Everything you need to know about Christmas at Kew in 2025
- Dates: 14 Nov-4 Jan
- Opening times: 4.20pm-10pm
- Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE
- Tickets: From £27.50
What is Christmas at Kew?
Every year, Kew Gardens is transformed into a dazzling seasonal spectacle, with 3km of light installations shining a different light on the garden’s botanical wonders. From world premieres of incredible new installations (spoiler: there are eight this year) and favourite displays that return each year, to festive music, rides and warming food and drink, there’s plenty to enjoy during your visit.
What’s new at Christmas at Kew in 2025?
My journey starts at Victoria Gate and, after passing the tantalising smells of food trucks (which I resist for now), I soon glimpse the Palm House through the trees. A few steps more and the view opens up. Some 100 large “waterlilies” change colour against a soundtrack of world music as I cross the newly installed bridge for a better view. It’s mesmerising and I linger for a while, almost forgetting this is only the start.
Further along the trail, I come across more new displays… I see kids picking up the illuminated baton like a mini lightsabre to conduct the Christmas Orchestra display, and families dancing to the beat on colourful dancefloors under a giant disco ball (I decline showing off my “dad dancing” moves and leave them to it).
Soon, I’m drawn to another new installation: Mycelium Network. For me, this unique new work by Custom Fibre Optics is the highlight of the trail. Made from fibre optic strands that mimic underground systems of fungal threads (known as mycelium), this display reveals how these networks underpin healthy ecosystems. The strands pulsate with different colours, as they untangle and reach out in all directions, many forming into mushrooms. It’s truly captivating and I can’t believe how far it stretches out to reflect these vast underground systems.
Other new displays include In Bloom, depicting large petals, and some clever projections that refer to the vital role Kew Gardens’ sister site, Wakehurst, plays in conserving rare plants at the Millennium Seed Bank – which celebrates its 25th year in 2025.
It’s also a treat to see The Great Pagoda in a new light, as this icon of Kew Gardens is illuminated for the first time on the trail.
Instead of the Palm House, the finale this year is outside the Temperate House – as festive music and lights combine in a fitting end to the impressive trail.
What’s the trail route like?
How is the layout?
It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into the layout of the route – after all, Kew has been running the event since 2013, so it knows what it’s doing.
I particularly like the signs along the route outlining how Kew Gardens – and Christmas at Kew specifically – is making efforts to protect, conserve and have as limited impact on the environment as possible. It’s a nice touch and puts sustainability at the front of the mind.
Is the trail manageable?
The trail is 3km long, which may sound quite a distance, but there’s a good mix of installations, illuminated trees, experiences and food and drink outlets dotted along the route. This helps to break it up and at no point did I feel my attention wasn’t piqued by one experience or another. You can spend as long as you like on the trail, so take your time to enjoy each display with some pit stops for food and drink along the way.
What to wear at Christmas at Kew
It’s winter, in London, so be prepared! Although it's a mild evening during my visit, the heavens open and show no sign of stopping – umbrellas go up and ponchos are hurriedly put on... But while the rain often dampens outdoor experiences, I feel in some ways it improves this one: the wet ground reflects the colourful displays, and the droplets are caught in beams of light, adding to the magical feel.
I wear boots, but the walkways are either permanent paths or temporary surfaces; so, apart from the odd puddle (the rain is biblical on this particular evening) you're not going to get too muddy!
Top tip: Wrap up warm and wear shoes that have grip in case walkways become slippery.
How do the glasshouses feature?
In previous years, the finale was held outside the Palm House with a water and light display at its lake. This year, the lake is turned into a display of waterlilies, while the Temperate House takes the stage for the grand finale – I'm a little disappointed there's no water display with fountains this year, but the light show set to festive hits certainly makes a lasting impression.
Top tip: Don’t miss the fire garden, which returns this year with a display of dancing flames set against the backdrop of the Palm House – always a popular stop-off on the trail.
What’s the fairground, food and shopping like?
The rides
I was surprised how many experiences there are throughout the trail. The fairground is a fun stop along the trail that brings out the big kid in me. I grab the chance to go on the carousel, whizz down the traditional helter-skelter and get some views from the new big wheel.
Top Tip: Book tokens in advance to save money.
The food
The food and drink outlets are placed at various points along the trail, which means you can take your pick from options along the route. All that walking builds up an appetite, plus I’m never one to say no to a winter warmer such as a hot chocolate with marshmallows or a hot spiced apple – whether “the weather outside is frightful”, or not. Those seeking an indoor spot can stop at the Pavilion Bar & Grill along the route, which serves up a special festive menu including roast turkey.
Street food collective KERB has several vendors on site. I stop off at the KERB Food Village about halfway along the trail. Options include woodfired pizza, burgers, teriyaki bowls, fried chicken and waffles… but I opt for the Indian-inspired chicken kati roll from Kolkati. A warming, spicy snack that's the perfect fuel to continue the trail – and at a reasonable price too.
Top tip: Save some room to toast marshmallows over a firepit towards the end of the route.
The shopping
Kew Gardens’ Victoria Plaza shop has all sorts of festive treats, from decorations to Christmas gift ideas – it’s at the end of the trail, so make sure to factor in some time for a bit of a browse.
Top tip: Pick up botanical-themed stocking fillers... There are all manner of small-scale items, from socks to soaps, to discover.
What’s the atmosphere like?
The atmosphere screams “festive” – and you can even spot Santa along the way! But it’s not overdone and feels much more tasteful than tacky in this sense.
Many installations have festive music playing, but each song has been carefully chosen to accompany the display – from “When You Wish Upon a Star” at the star walk display to classical versions of seasonal songs at the Christmas Orchestra.
All sorts of people are there, from couples and friends to families with kids of all ages. Interactive displays are very popular with young kids, who seem to stay at these longer than some of the other installations – so you can always find some quieter spots if needed.
Top tip: The trail is long enough for it to not feel crowded, so take your time: there’s plenty of chance to take it all in and get that perfect photo angle.
Top tips for Christmas at Kew 2025:
- Come prepared: it’s winter, after all. An umbrella, some sturdy shoes and warm clothing will do the trick!
- Make use of the QR codes to learn more about each installation and learn about Kew Garden’s efforts to protect the environment on signs dotted along the route.
- Look up! The experience isn’t just about the installations on the ground… many of its impressively huge trees are also lit up, creating a fantastic display of the natural and man-made.
- Take your time: there’s no time limit, so make sure to soak up all that festive atmosphere.
- Buy fairground tokens in advance: it works out cheaper (six tokens for £18 instead of £3.50 each on the night). Tokens need to be bought direct from Kew Gardens’ website and are separate to your entry ticket.