Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive season in Catford with our itinerary guide. Discover all the top holiday events and activities. Whether you're intimately familiar with Catford or just getting to know it, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
Popular events include the enchanting Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, where visitors can immerse themselves in a magical atmosphere filled with rides, festive markets, and seasonal treats. You'll also find the Covent Garden Christmas Market, boasting a delightful array of artisanal stalls and entertainment that captures the spirit of the season. And definitely don't forget the Southbank Centre Winter Market, which showcases a stunning riverside experience complete with food and craft vendors. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Illuminated botanical garden with seasonal lights and sounds.
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights feature a 3km illuminated trail with twinkling lights, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. The event includes larger-than-life illuminations, a fire garden, and festive food vendors offering hot food, sweet treats, and spiced winter warmers.
Where: London | More Info: Kew Gardens Christmas Lights
Iconic Christmas tree gifted by Norway, towering over the lively square.
Each year, Trafalgar Square hosts a grand Christmas tree, a symbol of goodwill given by Norway. This stunning tree, adorned with thousands of lights, stands proudly in the square, attracting visitors who come to appreciate its beauty and the festive atmosphere surrounding it. The surrounding area is often filled with music and seasonal cheer, making it a central point for holiday gatherings in London.
Where: London | More Info: Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Traditional Christmas decorations and activities in a historic market setting.
Covent Garden Christmas Market features iconic decorations, including over 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls. The market offers a variety of festive activities, such as Mulled Wine stations, Santa's sleigh, and a 60ft Christmas Tree. Visitors can also enjoy mouth-watering festive menus and gift shopping across hundreds of brands.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas Market
Traditional alpine-style chalets with diverse street food options.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a delightful experience along the Thames, featuring traditional alpine-style chalets with indulgent drinks and scrumptious street food. Browse gifts, jewelry, and decorations made by independent creatives while enjoying mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre Winter Market
UK's largest open-air ice rink and diverse festive activities.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a six-week event featuring a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, and food options. It includes an open-air ice rink, themed bars, and festive markets. Visitors can enjoy rides, shows, and meet Father Christmas in a family-friendly environment.
Where: London | More Info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Timeless tale of Robin Hood with stunning sets and costumes.
The London Palladium Pantomime presents Robin Hood, a spectacular show starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Julian Clary as Robin Hood. The production features stunning sets, costumes, and comedy, with a talented cast including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp, and Marisha Wallace. Expect a thrilling adventure filled with laughter and special effects.
Where: London | More Info: London Palladium Pantomime
Unrivalled skating experience with gourmet dining and live music.
Skate at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with unrivalled skating, contemporary music, and tasty food and drink. Enjoy skating lessons, Chilled Out sessions, and trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks. Exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays and gourmet dining at The Chalet add to the festive atmosphere.
Where: London | More Info: Somerset House Ice Rink
Immersive exploration of Dickensian London's historical sites.
Explore the vibrant streets of Victorian London with Charles Dickens London Walks, tracing the author's life and works through iconic locations like Chancery Lane, Gray's Inn, and the River Thames. Discover the inspirations behind his novels, from the blacking factory to the Old Curiosity Shop.
Where: London | More Info: Charles Dickens London Walks
Strolling through decorated streets with mulled wine and hot cider.
Join a delightful pub walk through London's twinkling streets, sharing mulled wine and hot cider while exploring the city's festive atmosphere.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Lights Pub Walk
Community-driven faith discussions and activities for all ages.
King's Church Catford offers a variety of events, including Alpha, a weekly discussion series exploring faith and life, and Rainbow Rhymes, a free bounce and rhyme time for babies and toddlers. The Men's Morning provides an opportunity for men to come together and be inspired about their faith. The Baby Thanksgivings event is a time for parents to dedicate themselves to raising their children in God's ways.
Where: Catford | More Info: The Feast at King's Church Catford
Community-driven, meat-free meals for those in need.
FoodCycle Lewisham offers a free, sit-down vegetarian hot meal on Saturdays at the Lewisham Irish Community Centre. The meals are prepared with care by volunteers and provide a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Where: Lewisham | More Info: FoodCycle Lewisham Christmas Meals
Fundraising event with a relaxed 17km cycle ride.
Join Njinga Cycling for their 12th Annual Santa Charity Cycle, a 17km ride from Richmond to Hampton, delivering gifts to children at Shooting Star Children's Hospice. Participants must wear a Santa suit and bring a gift for a child.
Where: London | More Info: Njinga Santa Charity Cycle