Christmas at Kew 2025: Dazzling Lights & Festive Magic
The original UK light trail returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, transforming the UNESCO World Heritage Site into a breathtaking, 3km night-time spectacle of light, music, and botanical wonder. The 2025 trail features a mix of brand-new, nature-inspired installations and beloved festive favourites.
Detail Information
Dates Friday, 14th November 2025 – Sunday, 4th January 2026 (Closed Christmas Day)
Time slots Entry slots run approximately every 20 minutes from 4:20 PM to 8:00 PM. The trail closes at 10:00 PM (Last entry times are earlier on Christmas Eve).
Duration The trail is approximately 3km and takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
Location Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AB
The 2025 Trail Highlights
The 2025 trail focuses on the magic and science of nature, incorporating two major new installations mentioned in your request:
✨ Featured New Installations
- Mycelium Network: A captivating ground-level LED installation using fibre optic strands to symbolise the hidden fungal networks that sustain ecosystems worldwide. This piece highlights Kew's ongoing research into the millions of fungal species that underpin life on Earth.
- In Bloom: An ethereal light piece by Dutch artist Wilhelmusvlug, featuring delicate, illuminated petals that swirl and dance through the air in a poetic celebration of nature's elegance.
- Illuminated Great Pagoda: For the first time ever, the iconic 18th-century Great Pagoda will be adorned with lights and integrated into the trail experience.
- Christmas Orchestra: A new sound and light show featuring a symphony of festive tunes synchronised with a vibrant light display.
🌟 Festive Favourites
- The Christmas Cathedral: The famous walk-through tunnel canopy shimmering with thousands of pea lights, a must-see photo moment.
- The Fire Garden: A magical section where flickering flames dance against the backdrop of the iconic Palm House.
- Grand Finale: The experience concludes at the majestic Temperate House, which hosts a spectacular light and music show set to festive hits.
- Interactive Dance Floors: Slip on giant headphones and groove to seasonal hits under twinkling lights.
Practical Visitor Information
Tickets & Pricing
- Advance Booking is Essential: Tickets are for a specific date and time slot, and the event often sells out, especially on weekend and peak dates.
- Pricing: Tickets are subject to Peak (weekends/holidays) and Off-Peak (midweek/later times) pricing.
- Adults: Start from £27.50 (Off-Peak)
- Children (4-16): Start from £18.00
- Under 4s and Essential Companions: Free (but require a ticket to be booked).
- Kew Members: Receive a discounted ticket rate.
- Quiet Access Sessions: Available on selected dates (e.g., Nov 29, Dec 2, 17, 27) for visitors with hidden disabilities, such as autism, seeking a more comfortable, less crowded experience.
Entry Gates & Parking
You select your preferred entry gate when booking your ticket:
- Victoria Gate: Main entrance. Best for those arriving by Tube (Kew Gardens Station).
- Elizabeth Gate: Best for those arriving by National Rail (Kew Bridge Station).
- Brentford Gate: Reserved for those with pre-paid parking at Kew’s Ferry Lane car park (£10 pre-booked, mandatory for driving visitors). Parking is not available to book on the day.
Food & Drink
Food and beverage options are available along the trail, featuring seasonal treats from independent street food vendors (curated by KERB) and festive drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate. Traditional Christmas dinner options are available at The Botanical Brasserie (advance booking recommended).
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