Feeling festive yet? Our guide to what’s on in December has more Christmas cheer than you can shake a merry stick at. Check out south London’s best events for instant Christmas spirit.
Christmas in Chelsea
This year, Chelsea is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs. Find unique artisan gifts at the Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair on 2-3rd December then head to Duke of York for carol singers, ballet dancers and a visit to Santa’s Grotto.
Various, dukeofyorksquare.com
Clapham Lights
Forget Oxford Street – the official switch on of Clapham’s Christmas lights involves far more than just flicking a switch. An art organisation in the Old Town has joined forces with Clapham Omnibus to present live bands, Santa’s Grotto, stilt walkers and fire breathers, plus a feast of warming food and drink stalls. A lantern parade of local schools will light up the night before the official lights are turned on.
3 December, thisisclapham.co.uk
Santa Run
It is a scientific fact that people in Santa suits run 1.7x faster than those in normal running gear. OK, we might have made that up. But runners at Battersea Park’s Santa run are guaranteed to have way more fun once they don their red and white (beards optional) and with Disability Snowsport UK as the chosen charity, it’s all for an excellent cause, too.
3 December, 209events.com
Crafty Fox Christmas Market
The Crafty Fox markets pop up all over London, offering savvy shoppers the chance to pick up stylish gifts from small, independent traders. The Christmas edition is setting up shop in Brixton’s Dogstar on the 3rd and 4th December and there will be creative workshops taking place for those willing to give crafts a go. Make a B-line for Alfred & Wilde for graphic ceramics, Aster & Wren for super cute baby clothes and I Am Acrylic for cute, kitsch jewellery. Can’t make it to Brixton? The market pops up again in Peckham the following weekend, just in time for Christmas.
3-4 December, craftyfoxmarket.co.uk
Legends of Darts at Infernos
Join the biggest names of the Darts world for an evening of fish, fogles and festive fun. Legends like Dennis Preistely and Bob Anderson will be battling for bullseyes in front of the cheering crowds – and don’t let the host venue of Infernos put you off. This is crazy, joyous fun that you’ll love.
10 December, infernos.co.uk
Carols in Wandsworth
As the nights draw in, what better way to get into that cosy Christmas spirit than a concert of carols and festive music? Established in 1886, the South West London Choral Society is one of London’s longest-running community choirs, and while no longer the vast 200-strong chorus of its heyday in the 20’s and 30’s, the current choir of around 60 voices includes singers from all over south west London – including Le Bureau’s own Michael Grayer in the bass section! Hear a selection of carols from around the world and join in with some old favourites in the intimate setting of St. Ann’s Church, Wandsworth.
10 December, swlcs.org.uk
Rutherford House Christmas Fair
This is the type of proper, local Christmas Fair that children adore. All are welcome at Rutherford House School in Balham for a traditional Santa’s grotto, as well as face painting, a bouncy castle and arts and crafts, and you can pick up everything from your Christmas pudding to your Christmas tree in one go.
10 December, rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk
Festive Light Ride
A charity bike ride with a difference, the Festive Light Ride – organised by Omnibus – begins in Polygon Square before making its way to Brixton, taking in fireworks, lanterns, music and entertainment along the way. All ages and abilities are welcome and the events raises funds for the Wheels for Wellbeing cycling disability charity. Ride on!
11 Dec, omnibus-clapham.org
Scrooge and the Seven Dwarves
It’s Christmas Eve, the sleigh is packed and Father Christmas is ready to go. There’s just one problem – the Wicked Witch has stolen the Christmas spirit and the sleigh isn’t going anywhere! Desperate, Santa turns to an unlikely Christmas saviour in Ebenzer Scrooge, but can this unlikely hero save the day? Will the witch get her comeuppance? And how do the Seven Dwarves come into all this? Theatre company Sleeping Trees specialise in superb, family-friendly theatre and their jolly new show, performed at The Latchmere in Battersea, is no exception.
Until 7 January, theatre503.com
The Brixton Christmas Carnival
For a little extra heat to your Christmas celebrations, the Prince of Wales’ hugely popular club night comes with a ‘seasonal’ rum shack and Jerk BBQ – so who are we to argue? There are two stages of music, dancers and performers and 90s hip hop to get you really ready for the big day.
17 December, pow-london.com
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