Christmas is coming to Kingston for a season of magical festive fun.
From 19th November to 31st December the town centre of Kingston upon Thames will be transformed into a traditional Christmas Market, offering a whole host of festive shopping treats – there’s never been a better time to visit Kingston upon Thames.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Kingston this Christmas…
1. Kingston is closer than you think
Just 25 minutes from Waterloo, Kingston is a picturesque riverside town that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling festive. Avoid the hustle and bustle of central London and enjoy an authentic Christmas Market experience in the heart of Kingston.
2. Soak up the authentic atmosphere
There’s nothing quite like visiting a traditional Christmas Market. Wrap up warm with your loved ones, browse the unique gifts over a hot chocolate or mulled cider and experience the outside market at Kingston for that real festive feel. With over 100 classic Christmas cabins to explore, all in the beauty of Kingston-upon-Thames, your heart will be all of a festive flutter.
3. It’s easy to get to
You won’t have to jump into Santa’s sleigh to get to Kingston. The Christmas Market is less than a five-minute walk from Kingston station, it’s right on the London Bus Route and there’s parking available too. So whether you want to load up the car with all of your festive finds or enjoy another mug of mulled wine before you head home on the bus or train, getting to Kingston couldn’t be easier.
4. Great gift ideas
Whether you’ve got your Christmas list sorted or are searching for some festive inspiration, Kingston is the perfect place to pick up your presents. With over 100 stalls in the Christmas Market, you can find authentic and unique gifts. Go beyond the market and there’s a great range of independent retailers and High Street stores with fabulous festive gift ideas. For the tech-savvy gifts head to the Apple Store, for hearty homeware take a look at Clas Ohlson or for stunning stationery treat yourself to a trip to Kikki.K. Plus there’s all the best from big names including John Lewis, Bentalls and Marks and Spencer.
5. Festive family fun
Children will love coming to Kingston’s Christmas Market with stalls offering sweet treats and toys as well as the chance the ride their very special merry-go-round. Plus, don’t miss the famous Bentall Bears who will be returning to the Bentall Centre for a brand new yuletide performance.
6. Santa’s Coming!
Yes, the big man himself will be at the Christmas Light spectacular at Kingston on Thursday 17th November and at the Bentalls from 1st December right up until Christmas Eve. It’s free to visit Father Christmas at the Bentalls’ award winning Toy department and you can receive a gift with your visit for £5 per child, which includes a £1 donation to the Momentum charity.
7. A very Merry Christmas
As well as all of the traditional stalls, the Market will also include two large outdoor bars serving up steaming mugs of mulled wine along with classic German-style street food. Head to the Alpine Village or the Market Square for your Christmas tipple of choice or festive feast.
8. ‘Tis the season to snap a selfie
All around the Christmas Market there will be opportunities to take a ‘selfie’ and post it onto social media for the chance to win some amazing prizes – these will include a large festive frame where you can have your picture taken inside Toad’s car from the Rose Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows! Be sure to tag @visitkingstonuk and hashtag #Kingsmas to be in the running for an extra special Christmas present.
9. A Christmas Cracker
While exploring the town you’ll spot some towering yuletide treats. Not only will Kingston be transformed with a spectacular 10 metre Christmas Tree at the top of Clarence Street, but there will be 12 6.5ft Nutcracker Soldiers and two 14ft Nutcracker Kings placed around the town. See if you can find them all!
10. Entertainment
Head to Market Square for a whole host of classic Christmas entertainment from Thursday to Saturday. Enjoy angelic voices from the local school choirs, big sounds from a brass band and more on the stage. Take the weight off your feet and relax into Christmas at Kingston.
Kingston’s Christmas Market will be officially opened by the Mayor at 5.30pm on Saturday, 19th November.
The Market will be open from 9am to 10pm from 19th November until 30th December, except for 20th – 23rd November, 27th November, 4th December, 11th December, 18th December, 26th – 28th December when the Market will close at 8pm and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when the Market will close at 5pm. The Christmas Market will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
For more information visit www.visitkingston.co.uk or follow @visitkingstonuk.
