Top Things To Do In Kensington This Winter

If you’re planning to stay in Kensington an extended business trip to London this winter, you’ll find a plethora of activities and events to help you stave off the chill, or for shorter trips in the nearby Queens Gate suites. Use our guide to Kensington in winter to plan an unforgettable trip to the UK capital.

Top Winter Events And Attractions In Kensington

There are many annual events, famous attractions, and once-off opportunities to tickle your fancy in January and February. Here’s our pick of the best.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve: There’s plenty to see and do on New Year’s Eve in London, from fine wining and dining to themed parties in clubs and event spaces. If you feel like braving the crowd, head down to the London Eye for the world-renowned fireworks display.

Watch the New Year’s Day parade: Start the New Year with floats, music, street entertainment, and a big dollop of British pomp and ceremony at the annual New Year’s Day parade. The parade starts at 12pm and winds its way through Piccadilly, Regents Street St James’s, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.

Have fun at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Treat the kids (or your inner child) to a few hours at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. One of London’s favourite events in Kensington in winter, the event offers attractions such as the UK's largest outdoor ice rink, the giant wheel, thrilling shows at Zippo's Circus and Cirque Beserk, new and improved rides, food and beverages, music and more. Until 2 January.

Attend the London Short Film Festival: Watch screenings of the best short films from around the world and attend talks at the London Short Film Festival. Different venues around London. 20 to 29 January.

Marvel at the London International Mime Festival: Take your pick of four mesmerising theatre shows featuring eccentric puppeteers, Olivier Award-winning performers, and rising stars from Belgium’s renowned contemporary theatre scene, and a film screening with live piano accompaniment at the London International Mime Festival at the Barbican. 24 January to 5 February.

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day treat: If you’re going to be in London with your special someone in mid-February, treat them to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a spectacular multi-course dinner and wine at a fine restaurant, stroll through the Columbia Road Flower Market, see a theatre show, or book a table on a Bateaux London dining cruise.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Kensington Gardens: Immerse yourself in the stark beauty of nature in Kensington in winter by taking a peaceful stroll through Kensington Gardens. If you work up an appetite, head to the Pavilion restaurant at Kensington Palace for a delectable lunch or afternoon tea.

Cultural Events to Attend During Winter in London

London is one of the world’s cultural capitals, so be sure to attend a few cultural events while staying in Kensington in winter. Here are some of the best events to add to your itinerary.

Discover African fashion at the V&A Museum: The V&A Museum is staging its first African fashion exhibition. Discover the eclectic and diverse story of this self-defining art form at this event in Kensington in winter. Until 16 April.

Explore Surrealism in design: Make your way to Design Museum Kensington for Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design 1924 – Today. Explore the dreamlike relationship between Surrealism and design in this century-spanning celebration which curates the best in surrealist design, from furniture, interior design, fashion, photography, and world-renowned artworks. Until 19 February.

Laugh at the fortieth anniversary production of Noises Off: Enjoy classic comedy in the 40^th anniversary production of Noises Off starring TV icons Felicity Kennedy and Matthew Kelley. This laugh-aloud take on the antics of a touring theatre company is on at the Phoenix Theatre from 19 January to 11 March.

Celebrate Chinese New Year: The Chinese Year of the Rabbit begins in 2023. Join London’s Chinese community in celebrating this auspicious occasion. Celebratory events will be held around 22 January.

Toast Scotland’s favourite poet on Burns Night: London might be a good distance from Scotland, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the Scots’ favourite poet! Raise a wee dram of whisky and feast on haggis, neeps, and tatties on Burns Night at one of the many restaurants that hold events on the occasion. 25 January.

Meet Alexander the Great at the British Museum: Gain a new understanding of one of history’s most impressive figures at the British Museum’s Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth, an exhibition that sees artists and storytellers re-imagine a tale 2,000 years in the telling. Until 19 February.

Be enchanted by the works of Cézanne: Discover the iconic works of one of modern art’s leading figures at the EY Exhibition: Cézanne at Tate Modern. Some of the works on show have never been seen before in the UK. Until 12 March. 

Local Places To Eat And Drink In London

London’s a foodie’s paradise, so be sure to indulge in fine food and drink when staying in Kensington in winter. Put these fantastic local places to eat and drink on your radar.

Maggie Jones’s: Quirky décor and the great classics of British cuisine are what Maggie Jones’s on Old Court Place is all about. With candles, hidden booths, and a selection of Bordeaux wines, this establishment’s perfect for a memorable lunch or dinner.

Margaux: Enjoy modern European cuisine and bistro-style food in a casual yet elegant atmosphere at Margaux on Brompton Road. The venison fillet and roasted duck breast are particularly good.

Zuaya: Feast on favourite South American dishes at upscale Mexican/Latin American restaurant Zuaya on Kensington High Street. You’ll find delectable menu items such as Peruvian rib-eye steak, stone bass ceviche, squid tacos, and crispy duck salad.

Enjoy Winter In Kensington, Central London

Whether you’re travelling solo or with your partner, family, or friends, you’ll want a comfortable home from home in Kensington in winter. Fraser Suites Kensington’s serviced apartments and suites offer comfort, convenient amenities, and a stunning location near excellent transport links. Our hotel is the perfect place to base yourself at when you’re in the city for a few days or an extended stay. Contact us and start planning a memorable holiday or business trip.