Festive light trail with new light installations, a fire garden, a tunnel of fairylights, a family fairground, festive street food and Father Christmas.
Christmas at Kew returns to Kew Gardens from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with the trail running from 4.20pm to 10pm on selected dates. It's the Royal Botanic Gardens' festive light trail, which turns London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site into an after-dark celebration of light, nature and seasonal wonder. The route is about three kilometres long and takes around two hours to walk, and it's presented with RG Live, a Sony Music division that's been the lead partner since the trail first launched in 2013.
There's a fair bit of new work this year. Squidsoup bring Infinite Choir, Studio Vertigo provide Drift, TILT have created a floral meadow, and ITHACA studio have an animated willow tree. Those sit alongside returning favourites: the Christmas Cathedral, the Fire Garden, the Pealight Tree on Holly Walk, the Temperate House light show, and the Palm House Pond and Lawn water fountain show. Beyond the art, there's a family fairground, festive street food, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and a visit from Father Christmas.
Two things are new for 2026. There are adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December, and quiet Access sessions on 21 November and 1, 16 and 26 December, which open the trail to visitors with hidden disabilities such as autism. Every installation uses low-energy LED technology and renewable fuel alternatives, and every ticket supports Kew's conservation, science and horticulture work.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in London and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
Tickets are priced by peak and off-peak dates. For adults, it's £37 peak and £29.50 off-peak; members pay £31.60 peak and £25.23 off-peak. Families of two adults and two children (aged 4-16) are £108 peak and £89 off-peak, and children's tickets are £24 peak and £20 off-peak. There are also 'Any Day, Anytime' options: £101 for a full pass, £61 for adults, and £41 for children. Under 4s and essential companions go free, and all prices include the booking fee. The trail is closed on Thursday 25 December, and on 24 December it closes earlier, at 9pm.
