One of my favorite holiday traditions in London is visiting Christmas at Kew Gardens. This festive Christmas trail experience brings the season to life with captivating light installations and heartwarming moments that are perfect for all ages. If you’re looking for a magical evening to immerse yourself in holiday cheer, let me take you through my visit to this year’s event.
A Little About Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew runs annually from November through early January, transforming the iconic Kew Gardens into a glittering winter wonderland. This year’s event features a 3-kilometer-long trail dotted with 20 stunning light installations, many synchronized to festive music. Some displays return every year, but Kew also introduces new, interactive exhibits to keep things fresh and exciting. My favorites this year? The light-up ground panels that respond when you stomp on them – so fun! Also, I always love the grand finale.
If you’re planning to go, I can’t stress enough the importance of booking tickets early. The event is incredibly popular and often sells out, especially for prime dates and times. Be prepared for a walk, but rest assured it’s accessible for families with strollers, wheelchairs, and motorized scooters. For specific accessibility needs, I recommend reaching out to Kew directly.
The Experience
From the moment you step onto the illuminated trail, you’re immersed in holiday magic. Christmas music plays throughout, perfectly timed to complement each light installation. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with something for everyone – families, couples, and friends alike.
Along the way, there are plenty of food and drink options to keep you cozy. This year, my friend and I indulged in creamy mac and cheese followed by spiked hot chocolate – a delicious combination that warmed us up as we strolled along the trail. For families, there’s also an area with rides and even a chance to meet Santa Claus. We didn’t queue up for Santa, but his hearty “Ho Ho Ho!” as we walked by made us smile.
The trail also features moments to pause and enjoy. One particularly memorable display this year was a tunnel of lights that felt like stepping into a fairytale. Of course, no visit would be complete without stopping to take photos – this is Instagram heaven for holiday enthusiasts!
Tips for Visiting
- Book Early: As mentioned, tickets sell out quickly. If you have a specific date or time in mind, plan ahead.
- Dress Warmly: London winters can be chilly, so bundle up and wear comfortable shoes for the walk.
- Bring a Camera: Whether it’s for memories or social media, you’ll want to capture the dazzling displays.
- Accessibility: The trail is designed to be inclusive, but if you have specific concerns, check Kew’s website or contact them directly.
Final Thoughts
Christmas at Kew is truly an experience that captures the magic of the holiday season. Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished tradition, the combination of lights, music, and festive cheer is something I always treasure – and I hope you will too.
Have you been to Christmas at Kew before? I’d love to hear about your favorite moments! Drop a comment below, and if you’re planning a visit, let me know what you’re most excited to see.
To watch my Christmas at Kew walking tour video set to instrumental Christmas music (no talking), watch the YouTube video below!
For more of my London adventures, visit: https://thesavvybostonian.com/tag/london/ and for my London Guide, visit: https://thesavvybostonian.com/london-guide/. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season!
Jessica Gioglio is founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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