The Christmas adverts have officially taken over our screens, and this can only mean one thing: ‘tis almost the season to be jolly! So make the most of what the season has to offer with our guide to some of the merriest events taking place around London in the coming weeks.
CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN – CHRISTMAS FAIR
Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December 2013
10am – 4pm
Chelsea’s botanic garden is holding a two-day Christmas fair where you will be able to find everything from plants and gardening gifts to jewellery, clothes, ceramics and chutneys and other festive goodies. Don’t miss the crafty Christmas workshops where the whole family can have a go at making seasonal decorations, gifts and cards.
Adults £5
Under 16s Free
CHRISTMAS AT KEW – THE ILLUMINATED TRAIL
28 November 2013 to 4 January 2014
4.30pm – 10pm
Explore the one-mile-long illuminated trail as it winds its way through the gardens and discover Kew’s landmarks in a festive light. You can wander through the Christmas Village for some nibbles and carols, visit Santa in his woodland grotto, and find the perfect gift in the boutique Christmas market.
Adult: £12.50
Children (5yrs -16yrs): £8.00. Children under 5 go free
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children, 5yrs -16yrs): £38.00
COVENT GARDEN GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE
Saturday 7 December 2013
11am
Putting a festive twist on the traditional egg and spoon race, this festive jolly sees teams of six don fancy dress and attempt to navigate a course littered with flour-filled balloons, foam jets and other surprises, all while balancing a Christmas pudding on a flimsy plate! It’s all in aid of Cancer Research, so head down to Covent Garden piazza to field a team of your own or to cheer them all on.
£25 registration fee for teams
Free to watch
HAMPTON COURT PALACE – FLORIMANIA AT CHRISTMAS
Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2013
Demonstrations 11am and 3.30pm
William III’s apartments are glorious at any time of year but, decorated with beautiful Christmas floral arrangements inspired by traditional carols, they are more stunning than ever. You’ll discover how they were made and you can watch demonstrations of wreath making and table centrepiece arranging in the Orangery, too.
Florimania at Christmas is included in the general admission ticket price.
JIMMY’S FARM – CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 December 2013
10am – 4pm
Music and mulled cider set the mood at this Christmas extravaganza offering everything from stocking fillers to festive tipples. Not to be missed is the cookery demonstration from the Skinny Jean Gardeners on the Saturday afternoon from 2pm - follow it up with a stroll around the veg gardens to see where all the produce comes from. There’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained too, with carousel rides, face painting, and a visit to Father Christmas in his roundhouse grotto.
Entry and parking are free