Last updated: November 11, 2024
Join your neighbors in festive fun in Ilford! Our guide highlights all the community events and activities. Whether you're here every year or just this once, our guide will show you the best of Ilford's holiday season.
Popular events abound during this joyous time, starting with the enchanting Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show, where the gardens come alive with colorful illuminations. Experience the charm of the season on a vintage bus as you explore the Christmas Lights Tour, showcasing the beautiful decorations adorning the streets. And the Ice Skating at Winter Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful outdoor rink perfect for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Immersive light installations and seasonal food offerings in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show features twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and larger-than-life illuminations amidst the botanical gardens' stunning landscape.
Where: London | More Info: Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show
Vintage bus tour with live commentary.
Explore London's iconic Christmas lights on a vintage bus tour, passing through Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square, with a live guide sharing festive facts and stories.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus
Traditional Norwegian spruce decorated with energy-efficient lights.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a 50-60 year old Norwegian spruce, over 20 meters tall, selected from Oslo's forests with great care. It is felled in November, transported to London, and decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with energy-efficient lights. The tree remains in Trafalgar Square until Twelfth Night, symbolizing gratitude for Britain's support during World War II.
Where: London | More Info: Trafalgar Square Christmas market
Iconic London streets transformed into a vivid light display celebrating the holiday season.
The streets of London come alive with stunning illuminations that dazzle pedestrians and passersby alike. Iconic shopping destinations are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere ideal for evening strolls. Each year, unique displays feature various themes, showcasing the creativity that marks the holiday season in the capital.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Lights on Regent & Oxford Street
Traditional alpine-style chalets with diverse food and gift options.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a variety of traditional alpine-style chalets along the Thames, featuring indulgent drinks, scrumptious street food, and gifts from independent craft traders. Enjoy truffle burgers, duck wraps, spicy chicken boxes, fresh cut Cajun fries, lobster buns, and sweet treats like Dutch pancakes and chocolate-smothered fruit while browsing gifts, jewelry, and decorations.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre Winter Market
Iconic Christmas tree and festive installations.
Covent Garden Christmas Markets offer a vibrant shopping experience with over 100 dining destinations, festive menus, and exclusive gift shopping opportunities.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas Markets
Unique blend of traditional and modern holiday shopping.
Spitalfields Christmas Markets offer a variety of seasonal items, unique gifts, and festive food, creating a lively shopping atmosphere.
Where: London | More Info: Spitalfields Christmas Markets
Seasonal shopping and dining in a historic marketplace.
Greenwich Christmas Market offers a vibrant array of artisanal goods, unique gifts, and international street food amidst a charming historic setting.
Where: London | More Info: Greenwich Christmas Market
Seasonal shopping with local artisans and food vendors.
Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a variety of food stalls, bars, crafts, handmade items, and local produce in the town centre, creating a lively social atmosphere.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and boutique vendors.
The Knebworth Christmas Fair is a three-day event featuring over 250 stalls with Christmas gifts, presents for all ages, and delicious festive food and drink. It offers a unique shopping experience with local artisans and boutique vendors.
Where: Knebworth | More Info: Christmas Fair & Santa at Knebworth House
Riverside event with stunning views and a variety of local artisan stalls
Set along the picturesque River Thames, this event features a spectacular display of lights and local crafts. Visitors can stroll through charming stalls showcasing unique gifts, delicious food, and seasonal beverages while taking in views of iconic London landmarks. Live performances create a delightful atmosphere, enhancing the experience of this seasonal celebration.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas by the River
Largest open-air ice rink in the UK.
Ice skating at Winter Wonderland features the UK's largest open-air ice rink, set under a picturesque canopy of twinkling lights built around Hyde Park's iconic Victorian bandstand.
Where: London | More Info: Ice Skating at Winter Wonderland
Immersive dining experience with theatrical performances and Victorian-inspired cuisine.
Immerse yourself in Victorian London as Charles Dickens guides you through a retelling of 'A Christmas Carol' with a three-course Victorian feast and live music.
Where: London | More Info: The Great Christmas Feast at the Lost Estate
Spectacular cabaret show with all-new acts and beloved favorites.
La Clique returns to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent for its 20th anniversary, featuring a unique blend of daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, and raucous comedy.
Where: London | More Info: Leicester Square Christmas market
Swing band performance of classic Christmas songs.
A spectacular evening featuring a fantastic cast of West End singers and the Jazz All-Stars, performing over 30 beloved Christmas hits, including classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. The show is staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, complete with stunning decor and festive arrangements.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Christmas Crooners at Southend
Unique, kitschy Christmas cocktails in a nostalgic setting.
Miracle at Henrietta is a Christmas-themed bar located in the Henrietta Hotel, Covent Garden, London. It offers a nostalgic and kitschy atmosphere with festive cocktails and decorations, transporting visitors back to Christmases past. The bar features creative cocktails like the Christmapolitan and the Holiday Spiked Chai, served in unique and festive drinkware.
Where: London | More Info: Miracle at Henrietta
Intimate riverside dining in climate-controlled igloos.
Reserve an intimate riverside igloo at Coppa Club, Tower, offering spectacular city views and cozy dining experiences for any occasion.
Where: London | More Info: Reserve an Igloo at Coppa Club
Interactive Christmas experience with Father Christmas and festive activities.
At Audley End Miniature Railway, embark on a festive journey through enchanted woods to visit Father Christmas and his workshop. Meet Mother Christmas and her elves, enjoy an illuminated woodland walk, and create your own reindeer food. Write letters to Father Christmas and participate in interactive storytelling and play areas.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas
Interactive holiday activities amidst a zoo setting.
Colchester Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, animal encounters, and special events like the Santa Experience and Enchanted Trail of Light.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Christmas
Free pass to Father Christmas's grotto included with event ticket.
Join a decorated Christmas Train journeying to Wickford for the Christmas Fayre, where each child's event ticket includes a free pass to visit Father Christmas's grotto.
Where: Southminster | More Info: Christmas Train to Wickford Christmas Fayre