A humongous light trail that takes over south west London’s 300-acre World Heritage Site botanic garden, Christmas at Kew has become a key date in London’s festive calendar since its first iteration in 2013. Visitors embarking on the 3km trail will get see the space lit up with dozens of larger-than-life illuminations, with both the venue’s glass houses and the trees that cover its grounds drenched in different hues. The whole thing is stunning, but don’t miss the lake, where you’ll catch reflections of the vibrant bulbs dancing on the water, taking the magical feeling to another level. Specific details for the light trail 2026 are yet to be unveiled but, as ever, the traditional fairground and warming winter snacks from food vendors are sure to be there.
How to get Christmas at Kew 2026 tickets
Tickets for Christmas at Kew 2026 are on sale right now. The sooner you book the better – as the UK’s original festive light trail, it sells out fast, especially for December.
If you’re willing to wait until the New Year, there are normally a decent number of tickets available for the first week of January. And if your desired dates are booked up, it’s worth checking back regularly for returns.
What are the prices and opening times?
Tickets for non-members start at £28.50 for off-peak slots and £36 at peak times. Members can get 15 percent off.
Christmas at Kew is open from 4.20pm to 10pm. Each visitor is given a specific time slot, with the last entry at 8pm.
How long does it take to walk around Christmas at Kew?
That’s really down to you. The glittering trail is 3km long so, depending on your speed and how long you spend taking in refreshments, visiting the fairground, toasting marshmallows and stopping by to see Father C, it can take up to two hours to walk around.
