Last updated: 11 November 2024
Celebrate the charm of Heston this holiday season with our guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, our guide brings you the best of Heston's festive season.
One of the highlights of the local festivities is the enchanting Christmas at Kew, where the gardens are illuminated with stunning light displays that create a magical atmosphere. Featuring an array of seasonal delights, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers a delightful mix of rides, markets, and festive entertainment for all ages. And the iconic Hogwarts in the Snow is something you definitely don't want to miss, as the wizarding world transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with snow-covered roofs and festive decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Heston Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Kew
- What to Expect
- Illuminated botanical garden with festive food and drink options.
- Description
- Christmas at Kew is a spectacular light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens, featuring twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive food vendors. The event includes glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and larger-than-life illuminations. Visitors can also pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas at Kew
Blenheim Palace, Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Illuminated light trail with a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland.
- Description
- Blenheim Palace transforms into a vibrant winter spectacle with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, and sparkling decorations. The historic Palace and Gardens come alive with a festive atmosphere, featuring a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland and a brand-new illuminated light trail. The event also includes a Christmas Market in the Great Court, offering festive goodies and street food stalls.
- Where
- Oxfordshire | More Info : Blenheim Palace, Winter Wonderland
Heston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional German-style wooden chalets with festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere and stunning location, featuring handpicked high-quality exhibitors in traditional German-style wooden chalets. Visitors can enjoy festive lighting, Christmas carols, and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon, making it an authentic Christmas experience with many services and events.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market
Heston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Narnia
- What to Expect
- Live performances and interactive characters in a festive setting.
- Description
- Step into the world of The Nutcracker at Leeds Castle, where beautifully decorated rooms and live performances bring the classic tale to life. Explore a winter wonderland filled with towering nutcracker soldiers, shimmering snowflakes, and elegant ballerinas. Delight in meeting live characters inspired by the story and marvel at stunning Christmas trees.
- Where
- Maidstone | More Info : Christmas at Narnia
Lapland UK
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical experience with personalized invitations and activities.
- Description
- Step through a secret doorway into the mythical homeland of Father Christmas, Lapland, where children can help the Elves make toys, decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas, ice skate, and meet the reindeer before a personalized visit with Father Christmas.
- Where
- Ascot | More Info : Lapland UK
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
- What to Expect
- Large-scale festive event with diverse attractions and activities.
- Description
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a six-week event featuring a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, and drinks. It includes an ice rink, rollercoasters, themed bars, and festive shows. Visitors can explore the Magical Ice Kingdom, enjoy traditional German cuisine, and meet Father Christmas in Santaland.
- Where
- London | More Info : Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Winter's Tail, Chessington World of Adventures
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas Village with Father Christmas and toy-making activities.
- Description
- At Winter's Tail, Chessington World of Adventures transforms into a vibrant Christmas celebration with a new Christmas Village, featuring Father Christmas' cozy grotto, Enchanted Hollow's toy workshop, and a variety of festive rides and attractions. Enjoy a festive day out with your family, including a Christmas Panto and animal meet-and-greets.
- Where
- Surrey | More Info : Winter's Tail, Chessington World of Adventures
Heston Other Holiday Activities
Hogwarts in the Snow
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas experience with meticulously transformed Harry Potter sets.
- Description
- Step into the iconic Harry Potter sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where the Great Hall is transformed with gold decorations and a mouth-watering banquet. Explore fan-favourite sets dressed in festive Christmas scenes, including the Gryffindor Boys Dormitory and Diagon Alley. Discover authentic decorations and learn the secrets behind the never-melting snow used in the film series.
- Where
- Watford | More Info : Hogwarts in the Snow
Hampton Court ice rink
- What to Expect
- Historic ice skating experience with scenic palace views.
- Description
- Skate through history at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's historic home. Enjoy a delightful experience on the ice, indulge in festive refreshments, and explore the palace's gardens and historic chocolate kitchen.
- Where
- London | More Info : Hampton Court ice rink
Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath
- What to Expect
- Interactive breakfast experience with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- Step into Santa's Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath, where twinkling lights and festive treat trails await. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with pancakes, full English options, and hot drinks. Meet Father Christmas and tell him all your Christmas wishes. Participate in festive storytime with Santa and claim a free present.
- Where
- Hounslow | More Info : Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath
Christmas at Audley End
- What to Expect
- Traditional gift-giving session with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Join Father Christmas at Audley End for a special storytelling session around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling, meet Father Christmas and receive a traditional gift. Children of all ages are welcome.
- Where
- Essex | More Info : Christmas at Audley End
Christmas Santa Experience, Tulley's Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa visit with a sleigh ride and gift-making activities.
- Description
- At Tulleys Farm, the Christmas Santa Experience offers a unique and enjoyable day out for all ages. The event includes a 3D cinema, an ice skating rink, a Christmas market, and a visit to Santa's cabin in the woods. Children can enjoy a sleigh ride, meet Santa, and choose a gift from the elves' workshop or make their own. The event is set within the beautiful woodland grounds of Tulleys Farm, creating a festive atmosphere with traditional wooden huts and decorations.
- Where
- West Sussex | More Info : Christmas Santa Experience, Tulley's Farm