Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday 19 November
A sparkling start to the festive season enjoyed by thousands who joined in welcoming Santa Claus and bringing Christmas cheer to Chelsea
On Saturday 19th November, the neighbourhood lit up for Christmas – and welcomed more people than ever to share in the joyous atmosphere and excitement. The King’s Road was partially pedestrianised for an afternoon of family fun and thousands gathered to enjoy the event, with the day becoming the second busiest ever recorded (narrowly beaten by Chelsea in Bloom 2022), with footfall 35.5% up on last year’s Switch-On. An action-packed day of entertainment, reindeer, horse & carriage rides, a Mini Makers Market and festive food market culminated in a fireworks display as the lights were switched-on by Father Christmas with the support of his special local helpers Vittoria (8) and Filippo (6).
The Christmas lights are sponsored by Cadogan and the King’s Road Partnership, while the event raised profile and funds for the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation (a charity which supports members of the local community) and their Winter Crisis Appeal.
The magic and excitement continues across the neighbourhood with glittering and immersive displays – explore Duke of York Square’s festive walkway festooned with deliciously scented cinnamon sticks, twinkling lights, decorations aplenty and soundtracked by the local Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There’s also a 36-foot Norway Spruce, striking 5ft wreaths and majestic crowns strung across the King’s Road – a returning nod to its heritage.
The Sloane Square Winter Terrace also opened on 19 November. Home to the Chelsea Christmas Grotto, created in partnership with Underbelly, a Bavarian curling rink and festive food and drink stalls to be enjoyed al fresco, the Terrace will be open until Christmas Eve.
To find out more visit ChelseaChristmas.co.uk