Prepare for an exciting holiday adventure in Bow! Discover all the top festive events with our guide. For Bow residents and guests, our guide showcases the top holiday events.
One must-see attraction is the captivating Christmas at Kew, where the gardens are transformed into a glittering spectacle of lights and decorations, offering a magical stroll through a winter wonderland. The festive charm of the Covent Garden Christmas market is another delight, featuring unique artisan stalls and seasonal treats that encapsulate the spirit of the season. And the Southbank Centre Winter Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its lively atmosphere and fantastic food options. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bow
- Christmas at Kew (London)
- Covent Garden Christmas (London)
- Southbank Centre Winter Market (London)
- Hogwarts in the Snow (Watford)
- London Bridge City Winter by the River (London)
- The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace (London)
- Blenheim Palace Christmas (Woodstock)
- Hampton Court ice rink (London)
- Castle Howard Alice’s Christmas Wonderland (York)
- The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market (London)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bow Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Kew
What to Expect:
Illuminated botanical garden with festive food and drink options.
Description:
Christmas at Kew is a spectacular light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens, featuring twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive food vendors.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas at Kew
Covent Garden Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations and interactive photo opportunities.
Description:
Covent Garden transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with over 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls adorning the iconic Market Building. The 60-foot Christmas tree in the West Piazza and the reconditioned 1884 Santa sleigh, hand-painted by British artist James Gemmill, offer prime photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, festive menus, and holiday shopping across hundreds of brands.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas
Blenheim Palace Christmas
What to Expect:
Themed palace interior and festive activities.
Description:
Blenheim Palace transforms into a spectacular holiday destination with a new illuminated light trail, themed palace interior, and festive activities. The event features a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, a covered ice rink for The Great Skate, and a Christmas market with wooden chalets offering gifts and treats.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Blenheim Palace Christmas
Bow Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southbank Centre Winter Market
What to Expect:
Traditional alpine-style chalets with diverse food and gift options.
Description:
The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a delightful array of traditional alpine-style chalets along the Thames, featuring indulgent drinks, scrumptious street food, and a variety of gifts and decorations made by independent craft traders.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre Winter Market
London Bridge City Winter by the River
What to Expect:
Unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment along the River Thames.
Description:
London Bridge City's Winter by the River is a vibrant holiday market offering a diverse array of artisan gifts, seasonal treats, and festive drinks. Enjoy stunning city and river views while exploring themed stalls and participating in activities like karaoke and choirs.
Where: London | More Info: London Bridge City Winter by the River
The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Seasonal shopping with diverse gifts and street food.
Description:
The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market offers a diverse array of seasonal items, unique gifts, and delicious street food, creating a vibrant shopping experience.
Where: London | More Info: The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
Bow Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical experience with interactive storytelling and character encounters.
Description:
At The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace, embark on an immersive theatrical journey through the stunning art-deco mansion. Meet delightful characters, uncover the essence of the season, and encounter Father Christmas in a heart-warming encounter. Interactive storytelling and captivating performances await, along with plenty of photo opportunities.
Where: London | More Info: The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
What to Expect:
Unique blend of storytelling and puppetry brings the North Pole to life.
Description:
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea, and sand to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer, and finally takes flight into the snowy night. This charming show, based on the classic book by Raymond Briggs, features storytelling, puppetry, and stunning design.
Where: London | More Info: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
Christmas at Narnia
What to Expect:
Live characters and theatrical battle between Nutcracker and Mouse King.
Description:
Step into the world of The Nutcracker at Leeds Castle, where beautifully decorated rooms and live performances bring the classic tale to life. Explore a winter wonderland filled with towering nutcracker soldiers, shimmering snowflakes, and elegant ballerinas. Meet live characters inspired by the story, and marvel at stunning Christmas trees. This event includes a thrilling showdown between the Nutcracker and the crafty Mouse King, with live performances on weekends and during school holidays.
Where: Maidstone | More Info: Christmas at Narnia
The Elves and the Magic Bear
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas show with a giant bear and festive joy.
Description:
Join Santa's Elves as they find a bag of untouched Christmas letters and embark on a chaotic journey to ensure every child has a gift on Christmas morning. With joyful singing, dancing, magic, and lots of silliness, this interactive production is perfect for families of all ages.
Where: London | More Info: The Elves and the Magic Bear
Castle Howard Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive Alice in Wonderland-themed installations and dining experiences.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a psychedelic world inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland at Castle Howard. Follow the White Rabbit through grand halls and regal rooms, enjoying fanciful festive surprises. Complete your experience with elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, and delicious seasonal essentials from the Farm Shop and Garden Centre. Discover the secret dining room for grown-ups only, serving Wonderland-themed cocktails and sharing platters.
Where: York | More Info: Castle Howard Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
Bow Other Holiday Activities
Glide at Battersea Power Station
What to Expect:
Unique interconnecting ice rinks with a 30ft Christmas tree.
Description:
Glide at Battersea Power Station is an open-air ice rink set against the backdrop of one of London's most iconic buildings. It features three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree. The rink offers a variety of activities, including vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, and photo booths. Skaters of every level can enjoy the space and time to show off their skills, while off the ice, guests can enjoy a selection of food and drink venues.
Where: London | More Info: Glide at Battersea Power Station
Hampton Court ice rink
What to Expect:
Historic ice skating experience with environmental initiative support.
Description:
Skate through history at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's historic home. Enjoy festive refreshments and extend your visit to explore the palace gardens and historic chocolate kitchen.
Where: London | More Info: Hampton Court ice rink
Hogwarts in the Snow
What to Expect:
Immersive Christmas experience with iconic Harry Potter sets dressed in filmmaking snow.
