Douglas and Gordon's Weekend Guide: Kensington, Chelsea & Notting Hill

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The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is certainly feeling the Christmas spirit this weekend! Read on for our selection of festive activities taking place  in your area.

London Olympia

The London Olympia is currently hosting the “Spirit of Christmas” fair, which began on the 5th and ends on Sunday.  Visitors will have the opportunity to browse a variety of beautiful festive gifts and treats, and get their Christmas shopping done early! Meanwhile, the Spirit Food Hall Gallery will provide plenty of inspiration for festive banquets, with delicious treats and recipes on offer.

The Winter Fine Art and Antiques Fair is also currently taking place at the Olympia, and ends this weekend. There are over 20000 handpicked items on sale, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, jewellery, ceramics, and textiles. All the art and antiques were carefully selected on the basis of their quality and beauty by 150 British and continental dealers.

Duke of York Square

The annual Santa’s Grotto at Duke of York Square will open this Saturday, and will run every weekend until 1st December, where it will be open daily until 24th December. Entry to the grotto is free, and children are welcome to meet Santa in his log cabin, listen to stories, post their Christmas wish lists and have their photograph taken.

Chelsea Christmas Lights

The Chelsea Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5.15pm this Saturday, at Duke of York Square. There will be free activities taking place from 3pm onwards, including face painting and cookie decorating for kids. Candyfloss, toffee apples and popcorn will also be given away from Victorian-style carts in the square. And let’s not forget the camel procession! A family carol service will also be held on the day.

Royal Albert Hall

On Remembrance Sunday, Semyon Bychkov will be conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Chorus and a number of talented soloists in a performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, interwoven with the poetry of Wilfred Owen. The concert will take place at the Royal Albert Hall, at 7pm.