAQs for proof of eligibility requirements.
Parking: off-site parking is available at the National Archives (TW9 4FA), approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the gates, at £13.50 per car. Brentford Gate on-site parking can be booked alongside your ticket for sessions after 4.40pm.
Tickets and pricing
- Adult: £36.00 plus £1 booking fee
- Child (ages 4 to 15): £23.00 plus £1 booking fee
- Child (under 4): free
- Family (2 adults and 2 children aged 4 to 15): £104.00 plus £4 booking fee
- Anytime Adult (flexible entry on your chosen date, any time between 4.20pm and 7.40pm, Victoria Gate only): £60.00 plus £1 booking fee
- Anytime Child aged 4 to 15 (same flexibility): £40.00 plus £1 booking fee
- Any Day, Anytime (maximum flexibility, valid any open date): £100.00 plus £1 booking fee
Kew members can get up to six discounted tickets by entering a valid membership number at checkout. Member discounts don’t apply to Any Day or Anytime tickets.
Tickets are selling fast, particularly for peak December dates. Booking well ahead is strongly recommended.
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Three entrance gates are available: Victoria Gate, Elizabeth Gate, and Brentford Gate. Your allocated gate will be shown on your ticket. Brentford Gate access is only available when purchasing a car parking add-on.
Is Christmas at Kew worth it?
At £36 for an adult ticket, it sits at the higher end for a London festive event, but the setting alone justifies it.
You’re not walking through a temporary pop-up in a car park; you’re wandering through one of the world’s great botanical gardens after dark, with world-class light installations built specifically around the landscape.
Add the fairground, the food, and the sheer scale of the trail, and it earns its place as one of the best Christmas things to do in London. Book early, wrap up warm, and go on a weeknight if you can.