A new London Christmas tradition in the making, Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations brings warmth and wonder to the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea. From 26 November to 28 December 2025, visitors can explore Central London’s only festive light trail, play a round at The Curling Club’s alpine-style lanes and linger in the Winter Village over street food, mulled wine and live music. Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic landmarks, the event offers a refined, atmospheric alternative to the city’s busier Christmas attractions.
At the heart of the experience is a 1.5km light trail, designed by creative studio Luminism, whose large-scale illuminated installations have lit up prestigious gardens and landmarks across the UK. Visitors will follow a route through the historic Ranelagh Gardens, passing under a giant shooting star, through pyramid-shaped portals, inside a walk-through bauble booth and arriving at a dramatic sabre light show set to music. Featuring fifteen large-scale installations, with every tree across Ranelagh Gardens illuminated and layers of sound, light and interactivity woven throughout the trail.
The light trail leads to the Chelsea Winter Village, a boutique festive hub filled with vintage fairground rides, firepits, marshmallow toasting, Christmas market, street food, sweet treats and live music. Guests can cosy up with mulled wine, spiced cocktails, and chalet vibes in an après ski bar, as well as evening entertainment from festive choirs and live bands. Festive workshops will be available to book, from wreath making to bauble painting. Open late into the evening, the village offers a more atmospheric, considered take on the traditional Christmas market – designed for families, couples and friends looking for something more intimate, more local and just a little more magical.
Making its Chelsea debut, The Curling Club brings a hint of the mountains to the Winter Village with alpine-style lanes and festive tunes. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros, sessions run throughout the day and evening for two to four players, from quick thirty-minute games to hour-long matches. With mulled wine, winter cocktails and ice-cold beers on hand, guests can enjoy lively music and a little healthy competition – whether they’re in the game or just enjoying the atmosphere.
The food offering is built around flavour, warmth and winter indulgence. The Duck Shed brings slow-cooked British duck in wraps, burgers and seasonal salads, with Michelin-trained precision behind the menu. BAIT takes a fresh, low-waste approach to fish-focused street food, blending crisp golden bites with vibrant seafood plates. And for dessert, Los Churros Amigos delivers churros dusted in cinnamon sugar, served hot with thick dipping-chocolate. More food traders and menus will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tucked-away tipis, mistletoe moments, nostalgic rides and street food worth lingering for – Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations is fast becoming one of the capital’s most talked-about Christmas experiences. Set just minutes from Sloane Square and the King’s Road, it offers a festive day or night out with atmosphere, character and comfort – without the crowds.
David Richmond CBE, CEO 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 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.”
Blending festive tradition with seasonal flair, Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations promises a magical new chapter in London’s Christmas calendar. Bookings for Curling Club and Winter Illuminations tickets are on sale at chelseawintervillage.com. All ticket holders will receive guaranteed entry to Chelsea Winter Village. All 4:30 pm weekend trail slots before Christmas have already sold out.
