Christmas activities at Kew Gardens

Find out about Christmas activities at Kew Gardens, including a visit to Father Christmas, children's carousel and face painting.

Buy tickets - Adults £13.90, concessions £11.90, children under 17 get in FREE!

Santa in his grotto at Kew

Father Christmas

Dates: Sat 10 Dec to Fri 23 Dec 2011
Time: From 12 noon, queue closes at 3pm
Location: The grotto is situated at the north end of the Princess of Wales Conservatory (in the film room)
Price: Free, once inside the Gardens

Christmas wouldn't be the same without a visit to meet Father Christmas. Visit him in his twinkling woodland grotto in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Make sure you tell him those important Christmas wishes!

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking in advance or at gates.

Riding the Christmas carousel A McRobb RBGKew )

Children's carousel

Dates: Sat 10 Dec 2011 to Mon 2 Jan 2012
Time: 10.30am to 4pm daily.
Location: Near White Peaks (on Kew Palace lawn)
Price: Adults £2, children £2, £3 per horse for children under 5 accompanied by an adult.

Take a spin on our Christmas carousel for some traditional family entertainment. If your little ones prefer Christmas in the fast-lane, we are also offering a mini-sized vintage car ride.

Festive face painting

Face painting

Dates: Sat 10 Dec 2011 to Mon 2 Jan 2012
Times: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Location: Climbers and Creepers
Prices: £4 per face, £7 for 2!

Drop by and get your little ones’ faces painted with a Christmas theme or a traditional design. Our indoor play area, Climbers and Creepers, is the perfect place to play in winter.

Handmade Christmas wreath tree decoration

Make your own Christmas wreath tree decoration

Make and take festive craft sessions

Dates: Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec, Tue 20 to Fri 23 Dec
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Location: Climbers and Creepers
Price: Free, drop in sessions

Learn about where Christmas spices come from, and weave traditional Danish paper heart decorations to carry your own special spice mixture.

Make a special little Christmas wreath to hang on your tree, decorated with natural materials from the Gardens.

Enjoy a scrumptious mince pie at the Rotary Club

Rotary Club

Dates: Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17, Sun 18 Dec 2011
Times: 10.30am to 3.45pm (3.30pm finish on Sat 17)
Location: South end of the Princess of Wales Conservatory
Prices: See notices on the day

Come in from the cold and warm up with mulled wine, mince pies and chestnuts from the Rotary Club.

Late night shopping at Victoria Plaza

Late night shopping

Dates: Wed 7, Sat 10, Wed 14 and Sat 17 Dec
Time: 4.15-8.30pm
Venue: Victoria plaza

Pick up unique gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to an early Christmas present! Exclusive 25% discount on full price items over £30, available only on late night shopping evenings!

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