Plan your holiday fun in Putney with our detailed event guide. From Putney enthusiasts to casual tourists, our guide reveals the best of the city's yuletide spirit.
During the festive season, the Winter Wonderland Christmas market offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with charming stalls, delicious treats, and a delightful ice skating rink. Southbank Centre Winter Market, known for its stunning riverside views, features a cozy selection of artisan goods and seasonal snacks. And the Covent Garden Christmas markets are something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an array of unique crafts and festive entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Putney
- Winter Wonderland Christmas market (London)
- Christmas at Kew Gardens (Kew)
- Covent Garden Christmas markets (London)
- Southbank Centre Winter Market (London)
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Santa's grotto (London)
- St. Paul's Cathedral Christmas carol services (London)
- Winter by the River at London Bridge City (London)
- Trafalgar Square Christmas market (London)
- Somerset House ice rink and festive decorations (London)
- Borough Market at Christmas (London)
See these and even more events listed below!
Putney Holiday Light Displays
Trafalgar Square Christmas market
What to Expect:
A 50-60-year-old Norwegian spruce, symbolizing gratitude for World War II support.
Description:
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a 50-60-year-old Norwegian spruce, over 20 meters tall, selected from Oslo's forests with great care. It is felled in November and brought to London by sea, then erected in Trafalgar Square using a hydraulic crane. Decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with vertical strings of lights, the tree is a symbol of gratitude for Britain's support during World War II.
Where: London | More Info: Trafalgar Square Christmas market
Christmas at Kew Gardens
What to Expect:
Illuminated botanical garden with festive food and drink options.
Description:
Christmas at Kew Gardens is a spectacular light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens, featuring twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive food vendors. The event includes larger-than-life illuminations, dancing lakeside reflections, and mesmerizing flickering flames in the fire garden.
Where: Kew | More Info: Christmas at Kew Gardens
Covent Garden Christmas tree and sleigh
What to Expect:
Traditionally decorated sleigh with a reconditioned 1884 carriage.
Description:
The Covent Garden Christmas tree is a 60-foot British-grown tree decorated with over 30,000 lights and a picture-perfect tag and bow. The Christmas sleigh, a reconditioned 1884 carriage hand-painted by British artist James Gemmill, offers a free photo opportunity.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas tree and sleigh
Putney Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Wonderland Christmas market
What to Expect:
Extensive array of festive activities and attractions.
Description:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a comprehensive holiday event featuring an ice skating rink, carnival rides, themed areas like Santa's Grotto, and a variety of international cuisines. The event includes live music, circus performances, and festive markets selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal items.
Where: London | More Info: Winter Wonderland Christmas market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
What to Expect:
Traditional alpine-style chalets with diverse street food and craft vendors.
Description:
The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a vibrant array of traditional alpine-style chalets along the Thames, featuring street food, mulled wine, and unique gifts from independent craft traders.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre Winter Market
Covent Garden Christmas markets
What to Expect:
Traditional decorations and unique gifts in a historic market setting.
Description:
Covent Garden Christmas markets feature traditional decorations, including giant bells and baubles, along with a variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious seasonal food. The iconic Market Building is transformed into a festive hub with mulled wine stations and a 60-foot Christmas tree.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas markets
Greenwich Christmas market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local artisanal food.
Description:
Greenwich Christmas market offers a vibrant atmosphere with 88 stalls featuring art, crafts, and unique gifts. Visitors can browse through a variety of market food stalls, delis, bakeries, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The event is a perfect blend of local artisans and international flavors, creating a lively and festive environment.
Where: Greenwich | More Info: Greenwich Christmas market
Kingston Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional British setting with European-style market stalls.
Description:
Kingston Christmas Market offers a European-style holiday market in a traditional British setting, featuring twinkling fairy lights, mulled wine, and a variety of delicious food options.
Where: Kingston upon Thames | More Info: Kingston Christmas Market
Borough Market at Christmas
What to Expect:
Unique festive food offerings from global cuisines.
Description:
Borough Market at Christmas is a celebration of seasonal food and drink, featuring a wide range of artisanal goods and festive treats. The historic market is decorated with traditional decorations, and traders offer expert advice on selecting the perfect Christmas foods. The event includes live demonstrations, tastings, and masterclasses, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Where: London | More Info: Borough Market at Christmas
Spitalfields Christmas markets
What to Expect:
Unique blend of traditional and modern holiday shopping.
