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Kew Gardens goes all out for Christmas. Every year, the botanic garden is set aglow with dazzling colour thanks to its three-kilometre light trail.
This year, the route will display no fewer than one million individual lights alongside 30 installations, large-scale artworks, and soundscapes, which takes around two hours for visitors to fully explore. Unlike other major light displays across the city, there isn’t a big switch-on ceremony for the lights at Kew. They'll simply be available for paying members of the public to see from later this week. And new for 2026, there will be adult-only evenings on December 3 and 9.
Specific details for Kew’s trail will be unveiled once it opens to the public, but we can guarantee that it’ll be one of London’s most mesmerising Christmas spectacles. Tickets are available now, so here’s everything you need to know.
RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas lights displays in London.
Kew’s Christmas lights switch-on date
The lights will be on at Kew from Friday November 13 until Sunday January 3.
What else can we expect from the festive event?
Beyond the light trail, visitors will get to enjoy the traditional fairground, tuck into warming festive treats (from toasted marshmallows to mulled wine) and greet Father Christmas.
How to book Christmas at Kew 2026
Adult tickets for non-members start at £28.50 for off-peak slots and £36 at peak times. Children’s tickets are £19 at off-peak and £23 during peak hours. Book here. Quick! It sells out fast.
When every major Christmas light display in London will turn on for 2026.
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