We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Christmas at Kew 2023, set to return for its 11th year featuring brand new displays.
Christmas at Kew is set to return to Kew Gardens on November 15, marking its 11th year since its first in December 2013.
This year eight new installations are set to feature, in partnership with high street retailer John Lewis.
The theme of Kew Garden’s festive light trail is named “One Small Thing”, and invites visitors to support biodiversity and help protect plants.
The trail takes inspiration from the natural world, and aims to encourage visitors to make small changes to protect the environment.
This year's display will feature a brand-new installation named Lili by TILT, featuring 3-metre-high illuminated flowers, along with Kew’s “longest” ever light tunnels to feature at the trail.
For the first time since the trail first opened in 2013, Kew’s contemporary art installation, the Hive, designed by Wolfgang Buttress, will also be illuminated for Christmas with over 100 LED lights synchronised to a bespoke soundscape.
Alongside new additions, Kew Gardens will also be welcoming back some visitor favourites, including its Christmas Cathedral featuring a tunnel of light inspired by arched church windows, and a newly designed Fire Garden featuring 300 candles that will illuminate the path to the Temperature House.
The trail will also feature installations from Pitaya, including the returning Spark Ballet installation featuring 24 lanterns filled with lights that will appear to dance to guests, along with their brand new Candles display featuring 100 candles suspended in the air above visitors' heads.
To finish the evening, guests will also have a chance to see Kew’s famous Palm House illuminated from across the lake before finishing their trail.
Food and drink stalls will also be available for guests throughout the trail, along with traditional Christmas dinner served at The Botanical Brasserie.
Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “Christmas at Kew is a magical celebration of Kew’s natural landscape, offering sparkle and festivities during the winter months.
"With an incredible range of brand-new installations and some returning favourites, this year’s trail is guaranteed to be a seasonal spectacle like no other.“
Rosie Hanley, Director of Marketing at John Lewis, said: “John Lewis is delighted to be part of this iconic trail which over the years has become a new Christmas tradition for many to enjoy together.
"As the only brand partner to have ever been integrated into Christmas at Kew, we are excited to unveil our installation for all visitors to enjoy.”
What you need to know
When? 15 November 2023 to 7 January 2024 4.20pm to 10pm (last entry 8pm)
Where? Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Closest station: Kew Underground Station
How much?
- Non-member adult: Off peak £22.50, Peak £29
- Member adult: Off peak £19.50, Peak £24
- Child (aged 4-15): Off peak £15, Peak £19
- Child (under 4): Free
- Family - Off Peak £69, Peak £86 (2 adults & 2 children)
- Essential companion: Free
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