Christmas festivities at Wakehurst

Sat 01 December 2012 - Sat 05 January 2013

Join us at Wakehurst on 1 December for the big Christmas tree switch on, join in the singing at our Carol Evening on 14 December, or take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas at one of our festive Sundays in December.

Carol singers outside the Mansion at Wakehurst

Enjoy the spectacle of the country’s tallest Christmas tree which will form the centrepiece of festive celebrations at Wakehurst Place, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s country estate in the heart of the glorious Sussex countryside, near Haywards Heath.

The 118ft (35m) giant redwood is festooned with 1,800 lights by experts from Wakehurst’s conservation and woodland team using ropes, specialist climbing gear and two high level platforms.

The Big Tree Switch On – Saturday December 1

See the lights go on at the Big Tree Switch on event on Saturday December 1 at 6.15pm. As part of the countdown to the switch on, inChoir will be singing around the tree and children’s activities will be held in the Mansion. Visitors can enjoy festive food and drink and relaxed Christmas shopping. Entry by donation from 5pm, early arrival and car sharing recommended as parking is limited. See photos on Flickr of the tree being prepared with the Christmas lights.

Minimum suggested donation £2 per person, £5 per family.

The tree will then be lit daily from 3.30pm throughout the festive season from December 2 until January 5.

Festive Sundays – December 2, 9, 16

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations to relax in Wakehurst’s renowned gardens on Sundays, 2, 9 and 16 December. Carol singers will be wandering in the grounds and Santa will be in Wakehurst’s sixteenth century mansion.

(Normal admission prices apply, gardens open at 10am)

Christmas Wreath Making Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 December 10am to 3.30pm

Come along and make your own natural Christmas wreath with beautiful plant material collected from Wakehurst and on-hand advice from our horticultural staff.

Prices per wreath: small £3, medium £5, large £7, readymade (limited stock) £15.

Carols Evening – Friday December 14

Join local choirs and a band for carol singing under the Christmas tree at Wakehurst’s popular Carols Evening. Gates open at 5pm and carols begin at 7pm. Festive food and drink will be available, children’s activities will be held in the Mansion and the gift shop will be open for Christmas shopping. Entry by donation from 5pm, early arrival and car sharing recommended as parking is limited.

Minimum suggested donation £2 per person, £5 per family.

Winter highlights around the gardens

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, Wakehurst is the perfect place to enjoy a seasonal stroll. The gardens are open every day from 10am, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and even in the depths of winter there is plenty to enjoy from glorious views to seasonal blooms and scents. Highlights include the winter garden with striking foliage, shrubs and flowers, including dogwoods, witch hazels and rhododendrons. During January and February drifts of 100,000 snowdrops make a spectacular sight, along with a carpet of cyclamen.

For full details of Christmas activities call 01444 894067.