15 November 2023

Plan the perfect evening at Christmas at Kew

With a new installations and tasty food and drink, there’s a lot to enjoy at Christmas at Kew this year.

Cascades of white light forming a bright tunnel

Kew’s iconic winter light-trail has returned!

Here’s how to make the most of celebrating nature by night and Christmas lights. 

In with the new

Christmas at Kew 2023 will showcase eight new installations along the trail, including giant illuminated flowers; cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy; and 100 'floating' candles.

For the first time, Kew’s iconic contemporary art installation, The Hive, features on the trail. At a towering 17 metres tall, The Hive is a striking multi-sensory installation with over 1,000 LED lights that respond to the rhythm of a bespoke soundscape, commissioned for Christmas.

Bright, large, neon lillies
Lili by TILT

One small thing

What is one small change you could make to support biodiversity and help protect plants?

Consider this as you journey through illuminated installations inspired by nature. 

Old favourites

Combining the magic of colourful lights and music, Kew’s iconic Palm House and adjacent lake will be lit-up with a series of breathtaking light displays set to a soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics.

Walk through our famous Christmas Cathedral filled with thousands of twinkling fairy lights: the perfect place for an Instagrammable selfie! 

There are plenty of other great photo opportunities at Christmas at Kew like the flickering flames of the fire garden and many other magical feasts for the eye (and lens).

Palm House lit up blue and purple, vertical fountains in foreground
Palm House during Christmas at Kew, Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew

Winter warmers

Warm up with a hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiced cider, or a tasty treat from independent street food vendors along the route.

Make the evening even more special with a delectable Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie.

Where to find food and drink at Christmas at Kew

A pair of food trays containing garnished halloumi fries
Halloumi fries at Christmas at Kew © KERB

Tick some gifts off your list

Christmas at Kew is a wonderful opportunity to buy presents for loved ones (or yourself!). Our shop at Victoria Plaza will have late opening hours or you can always browse and buy online.

With items ranging from books to toys, jewellery to homewares, fun online workshops and much, much more, there’s bound to be something to add some ho-ho-ho to your recipients.

Selection of gifts from Kew Shop
Gift from Kew Shop, Charlie Ghazi ⓒ RBG Kew

Appreciate the beauty of nature 

Admire the striking forms of our botanical treasures this winter. 

Many of Kew’s 12,000 trees and other botanical treasures along the route will be illuminated from different angles.

Wander beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in seasonal sparkle, whilst you take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of plants in all our lives.

Everything you need to know for Christmas at Kew

Fire Garden at Christmas at Kew

Want more Christmas cheer?

Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, Wakehurst, has its own enchanting lantern trail, Glow Wild, running selected evenings from 24 November 2023 to 2 January 2024.

Book tickets to Glow Wild

Christmas at Kew

Book tickets for Christmas at Kew

Experience our magical trail, with a host of new installations.

Read & watch