Kew at Christmas

Cheryl, I have not been to Kew at Christmas but here is a thread from last year that talked about the wonders of the Christmas lights at Kew, and ever since then, I've had that in the back of my head for a future trip.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/christmas-lights-at-kew-gardens-qmg

ETA: So basically I would suggest booking as soon as possible. And take me with you. :-)

I am shocked that so many times are still open for November.

I've gone to Christmas at Kew twice now. It changes every year and every year it is absolutely fabulous.

The Victoria Gate is the main entrance and it is the one I have used both times. I really can't answer the part of your question about the Elizabeth Gate. I have always gone to Kew by tube and then walked the few blocks to the Victoria Gate. Restroom facilities, food booths and the gift shop are located here.

Arrival is timed, but there is no time limit or forced departure. (well, maybe at the end of night ) There are food stalls available at the Victoria Gate and throughout the Gardens. People often spend a fair amount of time. It has been about 2 hours for me each time. There is a marked path that you follow (one direction) through the gardens. There are lots of people, but they are usually moving and moving at their own pace. I have always gone for one of earlier entry times so I am not sure about what the later times feel like.

Strategies: Get tickets early. Sounds like you are right on that! Bring a small flashlight. There are parts of the path that are quite dark and difficult to see in places. Use the restroom upon arrival, it won't be as convenient after that. Expect to have fun!

What I love about Christmas at Kew (besides the fabulous displays) is that I feel like I am taking part in a British Celebration with many locals, not just tourists.

I didn't know that other gates were available for Kew at Christmas. When I went a few years ago everyone queued up at Victoria Gate, which makes a lot of sense given the layout of the walking route.

I have gone to Christmas at Kew for the last three years and am planning on going again this year. The convenience of the gates is dependent upon your transportation. I choose the Victoria Gate as I am traveling by the Underground. The Elizabeth Gate is most convenient if you are traveling by National Rail and the Brentford is if you are driving.

The first time I went, I chose the 7:00 time and it was more crowded, the last two times, I went when it was first open. You need to line up about 15/20 minutes in advance, but the line moves quickly and you will have fewer crowds than when you go later in the evening. Going early allows me to have dinner either near Kew or back in London at a reasonable time. Once you are there, it takes a few hours to enjoy depending upon how many stops you make along the way.

You can probably enter at the Elizabeth Gate and follow the lights to the main displays and booths, it’s not far. If not, you can easily talk the no. 65 bus (direction Kingston) round to the Victoria Gate, which is the main gate but one of many. I imagine once you’ve booked you’ll get instructions on where to enter.

Sandy and Carol , thanks for your experiences. Your multiple visits are certainly an endorsement! We probably will enter through Elizabeth Gate since we hope to stay across the street. Though if we have time, Nigel, we might walk to Victoria Gate.

Carol, thank you for mentioning the flashlight! It is also helpful to know how that 2 hours would give a good experience.
I loved this:

What I love about Christmas at Kew (besides the fabulous displays) is that I feel like I am taking part in a British Celebration with many locals, not just tourists.

Amanda, thanks for the reminder of the bus number. We took that bus a few times.
Mardee, find some cheap flights and join us!

Last year was my first Christmas at Kew and I plan to make it a late Dec/early Jan annual tradition! I was traveling solo from the US and was also nervous about arrival times / gate choices / etc. too .. and my top advice is .... worry not!

Go in where it makes sense to go in for the rest of your day, buy the time that is best for your energy level when it gets dark early, and just have fun! You're doing the same loop regardless of where you enter from - so you will see all the same things. You can walk as fast or as slow as you want, spend as much/as little time as you want at the non-light display attractions along the way (bars, playgrounds, food trucks, etc.), and linger at the displays that captivate your (there will be many) and walk faster on ones that don't (there will be some). It was more fun than I could have ever imagined it would be, even alone, and I had high expectations.

All that said, I picked Victoria Gate based on where I was having dinner before (and because I knew where it was based on my one summer trip to Kew) and it felt like that starting point built to a dramatic finale (read: pop/fun dance-y songs with water features as part of the light display) but that also could have been an energizing mid-point starting elsewhere.

Thanks for the words of wisdom, Amy. Such a fun, new tradition!

CanAmCherie- I have my ticket booked for my first Christmas at Kew on Dec. 27. I’ll be arriving by tube, so the website suggested Victoria Gate. I’m so excited to spend Christmas in London and Kew sounds exceptional.

I hope you have a wonderful time! I can hardly wait.
I’ll be tagging along on all Christmas in London threads.

Happy Travels!

We'll miss you by a day. We're booked for Nov 25th at 5pm. We're meeting my mother-in-law's cousin there. He lives in Richmond and recommended the Victoria Gate. I don't know why, but I booked as he suggested.

Oh, no! So sorry I'll miss you Stacie, and Allen! Would be fun to meet! We're in London Nov 22-Nov 26am when we'll head to Kew. then on to Bath 27th. Back to London on Dec 1 or 2, after Highclere. Yes, Victoria Gate is the best from the tube station.