Last updated: 11 November 2024
Plan your festive season in Southall with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it for the first time, this guide showcases the best of Southall's holidays.
Popular among locals and visitors alike, Christmas at Kew transforms the gardens into a magical wonderland adorned with stunning light displays. The enchanting experience continues with Hogwarts in the Snow, where you can explore the iconic film set decked out in festive decorations. And don't forget the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, featuring a myriad of attractions from ice skating to German markets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Southall 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 event featuring a 3km light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens, showcasing glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Enjoy festive delights from independent street food vendors and glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas at Kew
Covent Garden Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas decorations and lights in a historic marketplace setting.
- Description
- Covent Garden Christmas Village features over 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls, with a 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 lights. The Market Building is transformed into a festive forest with seasonal goods and holiday food. Santa's sleigh is on display for photo opportunities, and there are mulled wine stations and festive menus across over 100 dining destinations.
- Where
- London | More Info : Covent Garden Christmas Village
Christmas Tree Lighting in Trafalgar Square
- What to Expect
- Historic tradition of a Norwegian spruce tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a 25-metre-high Norwegian spruce, decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with vertical strings of energy-efficient lights. It is a gift from the people of Norway to London, symbolizing gratitude for Britain's support during World War II.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting in Trafalgar Square
Southall Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
- What to Expect
- UK's largest open-air ice rink and diverse festive activities.
- Description
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a six-week event featuring a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, and food. It includes an open-air ice rink, carnival rides, a Christmas market, and live shows. Visitors can also explore themed areas like Santa's Grotto and the Magical Ice Kingdom.
- Where
- London | More Info : Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Selfridges Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Luxurious holiday shopping with exclusive brands and beauty products.
- Description
- Selfridges Christmas Market offers a curated selection of seasonal gifts, luxurious items, and exclusive beauty products, creating a sophisticated holiday shopping experience.
- Where
- London | More Info : Selfridges Christmas Market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional alpine-style chalets with diverse street food and drink options.
- Description
- The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a vibrant riverside experience with traditional alpine-style chalets, indulgent drinks, and scrumptious street food. Enjoy truffle burgers, duck wraps, and sweet treats like Dutch pancakes and chocolate-smothered fruit while browsing gifts, jewelry, and decorations made by independent creatives.
- Where
- London | More Info : Southbank Centre Winter Market
Southall Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Leicester Square Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Olivier Award-winning cabaret show with all-new acts and beloved favourites.
- Description
- La Clique returns to Leicester Square Spiegeltent for its 20th anniversary, featuring daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, and raucous comedy.
- Where
- London | More Info : Leicester Square Christmas Market
London Palladium Pantomime
- What to Expect
- Timeless tale of Robin Hood with stunning sets and comedy.
- Description
- The London Palladium Pantomime presents a spectacular rendition of Robin Hood, starring national treasure Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary as Robin Hood. The show features a talented cast, including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp, and Rob Madge, alongside West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Expect stunning sets, rip-roaring comedy, and incredible special effects in this West End spectacle.
- Where
- London | More Info : London Palladium Pantomime
The Nutcracker by English National Ballet
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- English National Ballet's Nutcracker is a captivating ballet that brings to life Clara's fantastical adventure on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. With over 100 dancers and musicians, this new production combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
- Where
- London | More Info : The Nutcracker by English National Ballet
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
- What to Expect
- Big-hearted adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale with innovative staging.
- Description
- Matthew Warchus' big-hearted production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne. This classic tale of redemption features a talented cast and innovative staging, bringing the timeless story to life in a vibrant and engaging way.
- Where
- London | More Info : A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
Charles Dickens Museum Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas experience in the historic home of Charles Dickens.
- Description
- Explore Charles Dickens' home, decorated as it would have been during his time, with guided tours and festive activities.
- Where
- London | More Info : Charles Dickens Museum Christmas Events
Southall Other Holiday Activities
Hogwarts in the Snow
- What to Expect
- Iconic Harry Potter sets dressed in festive decorations and snow.
- Description
- Explore iconic Harry Potter sets transformed into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, Christmas trees, and authentic props. Discover how sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley are dressed for the holiday season, and learn about the filmmaking techniques used to create the snow.
- Where
- London | More Info : Hogwarts in the Snow
Ice Skating at Somerset House
- What to Expect
- Unrivalled skating experience in a historic courtyard with festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Ice skating at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with skating lessons, contemporary music, and gourmet dining options.
- Where
- London | More Info : Ice Skating at Somerset House
London Transport Museum Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Interactive sleigh rides and festive story screenings.
- Description
- London Transport Museum offers a variety of Christmas activities, including interactive sleigh rides, festive story screenings, and family trails through its galleries. Visitors can also enjoy winter crafts, a winter poster parade, and delicious seasonal treats.
- Where
- London | More Info : London Transport Museum Christmas Events
Christmas Special Bus Tours
- What to Expect
- Interactive Paddington-themed tour with a built-in screen.
- Description
- Embark on a Paddington-themed afternoon tea bus tour through Central London, passing iconic landmarks like Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral. Enjoy a specially crafted menu featuring marmalade sandwiches and a Paddington-guided animation of the tour.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Special Bus Tours
London Festive Boat Party
- What to Expect
- Silent disco experience with multiple DJs and stunning Thames views.
- Description
- Join Silent Sounds for an unforgettable Christmas special silent disco boat party on the Thames. Cruise past London's iconic landmarks while dancing to disco classics, rock, pop, and Christmas hits. Choose your channel on the headphones and enjoy an epic night out with Mariah Carey as your soundtrack.
- Where
- London | More Info : London Festive Boat Party