Christmas at Kew has been named by The Times as one of the top 19 light trails for Christmas 2025 in the UK, coming in at an impressive number three, just behind Lincoln Castle.
Running since 2013, this festive light trail takes visitors on a magical two-mile walk through the historic botanical gardens in south-west London and will run this year from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
This year sees a multitude of light installations, from returning favourites like the famous light tunnel and lake projection outside the Temperate House, to a festive funfair and character appearances.
Alongside returning favourites, this year will feature eight new installations, including the inaugural Christmas Orchestra, an immersive piece by Culture Creative and Filament that recreates the structure of an orchestra through light and sound.
Visitors will also find In Bloom by Dutch multidisciplinary artist Wilhelmusvlug, evoking petals drifting on a winter breeze.
Beginning at the Palm House, the 3km route takes visitors on an evening tour of some of the garden’s most iconic landmarks, including the Palm House Pond, which will be illuminated with 100 lilies.
A newly constructed bridge will offer visitors a completely new vantage point.
One of the new projections on display at the gardens is Museum Number 1, Decimus Burton’s 19th-century tribute to humanity’s reliance on plants.
The trail will also feature interactive displays, including a new dancing-floor installation complete with giant headphones and festive classics.
The Great Pagoda will be lit as part of the trail for the first time since its restoration, while Mycelium Network uses delicate fibre-optic strands to highlight the unseen connective power of fungi, reflecting Kew’s pioneering research.
The trail will round off with the much-anticipated grand finale, where the Temperate House will be illuminated and accompanied by a medley of Christmas songs.
Christmas at Kew will run until January 4, with slots bookable between 4:20pm and 10pm. Tickets start from £27.50 for adults and £18 for children, with carers admitted for free.
