Christmas at Kew

Kew Gardens, in London, will be transformed by a host of newly commissioned artworks of light and sound this festive season.

The popular winter trail will be open from 22nd November until 5th January. Tickets will go on sale from 26th June.

Highlights will include a Cathedral of Light, 300 glowing origami boats on Kew’s glistening lake and a show-stopping Palm House finale.

What to expect from Christmas at Kew

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.

This year’s trail will offer a new experience of art, light and sound from a roster of international artists.  

The festive voyage will begin with an archway through which visitors will first encounter the Field of Light, created by Brighton-based artists Ithaca.

Visitors will then enter the laser garden, by Australia-based creative studio Mandylights. They’ll find a revelry of dancing beams of light, highlighting for just moments at a time, the natural beauty of the woodland trees. As they cross Kew’s lake, visitors will be greeted by the sight of 300 illuminated origami boats floating on the water. 

As the trail continues many more treasures await, including Firework Trees lit up by explosions of coloured light and a walkway of suspended illuminated ribbons that visitors can wonder through and stop for a selfie.

The famous tunnel of lights will be taken to a new level this year, forming a Cathedral of Light, reaching seven metres tall and 100 metres in length.

Visitors will also be able marvel at the natural beauty of the gardens themselves, particularly Kew’s heritage trees. Seen from a totally different perspective, festooned with lights, their forms are a reminder of the importance of trees to all our lives. 

The Palm House will once again showcase the finale with the pond and glasshouse brought to life with an explosion of colourful criss-crossing laser beams, jumping jets of light, and kaleidoscopic projections playing across a giant water screen. 

Group information

Groups are welcome at Kew Gardens, and organisers should keep their eyes peeled for group rates for Christmas at Kew when tickets go on sale.

For more information, visit www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas-at-kew.