Chelsea will come alive with festive cheer on Saturday, 16 November 2024, as the neighbourhood transforms into a winter wonderland and Sloane Street unveils its stunning new Christmas lights. The sparkling lights will set the stage for an unforgettable day, featuring performances along Sloane Street for the very first time.
The festivities begin with an all-day Christmas extravaganza, transforming King’s Road from Sloane Square to Walpole Street into a pedestrianised winter wonderland. Expect holiday markets, pop-ups from local businesses, face painting, and cookie decorating for the little ones, complemented by mulled wine and festive fizz.
A series of performances on three stages—and roaming performances along Sloane Street—will keep the festive spirit alive throughout the day, with a special appearance by Father Christmas himself at Duke of York Square. At 5 pm, he’ll join a local child to light up the neighbourhood in a breathtaking 360-degree display of lights, and joyful seasonal music.
Expect a truly festive atmosphere on Sloane Street, with luxury activations set to bring the holiday spirit to life along Sloane Street. Anya Hindmarch on Pont Street will host a drinks cart outside the store, perfect for a warm, festive sip, while Cartier adds a touch of theatre with its “Cartier bellboys” welcoming guests. Diptyque and Hackett join in with outdoor drinks carts and Jessica McCormack will delight passersby with McCormack’s Candy Cart.
Meanwhile, Gucci will set the mood with an exclusive Christmas event from 4-8 pm, with music from DJ, refreshments and festive biscuits. RSVP by emailing albert.riccitellihalimi@gucci.com.
Following a £46-million transformation, Sloane Street is set to look more enchanting than ever this Christmas with a captivating new lighting display by renowned designer James Glancy.
Inspired by the historic mulberry trees of Cadogan Place Gardens and Sloane Street’s recent transformation into a verdant boulevard, this year’s festive lights celebrate the beauty of nature. With a nod to William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement, ethereal archways of gold and copper leaves will frame the illuminated, tree-lined boulevard, creating a canopy of twinkling foliage.
With almost 34km of lighting and almost 312,000 individual LEDS, this display will bring an unparalleled sparkle to the Street, making it the ideal setting for your Christmas shopping. And, despite the grandeur, the power consumption is surprisingly modest at just under 30kW per hour—roughly equivalent to the energy needed to run ten electric kettles.
This year also sees the unveiling of the Sloane Square Winter Pavilion, an inviting space crafted in collaboration with the Royal Court Theatre. Running from Wednesday to Saturday until 21 December, the Pavilion will host a festive programme of performances while serving hot chocolates, mulled wine, and mince pies. A twinkling winter walkway adds an extra touch of Christmas magic and a perfect backdrop for family photos.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying the festivities with family, or simply taking in the lights, This year’s Chelsea Christmas celebration is not to be missed.
For all the details, please visit kingsroad.co.uk.
