12 Days of Christmas in Kensington & Chelsea, London

The Royal Garden Hotel in Chelsea, London has compiled a wealth of festive events and attractions in the borough for you to enjoy. From skating on Swarovski ice to festive afternoon teas, the options are endless!

1)   Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Visit London's most spectacular Christmas destination in the heart of London – Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Few places offer a more festive atmosphere, with its own Christmas Market made up of 2,000 Bavarian-style chalets, Santa Land, Zippos Circus and an ice skating rink.
Open every day (except Christmas Day) until January 3rd, entry is free, with varying prices for the main attractions.

2)    Swarovski Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum
At one of the most magical places to be this winter, why not skate against the backdrop of the Natural History Museum. Surrounded by fairy lights on frost-covered trees and with the smell of toasted marshmallows filling the air, the rink is open every day (except Christmas Day) until 3rd January.
Tickets are available for £12.65 for adults and £8.80 for children.

3)    Silent Films with Live Music at the Royal Albert Hall
Warm yourself with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine on Sunday 6th December and watch silent films at the Royal Albert Hall. Accompanied by the world class silent film pianist and host, Neil Brand, films include Laurel and Hardy's 'Big Business', which sees them play Christmas tree salesmen, and a 1901 adaptation of Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol'.
Tickets are available for £16.

4)    Festive Afternoon Tea at the Royal Garden Hotel
This December, treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at the five-star Royal Garden Hotel. Served from the stylish Park Terrace Lounge overlooking Kensington Palace, the tea will include mini mince pies, chocolate truffle Christmas pudding and chestnut cheesecake, with an impressive selection of 15 fine loose leaf teas.
Festive afternoon tea available 1st - 24th December. Prices from £26.

5)    Spiced Up at the Royal Garden Hotel
Warm yourself up with the hotel's cocktail of the month, 'Spiced Up'. The festive concoction is a blend of Scotch whisky, apple, lemon, honey, elderflower, cinnamon and ginger.
Available from 1st – 30th December for £12.

6)    A Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace
Immerse yourself in the smell, sounds and tastes of a traditional Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace. With beautiful seasonal decorations covering both the Palace and Gardens, join in with special tours, sample seasonal foods and drinks, and sing a carol or two in the evenings.
Open every weekend during December and every day from 27th December - 3th January, with tickets from £15.40 for adults and free for children.

7)    The Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair at Chelsea Old Town Hall
Looking for a unique gift this Christmas? Then why not go along to the indoor gift fair at Chelsea Old Town Hall, bringing together over 80 handpicked exhibitors selling unique and high quality items. With stalls ranging from fashion, homeware, food and toys, you won't be disappointed.
With admission free this year, the fair will be held on Saturday 5th and Sunday, 6th of December. 

8) 'Curtain Up' Christmas Market at St Marys Abbots Centre
It's that time of the year again when actors from much loved TV shows such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street leave their dressing rooms and host an annual market. This year, TV star and Celebrity Big Brother winner Julian Clary will open the market, with refreshments provided by MasterChef semi-finalist Julia Gray. You'll be spoilt for choice with more than 40 stalls of collectables, vintage clothing, accessories and artwork.
Held on Sunday 6th December, tickets are £1.50 with all proceeds going to the Back Up spinal injury charity. For more information, visit www.curtainupevents.co.uk

9)    Panto and Performance Talk with Kate Howard at Kensington Palace
“He's behind you!” Pantomime lovers are welcome to join historian Kate Howard atKensington Palace for an insight into the Victorian world of theatre and entertainment; learn about the cross-dressing actors and backstage shenanigans that brought entertainment to the masses.
On Saturday 5th December tickets are £12 for HRP members and £15 for non-members - includes a glass of Bucks Fizz and entry to Kensington Palace.

10)  Father Christmas at the Hall
An enhancted experience awaits at the Royal Albert Hall with Victorian-themed stories and activities. The journey begins with a children's tour of the hall, followed by card and decoration making, and finishes with a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto where children receive a special gift.
From Monday 7th December to Thursday 24th December, tickets are £26.50 per child with children under 2 going free.

11)   Christmas Carol Singalong
Sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas carols and pop hits at the Royal Albert Hall. Led by British pianist Jonathan Cohen and with special guest, the West End's Wicked star Louise Dearman, this is sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Tickets are available from £17.80.

12)   V&A Christmas Tree Installation
Finally, it wouldn't be Christmas without the anticipation of the V&A's designer tree for the Grand Entrance, for all visitors to enjoy as they enter the world-leading museum. Last year, Gareth Pugh was commissioned to create nine golden pyramids – watch this space for this year's designer and display date.
V&A entrance is free.

www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk