December in Notting Hill & Kensington: A Local’s Festive Guide 🎄

So you're staying with us at Pocket Apartments this December? That means you’re right in the heart of one of London’s most magical winter neighborhoods. Between twinkling lights, fairground thrills, festive music, and cozy cafés, there's plenty to unwrap here — no matter how long you're visiting for. Let’s walk you through what’s on this month, like you’re getting tips from a local friend.

🎡 Winter Funland at Olympia – A Festive Indoor Fairground

📍 Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX (Kensington)
📅 Dates: Opens 13th December, runs until early January
🎟️ Tip: Book 3.5-hour sessions online in advance

Winter Funland is basically Christmas in a giant warehouse with funfair rides, an ice rink, a circus show (with tumbling elves!) and plenty of festive eats. It’s family-friendly by day, but there are also late-night grown-up sessions if you're planning a night out.

👉 Perfect if you're staying in one of our Kensington apartments — it’s just around the corner.

🎄 Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park – London’s Big Christmas Experience

📍 Location: Hyde Park (main entrance at Hyde Park Corner / Marble Arch)
📅 Dates: 21 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
💡 Entry: Free off-peak, ticketed at peak times

What’s Christmas in London without a trip to Winter Wonderland? Think massive Christmas market, ice rink around the bandstand, big rides, fun games, mulled wine, and the world-famous Bavarian Village.

It’s buzzing. It’s festive. And it’s a short Tube ride from both Kensington and Notting Hill.

Hyper-local tip: Wrap up warm and go in the early afternoon on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds.

🎶 Carol Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall – A London Classic

📍 Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
📅 Dates: 14th – 24th December (multiple shows per day)
🎟️ Tickets: Book in advance here → royalalberthall.com

Nothing beats the magic of hearing carols echo around this legendary hall. From the National Youth Choir to big orchestral shows, this is quintessential Christmas London at its finest.

Want a truly magical moment? Book the Christmas Eve afternoon concert to wrap up your day.

🚶Notting Hill & North Kensington Walking Tour – Local Secrets

📍 Meetup: St John’s Church, Lansdowne Crescent, W11 2NN
📅 Date: Saturday 20th December, 11am – 1:30pm
🎟️ Tickets: Available via Open City → open-city.org.uk

This fascinating walking tour dives deep into the real stories behind Notting Hill — from colorful architecture to community heritage. It’s led by Open City, so it's packed with local perspective (not generic facts).

Wear comfy shoes and a warm coat — it’s a 4.5km wander through some of the prettiest streets in the neighborhood.

☕ Cosy Pubs, Cafés & Local Spots to Warm Up

Once you've done your exploring, these are the perfect stops:

• The Churchill Arms – A pub fully covered in Christmas lights on Kensington Church Street

• Granger & Co. – Notting Hill’s laidback brunch star

• The Pelican, All Saints Road – A refined gastropub, perfect for a winter roast

Add these to your map if you're out late after a festive day. You'll feel like a London local.

🍷 A Perfect December Day Itinerary

Here’s how we'd do it:

Morning
➡️ Walking tour of Notting Hill & North Kensington
☕ Coffee at Farm Girl or Beam

Afternoon
🎡 Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or Winter Funland at Olympia
🍔 Grab festive food (don’t forget the mulled wine!)

Evening
🎶 Carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall
✨ Drinks back in Notting Hill or Kensington

Then return to your warm Pocket Apartment — feet up, festive spirit high.

📍 Staying with Pocket Apartments this December?

You're already in the perfect location. With the Tube right outside and London's most festive neighborhoods at your doorstep – it's the kind of December where every day feels special.

Ready to experience London like a local this winter?
Explore our apartments here → pocketapartments.uk