Christmas at Kew
Visitors journey through illuminated botanical grounds featuring vibrant light displays, sparkling colour tunnels, and immersive soundscapes. The experience includes a traditional fairground, an appearance by Father Christmas, and seasonal refreshments such as toasted marshmallows, street food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
What to Expect
Botanical light trail featuring larger-than-life installations, soundscapes, and fairground rides.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Richmond
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Food & Drink
Festive street food, savoury bites, sweet treats, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and hot chocolate are available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and festive-light fans
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Tickets from £25.50. Kew Members' discount, family and child tickets are available. Limited availability of anytime entry tickets, with trail access from 4.20pm to 7.40pm. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4.20pm to 10pm; last entry: Brentford Gate 7pm (6.20pm on 24 December), Elizabeth Gate 7.20pm (6.20pm on 24 December), Victoria Gate 8pm (7pm on 24 December). The event closes at 9pm on 24 December.
- Parking: Limited parking is available for Christmas at Kew and must be pre-booked when booking tickets. Visitors are strongly encouraged to travel by public transport where possible.
- Accessibility: Powered wheelchairs are permitted on the trail, and designated Quiet Access sessions are available for visitors with hidden disabilities.
Tips & Advice
- Book your timed entry slot ahead, because Christmas at Kew has limited capacity and needs its own ticket, separate from general Kew admission.
- Pre-book parking when you buy your tickets, because spaces are limited, or travel by public transport as Kew strongly encourages.
- Leave bikes, scooters, balance bikes and skates at home, because they aren't allowed on the trail and must be left at the gates.
- Don't book a Quiet Access slot unless you need one, so those limited sessions stay open for visitors with hidden disabilities such as autism.
- If you go on Christmas Eve, the event closes earlier and last entry is up to an hour earlier than on other nights.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December.
- Quiet Access sessions for visitors with hidden disabilities, such as autism, on 21 November and 1, 16 and 26 December.
- Kew Members get discounts on Christmas at Kew tickets; family and child tickets are also available.
- A limited number of anytime entry tickets give more flexible trail access in the early evening.
- On Christmas Eve the trail closes early and last entry is up to an hour earlier.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas at Kew good for families?
Yes, it's a family-friendly trail with a traditional fairground and a visit from Father Christmas. Family and child tickets are available. On 3 and 9 December the evenings are adults only.
What food and drink is there?
Festive street food and winter treats: savoury bites, sweet treats, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Where can I park?
Parking is limited and must be pre-booked when you buy your tickets. Public transport is strongly encouraged.
Can kids bring scooters or balance bikes?
No. Bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, micro-scooters, balance bikes and other vehicles aren't allowed and must be left at the gates. Powered wheelchairs are the exception.
Is there a quieter option for visitors with autism?
Yes. Quiet Access sessions on 21 November and 1, 16 and 26 December are for visitors with hidden disabilities, such as autism. They give a more comfortable experience while keeping the sensory magic of the trail.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.