Christmas 2003 at Kew Gardens
29 November 2003 - 4 January 2004
New for this year - open New Year's Day, closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL
Carousel & mini train roundabout
Near White Peaks, Broad Walk
10.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.45pm
Adults - £2 Children - £1
Step back in time for some traditional family entertainment.
Winter Exposed photographic exhibition
29 November 2003 - 30 January 2004
White Peaks
A stunning new photographic exhibition from UKlandscape exploring the diversity of British landscape in Winter. The exhibition is sponsored by EPSON UK Ltd.
Seasonal guided walks
11.00am and 2.00pm every day
Departing from the Guide’s Desk, Victoria Gate Centre
Hour long tours of the Gardens highlighting winter flowers and scented plants.
Winter rural display
North End of Princess of Wales Conservatory
An atmospheric rural scene where snow is guaranteed!
DAYTIME EVENTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Father Christmas in his Winter Wooded Dell
Saturdays & Sundays, plus weekdays 18, 19, 22, 23 December 12noon - 3.30pm White Peaks
Visit Father Christmas as he spreads his seasonal magic in the Gardens.
Steam traction engine rides
Saturdays & Sundays, plus weekdays 18, 19, 22, 23 December
10.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.45pm Broad Walk
Adults - £2 Children - £1
Leisurely rides along the majestic Broad Walk.
Live Christmas Music
Saturdays and Sundays 12.00pm - 3.30pm
The Orangery and Victoria Gate
Hear your Christmas favourites with performances by Alberti Brass at Victoria Gate, and Bell Savage Vocal Quartet or a harpist while you dine in the elegant Orangery restaurant.
Festive food handling sessions
Saturdays and Sundays from 29 November - 21 December
12.00am - 3.00pm drop-in sessions Museum Number 1
Explore the incredible variety of festive foods from the plant kingdom with Kew’s volunteer guides.
Christmas tree walks
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12.00pm & 2.30pm
Leaving from the Temperate House (the entrance facing the Evolution House)
Banish winter gloom with bracing walks through the stunning landscape. Explore the Pinetum with Kew’s volunteer guides and find out about the different types of trees used around the world for decoration during the festive season.
EVENING EVENTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Free late night openings
Friday and Saturday evenings 5, 6, 12, 19, 20 December from 4.15pm to 8.00pm
(entrance via Victoria Gate and Main Gate only)
Experience the magic of the Gardens at night, lit up with thousands of lights.
Escape from hectic high street shopping in Kew’s two shops packed full of unique, unusual and stylish gifts.
Visit Father Christmas in his Winter Wooded Dell at White Peaks from 5.00pm - 7.40pm, or ride on the Victorian mini-train roundabout and carousel near White Peaks.
The Orangery restaurant provides an elegant setting to enjoy light meals listening to live music on a harp or from Bell Savage Vocal Quartet from 5.00pm - 7.40pm. There is also live music from Alberti Brass at Victoria Gate between 4.15pm and 7.45pm.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory is open for evening visits in the atmospherically-lit tropical setting.
Christmas Carol Evening
19 December 6.45pm - 7.45pm
On the lawn in front of Kew Palace
Set your spirits soaring at Kew’s annual Christmas Carol Evening with brass ensemble and choir.
AFTER CHRISTMAS
Story telling - Dreams in a Winter Landscape
26 December - 4 January
Sessions at 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm White Peaks
Enjoy these enchanting tales of nature, as the Gardens sleep through the winter.
Christmas tree recycling at Brentford Gate
29 December - 31 January
FREE ENTRY to the Gardens for visitors who bring their Christmas trees for recycling. Bring your trees to Brentford Gate entrance only.
Steam traction engine rides
26 December - 4 January
10.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.45pm Broad Walk
Adults - £2 Children - £1
Leisurely rides along the majestic Broad Walk.
LOOKING AHEAD DURING 2004
Orchids Exposed 14 February - 14 March Kew’s 10th annual Orchid Festival
Over two hundred thousand exotic orchid flowers from every corner of the globe in unforgettable displays, plus special late night events.
Spring to Life - 27 March - 9 May
Easter activities - 3 - 18 April
Woodland Wonders - 1 - 3 May
For a full listing of events, visit the Kew website at
http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/
