Kew’s Magical Christmas Lights Trail Will Bring One Million Lights To The Gardens

Christmas at Kew is a magical experience – and it’s back for 2021.

Kew Gardens will bring the light, colour, and a healthy sprinkling of Christmas magic back to south-west London this winter. Their lovely lights trail is amongst the very best of London’s Christmas lights, turning the gardens into a festive enchanted woodland from November 17. I mean, just look at this:

Given the fact many festive events – including Winter Wonderland – were cancelled last year, the fact that the Kew Gardens Christmas trail actually went ahead was a welcome tonic indeed. Now, it’s back for a ninth year, Kew are continuing their new route from last year through the trees with their new installations. Yep, that means more lights, more colours, and more Christmas. For starters, you’ll find one million lights twinkling in the branches and boughs…

Featured along the two-kilometre trail will be a glittering tunnel of bells, huge, illuminated seed heads, and branches full of glowing Will-o’the Wisps. The iconic Temperate House will be illuminated with dynamic laser projections, and Kew’s Treetop Walkway will be home to what they’re calling a “dazzling treetop waterfall”, in what amounts to quite a departure from last year.

Some old favourites will be returning, mind you. The scented fire garden from last year will make a reappearance, as will Kew’s singing holly bushes. Meanwhile, the Palm House will be lit up with a full spectrum of colours, as light beams and water jets combine for a spectacular finale, complete with some certified Christmas bangers. They’re super keen to get this Christmas party started, which is actually rather welcome given the state of the world right now…

Clouds of mistletoe will hang from the branches, perfect for a cheeky festive smooch. Aside from the lights, you’ll find vintage fairground rides, Santa and his elves, and a whole host of warming winter drinks. I don’t want to imagine what their electricity bill will be at the end of this, but I know that it’ll definitely be worth it!

Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE. Nearest station is Kew Gardens. Find it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: November 17 until January 9, 2022 –  time slots un between 4.20pm and 8pm (event closes at 10pm daily).
Entry: adult prices from £21.50 – tickets on sale here.
More information: on their website.

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Also published on Medium.