The most anticipated time of the year is finally here! This Insider Guide includes everything you need to know about what’s on around town this holiday season. From family activities and where to see Father Christmas to gift shopping & food recommendations – we have collected all the latest events which we will be updating weekly, so all you have to do is get out there and enjoy the festive cheer! Keep reading to find out how to make your Christmas in Kingston an unforgettable one!
Nutcracker Trail
14th November – 5th January
This year, you can embark on a festive adventure to find fifteen life-sized cheeky Nutcrackers hidden around town. The trail opens on Thursday 14th November and is perfect for families looking for something free and fun to do over the Christmas holidays – plus, the first 300 people to complete the trail will receive an exclusive wooden tree decoration!
At the end of the trail, one lucky participant will be selected to win a Christmas hamper filled with treats from local businesses like John Lewis, Las Iguanas, Pullingers, LUSH, Hotel Chocolat, JoJo Maman Bébé, Between the Lines, and more!
Find all the information, including where to collect your trail map from, at Discover the Nutcracker Trail
Christmas Lights & Installations
14th November – 5th January
Our bespoke Christmas lights are back!
Capture your special moments at the brand-new, giant light-up KINGSTON sign located in Memorial Square – a must-visit selfie spot. Feel the festive glow under the two iconic Christmas trees on Clarence Street, walk-through the whimsical giant present by the train station, and admire the majestic twinkling giant reindeer at the heart of the Christmas Market.
Christmas Market with Gift Stalls, Bar & Live Music
14th November – 5th January
The charming Kingston Christmas Market is back this year and better than ever, with an expanded range of stalls offering handcrafted presents, artisan food, and one-of-a-kind items, making it the perfect place to pick up gifts for your loved ones (or a treat for yourself!). The stage is also back this year, with live music to set the festive mood, along with the bar serving mulled wine, cider, and hot chocolate – perfect for warming up after a day of festive fun.
Find the Stage Performance Schedule here
Children Arts & Crafts Stall
Saturdays at 2pm-4pm, 16th November – 21st December
Let your kids unleash their inner artists!
This year we are also introducing an interactive arts & crafts stall, where you can make your own personalised mini wreaths, Christmas cards, and more. The crafts stall is based in the Ancient Market Place and open to the public by walk-in every Saturday between 2-4pm. Free to join and fun for all the family!
Christmas Maker’s Market
Friday to Sunday, 16th November – 22nd December
Don’t miss the local Makers Market every Friday – Sunday organised by Not My Beautiful House. Celebrating local independent businesses and artists, this is a perfect place to find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Where to See Father Christmas
There is no holiday spirit without Father Christmas himself. The international big red superstar will be visiting Kingston throughout the holiday season, and his little fans will be able to meet him at Fenwick inside the Bentall Centre, Wacky Kingdom or at the Cornerstone for a special Christmas breakfast or afternoon tea.
Make sure you visit in time to ask for your Christmas presents just before the big day arrives!
Charitable Foundation Pop-Up Stalls
Friday to Sunday, 16th November – 23rd December
This festive season we have teamed up with Kingston Charitable Foundation for a very special cause. From 16th November to 23rd December, every Friday to Sunday, different charities organised by the Foundation will be hosting a pop-up stall in the Makers Market at Memorial Square. This unique initiative offers a wonderful chance for visitors and locals to support a variety of meaningful causes while enjoying the festive atmosphere. We invite everyone to drop by, meet the dedicated charity teams, and contribute to the spirit of giving this Christmas.
The charities participating involve: Kingston Hive, Milaap Centre, Barnfield Riding for the Disabled, RBKares, and Parents in Need among many others. You can find which charity is at the market every week on our social media platforms.
Christmas Shopping
Not sure where to get your Christmas gifts from? From big department stores and popular retail chains to independent boutiques and passionate local makers, our town boasts a diverse shopping scene that caters to every taste and preference. The outstanding local retail offer makes Kingston the perfect place to enjoy a magical shopping experience this Christmas, with close to 300 shops to choose from.
Read more in our detailed Christmas shopping guide at Where to go Christmas Shopping in Kingston
Festive Food & Drink
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and, of course, fabulous food! The fantastic variety of pubs, bars and restaurants with an unlimited selection of cuisines in town, never fail to impress with their unique takes on festive classics and special treats.
Our carefully curated Festive Food Insider Guide will take you through all the delicious seasonal offers and where to book your next Christmas meal.
Magical Events & Performances
If none of the above seems to be enough or doesn’t satisfy your festive vision, no need to be a grinch, we have plenty of fun events lined up for you in the heart of Kingston!
The amateur running community, Pub Run Club, is hosting Kingston’s first ever Santa’s run like no other. On 12th December at 7pm Kingston town centre is expected to be taken over by 100 runners in a full Santa suit and with party bag speakers playing all the best Christmas songs – spreading around the festive joy (and sweat). Santa’s Pub Run consists of a 5k run through Kingston and all contributions will go towards raising money for the Kingston Hospital charity.
Find out more or book your spot here
Robin Hood & The Christmas Heist
Join Robin Hood and his Merry Band for a spectacular festive heist at the Rose Theatre!
From 30th November – 5th January
A theatre performance full of laughter, dancing and a flying cat for the whole family to enjoy! Learn the truth behind the legend of Dick Whittington, who he really was and how he really travelled to London through Kingston on a boat!
From 6th – 7th December
Christmas Cracker Crown Workshop
Want to improve your sewing skills? Come and join the milliner and artist, Bee Smith, at Koppel Studios for a simple sewing workshop to make your own (sustainable) Christmas cracker crowns.
Classes on 14th December, 3pm – 5pm
Festive Arts & Crafts Workshop for Kids
Join Inky Pathways for a magical festive experience that focuses on Christmas tree-themed art with plenty of glitter to add some extra sparkle! Let your young artists get creative while you tick off your Christmas to-do list. Located in the heart of Kingston, this workshop is the perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy festive arts and crafts while parents explore the nearby shops and amenities.
Classes on 7th & 14th December
Bone Idyll x Primo Banjo Christmas Party
Get down to Bone Idyll distillery for an epic Christmas party with Happy Hour from 5pm-6pm and a guest DJ till late. Treat yourself to a cocktail and a delicious sub from Primo Banjo upon entry. What more would you need?
14th December, 5pm – late