Christmas at Kew was the UK’s original festive light trail, and I’m sure it’s still one of, if not, the very best. If you haven’t been yet, here’s why this spectacular London event is certain to brighten your festive season.
There are some fab new installations this year
A couple of years ago I thought Christmas at Kew was looking a bit too similar to previous trails, but in 2024 they’ve really pushed the boat out. If you start at Victoria Gate there’s good stuff to see straight away as after passing the welcome sign, the Camellia Walk has been transformed into a snowy lane with trees and deer.
Then there’s the Christmas at Kew world premiere of Ombre, a new artwork by French lighting studio TILT. The series of giant flowers change colour constantly and there are seats under the petals of each one where you can sit to admire the display up close or enjoy a bite from the nearby food stall.
There are plenty of old favourites too
There are a total of 20 installations along the 3km trail at Christmas at Kew so old favourites are repeated, but sometimes with a new twist. Kew’s Temperate House is always part of the trail but this year you walk closer to it through the glittering Sea of Light. Be sure to turn back after getting to the building to see the lights swirling above the sea behind you. Then feast your eyes on the tree-lined ‘avenue’ that comes next.
Other regular installations are the beautiful Christmas Turkey Oak and the popular selfie spot Christmas Cathedral. And of course, the Christmas at Kew trail always ends with a stunning light show at Kew Gardens’ iconic Palm House. Colours change along with the music as the show brings your visit to an end.
Lots of opportunities to eat, drink and shop
As well as the displays Christmas at Kew also has plenty of tempting food, drink and shopping opportunities. There are food stalls at different points on the trail and plenty of bars to buy mulled wine, beer and hot chocolate. There’s always one bar selling cocktails, this year it was sponsored by Disaronno, and there’s a fire pit for toasting marshmallows. This year we had excellent cheese toasties and loaded fries at Le Chalet Raclette, near Ombre. And there’s a bar next to it if your first mulled wine has gone!
If you prefer to be inside there’s a Christmas menu at The Botanical Brasserie that needs to be pre-booked. The Family Kitchen & Shop does pizzas, which is great for families that don’t succumb to the KERB food village next to the fairground. And back at Victoria Gate, there are more stalls and the main Kew cafe and shop which is a good place to pick up a few Christmas gifts.
So that’s why I’d recommend adding Christmas at Kew to your festive planner, but be sure to book early as lots of dates sell out quickly. For this year I think there are just a few slots left in the last few days before it closes on 5 January. It’s after Christmas but I went at that time one year and it was a really nice thing to do after all the Christmas fun was over. Or just get yourself on the mailing list to make sure you’re the first to hear about Christmas at Kew next year!
For more ideas of things to do in and around London, why not take a look at the London section of my blog?