This Christmas, Kew Gardens will once again transform into a magical after dark explosion of festive colour, as visitors embark on an illuminated trail inspired by the Gardens themselves, for the much-anticipated Christmas at Kew 2018.
Probably our favourite annual event in London, Kew Gardens' Christmas offering gets better and better every year. The atmospheric trail winds through the gardens after dark, and manages to act as both a fantastic family-friendly event, and a romantic date night.
Over a million lights and thousands of laser beams go into the event, which also features a fire garden, light tunnel, and vintage fun fair rides to keep little ones happy. Food and drink stalls are dotted throughout, including marshmallow roasting pits. New for this year are a laser garden and moonlit woods — look out for a flotilla of tiny boats aglow on the lake.
The ethereal atmosphere will continue with a warm flickering fire garden leading to a huge dome of tubular lights inside which visitors can enjoy a festive drink. They will then enter an enchanted walkway of giant glowing peonies and papyrus, brought to Kew by French artists TILT.
Kew’s Great Broad Walk Borders, the world’s longest double herbaceous border, will be flanked by towering 11m high flower sculptures, and by illuminated benches, where visitors can relax and admire the view along the promenade.
Visitors will marvel at the outstanding natural beauty of the Gardens themselves, particularly Kew’s incredible heritage trees.Seen from a totally different perspective, festooned with lights, their majestic forms are a reminder of the importance of trees to all our lives.
Youngsters will delight in spotting Santa and his helpers performing along the trail, and White Peaks will once again become a festival fairground with a Victorian carousel and other rides for the little ones.
As the winter trail comes to an end, visitors will be greeted by the scent of mulled wine, mince pies and other festive foods from a variety of enticing stalls at Victoria Plaza.
Date and Time:2018-11-22 to 2019-1-5
Location:Kew Gardens Station Approach, London TW9 3BZ
