Here is what's on around Kensington this December

December is always a lovely month in this part of London, even a global pandemic can’t put a stop to that. Although we’ll be getting into the festive mood a little differently this year, there are still plenty of socially-distanced events taking place not too far from our front doors.

If you’re coming to Kensington at this time of year or staying here with us at Park International and wondering what events you can go to in December, here is our pick of some of the best things to do around town in December.

Top events in Kensington and nearby in December 2020:

• Christmas at Kew at Kew Gardens – All Month
• Ice Rink at various London locations – All Month
• Christmas Movies at Prince Charles Cinema – All Month
• Christmas with the Royal Choral Society at Royal Albert Hall – 9^th December
• Miracle on Kingdom Street at Pergola Paddington – From 14^th December
• Love Actually in Concert at Eventim Apollo – From 17^th December
• Carols at Royal Albert Hall – 21st to 24th December
• Peter Pan Cup at Hyde Park – 25th December
• New Year’s Eve by the Thames – 31st December 

More information on some of the events taking place throughout December: 

Christmas at Kew

• Date: All Month
• Venue: Kew Gardens

Immersive yourself in the magic of Christmas with London’s favourite light trail.

This year’s route will lead you through Kew Gardens’ beautifully illuminated Rose Garden

neon-wrapped trees, an enchanting canopy of stars and a stunning light show at the Treetop Walkway, and that’s just for starters.

Open 4pm – 10pm until 3^rd January 2021, booking is essential.

Ice Rink

• Date: All Month
• Venue: Various

What’s the winter season without skidding or skating around a pop up ice rink? Unfortunately, the ice rink outside the Natural History Museum won’t be going ahead this year, but you can still get your history fix while you enjoy the ice – with ice rinks open at Hampton Court Palace, Alexandra Palace and The Queen’s House in Greenwich.

Christmas Movies

• Date: Throughout December
• Venue: Princes Charles Cinema

It’s quite the thing now for cinemas around the country to show a few Christmas movies throughout the month, but the Price Charles just off Leicester Square has been running an enviable Xmas programme for years now.

Often overlooked for the fancier cinemas dotted around the area, they put on a great programme in December. Some of the films they’ll be showing in the lead up to Christmas include:

• Die Hard
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• It’s A Wonderful Life
• A Christmas Story
• Love Actually
• Hook
• Elf
• Gremlins
• Home Alone 1 & 2
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• The Holiday
• Scrooged
• Lethal Weapon
• A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas

In fact, if you can think of a film that has something to do with Christmas, there’s a good chance they’ll be showing it. You can see all the seasonal listing on their website right here.

Love Actually In Concert

• Date: 17 – 20 December
• Venue: Eventim Apollo 

Quite a new trend this year is to have a live musical accompaniment to films being shown, and Love Actually is getting in on the action for a third year with this screening at the Apollo. You might struggle to remember the score of Love Actually, but it does have a good bit of brass and some full-on Christmas vibes.

Christmas With The Royal Choral Society At Royal Albert Hall

• Date: 9^th December
• Venue: Royal Albert Hall 

The annual Christmas show from the Royal Choral Society has been going strong since 1871, and 2020 is no different. It’s a landmark festive event for the Albert Hall and we’re so pleased it’s still going ahead this year.

Miracle on Kingdom Street

• Date: from 14^th December
• Venue: Pergola Paddington 

Sadly, there’s no Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park this year, but if you’re looking for another way to create that wonderland feeling, head over to Pergola. They’ve transformed their food haven with an enchanting woodland of snow-covered pine trees, twinkling lights and a string of festive events, from gospel singalongs to Santa visits.

Snuggle up in a Moët & Chandon champagne chalet or relax in their heated Bavarian-style hall and enjoy the lip-smacking menus from their five restaurants, serving ALL the festive treats (think bratwursts, apres snacks, oozy cheese fondues and festive tipples).

Carols At Royal Albert Hall

• Date: 18^th to 23^rd December
• Venue: Royal Albert Hall

We don’t mind if you get a little loud with vocal practice in your room before you head out to carols at Royal Albert Hall. It’s quite an uplifting and fun experience to join in with thousands and sing along to Christmas Carols, even if you’re not quite good at keeping in key. 

Peter Pan Cup

• Date: 25^th December
• Venue: Hyde Park

London can be incredibly quiet on Christmas Day as the city shuts down, but in one corner of Hyde Park, you can expect a few shrieks as the Serpentine Swimming Club take a dip in the lake.

It’s a tradition going back to the 1800s that sees member jump into freezing cold water to take part in a very brief 91m race. There’s no award for coming first, but it is something different to do on Christmas Day. 

New Year’s Eve

• Date: 31^st December
• Venue: By the Thames 

You’ll always been spoilt for choice for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the capital.  Many restaurants in the area will host late dinners where you can casually raise a glass to the new year.

Also have a look online for special New Year’s Eve cruise on the Thames where you can get a unique view of affairs from inside a cosy cruise boat. 

Where to stay in Kensington in December?

Coming to Kensington this December and looking for somewhere special to stay? Why not treat yourself to an unforgettable hotel in the heart of London with the 4-star experience you’ll get at Park international. 

You can stay in a luxury room or suite that is ideal for a midweek trip to see a show, pick a quad room when a family is visiting the sights for a few days, or really treat yourself with a stay in a heritage junior suite.

If you already know what dates you’ll be coming to Kensington in December, take a look at our offers to get up to 15% off by booking in advance.