In this article, you'll learn the following:
Step into a winter wonderland this festive season with Christmas at Kew Gardens, a breathtaking annual event that transforms the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens into a dazzling display of light, music, and holiday cheer.
Discover the magic of Christmas at Kew Gardens
Photo Credit: Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew
Whether you’re planning a magical family outing or a romantic evening, Kew’s sparkling illuminations and festive atmosphere are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, traveling by train with South Western Railway makes it easy and convenient to experience all the festivities.
Where is Christmas at Kew Gardens
Photo Credit: Sebastian Kettley © RBG Kew
Located in Richmond upon Thames, Kew Gardens is one of London’s most beloved green spaces. During the festive season, its stunning grounds are decked out in twinkling lights and creative installations, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Just 30 minutes by train from central London, it’s the perfect destination for a winter day out.
While you’re in the area, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Richmond Park or the quaint streets of Twickenham. Combine your trip to Kew with a little extra exploring for a full day of festive fun.
What to expect at Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is an immersive experience filled with wonder and joy. Highlights include:
1. The Illuminated Trail
Photo Credit: Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew
A 3km path through more than 20 sparkling light installations, including the stunning Cathedral of Light and a shimmering tunnel of lights.
2. Music and Projections
Enjoy seasonal melodies and dazzling projections at the lakeside and on the iconic Temperate House.
3. Family Fun
Photo Credit: Jeff Eden © RBG Kew
Little ones will love spotting Santa and exploring interactive displays dotted along the trail.
4. Food and Drink
Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate from the festive food stalls scattered throughout the trail. For something heartier, grab a bite to eat at one of Kew’s cafes, like the Victoria Gate Café or The Orangery.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shops for holiday decorations, botanical-inspired gifts, and souvenirs to remember your visit.
With each turn in Christmas at Kew, you’ll discover new surprises, from glowing trees to glittering water features, making it a magical evening for all.
How to get to Christmas at Kew Gardens
Travelling by train
Kew Bridge station is the nearest station to Kew Gardens when travelling by train. You can get a direct train to Kew Bridge from London and Staines, and other popular routes include travelling from Reading and Woking. From Kew Bridge, you’re just 800m from the Elizabeth Gate entrance.
Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right option for your journey. You can get cheap train tickets to Winter Wonderland by booking early or going off-peak, and you could save even more with our GroupSave tickets. Alternatively, our Evening Out and Sunday Out tickets are an excellent option, giving you extra flexibility if plans change.
Travelling within London
Kew Gardens is just 30 minutes by train from central London. You can get a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Kew Bridge, but for the fastest train from London to Kew Gardens, hop on at Clapham Junction.
Alternatively, you can take the District line (Richmond branch) or the London Overground to the aptly named Kew Gardens station, which is in London fare zone 3 and just 500m from the Victoria Gate entrance.
When travelling across London, make your journey as easy as possible with a London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless.
Tickets to Christmas at Kew
Tickets to Christmas at Kew sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. Evening visits are particularly magical, with the lights shining brightest after dusk. Be sure to bundle up warmly and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trail. Tickets for Christmas at Kew do not include daytime entry to Kew Gardens. If you would like to visit Kew Gardens during the day, you can purchase a reduced-price ticket in addition to your Christmas at Kew ticket.
Please note that daytime tickets for Kew Gardens during the Christmas at Kew season do not grant access to the evening trail and cannot be upgraded to a Christmas at Kew ticket. A separate ticket is required for entry to the Christmas at Kew experience.
Important: If you plan to visit Kew Gardens during the day, you will need to exit the gardens by 3:15pm (last entry at 2:30pm) and then re-enter the Christmas trail at your designated gate and time.
Opening times
Christmas at Kew is open daily from 13 November to 5 January 2025 (except Christmas Day). It opens from 16:20 to 22:00, with the last entry varying depending on entrance gate:
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Brentford Gate: 7pm (24 Dec: 6.20pm)
- Elizabeth Gate: 7.20pm (24 Dec: 6.20pm)
- Victoria Gate: 8pm (24 Dec: 7pm)
Ticket prices
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Non-member adult: Off peak £25.50 / Peak £32
- Member adult: Off peak £21.50 / Peak £26hildren and Family tickets vary in price from around £77 for 2 adults and 2 children or £16 per child.
Christmas at Kew accessibility
This year’s trail spans 3km and may take over two hours to explore.
Set within the natural landscape, the trail showcases the beauty of the surroundings. While every effort has been made to ensure accessibility, some sections feature uneven terrain and varying gradients, which may be more challenging in wet weather conditions.
Buggies and wheelchairs (electric or manual) are permitted on the trail but bikes, scooters, skateboards etc are not. Dogs are also not permitted unless they are registered assistance dogs.
SWR Rewards
Don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hub for exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more while you’re planning your trip to Christmas at Kew.
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