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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Celebrate the best of the holidays in South Croydon with our detailed guide. For those who breathe South Croydon air daily and those just sampling it, our guide brings holiday magic to life.

Popular events include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a festive extravaganza featuring charming markets, thrilling rides, and entertaining performances that enchant visitors of all ages. The atmospheric Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic offers a fresh, theatrical twist on the classic tale, inviting audiences into a world of spirit and redemption. And the Skate at Somerset House is something you definitely don’t want to miss, with its stunning ice rink set against a backdrop of beautiful architecture. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

South Croydon Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Vintage Routemaster bus tour with live commentary.

Description:

Travel through London's iconic streets on a restored 50-year-old Vintage Routemaster bus to see the city's spectacular Christmas lights. The tour features live commentary from a local guide as you pass by Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Knightsbridge, including the Houses of Parliament and the famous Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square.

Where: London | More Info: Christmas Lights Tour on a Vintage Routemaster Bus

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What to Expect:

Pedestrianised High Street with live performances and fairground rides.

Description:

Join fellow Orpingtonians as we mark the start of the festive season with Light Up Orpington. The event features a full line-up of live music and dance, festive family entertainment, and a range of stalls. Enjoy fairground favourites, including a carousel, helter-skelter, and Ferris wheel, as well as a Manak Solicitors Virtual Reality Experience. Santa will be inside The Walnuts, and there will be free face painting and craft sessions.

Where: Orpington | More Info: Light Up Orpington

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What to Expect:

Twinkling lights and festive shopping in historic Belgravia.

Description:

Witness the enchanting Belgravia Christmas light switch-on party, where Elizabeth Street is illuminated with twinkling lights. Shop for unique gifts in Belgravia's independent shops, meet Father Christmas and his reindeer, and say hello to The Snowman from Sadler's Wells.

Where: Belgravia | More Info: Belgravia Christmas light switch-on party

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What to Expect:

Colour-changing LED lights on a giant real Christmas tree.

Description:

The Lord Mayor of London will switch on the Christmas lights at Leadenhall Market, unveiling an 18ft giant real Christmas tree with a colour-changing LED light display, complementing large baubles and beautiful fir tree garlands. The twinkling light tunnel returns, bringing festive cheer to Beehive Passage.

Where: Leadenhall | More Info: Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights switch-on

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What to Expect:

Spectacular fireworks display and light show.

Description:

Join us on King's Road for a day of family fun and festive cheer as we celebrate the start of the holiday season with a spectacular light switch-on event. Enjoy a festive market, face painting, and seasonal entertainment, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display and light show.

Where: Chelsea | More Info: Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch On

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What to Expect:

A stunning gift tree from Norway, beautifully illuminated for the holiday season.

Description:

A towering evergreen stands proudly in Trafalgar Square, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and traditional decorations. Each year, this iconic tree is a gift from Norway, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations. Surrounding the tree, visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with the sounds of carollers and the sight of seasonal cheer.

Where: London | More Info: Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

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South Croydon Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Free festive activities and entertainment in Guildford town centre.

Description:

Join Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford for a free festive family fun day in Guildford town centre. The event features music, dance, and drama performances, face painting, and a colourful Christmas market. Enjoy live music in pubs and bars, children's workshops, and a visit from Santa. The event also includes a Bigmouth Christmas disco and sparkling Christmas lights.

Where: Guildford | More Info: Guildford Festive Family Day

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South Croydon Holiday Shows and Entertainment

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 skating rink, carnival rides, live music, and themed areas like Santa's Grotto and the Magical Ice Kingdom.

Where: London | More Info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

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What to Expect:

Haunting adaptation of Dickens' classic with exceptional set and costume design.

Description:

Jack Thorne's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic Theatre features John Simm as Ebenezer Scrooge, directed by Matthew Warchus. The production includes stunning set and costume design by Rob Howell, with music composition and arrangement by Christopher Nightingale. The cast includes Rob Compton as Bob Cratchit, Raffaella Covino as Swing/Dance Captain, and Jenny Fitzpatrick as the Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs Fezziwig.

Where: London | More Info: Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic

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What to Expect:

Live orchestra performance with iconic song "Walking in the Air".

Description:

Raymond Briggs' The Snowman is a heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved picture book and film, featuring colourful sets, extravagant costumes, and exuberant dancing. The story follows a boy and his snowman as they embark on a magical adventure, meeting woodland creatures and international snowmen along the way.

Where: London | More Info: Raymond Briggs' The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre

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What to Expect:

Unique blend of music genres and festive food.

