London's Kew Gardens unveils Christmas light trail with over a million bulbs
Kew Gardens, London's botanical garden, previewed its winter light trail on 12 November, featuring 24 displays and six global debuts. The trail is open from 13 November to 3 January 2027.
More than a million bulbs were switched on at Kew Gardens, the botanical garden in London, on Thursday 12 November, as it previewed its three-kilometre winter light trail, Christmas at Kew. This year's route includes 24 light displays, six of them global debuts. The trail opens to visitors on 13 November and runs until 3 January 2027.
Main attraction
The centrepiece this year is The Electric Light Symphony, a finale staged outside the Victorian Palm House. Tall jets of water move beneath coloured lasers and projections. Organisers describe it as the largest water fountain show in the UK.
Other installations
The Fire Garden returns, with real flames burning beside glowing sculptures. On the Star and Snowflake Gobo Walk, artificial snow drifts over a lit pathway. The historic Temperate House provides the backdrop for the audiovisual piece New Life, New Love, New Dawn, which is complemented by luminous plants, glowing fungi and kaleidoscopic tunnels.
Among the highlights is Light Rain by ITHACA Studio, which turns Kew's Turkey oak tree into a shimmering waterfall of lights hanging from its branches. Visitors can also see the illuminated Christmas Cathedral, the colourful Bubble Walk and Where Flowers Wait, as well as a traditional fairground with a vintage carousel.
Curators say this edition sets large-scale light installations against the gardens' prized trees and historic structures. The programme includes sensory-friendly sessions and over-18s evenings on specific dates. The event is a regular fixture of London's festive season and draws thousands of visitors after sunset every night.
