Christmas at Kew returns on 13 November 2026 with a new route through the gardens and the return of the fountain display on the Palm House Pond. The after-dark trail runs on selected nights until 3 January 2027, with light installations, music and a fairground along the route.
The trail is about three kilometres long. Kew advises allowing more than two hours if you want to stop along the way. It is outdoors, and paths can be uneven or wet, so allow extra time if you’re visiting with young children or anyone who finds gradients difficult.
At a glance
Where Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Choose an entrance when you book.
When Selected evenings from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Closed on 16, 23 and 28 November and on Christmas Day.
Tickets Standard adult tickets are £29.50 off-peak or £37 peak, including the booking fee. Advance booking is essential.
Choose your gate before booking
Victoria Gate on Kew Road is the main entrance and the one Kew recommends for Tube and bus passengers. Elizabeth Gate is the better option if you’re coming by National Rail to Kew Bridge. Brentford Gate is reserved for visitors who book parking at the Ferry Lane car park. Last entry varies by gate, and the gardens close an hour earlier on Christmas Eve, at 9pm.
Quiet access and family tickets
Kew lists Quiet Access sessions on 21 November and 1, 16 and 26 December. The event also has adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December. Under-fours go free but still need their own ticket, and pushchairs are allowed on the trail. Standard daytime admission and the evening trail are ticketed separately.
See the Christmas at Kew event page for bookings, and check Kew’s visitor guide for gate times, access, parking and ticket details.
Christmas at Kew. Photograph by Ollie Dixon, courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
