Cassandra's Guide to Winter in London
What to do, what to see and where to eat this winter in London.
Events
Ever After Garden in support of Royal Marsden
More than your average flower show, the Ever After Garden was designed in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer, inspired by Dame Anya Hindmarch and Camilla Morton in memory of their close friend, Michael Howells as well as Anya’s Aunt Elizabeth Hindmarch.
Open 13th November – 16th December 2025
3pm – 9pm Duke of York Square
Photo: Loco Steve
Carol Services
St Mary Abbots Parish Church, Kensington
HORATIO'S GARDEN CAROL SERVICE
4th December 2025 at 6pm
St Luke's Church, Sydney Street
Carol Concerts
Chelsea is hosting a wonderful selection of joyful and uplifting concerts to add to your diaries this season.
From 3rd December 2025
Wonderful way to start the festivities off by singing carols in this iconic building.
4th December - 24th December 2025
6th December - 18th December 2025
Christmas Events
Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music and tasty food and drink
12th November 2025 – 11th January 2026
Jump aboard our vintage 1960’s route master bus to experience London’s most iconic Christmas light attractions.
15th November 2025 – 30th December 2025
Experience a world of winter magic as their acclaimed light trail returns this season.
14th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
This annual exhibition challenges architects and designers to construct an entire city using only gingerbread and sweets. This year’s event takes the theme of ‘Recycled City’ and will be held at The Gaumont, a revitalised Art Deco landmark on the Kings Road.
30th November 2025 – 29th December 2025
Christmas Theatre Shows
Alexandra Palace Theatre
Alexandra Palace Theatre is hosting this iconic tale with Neil Morrissey of Men Behaving Badly fame and Matthew Cottle from Bridgerton.
22nd November 2025 – 4th January 2026
English National Ballet
A magical Christmas tradition for all the family.
11th December 2025 - 11th January 2026
Christmas Panto
London Palladium
Starring Catherine Tate and Julien Clary, this promises to be the biggest West End show this year.
6th December 2025 - 11th January 2026
Richmond Theatre
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients, this enchanting panto features laugh-out loud comedy, stunning scenery and plenty of boos and hisses.
6th December 2025 - 4th January
Christmas Markets
There is a plethora of wonderful Christmas markets all around the capital that are worth experiencing – starting from the beginning of November, they include:
1. Southbank Centre winter market
2. Covent Garden Christmas market
3. Winter by the river
4. Leicester Square Christmas market
5. Spitalfields Christmas market
Exhibitions
V&A
A major exhibition featuring more than 350 objects, including precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks that chart the evolution of Cartier’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
On until 16th November, 2025
A complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette’s timeless appeal is defined by her style, youth and notoriety. Explore the lasting influence of the most fashionable and ill-fated queen in history.
20th September 2025 – 22nd March, 2026
National Portrait Gallery
CECIL BEATON PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
This is the first exhibition dedicated solely to Beaton’s ground-breaking contributions to fashion and portrait photography.
9th October 2025 – 11th January 2026
Called a ‘hidden gem’, this art gallery is located in Marylebone in an inconspicuous 18th century mansion. The collection comprises of a very impressive array of 18th century French paintings, furniture and other artistic spoils. It also boasts a wonderful café – great spot for lunch or tea.
Discover the extraordinary house and museum of Sir John Soane, one of the greatest English architects who built and lived in it two centuries ago. The museum is kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and displays his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and paintings.
Open Wednesdays to Saturdays
Entry is free
Theatre
Noel Coward Theatre
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST
A classic satire of Victorian social hypocrisy, this is hailed as Oscar Wilde’s greatest dramatic achievement.
18th September 2025 – 10th January 2026
National Theatre
Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves feature in this touching and funny play which completes David Eldridge’s trilogy exploring love and relationships.
13th November 2025 – 17th January 2026
BALLET SHOES
In a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, 3 adopted sisters are learning who they are and what they want to be.
17th November 2025 – 21st February 2026
HAMLET
Olivier award-winner Hiran Abeysekera plays Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
On until 22nd November, 2025
Harold Pinter Theatre
Written by Conor McPherson (Girl from the North Country) and an outstanding performance by Breedon Gleeson, this is a must see.
On until 6th December 2025
Donmar Warehouse
A classic J B Priestly about three couples, highly respected pillars of the Yorkshire community, gather to celebrate their joint silver wedding anniversaries. It's champagne toasts all round until their evening of pride and self-satisfaction is upended by an unexpected and deeply embarrassing revelation.
6th December 2025 – 7th February 2026
Apollo Theatre
Punch is a play by award-winning playwright James Graham, based on the true story and memoir of Jacob Dunne, a teenager who was convicted of manslaughter after throwing a single fatal punch.
22nd September 2025 – 29th November 2025
Bridge Theatre
Starring Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln, this play is a thrilling dissection of desire, loss and rebirth for the contemporary age.
On until 8th November 2025
Restaurants
Cassandra's Greek Favourites
Opso, 10 Paddington St. W1U QL
Suzi Tros, 18 Hillgate Street, W8 7SR
Oma, Borough Market SE1 9AL
Agora, 4 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL (1*)
Gea Chelsea, 7 Park Walk, SW10 0AJ
Myrtos, 260-262 Brompton Road, SW3 2AS
Brother Marcus, 1-3 Pelham Street, SW7 2ND
Chelsea
No. Fifty Cheyne, Cheyne Walk (££££)
At Sloane, Sloane Gardens (££££)
A new hotel in Sloane Square reimagined by Jean-Louis Costes. A tactile Parisian home and arts and crafts inspired restaurant and basement bar.
Hunan, Pimlico Road (££££)
Villa Mamas, Elystan Street (£££)
Fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Persian cuisines.
The Cadogan Arms, King's Road (£££)
Granger & Co., Pavilion Road (£££)
Colbert, Sloane Square (£££)
Manicomio, Duke of York Square (£££)
Casual dining.
Vardo’s, Duke of York Square (££)
All day dining – perfect for 2 or a crowd.
Mezcalito, Sydney Street (££)
Ottolenghi, Pavilion Road (££)
Perfect casual place for a spot of lunch.
The Chelsea Pig, Old Church Street (££)
The Bluebird, King's Road (££)
Perfect spot for a late lunch or cocktails.
Notting Hill
Dorian, Talbot Road (£££)
Strakers, Golborne Road (££)
The Pelican, All Saints Road (££)
Classic gastro pub.
Mazi, Hillgate Street (££)
Classic Greek food with a contemporary
twist.
Theatreland
San Carlo Chichetti, Covent Garden (£££)
Bocca di Lupo, Soho (£££)
The Haymarket Hotel, Piccadilly (£££)
Café Zedel, Piccadilly (£££)
Barrafini, Covent Garden (££)
Authentic Spanish tapas.
Gymkhana, Albemarle Street (££)
Indian fusion.
Fine Dining
Riverside Café, Hammersmith (£££)
KOL, Marylebone (£££)
A Wong, Pimlico (£££)
Superb Chinese.
Blog posts
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The Power of Purple: The Stone of Emperors
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The Stories Behind Cassandra's Quirker Designs
For over forty years, Cassandra has been celebrated for her quirky style and witty, imaginative jewellery. Discover some of her most iconic designs by returning to where it all began.
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