Even in deepest winter, the capital dazzles with sparkling illuminations and festive trails – Anna Frame has rounded up some of the
best to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, always puts on a sparkling show with its magical outdoor adventure, Christmas at Kew (13 Nov-3 Jan). Christmas has been celebrated for centuries here – in the 1790s, Queen Charlotte decorated a huge tree bough in Kew Palace and invited her court to witness the display. You’ll find today’s decorations are much more cutting-edge, with jewel-coloured illuminations, glittering tunnels of light and immersive soundscapes. Little ones will love the gingerbread walk and life-sized Nutcracker figures, while everyone will be mesmerised by the dancing flames in the Fire Garden. After you’ve strolled along the three-kilometre-long route, grab a hot chocolate and some toasted marshmallows to warm you up, or a plate of hearty street food, then let your hair down in the vintage fairground. And yes, Father Christmas will be making an appearance!
If you prefer to stay in central London, be sure to get a ticket for Luminiscence at Westminster Cathedral, an awe-inspiring sound and light show which has had its run extended due to its huge popularity. This immersive 360-degree video projection illuminates the marble, mosaic-filled interior of the country’s Catholic mother church with kaleidoscopic colours. Paddington star Hugh Bonneville narrates the story of London alongside the light show and a dramatic soundtrack of classical music performed by the Lux Aeterna choir. If you’re here in the run-up to the Big Day, a series of 12 Christmas Orchestra Nights will feature festive classics and carols performed by the 14-piece orchestra – the acoustics in this cavernous cathedral are amazing, so you’re in for an absolute treat.
The prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea plays host to Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations, which take over the sweeping
grounds (25 Nov-28 Dec). Stroll under starry skies through a light trail filled with large-scale art installations and soundscapes, before heading to the free-to-enter Chelsea Winter Village, where a Christmas market, nostalgic fairground rides, a bandstand and restorative spiced cocktails await.
