Forget the mountains of presents yet to be bought, the imminent mass-scale catering and arrival of your in-laws, and head to Kew Gardens where Christmas is a more gentle affair. Highlights from a series of evening events, which start at 5pm, include a new glittering mile-long trail “guided by snowflakes, which winds its way through the breathtaking landscape, creating a magical after-dark experience”. Not to mention a series of botanically-inspired, large-scale light installations created by French design studio TILT – whose work has featured at Bestival and the renowned Festival of Lights in Lyon. (Imagine 27 individual pieces – the largest of which is 12 metres x 12 metres – and resemble “fireworks frozen in time, including luminous lily of the valleys and imposing thistles”.) For the romantics, there is a secluded spot bathed in fairy lights and bedecked in mistletoe. If you’re more likely to throttle than snog your partner, comfort yourself with mulled wine, spiced cider, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and other sumptuous festive treats. By day, there’s a marvellous Victorian carousel, Snowflake Grotto and an outdoor adventure park. We might just move in.
Day tickets from £9.50; kew.org