The most wonderful time of the year will kick off in Chelsea on the afternoon of Saturday 19 November, as the neighbourhood receives its annual dusting of Christmas sparkle with the Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On. 

Celebrate this magical time of year with friends and family as the King’s Road is pedestrianised for the second year running and Father Christmas makes a return to a special Diptyque-scented grotto on Sloane Square. 

There will be roaming performances across the neighbourhood and captivating festive entertainment on the King’s Road stage, and be sure to walk through the magical festive arcade at Duke of York Square (DOYS) on your way to the Christmas edition of the Fine Food Market, where you can shop for festive foodie gifts as you sip on a warming cup of glühwein or hot chocolate. 

Creative sorts will love the makers’ workshops with Hole & Corner in which they can blow their own glass Christmas baubles, make pretty marbled wrapping paper and upcycling decorations from used materials. 

Little ones will love seeing Rudolph and all his reindeer pals on the running track outside the Saatchi Gallery before they take off on their busy Christmas delivery schedule, and children can have their faces painted. 

At  5pm, Father Christmas and a special helper – a local child at the top of the ‘Nice’ list – will switch on the twinkling Christmas lights, transforming Chelsea into London’s most magical Christmastime neighbourhood, as dazzling swathes of sparkling garlands and regal crowns glitter to life before a spectacular fireworks display wraps up a truly unforgettable day.

Your favourite boutiques and restaurants will have unmissable offers, refreshments and mince pies, and the much-loved horse and carriage rides will be back to transport you up and down Sloane Street (just ask the elf outside Kate Spade on Symons Street for details), and stop by the Sloane Square Winter Terrace until Christmas Eve for more al fresco refreshments while you try your hand at Bavarian curling. 

While you’re on the Street, drop by The Carlton Tower Jumeirah to warm up with a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Trolley of Treats, and drop into the new Diptyque flagship (open 18 November 2022) for a glass of Champagne as you shop for gifts that can be personalised with engraving in store. 

Visit chelseachristmas.co.uk for all the details and the full programme of festive fun.