In this article, you’ll learn the following:
We’ve finally made it to the most wonderful time of the year – December’s here and the festivities are in full swing!
Far and wide, our region has transformed into a wondrous winter wonderland filled with festive lights and decorations galore.
Tis the season to make the most of the magic across London and the South West as Christmas markets continue to bring festive cheer, pop-up ice rinks grace our towns and cities, pantos return, and much more.
Before you kick-back and relax for the holidays, get your present shopping done in London, and enjoy winter days out with family and friends. To finish off 2023, raise a glass to the new year in the capital, and soak up the bustling atmosphere with your loved ones.
Our guide to what’s on in December across our network is bound to help you create an unforgettable month – read on to learn more.
See the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony
1 December
1 December marks a special date in the capital’s festive calendar – the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Every year since 1947 the people of Norway have given London a Christmas tree to thank the nation for its support to Norway in the Second World War.
The tree gets handpicked in the forests surrounding Oslo, and the Norwegian foresters who look after it call it ‘the queen of the forest’. It would be a shame to miss this magnificent beauty lighting up the capital for the first time this year.
Trafalgar Square’s just a 20-minute walk or short tube ride on the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo. You’ll be perfectly placed to watch a theatre show in the West End – save up to 55% on tickets with SWR Rewards. And if you fancy a bite to eat nearby it’s worth noting you can save 20% on Sophie’s Steakhouse when you travel with us.
Head to Hampton Court Palace Fayre
1 & 8 December
Book your tickets now for Hampton Court Palace Fayre. Here, Hampton Court’s stunning courtyards transform into a festive feast for the eyes. You’ll find delicious craft food and drink, activities, entertainment, and a dazzling market to do some shopping.
Highlights include mulled wine and mince pie stalls, Greek and Vietnamese street food, cocktail masterclasses, a pop-up ice rink, and 100 independent artisan stalls. You can also upgrade your ticket to include an after-hours tour of Hampton Court Palace where you’ll hear stories behind Tudor holiday celebrations.
The closest station to Hampton Court Palace is Hampton Court Station.
Go to London and the South West’s best Christmas markets
November-December
Last month, we gave you the details on the top Christmas markets on our network. Here’s your reminder to make the most of them while they’re here!
From the world-famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and vibrant Leicester Square Market to one of Europe’s best – Winchester Cathedral market and much more, check our guide to the best Christmas markets.
Journey on the Isle of White’s festive steam train
2-24 December
The Isle of White’s one of our Network’s treasures. If you’re planning a winter getaway with the whole family, it’s a spot well worth a visit. In December, its Santa Special event takes you on a 10-mile journey through a wintery woodland on a heated and beautifully restored carriage.
After your train ride, you’ll head to the North Pole station where Santa’s helpers wait to greet you. The kids will get to meet Santa, where he’ll give them a gift.
These festive train services run throughout December. Find out more and book your tickets. Save when travelling to and from the Isle of Wight with combined ferry and train tickets. Read our Isle of White guide to find out more about how to get there, and things to do while you’re there.
Instead of buying presents online, why not make a day of it and head to London’s shopping hotspots including Oxford Street, Battersea Power Station and Westfield.
If you don’t fancy facing the business of the city, there are an abundance of shopping centres you can visit across the South West including Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton and much more. See our guide.
Enjoy a festive horse-racing weekend
Our network’s home to some of the UKs best racecourses – Sandown Park and Ascot Racecourse. The pair truly embrace the holiday season – here are 2 jump racing events well worth a look in.
Betfair Tingle Creek Festival
8-9 December
Travel to Sandown Park for 2 days of jump racing action. There’ll be a 6-race card on the Friday, and on Saturday, 2 Grade One races on the card.
If you’re on a budget, the racecourse allows you to bring your own picnic, which includes up to half a 750ml bottle of wine, champagne or prosecco. Otherwise, you can get food and drink at its food court at the Bandstand. Tickets start from £20 – grab yours.
Howden christmas racing weekend at Ascot
22-23 December
The Howden Christmas racing weekend at Ascot Racecourse features 2 days of entertainment and Jumps racing to enjoy.
Alongside the action on the race track, there’s plenty of entertainment. Santa Clause will be making an appearance, and the kids can enjoy rides, arts and crafts and more. Plus, let the Ascot Brass Band get you in the festive spirit with traditional carols at the Grandstand. There’ll also be plenty of treats available, including mince pies and hot chocolate.
