The Kew light trail runs from 13 November to 3 January, 4.20pm to 10pm. New this year: an animated willow tree and a meadow that responds to music.
Christmas at Kew 2026: dates, tickets and what’s new
London’s best-known Christmas light trail is back at Kew Gardens. Tickets are on sale now and the popular December dates go first.
Dates and times
13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, on selected dates, from 4.20pm to 10pm. You book a timed entry slot.
Tickets
Child tickets (ages 4 to 15) start at £20 and under-4s go free. Adult prices go up on peak dates near Christmas, so the November evenings are the cheapest.
What’s new in 2026
- An animated willow tree
- A meadow of giant flowers that react to music
- Adults-only evenings on Thursday 3 and Wednesday 9 December
- Quiet Access sessions, calmer and less crowded, on 21 November and 1, 16 and 26 December
The trail is about 3km long, so wear comfortable shoes.
Getting there
Use Victoria Gate on Kew Road if you come by Tube (Kew Gardens station, District line and Overground) or bus. Elizabeth Gate is closer to Kew Bridge rail station. Brentford Gate is only for people who have booked parking.
Also new: Winter Palace at Hampton Court
Hampton Court Palace has a new indoor Christmas show this year, Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball, from 28 November to 3 January. It has mythical beasts, puppets, projections and live performers, and it is included in the normal palace ticket.
More festive dates in our Christmas in London 2026 calendar and Christmas lights switch-on guide.
Sources
- Kew: Christmas at Kew
- Kew: everything you need to know
- Gardens Illustrated: Christmas at Kew 2026
- Londonist: winter light trails 2026
- Historic Royal Palaces: Winter Palace
- Visit London: Winter Palace
- DesignMyNight: Winter Palace
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Dates and prices can change, so check with each venue before you go. Photo: Steve Elliott / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
