Kew Gardens - Christmas Light Walk

So much has happened these last six months and I have much to post, so I thought I would start with our latest adventure: Kew Gardens at night.  It was nearing 50 degrees F so it didn't feel very Christmas-y to us. But we were excited to explore the beautiful park.  I had traveled to Kew Gardens with the American Women's Club a month before but this was Patrick's first visit.  I look forward to going back in the Spring and the daylight.  

Dark comes late and early here in London, rising around 8:02am and setting at 3:52pm today. Lots of darkness these days. But when visiting a Christmas light production, the darkness is ideal.  

We enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich, trying to be in the best spirits to enjoy the festivities.  We started the festive trail and walked through 8-10 holly bushes wrapped in lights, each with a speaker emitting a different voice part. I enjoyed the sensory overload of lights and sounds. 

As we continued down the path, this magnificent tree was well illuminated.  Interesting view to see all of the branches of the tree, definitely a different view then summer. 

In the distance, we could see flames (controlled flames), so we continued down the path. As it was late Thursday evening, I didn't anticipate a large crowd, but unfortunately, I was wrong. There were many people, and large family groups so our movement was limited to following the pack which did bring back some unpleasant memories of China and just masses of people jostling you. But we tried to enjoy the views.  Then we came upon a large field with trees surrounded by small flames in jars. Each tree had flames surrounding the bottom of the tree and then the flames lead to this tree with a phoenix at the top.
To be honest the whole scene was fairly bizarre and didn't quite understand the statement the exhibit was trying to display. Unless there is a story in English literature that I'm unaware of about the Christmas phoenix? Maybe the fire represented the ashes the phoenix was reborn of -a somewhat odd analogy to the birth of Christ?

After the odd fire display, the scene turned much more festive with dangling lights, and even a light/water show on the main lake with timed lighting against the infamous Palm House. It was a pretty view on a beautiful (and rare) clear night in London. I probably wouldn't spend the money to go again unless we had a rare white London Christmas. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the lights. Lots of good potential.  Of course, there were kid's rides, a cafe and gift show. Even Santa arrived. 

I guess I'm jaded about Christmas-unless it's freezing outside, just doesn't feel quite like we've made it through Advent yet.  Ahh well, it was a fun date night, good to be enjoying the beautiful London evening. Here's more photos: 

Merry Christmas!