Your guide to Christmas events around 116 Pall Mall
Regent Street and St James’s Christmas Lights
Thursday 14 November
London’s original, (and, in our humble opinion probably the best Christmas lights) were turned on on November 14. It was an extra special event this year given that 2019 marks Regent Street’s 200th anniversary. The ’Spirit of Christmas’ lights cover the area from Regent St through to St James’s and can be seen from 116.
To mark the occasion, Regent Street was pedestrianised with live entertainment featuring the cast of A Christmas Carol, singer-songwriter Maisie Peters and a live performance from The Script. There will be other special events happening around Regent Street in the build-up to December 25, but just coming to see the lights for yourself is well worth it.
Christmas Markets in Leicester Square
From now until 5 January
Fancy a glass of mulled wine while you feast on a Bratwurst? Leicester Square brings a touch a Bavaria to London. There are dozens of stalls selling anything from hand-crafted toys to festive ornaments. There is also a Santa’s Grotto and live acts will be performing. Entry to the market is free but sadly it will cost extra to see Santa.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Thursday 21 November
This year, for the first time in six years, the lights are having a complete overhaul. The area will be lit with 27 LED ‘light curtains’ and made up of a total of 222,000 lights.
The new design coincides with the 60th year of official Oxford Street Christmas lights. The event is sponsored by Capital Xtra so you can expect plenty of live performances.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
From 5 December to 5 January
We have to declare a personal interest here given the origins of the tree can be traced back to 116 Pall Mall.
During WWII, the German occupation of Norway forced its royal family, government and military chiefs to flee the country. They took refuge in London and King Haakon would regularly meet with his generals in what is now the Directors Lounge at 116 to discuss strategy and plot military manoeuvres. That was back in the day when 116 was home to the United Services Club. British radio broadcasts provided news and information to the resistance back in Norway.
In return, people of Oslo provide London a tree as a ‘thank you’ gift (there are around half a dozen other trees that travel from Norway to cities along the east coast). The tree is known as ‘The Queen of the Forest’. It will measure over 20m in height and will be over 50 years old. They even hold a special ceremony for when the tree is felled.
The UK’s own special ceremony will start at 6pm on December 5 and will be attended by the Mayor of Oslo, the Mayor of Westminster and the British ambassador to Norway with traditional carols sung by the Salvation Army and St Martin-in-the-Fields choir.
But if you can’t be there on the 5th, it is also worth knowing that more groups will be appearing to sing carols for four hours every day (4pm-8pm on weekdays and 2pm-6pm on weekends) from Dec 9 until Dec 24.
The Piccadilly Christmas Concert at St James’s 179 Piccadilly
Friday 6 December
Now in its 11th year, the Piccadilly Christmas Concert 2019 features Warren Mailley-Smith, an award-winning concert pianist who has performed on numerous occasions for the Royal Family. The Piccadilly Sinfonietta will perform a selection of classical classics including the seasonal Christmas Concerto by Corelli and Vivaldi’s Winter, from The Four Seasons. Also, on the bill is acclaimed soprano Susan Parkes who will perform a selection of arias by Puccini.
St James’s Christmas Market
Saturday 7 December
This event will help you get into the festive spirit with Christmas carols, artisanal seasonal food and drinks and other surprises from craft makers. The market is only a brisk stroll from 116.
Missing Peoples Carol Service
Monday 9 December
This annual event at St Martin-in-the-Fields, right in the heart of Trafalgar Square, provides the public with a chance to get together with people who have been affected by loved ones who are currently missing, to remember those who have disappeared and to celebrate the support, work and legacy of the Missing People charity.
The service will feature musical performances, readings from special guests and tributes from families with missing loved ones – all joined in solidarity and hope at Christmas time. Tickets cost £20 and all funds raised from our Carol Services will go towards the Home for Christmas Appeal.
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