Grab your tickets. They’re £20, and children go free!
Ascot station is the nearest station to Ascot Racecourse and is only a 7-minute walk away.
See the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
22 December
Stonehenge – a landmark that’s gone down in the history books for its iconic mythology – welcomes visitors from around the world to see the sun rise above the stones at the winter solstice – this year, on 22 of December at 8.04am.
Winter solstice at Stonehenge is a bucket-list experience for many. It’s suggested that the solstice is linked to rebirth, renewal, giving thanks, and signifying that light conquers darkness.
According to English Heritage an “unprecedented” number of people turned up last year, making up a record crowd. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get there by catching an early SWR train to Salisbury, and from there, a Stonehenge Tour bus.
Plan some family holiday activities
December-January
Keeping the kids entertained over the holidays is easy when you’ve got so many fun things to do in London and the South West. Below are some of our top picks.
Head to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland should be at the top of your festive itinerary. There are fun-filled things for the whole family to enjoy, including fairground rides, Christmas markets, German beer tents, and delicious treats.
Find out how to make the most of it in our dedicated guide.
Ice skating
Seasonal indoor and outdoor ice skating rink pop-ups are all over London and the south west right now. These include some of London’s best – Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace and Battersea Power Station, and the South West’s – Guildhall Square, Alexandra Gardens and much more. See our guide.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is home to the largest and most diverse collection of plants in the world. During the festive season, it transforms into a festive holiday wonderland, with light shows, dancing lakeside reflections, flickering flames and more. Book your tickets.
Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
London Zoo at Christmas is a great shout for kids. It boasts a sleigh trail, Christmas themed animal talks, and an opportunity to meet Santa. Get 2for1 tickets when you travel with us.
Hyde Park’s Serpentine for the Peter Pan Cup
If you want to get involved in a quirky holiday tradition, go to the Peter Pan Cup. It’s a 100-yard swimming race in Hyde Park’s lido. It starts at 9am, so there’ll be plenty of time to get back home and start Christmas Day dinner preparations.
Christmas at Kidzania
From 2 December – 7 January kids aged 4-14 can enjoy Christmas at Kidzania. Here, they can take part in immersive festive role-play activities. You can upgrade your tickets to include ‘Elfmas’ where you’ll get access to secret craft workshops and Santa’s post room.
From 8 December – 7 January, London’s ExCel opens up its Kingdom of Winter. Think winter wonderland, but indoors. Here, you can enjoy activities like ice skating, a circus, fairground rides and much more without bracing the cold.
The Postal Museum’s immersive Christmas celebrations
The Postal Museum’s immersive Christmas offering features a letters to Santa collection, and the first ever Christmas card. You can also join in on interactive storytelling sessions and ride the mail rail ride, which features a festive twist.
Wishmas
Take the family to Wishmas, an immersive experience where you’ll discover magical rooms, meet festive characters, join workshops and meet Santa. Travel with us to London Waterloo and enjoy 10% off your ticket.
Pantomimes
Panto’s are one of the most-loved festive traditions. There are plenty to choose from over the festive period, including Peter Pan Goes Wrong (enjoy over 40% off tickets), Snow White at the Greenwich Theatre, Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith, Aladdin at the Hackney Empire (get 50% off your tickets), and Jack and the Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Shrek the halls!
From 2-24 December, take the little ones to Shrek the Halls! In this Shrektacular experience at London Southbank, the infamous green Ogre takes Santa’s place. Take a picture with him, and get a Christmas card.
Celebrate New Years’ Eve in London
31 December
Even if you only ever do it once, you need to try the London New Years’ Eve experience. It’s a world-renowned hub for new years’ celebrations, which includes the world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks event near the London Eye, where Big Ben will chime at midnight to welcome us into 2024.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in London, whether you’re looking for a free event, or want to splash some cash at a concert or show. See our guide to how to celebrate New Years’ Eve in London to learn more.
We’d suggest staying in the capital for a couple of days if you can. London’s one of the top-spots for a winter getaway, as it comes alive with bright lights, decorations and joyful people soaking up its vibrant festive atmosphere.
For most central London New Year’s Eve events, London Waterloo will be your closest station but you’ll also find services to Vauxhall station and Clapham Junction.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your December calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in January. Happy holidays!
