Of London’s many festive events, Christmas at Kew must be right up there. Following the cancellation of several events in 2020, the Christmas Trail at Kew Gardens still went ahead, and now it’s back for its ninth year. Running up until 9th January 2022, and with only a few tickets remaining, there is still time for you and your family to get that last sense of Christmas joy, as the New Year approaches.
For starters, the various displays and installations are lit up by one million lights, which can be enjoyed along the 2.6km trail. There is a set path to follow, to ensure the best views of the stunning illuminations, with several photo opportunities along the way!
Enjoy the family fairground, with a classic Car and Train ride, a Vintage Carousel, and, of course, a Helter Skelter!
Wander past Spheric, a spectacular dome of lights sat on a reflective pool of water. Furthermore, the Christmas Cathedral, a glistening tunnel of seed-head shaped fairy lights, provides the perfect selfie opportunity.
The Temperate House is illuminated with a range of colour changing projections, whilst the Palm House combines colour, light beams, and water jets, for a stunning finale. A video is seamlessly projected above the Palm House Pond, to enhance this visual and audible display.
There is also a variety of independent food traders along the trail, where you can choose from jerk chicken, to halloumi fries, to toasted marshmallows. The loaded hot chocolate was a particular highlight of mine! Alternatively, dine in at the festive-themed Pavilion Bar and Grill, or take away from the Victoria Plaza Café.
In summary, Christmas at Kew is a stunning must-see event for all age groups, and is undeniably one of London’s best festive attractions. So, whether it be this year, or next, I strongly encourage you to make a worthwhile winter’s visit, to the world-famous botanical gardens at Kew, as it certainly won’t disappoint.