Description:
Step into the Great Hall, adorned with gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and enjoy a mouth-watering banquet. Explore iconic sets like the Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory and Diagon Alley, transformed for Christmas scenes. Discover authentic decorations and handmade Christmas cards created by the crew during filming. Visit the snow-covered Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle model, and browse the Christmas shop for exclusive gifts and souvenirs.
Where: Watford | More Info: Hogwarts in the Snow
Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath
What to Expect:
Interactive breakfast with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Join Santa's Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath for a delightful Christmas experience. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with pancakes and full English options, meet Father Christmas, and participate in festive storytime. Explore the transformed village with twinkling lights and treat trails.
Where: Hounslow | More Info: Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Stratford (1 miles)
- Canary Wharf (1 miles)
- Canning Town (2 miles)
- Leytonstone (3 miles)
- Islington (4 miles)
- Stamford Hill (4 miles)
- Highbury (4 miles)
- Peckham (4 miles)
- Barking (4 miles)
- Blackheath (4 miles)
- Ilford (4 miles)
- Walthamstow (4 miles)
- London (5 miles)
- Holloway (5 miles)
- City of Westminster (5 miles)
- Camden Town (6 miles)
- Catford (6 miles)
- Brixton (6 miles)
- Archway (6 miles)
- Tottenham (6 miles)
- Chalk Farm (6 miles)
- Eltham (6 miles)
- Woodford Green (6 miles)
- Thamesmead (6 miles)
- Becontree (7 miles)
- Wood Green (7 miles)
- Welling (7 miles)
- Battersea (7 miles)
- Muswell Hill (7 miles)
- Chelsea (7 miles)
- Edmonton (7 miles)
- Chingford (7 miles)
- Kilburn (8 miles)
- Dagenham (8 miles)
- Beckenham (8 miles)
- Streatham (8 miles)
- Fulham (8 miles)
- Cricklewood (9 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (9 miles)
- Enfield Town (9 miles)
- Bexley (9 miles)
- Finchley (9 miles)
- Willesden (9 miles)
- Romford (9 miles)
- Putney (10 miles)
- Hornchurch (10 miles)
- Croydon (10 miles)
- Barnes (11 miles)
- Chiswick (11 miles)
- Mitcham (11 miles)
- Wimbledon (11 miles)
- Acton (11 miles)
- Dartford (11 miles)
- Barnet (12 miles)
- Hadley Wood (12 miles)
- Morden (12 miles)
- South Croydon (12 miles)
- Cheshunt (12 miles)
- Swanley (12 miles)
- Wembley (12 miles)
- Brent (12 miles)
- Wallington (13 miles)
- Carshalton (13 miles)
- Richmond (13 miles)
- Potters Bar (13 miles)
- New Malden (14 miles)
- Purley (14 miles)
- Harrow (14 miles)
- Borehamwood (14 miles)
- Isleworth (14 miles)
- Sutton (15 miles)
- Greenford (15 miles)
- Grays (15 miles)
- Northolt (15 miles)
- Coulsdon (15 miles)
- Surbiton (15 miles)
- Southall (15 miles)
- Brentwood (15 miles)
- Hounslow (15 miles)
- Heston (16 miles)
- Ewell (16 miles)
- Hoddesdon (16 miles)
- Banstead (16 miles)
- Hanworth (17 miles)
- Caterham (17 miles)
- Epsom (17 miles)
- Hayes (18 miles)
- Gravesend (18 miles)
- Ruislip (18 miles)
- Feltham (18 miles)
- Harlow (18 miles)
- Esher (19 miles)
- Watford (19 miles)
- Hatfield (19 miles)
- Hertford (19 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (19 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (19 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (20 miles)
- Sevenoaks (20 miles)
- Billericay (20 miles)
- Ashford (20 miles)
- Uxbridge (20 miles)
- St Albans (21 miles)
- Basildon (21 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (21 miles)
- Redhill (21 miles)
- Leatherhead (21 miles)
- Reigate (22 miles)
- Staines (22 miles)
- Pitsea (23 miles)
- Strood (23 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (24 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (24 miles)
- Wickford (24 miles)
- Egham (24 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (24 miles)
- Rochester (24 miles)
- Harpenden (25 miles)
- South Benfleet (25 miles)
- Slough (25 miles)
- Bishops Stortford (25 miles)
- Horley (25 miles)
- Windsor (25 miles)
- Chelmsford (25 miles)
- Chatham (26 miles)
- Canvey Island (26 miles)
- Tonbridge (26 miles)
- Gillingham (26 miles)
- Rayleigh (27 miles)
- Stevenage (27 miles)
- Woking (27 miles)
- Amersham (28 miles)
- Chesham (28 miles)
- East Grinstead (28 miles)
- Berkhamsted (29 miles)
- Maidstone (29 miles)
- Crawley (29 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (30 miles)
- Luton (30 miles)
- Maidenhead (30 miles)
- Guildford (31 miles)
- Hitchin (31 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (31 miles)
- High Wycombe (32 miles)
- Bracknell (33 miles)
- Letchworth Garden City (33 miles)
- Maldon (33 miles)
- Dunstable (33 miles)
- Crowborough (33 miles)
- Camberley (34 miles)
- Witham (34 miles)
- Braintree (34 miles)
- Horsham (35 miles)
- Sittingbourne (35 miles)
- Godalming (35 miles)
- Crowthorne (35 miles)
- Sandhurst (35 miles)
- Farnborough (36 miles)
- Wokingham (36 miles)
- Haywards Heath (37 miles)
- Yateley (37 miles)
- Aldershot (38 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (39 miles)
- Fleet (39 miles)
- Lower Earley (39 miles)
- Burgess Hill (40 miles)
- Aylesbury (40 miles)
- Farnham (40 miles)
- Ampthill (40 miles)
- Reading (41 miles)
- Haverhill (43 miles)
- Bletchley (45 miles)