The Royal Hospital Chelsea is set to become one of London’s most festive destinations this winter as it welcomes the brand-new Chelsea Winter Village and Illuminations. Running from 26 November to 28 December 2025, the event will see the historic site transformed into a Christmas wonderland complete with a light trail, market, and seasonal entertainment.
Visitors will be able to explore a 1.5km illuminated route through Ranelagh Gardens, featuring 15 large-scale light installations, including a giant shooting star and an immersive walk-through bauble. The trail concludes with a light show set to music and entry to a free festive market, offering an array of food, drink, and handcrafted gifts.
The grounds will host vintage fairground rides, firepits, marshmallow toasting, and live performances from choirs and bands, creating a warm and lively atmosphere throughout the evenings. Guests can enjoy mulled wine, spiced cocktails, and a range of street food options, including slow-cooked duck wraps from The Duck Shed and sugar-dusted churros from Los Churros Amigos.
A selection of hands-on workshops will also be available, giving visitors the chance to take part in wreath-making, bauble painting, and other festive crafts. For those seeking something more competitive, the Curling Club will make its Chelsea debut, offering alpine-style indoor curling lanes suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
David Richmond CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said:
“Christmas is always a special time of year at the Royal Hospital. This year, we are delighted to host the Chelsea Winter Illuminations’ inaugural light trail and winter village, which I’m sure will bring some festive cheer and be a fun activity for families.”
Tickets for the light trail start at £17.25 for children and £23.95 for adults, with prices varying by date and time. Family tickets, covering two adults and two children, are available from £37.50 to £79.50. The Winter Village area, featuring the market and entertainment, will be free to enter.
To ensure the experience is accessible to all, neurodivergent-inclusive sessions will run on 27 November, 3 December, and 18 December, with adjusted sound and lighting levels during early evening timeslots.
The Chelsea Winter Village and Illuminations aims to provide a new seasonal highlight for Londoners and visitors alike, combining festive tradition with creative design and community spirit in one of the city’s most iconic settings.
