Christmas in London is unlike that of any other city, and as the big day draws closer we’ve collated some of our favourite Christmas events across London that really get us into the festive spirit.
Ealing Christmas Market: Until the 24th December.
Feast your eyes on the food at Ealing’s annual Christmas Market! This wonderful staple of west London Christmases is open once again until the 24th December. Try the gourmet cheeses from around the world, some giant chocolate marshmallows, or the delectable marinated olives for a culinary treat.
But the snacks aren’t the only thing on the Broadway this year! Solo singers and choirs give the market a real movie-like feel to the market. And, located outside the shopping centre, it’s ideal for some last-minute shopping too.
Ealing Christmas Market, The Broadway, London, W5 5JY.
Nearest Station: Ealing Broadway (Underground, 0.3 miles).
Christmas dinner at The Elgin, Notting Hill: 25th December.
Nothing beats the traditional Christmas Day dinner – except when it’s cooked by the chefs at one of London’s best rated eateries.
A three-course meal at The Elgin on Ladbroke Grove comes with, amongst many dishes, scallops for starters, goose fat potatoes with the main, and brandy butter ice cream with your Christmas pudding.
Reserve seats quick to avoid disappointment – this is one meal you absolutely cannot miss!
The Elgin, 96 Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill, London, W11 1PY
Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove (Underground, 170 yds).
The Nutcracker Ballet, The London Coliseum: Until 12th January 2025.
The English National Ballet first took The Nutcracker to the West End in 1950, and in the more than 70 years since it has been a hit. With Tchaikovsky’s sumptuously elegant score, the definitive Christmas performance once again makes its mark on stage.
A family performance that everyone comes to love, tickets to see the Land of Snow are a must-have. Whether it’s your first time, or your umpteenth, we’re sure you’ll come to adore this marvellous display of Christmas tradition.
The London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4ES
Nearest Station: Leicester Square (Underground, 0.2 miles) OR Charing Cross (Underground, 0.1 miles)
Carols by Candlelight, Kensal Rise: 22 Dec 2024, 5 p.m.
There’s nothing quite like carol singing to really mark the festive cheer – and there aren’t many places better to hear the comforting melodies of Christmas than St Martin Church in Kensal Rise.
With carols being sung by candlelight to really set the mood, as well as mulled wine and mince pies galore, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more memorable experience than here.
St Martin, Mortimer Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 5SN.
Nearest Station: Kensal Rise (Overground, 0.3 miles)
Christmas at Kew, Richmond: Until the 5th January.
For those looking for a more peaceful celebration, look no further than Kew Garden’s enchanting Christmas light trail.
Vibrant and colourful, the Garden’s kaleidoscope of colour is the perfect escape for a festive walkabout that pairs the natural beauty of Kew’s tropical plant life with the man-made illuminations.
The show ends on the 5th of January, so be sure to check them out soon!
Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE.
Nearest Station: Kew Gardens (Underground, 0.2 miles) OR Kew Bridge (Mainline, 0.8 miles).
Gymboree Christmas, Wandsworth Park: 18th December, 2:30-4pm.
Whether it be opening presents, praying for a white Christmas, or leaving out a mince pie and some milk for Santa, Christmas is the most special time of year for the little ones.
The festive season is every child’s favourite time of year, so let their seasonal spirit run wild at Wandsworth’s Gymboree.
A real treat for parents and kids alike, Gymboree’s Christmas parties are back by popular demand, combining teacher-led activities with parent-child learning sessions.
For little tots from 16 months to five years, Gymboree’s festive learning experiences provide a sense of wonder for the tots experiencing their first Christmases.
Gymboree, Unit D Park House, 14 Northfields, London, SW18 1DD.
Nearest Station: East Putney (Underground, 0.7 miles) OR Wandsworth Town (Mainline, 0.8 miles).
Living in London means you’re spoiled for choice for festive fun – and this year is no exception. From convivial community events to epic celebrations at much-loved locations, we’re sure you’ll love these fantastic Christmas festivities.
