Omega Holidays

‘A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland.’

If you’ve ever been elbowed by hordes of grumpy Christmas shoppers on the high street, you might feel that you’ve been robbed of the sparkly festive joy promised by the song.

Not this year, though. This year, you shall have your winter wonderland. Oh yes, you shall.

Today’s Big Deal whisks you off to the Kew Gardens Christmas Illumination Spectacular, a magical after-dark experience. Once there, you’ll follow a winding mile-long trail lit by over a million lights, bumping into Santa, elves and singing trees along the way.

This is your chance to explore one of the world’s greatest gardens while it’s under a glittery, shimmery festive spell.

Seasonal magic

This Big Deal offers return rail tickets to London from Glasgow or Edinburgh, a one night stay in a four-star Central London hotel with full breakfast included, plus timed entry to the Kew Gardens Christmas Illuminations.

The offer is based on two people sharing a standard double or twin room.

If you’d like to make a long weekend of it, you can add an extra night for £65 per person. Please contact Omega Holidays directly about this.

Travel by train

The best way to travel at Christmas time is, of course, by sleigh. The second best way is by rail as you’ll get to pass through various towns and cities all lit up by festive lights. If that doesn’t get you into the Yuletide mood, nothing will.

Then once you’re in London, you’ll be at your central hotel in no time without any long treks from the airport.

Winter Wonderland

During the festive season in Kew, a fairytale night garden appears with a winding trail of music and lights.

The one-mile walkway takes an hour or so to complete, and along the way you’ll encounter light ribbons, gigantic baubles and larger-than-life flora. The illuminated installations are created by some of the world’s best lighting designers, plus there’s a dazzling laser show at the Palm Garden.

You’ll also be able to explore the Fire Garden, a vintage fairground with a carousel and helter-skelter, and a North Pole Village selling handmade crafts, jewellery and ceramics.

White Peaks cafe will be there to welcome you at the end with spiced cider, mulled wine and hot chocolate (you can even gather around the fire to toast your own marshmallows).

And before leaving, you’ll be able to browse the Kew Gardens shops for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers.

Christmas shopping heaven

When you arrive on the Saturday, you’ll be busy checking into your stylish London hotel, then heading off to Kew Gardens for the Christmas illuminations. But on Sunday you’ll have time before your train back home to fit in some gift shopping and sightseeing.

We suggest you make the most of this by fuelling yourself with your full English breakfast at the hotel, then heading to the shopping hub of your choice.

Which to pick? Well, Knightsbridge is home to Harrods while Oxford Street has all your favourite high street stores. Bond Street is where to go for luxury shops, Covent Garden is great for fashion, jewellery and crafts while Camden Market is chock-full of quirky one-off finds.

London also has its fair share of Christmas markets, including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Southbank Centre Winter Festival and the Christmas Market at Tate Modern (just make sure to leave room in your luggage to carry home all your presents).

Choice of Central London hotel

You have a choice of two 4-star hotels to stay in, both in great locations:

Tower Hotel

This is a stylish riverside hotel overlooking Tower Bridge, St. Katharine Docks and The Tower of London.

The hotel’s Brasserie restaurant offers panoramic views over the Thames and a menu specialising in international cuisine. Before you dine, you can relax with a pre-dinner drink in the uber-chic Xi Bar and Lounge.

Rooms include flat screen TVs with freeview, complimentary mineral water, hot drink making facilities, air conditioning and a safe. The hotel has free wifi throughout.

Grosvenor Hotel

This sweeping Victorian Railway hotel is just along the road from Buckingham Palace – if that fact doesn’t impress you then the chandelier-lit lobby will.


The Grosvenor has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, combining its 19th century heritage with state-of-the-art facilities. There are various dining options on offer in the hotel, including the Grand Imperial restaurant for Cantonese gourmet food.

All rooms have quality beds, free wifi, flat screen TVs with Freeview, iPod docks, complimentary mineral water and hot drink making facilities.

Happy visitors

The Kew Gardens Christmas Illumination Spectacular has received enthusiastic reviews on Trip Advisor, including the following shortened comments:


‘A leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens with many lovely illuminated displays, with the piece de resistance being the fountains display in front of the stunningly illuminated Palm House with musical accompaniment. An excellent 90 minute adventure and highly recommended.’

‘The Christmas at Kew Experience is indeed magical. A clear if chilly evening in darkness is perfect for the mile long trail which can take between 1.5 and 2 hours. Whilst a good path and even surface for wheelchairs, the route is not ideal for those less well-footed due to the darkened conditions but increased illumination would detract from this magical walk…the sights and sounds are completely captivating. From burning candles and singing trees, dancing fountains and dazzling snowflakes, this is a wonderful experience…a magical 2 hours.’

‘Even before embarking on the winter trail we found the combination of the night and the backlit trees and foliage to be quite stunning and when we actually got on the trail and away from the bunching crowds the whole evening was rather special. Top marks go to the Twin Peak’s style singing Holly Bushes and the warmly atmospheric Fire Garden.’

Festive escape

The lead up to Christmas can be hectic, but you can take time out to enjoy the magic of the season at the Kew Gardens Christmas Illumination Spectacular. Plus you’ll have time to fit in some present buying too.

This Big Deal gives you the chance to enjoy some sparkly Christmas wonder in style. It would make the ideal shopping trip for two, romantic escape or even surprise early gift for a loved one.