Chelsea Christmas: the most magical Christmas in London
Chelsea is London’s must-visit Christmas neighbourhood this season, sparkling beneath swathes of beautiful lights, dazzling displays and immersive experiences.
“Chelsea is always magical at Christmas, but this is our biggest yet. From the magnificent Ralph Lauren ‘Holiday Experience’ on Sloane Square and the 30,000 glowing white roses of the moving ‘Ever After Garden’ opposite Saatchi Gallery to the beautiful botanical lights on Sloane Street, festoon lighting along Pavilion Road, giant crowns adorning the King’s Road and finally the ’12 Days of Christmas’ theme at Duke of York Square – Chelsea is undoubtedly the best place to wander, shop, eat, drink and feel the Christmas spirit!” – Hugh Seaborn, Chief Executive, Cadogan
‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ at Duke of York Square
Duke of York Square is home to enchanting displays inspired by the classic Christmas carol, ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, with 20 beautiful vignettes. A collaboration between floral artist Ruth Davies from ‘All for Love London’ and fashion illustrator Susannah Garrod, follow the trail to discover every lady dancing, piper piping, and the giant partridge in an enormous 35ft Norway Spruce ‘pear tree’, promising endless joy and photo moments throughout the festive season.
The Ever After Garden, until Tuesday 16th December
‘The Ever After Garden’ has also opened at Duke of York Square. Over 30,000 illuminated white roses have transformed the green outside the Saatchi Gallery into a breathtaking remembrance garden, with visitors invited to dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Garden is open daily from 3pm and offers not only something beautiful, but a tranquil space for reflection and celebration. For more information or to dedicate a rose, visit here.
The Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience, until 24th December
Steps away on Sloane Square, the ‘Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience’ brings to life Ralph Lauren’s timeless heritage, signature style and the magic of the holidays, transforming the famous Square into an unmissable celebration of community and cherished traditions.
Step inside the stylish barn to enjoy a curated a programme of festive workshops: from wreath-making and seasonal crafts to artisanal cookie decorating, plus a magical Father Christmas experience for little ones. A Ralph’s Coffee pop-up serves warming beverages such as marshmallow hot chocolate and mulled wine, alongside treats such as the iconic Ralph’s brownie and festive S’mores cookies, whilst the Holiday Shop is must-visit for gifting, featuring the iconic Polo Bear collectibles and timeless Polo classics.
A glittering Ralph Lauren ‘Giving Tree’ also invites visitors to dedicate a personalised star in honour of a loved-one to hang on the tree, creating a shimmering tribute while supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Find out more and reserve your experience here.
Sloane Street Sparkles
Nearby Sloane Street also glows beneath over 34km of elegant botanically inspired lights, celebrating its transformation this year into a beautiful green boulevard – its newly widened pavements creating a graceful promenade for luxury shopping.
A spate of new openings provide even greater reason to visit. TOTEME and ERDEM have opened their new London outposts at 160 and 50a Sloane Street respectively, whilst nearby Knatchbull has opened its pop-up at 150 Sloane Street. Global lifestyle brand, Cabana, has also brought its Holiday shop to 29, offering a treasure trove of gifts, interiors and books, alongside a programme of festive events.
Pop into ‘temple to the Arts and Crafts’ Holy Trinity Church for their wide selection of charity Christmas cards, or Anya’s Grotto on Pont Street, where a magical expedition through candy cane forests and icicle caves ends with Father Christmas and a story by the fire. Stuck for the perfect gift? The Sloane Street Gift Card offers a passport to the epicentre of London’s luxury shopping. Available in increments up to £500, Gift Cards can be purchased at www.sloanestreet.co.uk/gift-card.
More Chelsea Magic
The King’s Road is the perfect destination for festive shopping and dining in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Exciting new openings include Jo Malone London at 17 King’s Road, alongside contemporary fashion favourites Arket and Needle and Thread. For dining, Martino’s on Sloane Square – from The Dover’s Martin Kuczmarski – opens this week and introduces a glamorous new ‘trattoria’ with exceptional Italian food and a stylish bar. Whilst The Trafalgar, the King’s Road’s first new pub in over a century, brings “pints and performances” within the exquisite interiors of an old banking hall.
King’s Road’s emerging ‘creative quarter’ on Chelsea Manor Street is brimming with hands-on workshops, live music and literary nights. BookBar serves up stories, signings and seasonal cheer, while Art Play hosts wreath-making and bauble-painting. Sleigh your evenings with live sounds at New Forms Records and sweeten the season as newcomer Comics & Cakes opens its doors in early December.
On nearby Royal Hospital Road, visitors can also discover the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, home to more seasonal highlights: the Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair (27th-30th November), carol concerts at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Chelsea Winter Village, complete with lights trail, fairground rides and an artisan market.
For further information on Christmas in Chelsea, including festive menus, carol concerts and gifting ideas aplenty, please visit sloanestreet.co.uk and kingsroad.co.uk.