Description:
Spitalfields Christmas markets offer a vibrant and eclectic array of seasonal goods, food, and entertainment, celebrating the holiday season with unique and diverse offerings.
Where: London | More Info: Spitalfields Christmas markets
Southbank Centre's Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive art installations and shopping experiences.
Description:
The Southbank Centre's Winter Festival offers a vibrant array of events, including spectacular shows, luminous art, and the wondrous Winter Market. Visitors can explore a vibrant range of inspiring books, homeware, prints, and accessories, as well as enjoy water cascades over bronze figures and a growing pocket forest creating a natural oasis.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre's Winter Festival
Seven Dials Christmas events
What to Expect:
Festive food hall with independent vendors and unique shopping.
Description:
Seven Dials Christmas events feature a vibrant celebration with independent food vendors, festive decorations, and unique shopping experiences.
Where: London | More Info: Seven Dials Christmas events
Putney Holiday Shows and Entertainment
St. Paul's Cathedral Christmas carol services
What to Expect:
World-class choir performances in a historic cathedral setting.
Description:
St. Paul's Cathedral Christmas carol services feature traditional carols sung by the renowned St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, accompanied by readings from celebrity guests in the iconic surroundings of the cathedral.
Where: London | More Info: St. Paul's Cathedral Christmas carol services
Museum of London Christmas events
What to Expect:
Live performances and guided tours inspired by Dickens's works.
Description:
The Charles Dickens Museum offers a variety of Christmas events, including live guided tours, performances of "A Christmas Carol," and alternative guided tours inspired by Dickens's works. These events provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the festive atmosphere of Dickens's London home.
Where: London | More Info: Museum of London Christmas events
Charles Dickens Museum Christmas events
What to Expect:
Live guided tours of Dickens' home during the holiday season.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Charles Dickens Museum with guided tours, festive decorations, and holiday-themed performances, immersing you in the writer's life and traditions.
Where: London | More Info: Charles Dickens Museum Christmas events
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
What to Expect:
Visually stunning adaptation of Dickens' classic with a talented cast.
Description:
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic is a poignant adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, directed by Matthew Warchus, featuring John Simm as Ebenezer Scrooge. The production transports audiences to a bitterly chilly Christmas Eve night where Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, taking him on a journey through worlds past, present, and future.
Where: London | More Info: A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
The Nutcracker by English National Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
English National Ballet's Nutcracker is a classic ballet reimagined with exquisite dancing, spectacular sets, and costumes. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, it features Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. The production follows Clara's fantastical journey from Edwardian London to the Land of Sweets and Delights, where she bravely defends her home and discovers a dazzling ice realm.
Where: London | More Info: The Nutcracker by English National Ballet
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Santa's grotto
What to Expect:
Meet Santa and receive a gift in a festive setting.
Description:
Santa's Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a free entry point where well-behaved children can meet Santa and receive a gift. The grotto is an essential part of the festive experience, providing a memorable encounter with the main man himself.
Where: London | More Info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Santa's grotto
Christmas at The Half Moon
What to Expect:
Live music and traditional British pub food in a historic setting.
Description:
At The Half Moon, Christmas is a time for live music, perfectly cooked meals, and a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy expertly poured pints, seasonal British pub food, and festive mulled drinks in a historic setting.
Where: Putney | More Info: Christmas at The Half Moon
Leicester Square Christmas market
What to Expect:
Daring acrobatics and eye-popping stunts in a unique blend of cabaret and circus.
Description:
La Clique, an Olivier Award-winning cabaret show, returns to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent for its 20th anniversary. Featuring all-new acts alongside beloved favorites, this spectacular show blends daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, and raucous comedy.
Where: London | More Info: Leicester Square Christmas market
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at Tuff Nutt Jazz Club
What to Expect:
Innovative jazz-ballet fusion with a serious message about acceptance and identity.
Description:
Drew McOnie's Nutcracker at Tuff Nutt Jazz Club is a vibrant, jazz-infused ballet fusion featuring Tchaikovsky's score reimagined by Cassie Kinoshi and Rio Kai. The show blends traditional elements with modern twists, focusing on themes of acceptance and identity. The intimate setting with a four-piece jazz band and cabaret-style seating adds to the unique experience.
Where: London | More Info: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at Tuff Nutt Jazz Club
Dickensian Christmas Festival in Rochester
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed festivities with guaranteed snowfall.
