Explore the Magic of the Festive Season in London
Christmas is a special time in the UK capital, and these events will ensure you enjoy a fabulous festive season in London at your serviced holiday apartments.
What better way to mark the beginning of the festive season than with a marching band and fireworks? The Lord Mayor’s Show, taking place this year on 8 November, has been taking place for the last 798 years since King John decided that newly-elected Lord Mayors should be required to travel upriver to Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown. One of London's most spectacular annual displays, you can see the fireworks — starting at 5:15 — for miles, though the best view is from the riverside between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges, just 10 minutes from our affordable serviced apartments near Kensington.
Christmas tends to come hand-in-hand with shopping, but Christmas Eve panic buying can be totally avoided by attending the Spirit of Christmas Fair (4-9 November) at Olympia, only about 15 minutes walk or 2 minutes on the tube from our serviced apartments in Kensington. It promises a festive season in London shopping experience like no other, featuring exclusive new boutiques, an eclectic range of gifts, an impressive Food Hall, and a House & Garden Workshop.
The same venue, Olympia London, hosts an entirely different shopping experience when the Hyper Japan Christmas Market comes to town between 14-16 November. Bringing the best of Japan to the heart of the capital, the show has a tempting range of Japanese goods and gifts for all the family. It also offers cultural performances and allows attendees to taste the delicious flavours of Japan.
One for the percussion enthusiasts: The London Drum Show takes place at Olympia, 8-9 November, and its all-star lineup promises to make this show the biggest and best yet.
If winter sport is more your thing, the Ski & Snowboard Show near our Kensington serviced apartments at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, 30 October - 2 November, offers something for everyone from amateurs to seasoned pros. It includes live freestyle demonstrations, fashion shows, lessons for all abilities, après bars, live music, and Olympic athletes.
You can also read: Christmas in London 2025: Where to Go & Where to Stay
London’s biggest pan-city music festival returns between 14 and 23 November, with the London Jazz Festival taking place at various venues and offering a mix of world-class artists and emerging stars. There are also film screenings and talks, which will give attendees an in-depth look at different jazz styles and performers.
To really get you in the festive spirit, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, on November 14th -January 1st, promises something to excite people of all ages. Attractions, rides, Santa Land, Christmas Markets, as well as ice skating, Zippos Circus and the Ice Bar will all be taking over a corner of Hyde Park, only 6 minutes on the tube from our Kensington serviced apartments.
Christmas, for many of us, is all about food. Indulge yourself at the Foodies Christmas Festival on Brick Lane, 28-30 November, which will see a range of culinary activities in the surroundings of Old Truman Brewery. Top chefs will cook live, and experts will show you how to prepare the perfect feast. New features include a Whisky Arena, Ski Bar, Soda Bar, and food and drink matching masterclasses. You can also enjoy the Christmas Feasting Table and take part in cake decorating classes while staying with us at the Presidential Serviced Apartments in Kensington.
Taking place on Saturdays from now until Christmas, the Real Food Market in South Bank Centre Square features dozens of food and drink producers selling seasonal produce. Perfect for shoppers or just those in search of a snack, the market focuses on sustainability and ethically produced food.
It’s the season to be merry, and there’s nowhere merrier than Trafalgar Square when the carol singers are out in force. Between 8-23 December, the Square rings with the sound of carol classics, as various groups sing for charity. Sing along while enjoying one of the refreshments on offer nearby.
The Capital is surely the perfect place to see in 2015. New Year’s Eve in London is spectacular, with an incredible fireworks display along the Thames and the Parade. Hundreds of thousands of people gather for the biggest party of the night and celebrate the New Year.
To make the most of the Festive Season in London, stay at Serviced Apartments — perfectly located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to all the festive fun.
As you immerse yourself in the magic of the Festive Season in London, make sure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible. Consider staying at Presidential Serviced Apartments in Central London for a home away from home experience. Located in the heart of the city, these apartments offer the perfect base for exploring all that London has to offer during this special time of year. Enjoy the festivities to the fullest and make this holiday season one to remember in the best Holiday Apartments in London.
