Every year London just gets better, the displays become brighter and better and I am here for it.
Isn’t it a magical thing to be able to decorate an entire city? The effort that goes into these displays, from the design phase to actually putting it all up, then the mammoth task of taking it down in January, it’s something many of us don’t even consider.
I used to think New York was the most magical Christmas city but I do think london really gives it a run for its money. But then I consider all the sweet European towns in places like Germany, France, Czech Republic and Poland. We are so lucky hey? To have a period of the year that is so sparkly and spectacular!
This beautiful Italian restaurant is @daphneslondon, on a quiet street in Chelsea. If you want to experience it, make sure you book in advance. It’s known for having one of the best bauble displays in the city and everyone wants to see it!
Picture yourself getting lost in a winter-themed market, taking advantage of exclusive offers in some of the world’s most stylish stores, enjoying a leisurely horse and carriage ride around historic streets, and maybe – just maybe – catching sight of a reindeer. All that, in the centre of London? Welcome to the Christmas season, Chelsea-style.
On Saturday 19 November, Chelsea will light up to mark the start of the festive period, and from then until Saturday 24 December, the locale is set to offer a host of Christmas delights.
Keen to know more? Here are some of this year’s highlights…
Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On
Get ready for an entire day devoted to light, plenty of free entertainment, shopping and eating: set a reminder for Saturday 19 November now.
Featuring live acts on stage on the King’s Road, and roaming entertainment across the neighbourhood, there is something for visitors of all ages. Get there in the daytime and explore the open-air market before heading to the artisan-makers village to observe some mesmerising talent on display. Glass bauble blowing and wrapping paper marbling are on the agenda, so it is bound to be a popular choice – book your ticket in advance so you don’t miss out. And for little makers, The Fashion School is offering a complimentary class to learn how to create a Christmas stocking.
With exclusive events and promotions on offer at many of Chelsea’s best-loved shops and restaurants, including festive bubbles, gifts with purchase and styling sessions, there is also some serious shopping and dining to be done. There are plenty of opportunities to warm up whilst doing so too, with pop-up hot chocolate and mulled wine carts outside Al Mare, Olivia von Halle and RIXO.
Take five minutes to relax afterwards, treating yourself to a horse-drawn carriage – a complimentary one of course, departing from the end of Pavilion Road.
With Father Christmas rumoured to be making an appearance around the time of the Christmas Lights Switch-On (5pm) – with reindeer in tow, who you can meet for yourselves at Duke of York Square – the day closes with an awe-inspiring fireworks display, guaranteed to set the skies of SW3 aglow.
When: Saturday 19 November, 11am-5pm
Where: Sloane Square, Sloane Street, Pavilion Road, Duke of York Square, King’s Road and across Chelsea, chelseachristmas.co.uk
The Winter Terrace at Sloane Square
If you are planning a seasonal catch-up with friends or perhaps an imaginative date night, head to Sloane Square. Throughout November and December, you can eat and drink alfresco in beautiful Alpine-style huts, pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto, festively scented by Diptyque who has opened a new flagship store on Sloane Street, just a snowball’s throw away. And why not challenge your company to some Bavarian curling, one of the oldest winter sports? It’s all the components of a truly memorable get-together – pre-book to avoid disappointment and remember your sturdy shoes.
When: Saturday 19th November to Saturday 24 December
Where: Sloane Square, chelseachristmas.co.uk
Carolling and culture in Chelsea
How would you like to sing carols this year? With a host of West End stars in an evening presented by Matt Lucas? Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra? By candlelight? Alongside Michael Ball and Lord Julian Fellowes in aid of Childline? Whatever your preference, make sure you check out the fantastic line-up at Cadogan Hall.
The Saatchi Gallery is open too, should you need to warm up from the cold. The must-see exhibition The New Black Vanguard is on display until January, celebrating Black creativity through incredible art and fashion photography. And next door, Saatchi Store is the perfect spot to pick up some stocking fillers.
When: throughout December
Where: Cadogan Hall, cadoganhall.com, and Saatchi Gallery, saatchigallery.com
Great new brands and restaurants in Chelsea
Chelsea’s shopping hotspots – Sloane Street, Pavilion Road, Duke of York Square and the King’s Road – are home to many international flagships, designers and independents, with highlights, to name a few, including Soho Home Studio, Ralph Lauren, The Anya Village and Anine Bing. This winter, it welcomes some new windows. Womenswear brands Self-Portrait, Reformation and Wyse – great choices for party outfits – are hitting the King’s Road, while fragrance heavyweight Diptyque, who has opened a new flagship store on Sloane Street, simply a snowball’s throw away.
Allbirds has recently launched in the area – January running shoes, anyone? – and French beauty concept store Oh My Cream! is set to open its doors there imminently too.
If that wasn’t enough, the UK’s first Cantinetta Antinori restaurant will land just off Sloane Street in early 2023. Italian wine and food lovers are in for a New Year’s treat – get ready.
When: November and December, and January 2023
Where: across Chelsea
Visit chelseachristmas.co.uk for further details on the Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On programme, store activations and offers, along with information on Sloane Square’s Santa’s Grotto, how to book Bavarian curling, festive menus, and other Christmas activities
Christmas markets in London
A quick guide to London at Christmas
We are so lucky get to have a period of the year that is so dreamy and sparkly….I used to think New York was the most magical Christmas city but I do think london really gives it a run for it’s money.
