Kew at Christmas has officially opened, transforming the world-famous botanical garden into a magical winter wonderland of lights and music. The annual event, which launched in 2013, is almost always a sell-out and offers visitors a two-hour stroll through a series of creative displays.
Festive Atmosphere from the Entrance
From the moment visitors walk into Kew, they are surrounded by Christmas, with festive sounds, smells, and visual displays. Near the entrance, guests can grab a snack, hot chocolate, or mulled wine or cider to keep warm while exploring.
Father Christmas greets visitors, explaining that the elves are now on 24-hour shifts and the factory is open round the clock to ensure enough presents are delivered on Christmas Eve for all the boys and girls who have been good this year.
Highlights Include Temperate House and Fair
Canopies of presents and decorations lead to the stunning Temperate House, where the area in front is given over to an intricate display of moving lights dancing in time to the music. A field of flaming torches and pine cones follows, accompanied by festive cheer and music.
To combat the chill, there are plenty of stop-off points offering hot drinks, food, or snacks, including marshmallow toasting stations. One of the highlights is the fair, featuring a traditional carousel ride that visitors can enjoy.
Grand Finale at the Palm House
As always, the arch of fairy lights does not disappoint, making visitors feel as if they are on a journey to the North Pole as they step through it. The grand finale on the lake in front of the Palm House, which is soon to be closed for extensive renovations, is a sight to behold.
This is a ticketed event. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.
