Christmas at Kew 2026 tickets

Take an enchanting journey into a glittering wonderland with Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.

The popular after-dark Christmas event hosts a trail through the famous botanic gardens, which are lit up with spectacular lights and projections.

Get together with family or friends to follow the illuminated path around the gardens and be treated to immersive installations and spectacular displays.

Highlights of Christmas at Kew 2025

Christmas at Kew is an unmissable activity this festive season. It's the perfect time to see seasonal favourites alongside many new mesmerising light installations, including interactive dance floors and 100 illuminated lilies drifting across the pond.

Installations for 2026 are yet to be revealed, here's what visitors got up to in 2025:

• Saw the return of the Palm House with a spectacular light, music and water display in front of the building.
• The prime selfie spot under the Christmas Cathedral was back with its thousands of sparkling fairy lights.
• Festive tunes with the Christmas Orchestra by Culture Creative, synchronised to a vibrant light show.
• Ethereal petals swirled through the air with In Bloom.
• A ground-level LED installation with the Mycelium Network, symbolising the hidden fungal systems that sustain ecosystems.
• Interactive Dance Floors, where you can slip on giant headphones and groove to seasonal hits beneath twinkling lights.
• For the first time, the 18th-century Great Pagoda shone as part of the trail, casting a radiant glow across the gardens.
• Visitors walked across the Palm House Pond, decorated with a dazzling light display of 100 illuminated lilies.
• A spectacular light and music show on the Temperate House.
• An evocative Fire Garden with flickering flames and glowing embers.
• Indulgent Christmas treats and winter warmers of hot chocolate or mulled wine during the trail, or guests enjoyed a Christmas dinner at The Botanical restaurant.

Oh, and not forgetting, visitors had a chance to say hello to Father Christmas along the way!

Check out more highlights and top tips by reading our review of Christmas at Kew 2025 on the Visit London blog.

Christmas at Kew 2026 tickets

Check back soon for tickets for Christmas at Kew 2026.

Christmas at Kew is very popular and usually sells out quickly, so make sure you book your Kew Gardens tickets for this seasonal event in advance.

Discover more things to do at Christmas in London.

Christmas at Kew FAQs

How long does it take to walk around Christmas at Kew?

You should allow approximately two hours to walk the trail. Previously it has been 3km (1.8 miles) long.

What entrance is best for Christmas at Kew?

For Christmas at Kew, the best entrance depends on your travel preferences and parking needs. With three entry gate options available, be sure to choose the one that best suits your visit.

• Victoria Gate – main entrance: Located on Kew Road, this is the best option for those travelling by tube or bus. The postcode for Victoria Gate is TW9 3JR, and local parking facilities are available to book.
• Elizabeth Gate: This is the best option for those arriving by National Rail via South Western Trains. The nearest station is Kew Bridge, just a short walk away. The postcode for Elizabeth Gate is TW9 3AE, and local parking facilities are available to book.
• Brentford Gate – reserved parking: This entrance is only for those with pre-paid parking at Kew’s Ferry Lane car park. Parking costs £10 and must be added when purchasing tickets in advance. Please note there is a short walk from this gate to the start of the trail. The postcode for Brentford Gate is TW9 3AF.

What time do Kew Gardens’ Christmas lights open?

In 2025, timeslots for Christmas at Kew ran from 4.20pm to 8pm, with exact timings depending on your chosen entry gate.

On December 24, the last entry was at 6.20pm for Brentford Gate and Elizabeth Gate, and at 7pm for Victoria Gate.

How much does it cost to see the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens?

In 2025, tickets started from £27.50 for adults and £18 for children.

Ticket prices varied depending on whether guests booked an off-peak or peak timeslot.

Is Kew Gardens Christmas lights worth it?

Absolutely! Christmas at Kew is one of London’s most magical festive experiences, transforming the Royal Botanical Gardens into a glittering wonderland. The trail offers something for everyone in the family, and in 2025, it showcased eight brand-new world premiere installations alongside cherished seasonal favourites – creating an immersive journey through London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experience the magic of Christmas at Kew, where a glittering trail of lights, glowing installations, and festive treats await. This popular event sells out quickly, so book early to secure your spot to visit Kew at Christmas.

Looking for daytime tickets? Visit our Kew Gardens page.