Christmas is just around the corner, and so begins a steady festive diet of mulled wine, mince pies, carols and regular doses of sparkle. And whether you go all-out or keep things low-key, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Chelsea this Christmas. Read on for all the happenings on and around Sloane Street this year.

On Saturday 19 November at 5pm, Father Christmas himself (and a special helper), will switch on Chelsea’s annual light display, transforming the area into a winter wonderland. To celebrate the occasion, there will be music, visiting reindeer, a festive edition of the Fine Food Market in Duke of York Square, roaming entertainment and much more. Read more about all the events on the day here.

December’s most in-demand figure is making several special appearances in Chelsea this season. In addition to Anya’s Grotto, he’ll be in residence on Sloane Square from 19 November onwards between 10am and 8pm (and, delightfully, the space will be scented by Diptyque). He’ll also be inside Peter Jones, where Lego gifts will accompany every visit. Make the experience extra magical by combining it with the aforementioned horse and carriage ride and smiley mince pies at Anya Cafe.

Embrace the cooler weather and try out a traditional winter sport – Bavarian curling. The terrace at Sloane Square (the same place as Summer in the Square) will host a mini ice rink for the season, which can be booked online for groups of eight, or for individuals by turning up on the day. Warm up with a drink and nibbles afterwards at one of the Square’s many restaurants.

Thinking of sending handmade gifts this year? Be sure to book a spot at one of the special workshops held by champions of craftsmanship, Hole & Corner, on Saturday 19 November. Choose from marbling, upcycled decorations and glassblowing, all held in the sparkling surrounds of the King’s Road, right outside Peter Jones.

Yes, Chelsea’s favourite festive activity returns this year to everyone’s joy. What better way to see the neighbourhood’s Christmas decorations than this? The complimentary trips are running from 12pm to 4pm on 19 November: just speak to the elf at the corner of Pavilion Road and Symons Street (outside Kate Spade) to catch a ride.

If you, like many Chelsea locals, anticipate Anya Hindmarch’s annual festivities with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning, then you certainly won’t be disappointed this year. There will be smiley mince pies, igloo Christmas cakes, collectable biscuit tins and gingerbread men in the Anya Cafe on Pont Street, and opposite at the Village Hall, a fully decked out Christmas shop stocking limited-edition Anya hampers, decorations and consciously crafted gifts.

Every Saturday from 10am until 4pm, there will be a festive food market in Duke of York Square offering artisanal treats and gourmet goodies – it’s an ideal place to find gifts for the epicurean in your life, or to enjoy a mince pie mid shopping trip.

Prefer a sit-down meal? Head to The Botanist, Sloane Place, Harvey Nichols or Harry’s Dolce Vita, which will all be offering their own take on festive menus through November and December. And if you don’t feel like cooking on the big day itself, book a spot at The LaLee, The Fuji Grill or Al Mare for a very special Christmas dining experience (tip: reservations for New Year’s Eve are open, too).

For many, spiritual food is just as important as the literal kind. If that’s you, then don’t miss a service at one of Chelsea’s numerous churches. Holy Trinity on Sloane Street will host carol services on Advent Sunday and by candlelight on 18 December, as well as a midnight mass on Christmas Eve and a sung eucharist the next day.

The Chelsea Physic Garden’s programme of events and workshops is always so creative, and the festive season is no exception. Paint your own botanical Christmas card, take the little ones to a willow sculpture workshop, or attend a storytelling session hosted by Santa himself. You can also explore more than 100 curated stands at the annual Christmas Fair, hosted in the garden from 24 to 27 November.

Whether you prefer carols by candlelight, classical tunes or The Rat Pack’s festive hits, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Cadogan Hall. Elsewhere in its winter listings, there are jazz gigs, a Dickensian celebration of all things Christmas, and the NSPCC’s annual concert in aid of Childline, where Michael Ball and others will perform. Entertaining little ones? Don’t miss an orchestra-accompanied live screening of The Snowman and The Gruffalo.

While not strictly festive, The LaLee’s upcoming chef residency promises to be one of autumn’s culinary highlights. Roberto Toro, who has helmed Sicily’s Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant since its inception, will be cooking up a special menu for four nights only. Don’t miss out on the very special evenings that he is hosting on 30 November and 1 December.

What better excuse to visit Sloane Street’s boutiques than the fact that many of them will be offering special treats for the season? The newly opened Diptyque store will have a personalisation service, Yves Delorme will provide bites for a mid-shopping snack, and Anabela Chan and The Fold are promising gifts with purchases.

Keep checking chelseachristmas.co.uk for updates throughout the season.

Achieving a picture-perfect Christmas table is easier said than done, so why not join Anthropologie on the King’s Road for a lesson in tablescaping with interior bloggers Jo and Chris from @two.men.and.a.semi? It’s free to attend, but you’ll need to reserve a spot.