The beloved Christmas at Kew returns, featuring brand-new installations and world premieres that transform Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Richmond, UK, into an enchanting nighttime spectacle. Since 2013, this festive event has delighted visitors, setting a benchmark for light trails across the UK. By highlighting the beauty of nature after dark, it offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories. This year’s trail will include perennial favourites like the glowing pea-lit trees, the festive funfair, and the charming Christmas Cathedral.

Exciting New Installations and World Premieres

This year, visitors can enjoy two world premieres, exclusive to Christmas at Kew. Ombre by TILT features vibrant, oversized blooming plants that emerge dramatically from the landscape. Threshold by Studio Vertigo is an illuminated helix-shaped structure, glowing in warm golden hues to embody the season’s joy.

The enchanting Camellia Walk will be transformed into a snowy passage, offering breathtaking views of the tree canopy. Additional highlights include Fish are Jumping by Dutch artists TOER and the atmospheric Mist Arches by Culture Creative, adding a magical ambience to the Lake Crossing.

Returning Favorites

Beloved features such as the stunning light show on the Temperate House and the evocative Fire Garden make their return. The Palm House finale promises another breathtaking display, showcasing Kew’s iconic glasshouse in a dazzling presentation. Along the route, illuminated plants and trees create a vibrant spectacle, allowing visitors to marvel at nature in a fresh light.

A Sustainable Celebration

Aligned with Kew’s 2021-2030 Sustainability Strategy, Christmas at Kew is designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Kew partners with suppliers to lower the event’s environmental impact annually. The gardens were the first World Heritage Site globally to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation in 2005, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management.

Sustainability measures include the extensive use of LED lighting, with plans to achieve 100% LED across all installations in the coming years. Additionally, all event generators now run on renewably sourced biofuel.

Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Kew, remarked:
“Christmas at Kew remains a highlight of the year, and this year’s trail is shaping up to be a magical spectacle. We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience the beauty of Kew Gardens by night, featuring innovative new installations alongside much-loved favourites.”

Glow Wild at Wakehurst

Meanwhile, Kew’s Wakehurst Gardens in Sussex hosts the Glow Wild event, celebrating its 11th year. Visitors can explore bespoke installations and marvel at the world’s largest living Christmas tree.

Tickets for Christmas at Kew and Glow Wild are available at kew.org.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, continues its vital mission to preserve biodiversity and combat the extinction crisis. Through research, partnerships, and community support, Kew protects plant and fungal diversity, shaping a sustainable future for all.