The Christmas at Kew light trail – installed every winter in Kew Gardens – has been on my radar for some time. This year, it was finally time for us to visit Kew lights as a family. We had waited until our youngest daughter was older so she could walk around the light display later in the evening (without grumbling). Now five years old and with her older sister aged nine, we decided to visit Christmas at Kew. But is worth it and what is it like to visit Christmas at Kew with kids? Read on to find out in my review of Christmas at Kew. Click the video below to get a sneak peek of the Christmas light trail.
What to expect at Christmas at Kew
Having only ever visited Kew Gardens in the day, embarking on a night time adventure was completely new for us as a family. My daughters thought it was a big treat to visit Kew Gardens when it was dark outside. Although there was some initial grumbling about it being cold and dark, it soon stopped with the promise of hot chocolate and a light extravaganza.
Upon entering gardens, you are immediately drawn in by the vibrant welcoming archway and begin your journey through the pathway to the sounds of Walking in a Winter Wonderland. Either side of you, the foliage is illuminated with colourful hues.
Going in mid November meant there was the contrast of autumnal leaves against the orange, blue, pinks hues illuminating the way. Scattered throughout the trail are intricate artistic installations and music harmoniously tying the whole experience together.
This year, Christmas at Kew has collaborated for the first time with video design studio, Novak. The result is electrifying. There are singing trees lighting up in time to festive music, mesmerising video projected onto the trunk of trees and the Temperate House has been turned into a spectacular orchestral light display. The resounding highlight though is the incredible finale projected onto the lake from the Palm House. We stood transfixed by the truly magical performance.
Christmas at Kew highlights
Kew’s light trail is very easy to follow and there are volunteers to lead you in the right direction if unsure. The intention is clear…follow the lights. Christmas at Kew has over one million lights, so this isn’t hard to do.
One of our favourites was the Aurora, a new installation illuminating the sky in tribute to the Northern Lights. The Cathedral – which is a regular feature – is a dazzling display we enjoyed spending time underneath.
Fire torches burning to choral sounds mesmerised us as well as the ultraviolet neon installation. The Spheric installation over the lake was also a highlight drawing you in with its ambient music. This is a new installation for Christmas at Kew 2021 and features two thousand individually controlled LED pixels.
Kew Gardens’ heritage trees look stunning along the trail too, their beauty accentuated in the darkness with twinkling lights.
The Temperate house was a light and orchestral delight. With the huge glasshouse changing colours from pink, white and blue to the sounds of electronic classical music.
Of course, the Palm House and its end display across the lake was the biggest highlight. Fountains shoot water 20 metres up into the sky, illuminated in various hues. A Christmas story is played out in the middle of the lake with figures dancing to the sounds of Christmas classics.
Staring at the festive light extravaganza across the lake was a heart-warming moment as a family and one we won’t forget in a hurry.
Christmas at Kew with Kids
There is plenty for children to enjoy at Christmas at Kew. What child doesn’t like twinkling lights and being transported into a festive environment? Mine loved the illuminations but there is more to Christmas at Kew for kids. There is a funfair!
The funfair at Christmas at Kew was a huge hit with my girls. My nine-year-old daughter went on the soaring Helter Skelter twice. There is also an ornate French carousel, swing boats, a train and car attraction.
After spending time at the funfair, we turned the corner and who do we see? Father Christmas!
Santa Claus stood waving at us in his vibrant red robes in front of his wooden cabin. My youngest made sure she got in her request for her gift this Christmas.
Kew’s light trail provided a sensory overload of lights and music which enthralled my two girls. They walked along the trail with wonder and absorbed the magic. Hot chocolate was savoured while the adults indulged in mulled wine and enjoyed some food from the stalls.
How long does it take to go around Christmas at Kew?
We completed the Kew light trail in around two and a half hours. It was only towards the end that we started to get complaints about my children’s legs aching. If you are going with younger children, aim to get one of the earlier slots. If they are babies, take the baby carrier as they will love to see all the dazzling lights and take a buggy for toddlers or pre-schoolers if you think they will struggle on foot at the end of the day.
I was told the Christmas at Kew lights trail takes around two hours – without stopping for photos and food. It took us two and a half hours to do the trail with two children. Some of that was spent at the funfair and stopping for photos. I think you could walk around Christmas at Kew a bit quicker than two hours but I recommend you savour the experience.
Christmas at Kew trail runs from 4.20pm until 10pm with the last entry at 8pm. We arrived at 5.30pm.
Eating and drinking at Christmas at Kew
There are a number of stalls selling hot chocolate and mulled wine as well as street food vendors along the trail where you can get refreshments. As well as more substantial food options such a burgers, jerk chicken, Indian street food and cheese toasties, there are also sweet treats such as waffles and toasted marshmallows. The majority of the food vendors are close to the funfair area but there others dotted around. The gift shop is also open as well and there are some other gift stalls where you can purchase Christmas gifts.
If you want to make a night of it, you can book a traditional Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie restaurant.
Is Christmas at Kew worth visiting?
In one word, YES! It’s a truly magical experience which transports you away from your everyday life to ground you in the present as your senses are tantalised with lights, sounds and visual displays which leave you with a warm glow inside.
Christmas at Kew will immediately get you in the festive mood. Wander around with a cup of mulled wine in hand and drink in the lights and carols. It will have you looking forward to Christmas with a smile and cheer. If you are going as a family, I think it is a worthwhile investment as it is a joyful evening to experience together.
How to book Christmas at Kew
You need to book tickets in advance to see Christmas at Kew in advance and it often sells out quickly. It runs from Wednesday 13 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
How much does Christmas at Kew cost?
Non-member adult: Off Peak £25.50/Peak £32, Member adult: Off Peak £21.50/Peak £26. Family and child tickets are available with under 4s going free
If you are looking to stay close to Kew Gardens, there are a number of hotel and accommodation options you can book of varying budgets.
You may also enjoy reading by post on things to do in Twickenham, Top London Christmas activities with kids and Kew Gardens: does it live up to the hype?
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