The Ideal Christmas Show
Visitors can browse hundreds of brands for holiday gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal home furnishings across specialized areas like the Personalisation Pavillion and The Merry Little Gift Village. The show features live culinary demonstrations at the Festive Food Stage, DIY styling sessions at Christmas Corner, and admission to the co-located Eat & Drink Festival and The Cake & Bake Show. Guests can also visit Santa's Grotto via Candy Cane Lane, take part in wreath-making and cocktail workshops, or unwind with drinks and live music at Santa's Speakeasy.
What to Expect
London indoor festive shopping, food, and home inspiration experience.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (children under 15 go free with a paying adult)
Neighborhood
Kensington
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Media 10
Food & Drink
Explore the Festive Food Hall and Eat & Drink Festival, watch live food demonstrations, and find seasonal food and festive drinks at Santa’s Speakeasy, which also has live music.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Christmas shoppers and families
Vibe
Festive, busy and inspiring
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Children under 15 go free with a paying adult. – Get tickets
- Hours: Thursday 10am–8pm; all other days 10am–6pm.
- Parking: Parking is available at Olympia London, but spaces are limited; booking in advance is advised.
- Accessibility: Visitors registered as disabled who purchase a ticket can bring a carer free of charge, and manual wheelchair hire is available.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online before the day to skip the queues at the door, although tickets are still sold on entry.
- Book Festive Workshops early, as spaces are limited and they are sold separately from general show tickets.
- Reserve parking at Olympia ahead of time, or take the train to Kensington (Olympia), since parking spaces at the venue are limited.
- Bring the kids along, as children under 15 go free with a paying adult and there are activities for all ages.
- Visit on Thursday if you want more time, since the show stays open later that day than on the other days.
Special Events & Promotions
- New Santa's Grotto, booked separately with the Family Magic Pass. It includes meeting Santa, a family photo and a gift for every child.
- New Festive Workshops, booked separately, include wreath making, festive drinks and chocolate experiences. Spaces are limited.
- The VIP Experience is sold separately, with fast-track entry, a VIP Lounge, a glass of fizz and a goody bag.
- New shopping areas for 2026: The Entertainment Hub, the Personalisation Pavillion and The Merry Little Gift Village.
- Late Nights at the show bring festive afternoons and evenings.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring children?
Yes. Children are welcome and there are activities for all ages. Children under 15 go free with a paying adult.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Buying online in advance is best, so you avoid the queues. Tickets are also sold on the door.
How do I get there, and is there parking?
The nearest station is Kensington (Olympia), served by London Overground and National Rail. There is parking at Olympia, but spaces are limited, so book in advance.
What food and drink is there?
There are cafés, food stalls and the Eat & Drink Festival. The Festive Food Stage has taste tests and ideas for your Christmas table. You can also try the Festive Food Hall, or relax in Santa's Speakeasy with seasonal food, festive drinks and live music.
What does the VIP Experience include?
VIP tickets get fast-track entry and access to the VIP Lounge. You also get a place to leave your coats, a glass of fizz, a festive goody bag and more.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.