Kew gardens reservation for lights open!

Are you talking about Chistmas at Kew? Those have been on sale for months.

I will be there in November.

Enjoy!!! I was there last year and it's fabulous!

I had thought the sale opened in September! I clearly am out of the loop.

And your trip report was influential in me deciding to go to London at Christmas time.

I believe pre-sale opened in February, and regular tickets soon after.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/fyi-christmas-at-kew-gardens-2026-dates#top

Harrods just opened up their Christmas store:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9LCfDrM8Qc

When it gets a little closer, we’ll have to start a thread for when all the lights and Christmas markets open. Although, since you’ll be there mid-December, everything will probably be open then.

Are you aware of this special exhibit on Queen Elizabeth?

https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/queen-elizabeth-ii-her-life-in-style/the-kings-gallery-buckingham-palace

It has been getting rave reviews and tickets quickly sell out. They do currently have availability for Dec.

Carrie--I think a list of when things open would be helpful. As you say, everything probably would be open by the time I am there but I still think it would be useful to have a list in one place.As you can tell, I am not quite on top of everything as you are are!!!

I did know about the Queen Elizabeth exhibit but haven't bought tickets yet. My husband has no interest but says he will go with me. Having been to costumes museums with him, I would rather go alone. So we need to sort that out but quickly!

I’m glad you got your tickets for Christmas at Kew! It’s so fun!

We were in London for the last 2 weeks of November last year and loved it. Kew Gardens lived up too the hype; as did the decorations in London.

Yes, I am excited! I enjoyed your trip report last year.