This Christmas, Kingston comes together with joy, laughter, and community spirit to celebrate the most magical time of the year.
In this Insider Guide you’ll find 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 and dining recommendations – we have collected all the latest festivities which we will be updating weekly, so all you have to do is get out there and enjoy the festive cheer with your loved ones! Keep reading to find out how to make your Christmas in Kingston an unforgettable one!🌟
Magical Light Installations at All Saints Church
13th November to 28th December
Marvel at the giant light installations that turn the churchyard into a storybook scene of festive wonder – a free experience the whole family will love.
Capture your special moments at the giant light-up KINGSTON sign – a must-visit selfie spot, and admire the majestic twinkling giant reindeer at the centre of the church grounds.
Christmas Market with Gift Stalls, Bar & Live Music
13th November – 28th December
The popular Kingston Christmas Market is back this year with a wide range of stalls offering handcrafted presents to pick for your loved ones, and delicious food (to treat yourself!), while the bar will be serving mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up after a day of festive fun. The stage is also back this year, with live music to sing-along and dance to, as you get into the festive spirit🎶
Opening Times
Market Stalls
Sunday to Wednesday – 10am to 6pm
Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 8pm
The market stalls will close at 5:30pm on 24th December and will be closed all day on 25th December.
Bar, Food & Entertainment
Monday – 10am to 8pm
Tuesday to Wednesday – 10am to 9pm
Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 10pm
Sunday – 10am to 8pm
The bar will close at 8pm on 24th December and will be closed all day on 25th December.
Find the Stage Performance Schedule here
Magical Christmas Lights
13th November – 28th December
You know it’s Christmas when the lights turn on…✨ our bespoke Christmas lights are officially bringing the festive glow to Kingston on 13th November! Walk through the warmly lit-up streets, take the most magical photos under the iconic Christmas tree on Clarence Street, and admire the whimsical giant present by the train station🎁
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, 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!
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 tick off your Christmas shopping list, with over 250 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! Kingston’s 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🍬
Check out our carefully curated Festive Food Insider Guide – taking you through all the delicious seasonal offers and where to book your next Christmas meal.
Magical Events & Performances
If none of the above seems 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!
Cinderella at the Rose Theatre
26th November – 4th January
Prepare for a magical adventure this Christmas bursting with music, laughter, and festive wonder – you’ll have a ball!
Christmas Evening at Waterstones
Waterstones Kingston, Friday 28th November
Visit Waterstones this Black Friday for an evening of festive cheer, fabulous sales, and meet-and-greet some favourite authors. Expect the likes of historian Tracy Borman, children & nonfiction author Ella Risbridger, crime extraordinaire Gareth Rubin, and the hilarious children’s author of Anisha: Accidental Detective, Serena Patel.
Expect free gift wrapping, complimentary mince pies & mulled wine, gingerbread decorating and ornament making!
Bauble Pottery Painting
The Ram, Thursday 4th & Sunday 7th December
Get into the festive spirit with a Bauble Christmas Pottery Painting event!
Join in for a cosy, creative session where you can paint your own ceramic bauble – perfect for gifting or decorating your tree. All the materials are provided, just bring your imagination.
All ages welcome. Booking recommended!
Sew your own Festive Decoration
Koppel Studios, Saturday 6th December
Join designer, Bee Smith, at her studio for a fun festive afternoon to create your own felt Christmas decoration. Choose from making a Gingerbread Person, Christmas pudding or Sprouts. If you’d like an alternative decoration, just let them know in advance.
All materials included, along with easy to follow hand illustrated instructions.
Momentum’s Christmas Spectacular
All Saints Church, Thursday 11th December
Get ready for a dazzling evening of festive magic as Laine Theatre Arts Choir presents Momentum’s Christmas Spectacular. This unforgettable event will feature a stunning selection of performances – from timeless traditional carols to beloved musical hits and opportunities for you to join in!
All proceeds from the night go directly to Momentum Children’s Charity, supporting children with cancer and life-challenging conditions across London, Surrey, and Sussex.
Youth Anthems Christmas Party
The Fighting Cocks, Saturday 14th December
Youth Anthems returns for their annual Christmas party celebrating a day full of live music and festive fun for the whole family. Bands line-up below:
- YAK-EOKE: Your chance to get on stage and sing your favourite song with a live band! Email your song choice to youthanthemskingston@hotmail.com before 1st December.
- NATURAL RIGHT: Balkan-influenced ska reggae soul. FFO: Bedouin Soundclash, The Aggrolites, The Slackers
- THE CELLOS: Guitar shredding youth rock. FFO: Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden
Plus Youth Anthems famous Xmas raffle! Book your tickets now
The Ram’s Christmas Quiz
The Ram, Tuesday 17th December
Get ready for some jolly good fun at the Ram’s last Quiz Night of the year! Expect festive questions, prizes, laughs, and maybe even a few glasses of mulled wine 😉
We’ll be updating this guide weekly as more festive events are announced – so keep your eyes peeled!🌟