Description:
The Dickensian Christmas Festival in Rochester brings Victorian festivities to life with street entertainment, readings, song, and dance. Visitors can explore the literary journey of Charles Dickens and experience a festive atmosphere with guaranteed snowfall.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Dickensian Christmas Festival in Rochester
London Palladium pantomime
What to Expect:
Star-studded cast with comedic genius and special effects.
Description:
The London Palladium pantomime presents a spectacular production of Robin Hood, starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Julian Clary as Robin Hood. The show features a talented cast, including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp, and Rob Madge, alongside West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Expect stunning sets, rip-roaring comedy, and incredible special effects in this West End spectacle.
Where: London | More Info: London Palladium pantomime
Lyric, Hammersmith pantomime
What to Expect:
High-flying adventure with live music and magic.
Description:
Lyric Hammersmith presents Aladdin, a hilarious and high-flying pantomime directed by Nicholai La Barrie. Meet Aladdin, a local cheeky chancer, and Jasmine, a bold and sharp-witted orphaned princess, as they embark on an adventure filled with magic, mayhem, and mischief. The production features dance battles, live music, and jaw-dropping magic.
Where: London | More Info: Lyric, Hammersmith pantomime
Peacock Theatre pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive family entertainment with professional actors and audience engagement.
Description:
Peacock Theatre's pantomime is a family-friendly theatrical production featuring traditional fairy tales with audience participation, including beloved characters like the Dame and comedic elements.
Where: London | More Info: Peacock Theatre pantomime
Putney Other Holiday Activities
Winter by the River at London Bridge City
What to Expect:
Bold, beautiful, and curious gathering with a unique atmosphere.
Description:
As nights grow longer, Winter by the River at London Bridge City becomes a gathering place for bold, beautiful, and curious individuals. This event offers a unique blend of atmosphere and activities, perfect for those seeking a memorable experience.
Where: London | More Info: Winter by the River at London Bridge City
Somerset House ice rink and festive decorations
What to Expect:
Swiss-themed ice skating with gourmet dining and live music.
Description:
Somerset House transforms its iconic courtyard into a winter wonderland with a Swiss-inspired ice rink, offering skating lessons, Chilled Out sessions, and DJ takeovers. Enjoy gourmet dining at Chalet and festive cheer at the Skate Lounge, with exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
Where: London | More Info: Somerset House ice rink and festive decorations
Hogwarts in the Snow
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with meticulously recreated festive sets.
Description:
Hogwarts in the Snow transforms iconic Harry Potter sets into a festive Christmas setting, featuring the Great Hall, Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory, and Diagon Alley, with authentic decorations and special effects.
Where: London | More Info: Hogwarts in the Snow
The Great Christmas Pudding Race
What to Expect:
Teams racing through inflatable obstacles while balancing Christmas puddings.
Description:
The Great Christmas Pudding Race is a unique charity fun run event in London's iconic Covent Garden, where teams of four participants, dressed in fantastic fancy outfits, navigate a fun-filled festive obstacle course while balancing Christmas puddings on trays.
Where: London | More Info: The Great Christmas Pudding Race
New Year's Eve River cruises along the Thames
What to Expect:
Prime fireworks viewing with luxurious amenities.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with an unforgettable cruise along the iconic River Thames, featuring luxurious vessels, award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, and prime views of London's spectacular fireworks display.
