Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the festive charm of Thamesmead with our holiday event guide. Whether Thamesmead is your backyard or a new destination, our guide reveals the top holiday activities.
One of the highlights of the season is the enchanting Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, featuring stunning light displays and a bustling Christmas market. The unique illuminated trails and botanical beauty of Christmas at Kew also offer a delightful holiday experience. And the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a variety of festivities and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Thamesmead Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Kew
- What to Expect
- Illuminated botanical garden walk with festive food and drink options.
- Description
- Stroll through Kew Gardens' illuminated trails, featuring twinkling lights, festive food, and seasonal sounds, amidst the garden's lush greenery and botanical wonders.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas at Kew
Kenwood Christmas Lights Trail
- What to Expect
- Festive lighting and artwork in a historic setting.
- Description
- Explore Kenwood's beautifully illuminated grounds and historic house, featuring stunning artwork and festive decorations.
- Where
- London | More Info : Kenwood Christmas Lights Trail
Thamesmead Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southbank Centre's Winter Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of art, entertainment, and shopping.
- Description
- The Southbank Centre's Winter Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring spectacular shows, luminous art, and a wondrous Winter Market offering a range of festive treats. The event includes modified social benches, shopping opportunities, and unique installations like Klaus Weber's Thinking Fountains and William Pye's Zemran sculpture.
- Where
- London | More Info : Southbank Centre's Winter Festival
Christmas Markets at Covent Garden
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas decorations and unique gift shopping.
- Description
- Covent Garden's Christmas markets feature over 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls, along with a 60-foot Christmas tree and mulled wine stations. The market offers a variety of handmade and antique gifts, festive menus, and a reconditioned 1884 sleigh for photo opportunities.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Markets at Covent Garden
Turning Earth Highgate Winter Market
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade ceramics and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Turning Earth Highgate Winter Market features over 110 talented ceramic makers showcasing their wares, accompanied by live music, street food, and mulled wine. This decade-long tradition offers a perfect occasion for Christmas shopping or indulgent gifts.
- Where
- London | More Info : Turning Earth Highgate Winter Market
West Norwood Feast
- What to Expect
- Community-driven market with diverse food, crafts, and sustainable products.
- Description
- West Norwood Feast is a volunteer-powered street market festival held on the first Sunday of every month from April to December. It features over 100 market stalls across four hubs: Village Green, Food Fair, Fresh 'n' Green, and Artisans’ Market. The event offers a variety of street food, local produce, unique crafts, and sustainable products, along with free music and children’s activities.
- Where
- London | More Info : West Norwood Feast
Thamesmead Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
- What to Expect
- UK's largest open-air ice rink and diverse festive attractions.
- Description
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a six-week festive event featuring over 200 activities, including an open-air ice rink, thrilling rides, and spectacular shows. Enjoy a variety of entertainment, food, and drink options amidst a picturesque winter setting.
- Where
- London | More Info : Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Christmas Carol Concerts at St. Paul's Cathedral
- What to Expect
- World-class music and celebrity readings in an iconic cathedral setting.
- Description
- Join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class music and festive readings from celebrity guests at St Paul's Cathedral, supporting the vital work of Blood Cancer UK.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Carol Concerts at St. Paul's Cathedral
Carol Singing in Trafalgar Square
- What to Expect
- Traditional carol singing sessions without PA systems.
- Description
- Join carol groups in Trafalgar Square for traditional, intimate performances beneath the Christmas tree. Each group will have a one-hour slot to sing festive carols, raising money for various charities.
- Where
- London | More Info : Carol Singing in Trafalgar Square
Hackney Empire Pantomime (Aladdin)
- What to Expect
- Traditional pantomime with a London twist and disco-dancing Genie.
- Description
- Hackney Empire's Aladdin pantomime is a traditional and entertaining production featuring a London twist. The story follows Aladdin, who falls for Jazz, but her father, Mildew Funk, wants her to marry a billionaire. The villainous Abby-na-zaaar and the disco-dancing Genie add to the fun, with Clive Rowe delivering a standout performance as Widow Twankey.
- Where
- London | More Info : Hackney Empire Pantomime (Aladdin)
Eltham Palace Christmas Illuminations
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical journey through an art-deco mansion.
- Description
- Eltham Palace transforms into a vibrant winter setting with interactive storytelling, captivating performances, and stunning art-deco architecture, offering a unique blend of history and festive entertainment.
- Where
- London | More Info : Eltham Palace Christmas Illuminations
St-Martin-in-the-Fields’ Pop-up Winter Bar
- What to Expect
- Cozy winter bar with festive drinks and heaters.
- Description
- St Martin-in-the-Fields’ Pop-up Winter Bar offers a cozy and festive atmosphere with mulled wine, Christmas cocktails, and pizzas, all under the glow of fairy lights and cosy heaters.
- Where
- London | More Info : St-Martin-in-the-Fields’ Pop-up Winter Bar
Thamesmead Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at Somerset House
- What to Expect
- Unparalleled skating experience with Swiss-inspired winter vibes and exclusive events.
- Description
- Ice skating in the historic courtyard of Somerset House, featuring skating lessons, contemporary music, and gourmet dining options.
- Where
- London | More Info : Ice Skating at Somerset House
Santa Charity Cycle
- What to Expect
- Community-driven charity event delivering gifts to life-limiting illness patients.
- Description
- Join Njinga Cycling for their 12th Annual Santa Charity Cycle, a 17km ride from Richmond to Hampton, delivering gifts to children at Shooting Star Children's Hospice.
- Where
- London | More Info : Santa Charity Cycle
The Great Christmas Pudding Race
- What to Expect
- Teams balancing Christmas puddings on trays through a festive obstacle course.
- Description
- The Great Christmas Pudding Race is a unique charity fun run in London's iconic Covent Garden, where teams of four in fantastic fancy dress outfits navigate a fun-filled festive obstacle course while balancing Christmas puddings on trays.
- Where
- London | More Info : The Great Christmas Pudding Race
Christmas Special Bus Tours
- What to Expect
- Interactive Paddington-guided animation of London landmarks.
- Description
- Embark on a Paddington-themed afternoon tea bus tour through Central London, featuring iconic landmarks and a delightful menu.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Special Bus Tours
Thames River Cruises
- What to Expect
- Scenic river cruise with live expert commentary.
- Description
- Embark on a 40-minute circular boat tour along the River Thames, witnessing iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. Expert commentary in multiple languages provides insights into London's history and top landmarks.
- Where
- London | More Info : Thames River Cruises
Urban Axe-Throwing Christmas Event
- What to Expect
- Unique axe-throwing experience with expert instructors.
- Description
- At Whistle Punks, experience an unrivalled social extravaganza with expert hosts, mouth-watering food, and drinks. Enjoy instructor-led axe-throwing sessions, perfect for groups, and perfect your technique in a 70-minute experience.
- Where
- London | More Info : Urban Axe-Throwing Christmas Event