What’s On London: Christmas at Kew Preview

Light up your life in the world’s most famous gardens this festive season…

Preview: Christmas at Kew 2018

Now in its sixth year, it’s become a tradition to head to see the wonderful Christmas at Kew in winter. A wonderful day out for all the family and sure to get you in the festive mood, we’ve put together a little preview so you know what to expect.

What?

This November, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew will transform into a winter wonderland once again, with various shows, installations and events for all the family.

It’s set to be bigger and better than ever this year, with a brand new illuminated trail through the gardens which is lit up with over 1 million twinkling lights – it’s nothing short of completely magical! Follow the illuminated path towards glittering trees dripping with silvery shards of light, snowflakes and stars, before marvelling at the sight of the Sledge Tree, created from hundreds of wooden Santa sledges.

You’ll find all sorts of Christmas fun throughout the gardens – from a chorus of Singing Trees to a Fire Garden to warm up in and dozens of installations. The one we’re most excited about? It has to be the walkway of thousands of continuously moving bubbles, from the talented BAT Studio.

Of course, you’ll spot Santa and his elves performing along the trail, and it wouldn’t be Christmas at Kew without the legendary Palm House Pond spectacle. The grand finale of your after-dark experience is an explosion of colour, light and sound taking place at the magnificent glasshouse.

Take a moment to sip on some spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate during your visit, too – and don’t forget to gather around to toast your own marshmallows! It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…

What else?

There’s nowhere that does educational fun quite like Kew, and this year is no different. New this year, enter the moonlit woods and step into a Laser Garden where refracting lines of light playfully bounce across the branches. Then stroll towards the Lake and pause at the waterside reflections made by a festive flotilla of hundreds of glowing boats gently bobbing on the shimmering surface.

When?

The magic begins on 22 November, and can be enjoyed from 5pm – 10pm with timed entries. While the gardens will be open as usual, the special Christmas at Kew events will take place as follows:

Thursday 22 November – Saturday 5 January

Tickets are on sale now at www.kew.org – advance booking recommended! Tickets from £10 for children, £16 for adults