Description:

Modcast In The City - A Xmas Party is a vibrant celebration featuring top DJs, roast dinners, and a diverse range of music genres including R&B, Northern Soul, Jazz, Ska, Funk, and more. The event takes place over two floors at the Singer Tavern in London, offering a lively atmosphere for all attendees.

Where: London | More Info: Modcast In The City - A Xmas Party

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What to Expect:

Iconic K-Pop event with 3 DJs and 3 rooms.

Description:

Join Heaven Nightclub for an unforgettable K-Pop Winter Rave, featuring three DJs, three rooms, and an array of Asian cultural performances including tribute acts, balloon drops, confetti, glitter, and laser shows.

Where: London | More Info: HEAVEN KPOP WINTER RAVE

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What to Expect:

Colourful scarecrows, penguin feeding, and big sandcastle building.

Description:

Join Peppa Pig and her family and friends for a fun-filled day at the zoo and beach, packed with songs, dance, and muddy puddles.

Where: London | More Info: Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

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What to Expect:

High-energy theatrical adaptation with brilliant puppets.

Description:

Join Tall Stories for a fun-filled adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's best-selling picture book, "Room on the Broom." The show follows a witch and her cat as they travel on their broomstick, picking up hitch-hikers along the way. When the broomstick snaps, they must face a hungry dragon. This Olivier Award-nominated show is perfect for children aged 3, featuring high-energy performances with catchy songs and brilliant puppets.

Where: London | More Info: Room On The Broom

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What to Expect:

Immersive, interactive Nativity play with outdoor scenes.

Description:

The Nativity Journey at Wintershall is an immersive theatre experience where you stand with the shepherds, walk with Mary and Joseph, and journey with Roman soldiers to witness the miracle of the Nativity. Suitable for all ages, it offers a powerful and unreconstructed telling of the Christmas story.

Where: Bramley | More Info: The Nativity Journey at Wintershall

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What to Expect:

Renowned West End performer Kerry Ellis leads a festive concert with local talent.

Description:

Join Musical Theatre's Kerry Ellis for a captivating Christmas concert at the Leatherhead Theatre. Featuring heart-warming classics and modern favourites, Kerry's stunning vocals bring these familiar songs to life. With a live onstage band and special guests, this evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the season.

Where: Leatherhead | More Info: Kerry Ellis Does Christmas

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What to Expect:

Authentic soul revue experience with unlimited dancing.

Description:

South Coast Soul Revue presents a farewell Christmas soul and funk party featuring two outstanding lead vocalists, funky horns, and a tight rhythm section, playing classic and contemporary soul music reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder.

Where: Cranleigh | More Info: South Coast Soul Revue's Christmas Soul & Funk Party

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What to Expect:

Classical choral music performance by a local amateur society celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Description:

The South Nutfield Choral Society presents a winter concert featuring a diverse range of sacred and secular music, including works by Fauré, Handel, and Britten, performed by a small, friendly choral society based in South Nutfield, Surrey.

Where: South Nutfield | More Info: South Nutfield Choral Society Winter Concerts

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What to Expect:

Live orchestral performance of a beloved animated Christmas classic.

Description:

A special screening of 'The Snowman' film accompanied by a live orchestra, featuring some of the UK's finest professional musicians. The show includes a fun introduction to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, with additional short films like 'The Snowman and the Snowdog' and 'The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle.'

Where: Guildford | More Info: The Snowman' film with live orchestra

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South Croydon Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Unrivalled skating experience with contemporary music and gourmet dining.

Description:

Skate at Somerset House offers an unparalleled ice skating experience in the heart of London, set against the stunning backdrop of Somerset House's iconic courtyard. Enjoy skating lessons, chilled-out sessions, and trailblazing DJs, along with gourmet dining at The Chalet and festive cheer at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel.

Where: London | More Info: Skate at Somerset House

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What to Expect:

Panoramic tour of London's landmarks with a traditional dinner and Midnight Mass.

Description:

Join a panoramic tour of London's beautifully illuminated landmarks, followed by a traditional three-course dinner and a special Midnight Mass at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Enjoy the city's history and traditions while celebrating Christmas cheer.

Where: London | More Info: Christmas Eve Tour with Dinner & Midnight Mass

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What to Expect:

Special Santa-themed train ride with gifts and activities.

Description:

Join Denbies Santa Express for a special ride through the vineyard, including a Santa passport, Reindeer and Elf Game, and a gift at the end of your ride.

Where: Dorking | More Info: Denbies Santa Express

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