Last updated 28 September 2026. Every date below is checked against the organiser's own page. Where a 2026 date has not been announced yet, we say so rather than guess.
Kingston has the closest proper Christmas market to us, and it runs for seven weeks, which takes the pressure off. Around it: a Christmas play at the Rose, a lively evening in Surbiton, and Hampton Court and Kew each a short hop away.
Kingston Christmas Market
Ancient Market Place, KT1 1JS · 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 · Free to wander · Closed Christmas Day
Wooden chalets in the old market square, with a bar, food and a stage of choirs, local bands and an open-mic night.
- Stalls: Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 8pm. Christmas Eve and Boxing Day 10am to 6pm.
- Bar, food and stage: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day 10am to 8pm.
A weekday evening is the gentlest time to go: the stalls are open late on Thursdays, and the crowds are thinner than at the weekend.
About the lights: Kingston did not hold an official lights switch-on event in 2025, and nothing has been announced for 2026. If you see a switch-on date online, check it with Kingston First before you plan around it.
The Wind in the Willows at the Rose
Rose Theatre, Kingston · 25 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
The Rose's Christmas show this year is a family play rather than a panto. Performances are usually at 11.30am and 5.30pm. There is an audio-described performance on 21 December, BSL on 23 December, and relaxed and captioned performances on 29 December. Booking is open.
Celebrate Surbiton at Christmas
Surbiton station forecourt, Victoria Road · Thursday 3 December 2026, 4.30pm to 8pm · Free
A children's trail to find Santa's reindeer, music, stalls, a winter outdoor bar and a shop-window competition. The Surbiton Royal British Legion also holds a free carol service on Sunday 29 November.
Hampton Court Palace
The ice rink
20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 8pm
Adults £19.50 off-peak or £21.50 peak. Children aged three to twelve £14.50 or £16. A family of four £59.50 or £65.50. Slots fill quickly, especially at weekends and in the school holidays.
Festive Fayre
4 to 6 and 11 to 13 December 2026, 10am to 5pm
Makers and food stalls in the palace grounds, included in palace admission. The palace warns that entry without a pre-booked ticket cannot be guaranteed.
Winter Palace
28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
A new Christmas family experience inside the palace, The Christmas Beast Ball, included in admission.
Kew and Ham
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens · 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 · Closed 16, 23 and 28 November and Christmas Day
The light trail after dark. Adults £29.50 off-peak or £37 peak, children £20 or £24, families £89 or £108. Advance booking is essential and it does sell out. Parking is £15, booked with your ticket.
The Robin's Tale at Ham House
Ham House · 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 5pm
A National Trust Christmas trail, included in normal admission. A quieter afternoon than Kew, and a lovely walk along the river from Kingston.
Expected, but not yet confirmed
- Bentall Centre Santa's Grotto. Ran on weekends in December 2025 and daily from 20 to 23 December.
- Bentall Centre late-night Christmas shopping. Ran on 11 and 12 December 2025. The centre stays open until 8pm every Thursday.
- Nine Lessons and Carols at All Saints Kingston. Ran on 21 December 2025 at 6pm.
We will update this page as the dates land.
Coming home
After a cold evening in the market square, the best thing is a lit house. We leave a cordless lamp on in the window before we go, and keep a throw on the sofa. If you are buying presents while you are out, our gift guide is grouped by budget, with UK delivery included.
More nearby: Christmas in Walton-on-Thames, Christmas in Twickenham and what to take to a Christmas market.