Christmas at Kew

Lights!

On Wednesday I took my first trip to Christmas at Kew (I am going again with some friends next time). And it was really cold!

Entrance

They have lit a lot of the trees along with path (about a mile long) as well as the exhibits, which are themed for obviously Christmas. There are also plenty of places to get food and drinks. :) 

Creepy tree

5 golden rings

4 calling birds

3 french hens

2 turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

I really loved the light tunnel. To music of course.

Dancing elf.

Santa did not look this creepy in real life.

I ate at the fair ground, and I am really hoping we will again. I had tartiflette, basically baked potato, cheese and bacon. So nice. And they have rum punch and mulled cider and wine. No, I did not try all of them. But will give the other a shot next week.

They have a few fair ground rides. Why do carousel horses always look slightly demented?

Freaking out!

And some rosters as well

Lantern garden

I thought I read they were getting rid of the Hive. Thankfully they aren't (yet at least). And it looks great lit up.

The Hive

Looking up

 I also found a secret little stop which most people seem to miss. Unfortunately it was way too cold to sit outside and enjoy it.

Also hoping to visit again next, there is a stall selling amazing giant marshmallows next to open pits you can roast them over. (This is one US tradition I miss.) The strawberry and Champagne marshmallows were very nice. (Though an open fire is better. You can get them crispier!)

Roasting marshmallows.

Stags head.

Giant Candles.

More elves.

The grans finale is the light show over the pond and against the palm house. Very impressive. And it was so cold the pond/lake was frozen over. 

Snow flakes.

Drama.

I loved it! I can't wait to go again! And I am definitely in the Christmas spirit now. I have also brought a tree (a little smaller than I expected but it going to be dressed soon!). 

In other news, I spent today in hospital again, thanks to a vicious can which sliced open my finger last night. And would not stop bleeding. After 16 hours, I figured enough was enough. And spent 3 hrs in urgent care to make sure it was ok. It is. Just painful and gross. And I am still of occasionally bleeding on things! (Doing the tree tomorrow and my christmas wrapping is going to be interesting.)