Where: London | More Info: New Year's Eve River cruises along the Thames
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Barnes (2 miles)
- Fulham (2 miles)
- Wimbledon (3 miles)
- Chiswick (3 miles)
- Chelsea (3 miles)
- Battersea (3 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (3 miles)
- Richmond (4 miles)
- Acton (4 miles)
- Streatham (4 miles)
- City of Westminster (4 miles)
- Morden (4 miles)
- Mitcham (5 miles)
- New Malden (5 miles)
- Brixton (5 miles)
- Willesden (5 miles)
- London (5 miles)
- Isleworth (5 miles)
- Surbiton (6 miles)
- Hounslow (6 miles)
- Camden Town (6 miles)
- Chalk Farm (6 miles)
- Peckham (6 miles)
- Kilburn (6 miles)
- Cricklewood (7 miles)
- Carshalton (7 miles)
- Heston (7 miles)
- Wembley (7 miles)
- Islington (7 miles)
- Wallington (7 miles)
- Brent (7 miles)
- Hanworth (7 miles)
- Croydon (7 miles)
- Southall (7 miles)
- Holloway (7 miles)
- Greenford (8 miles)
- Sutton (8 miles)
- Ewell (8 miles)
- Highbury (8 miles)
- Archway (8 miles)
- Feltham (8 miles)
- Catford (9 miles)
- South Croydon (9 miles)
- Northolt (9 miles)
- Esher (9 miles)
- Canary Wharf (9 miles)
- Beckenham (9 miles)
- Epsom (9 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (9 miles)
- Harrow (9 miles)
- Muswell Hill (10 miles)
- Banstead (10 miles)
- Hayes (10 miles)
- Purley (10 miles)
- Stamford Hill (10 miles)
- Blackheath (10 miles)
- Finchley (10 miles)
- Bow (10 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (10 miles)
- Coulsdon (10 miles)
- Ashford (11 miles)
- Wood Green (11 miles)
- Stratford (11 miles)
- Canning Town (11 miles)
- Eltham (12 miles)
- Ruislip (12 miles)
- Tottenham (12 miles)
- Leytonstone (12 miles)
- Walthamstow (12 miles)
- Leatherhead (12 miles)
- Staines (13 miles)
- Uxbridge (13 miles)
- Barnet (13 miles)
- Edmonton (13 miles)
- Borehamwood (14 miles)
- Caterham (14 miles)
- Barking (14 miles)
- Welling (14 miles)
- Ilford (14 miles)
- Enfield Town (14 miles)
- Hadley Wood (14 miles)
- Egham (15 miles)
- Woodford Green (15 miles)
- Thamesmead (15 miles)
- Chingford (15 miles)
- Redhill (15 miles)
- Reigate (15 miles)
- Watford (15 miles)
- Bexley (16 miles)
- Potters Bar (16 miles)
- Becontree (16 miles)
- Windsor (17 miles)
- Slough (17 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (17 miles)
- Swanley (17 miles)
- Woking (18 miles)
- Dagenham (18 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (18 miles)
- Cheshunt (18 miles)
- Dartford (19 miles)
- Romford (19 miles)
- Hornchurch (20 miles)
- Horley (20 miles)
- St Albans (21 miles)
- Hatfield (21 miles)
- Sevenoaks (22 miles)
- Guildford (22 miles)
- Maidenhead (22 miles)
- Amersham (22 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (23 miles)
- Hoddesdon (23 miles)
- Bracknell (23 miles)
- Chesham (23 miles)
- Grays (23 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (24 miles)
- Hertford (24 miles)
- Crawley (24 miles)
- Camberley (24 miles)
- East Grinstead (25 miles)
- Brentwood (25 miles)
- Harpenden (25 miles)
- Gravesend (25 miles)
- Berkhamsted (26 miles)
- Crowthorne (26 miles)
- Godalming (26 miles)
- High Wycombe (26 miles)
- Sandhurst (26 miles)
- Farnborough (26 miles)
- Harlow (26 miles)
- Wokingham (27 miles)
- Yateley (28 miles)
- Aldershot (28 miles)
- Horsham (28 miles)
- Tonbridge (28 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (28 miles)
- Fleet (29 miles)
- Billericay (30 miles)
- Basildon (30 miles)
- Luton (30 miles)
- Lower Earley (30 miles)
- Strood (30 miles)
- Farnham (30 miles)
- Stevenage (31 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (31 miles)
- Rochester (32 miles)
- Pitsea (32 miles)
- Dunstable (32 miles)
- Crowborough (32 miles)
- Haywards Heath (32 miles)
- Reading (32 miles)
- Bishops Stortford (33 miles)
- Chatham (33 miles)
- Gillingham (33 miles)
- Wickford (34 miles)
- Hitchin (34 miles)
- South Benfleet (34 miles)
- Maidstone (34 miles)
- Canvey Island (35 miles)
- Burgess Hill (35 miles)
- Chelmsford (35 miles)
- Aylesbury (35 miles)
- Letchworth Garden City (36 miles)
- Rayleigh (36 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (37 miles)
- Bordon (37 miles)
- Basingstoke (40 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (40 miles)
- Ampthill (41 miles)
- Sittingbourne (42 miles)
- Maldon (43 miles)
- Bletchley (43 miles)
- Hove (44 miles)
- Witham (44 miles)
- Brighton (44 miles)
- Braintree (44 miles)
- Worthing (45 miles)