Here’s everything you need to know about all the festive light trails opening across south London this festive season.
As we count down to Christmas, a number of south London’s most popular festive light trails will be opening this month.
We’ve rounded up some of the best light shows we think you shouldn’t miss for Christmas 2023 and everything you need to know about them.
Christmas at Kew
Where? Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
When? November 15 to January 7, 4:20pm to 10pm
How much? Prices start at £22.50 for adults, £15 for children (4-15) and £69 for families (2 adults + 2 children). Children under 4 and essential companions go free. Kew members get a reduced rate.
One of the most popular and highly anticipated light trails is making a return this Christmas to the scenic location of Kew Gardens in south west London.
The popular botanical gardens in Richmond will be illuminated with a range of botanical themed displays focused around biodiversity.
This year's theme centres around the environment, encouraging guests to care for our planet and Kew's role in educating its many visitors on plants and fungi.
The Christmas at Kew event, in collaboration with John Lewis, will feature 3-metre high illuminated flowers, as well as Kew’s longest ever light tunnel.
Christmas at Eltham Palace
Where? Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP
When? December 1 to January 1, 4pm-8:30pm
How much? Prices start at £20.50 for adults, £15.25 for children (3-16), and £14.63 for families (2 adults + 2 children). Children under 3 and carers for disabled people go free.
Returning with a brand-new installation this year, the historic location of Eltham Palace will be illuminated for Christmas in partnership with Kilimanjaro Live.
This year's event will feature displays to blend in with the natural surroundings of the castle grounds, along with a new installation named “Halo”, created by Illumaphonium.
Guests can also enjoy food and drink at the cafes, and from vendors serving warming cocktails to sweet treats.
Greenwich Sparkle In The Park
Where? Avery Hill Park, Bexley Road, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 2PQ
When? November 30 to December 3, 4:30pm-9pm (the final day will include a quiet hour)
How much? Free, no ticket required - but be prepared to queue for entry.
Returning to Avery Hill Park for its fourth year is Sparkle in the Park, run by the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
This year the historic Winter Garden building will be lit up for Christmas, and visitors will have the chance to explore the festive light trails, listen to carols and explore the Christmas market.
There will also be a quiet hour held on Sunday, December 3 for visitors with sensory sensitivities, where the music will be reduced and there will be no flashing lights, with a smaller number of people during that time as well.
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Where? Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
When? November 13 to January 7, 4pm-11pm
How much? Free
Located in Southbank, this free outdoor light show within walking distance of Waterloo and London Bridge stations will feature colourful installations created from artists such as David Batchelor and Jakob Kvist.
Guests can choose to explore the trail freely or take a map to guide them around, which will explore themes from identity to the environment and technology.
Wimbledon Festive Light Trail
Where? Cannizaro Park, West Side Common, Wimbledon, SW19 4UE
When? November 23 to December 17, 5pm-9pm
How much? Adults £12, Concessions £11, Children (5-15 years) £5.50, Under 5's free.
Over the festive season Cannizaro Park will be illuminated for Christmas, offering guests a chance to explore a colourful 45-minute trail.
For the little ones, Father Christmas will also be making an appearance on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Monday, December 4, with tickets costing £4 and proceeds being donated to children’s homes.
Food and drink stalls will also be available throughout the trail, serving festive treats from mulled wine to marshmallows for toasting.
For guests with wheelchairs or other mobility needs there will be a slightly shorter accessible trail available.
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