The festive season officially begins when the Spirit of Christmas Fair opens its doors at Olympia London, and this year promises to be the most exciting yet. Running from November 3 to 9, 2025, the beloved event marks its 24th year of bringing Christmas magic to the heart of Kensington, welcoming over 50,000 visitors through its carefully curated wonderland of seasonal shopping and experiences.
What sets this fair apart from typical Christmas markets is its impressive scale and diversity. With over 600 exhibitors spread across seven days, the event has grown into the UK’s most iconic Christmas shopping destination. From the moment visitors step through the doors, they’re immersed in a world where independent designer makers showcase their finest creations alongside award-winning artisan food and drink producers.
The shopping experience caters to every budget and taste, featuring an eclectic mix of present ideas, beauty and wellness products, fashion for both men and women, stunning homeware, festive decorations, jewelry, accessories, and children’s clothing. Regular visitors will be delighted to discover returning favorites like White Coco, Ankole, and Harry Rocks, each bringing fresh product lines to the 2025 edition.
Among the 600 exhibitors, shoppers can discover some truly unique finds. Dragon’s Den featured company Beevive will be showcasing their innovative products, while quirky additions like The Print Rescuer, Walkies the Board Game, and Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm add an element of surprise to the shopping experience.
The most exciting addition for 2025 is the introduction of “Spirit Rising Stars,” a dedicated space showcasing approximately 30 brand new small businesses that have been trading for less than five years. Located on the gallery level alongside the popular artisan producers, this section offers visitors the chance to discover the next generation of independent brands before they become household names.
Food enthusiasts will be particularly pleased with the expanded dining options for 2025. Responding to visitor feedback, the gallery level now features an increased number of food and drink stands. Standout additions include Fatso chocolate for those with a sweet tooth, Pimentae Margarita Cocktails for festive spirits, Hawstone and Exmoor Caviar for luxury tastes, Crazy Bastard Sauce for spice lovers, and The Gin Bothy for craft spirit enthusiasts.
Fair Director Mary Claire Boyd emphasizes the unique value proposition of the new addition: “Spirit Rising Stars is an exciting addition for our visitors, giving them an original shopping experience with access to new brands. Such is the variety of stock amongst our 600 plus exhibitors that we are confident that there is no one you can’t buy a Christmas present for here. This is also our visitors’ chance to beat the December Christmas chaos, avoid the last minute panic and actually be able to enjoy Christmas.”
Beyond shopping, the fair recognizes that even the most dedicated consumers need proper refueling. Restaurant bookings during the week often sell out, and this year’s culinary program features Great British Menu winner Kate Austen, who has designed a bespoke menu served throughout each day. For those preferring lighter fare, traditional cream teas remain available, while three Louis Roederer champagne bars provide the perfect spot for a celebratory toast.
The interactive element of the fair continues to draw crowds with its program of talks and workshops. This year’s lineup includes Louis Roederer Champagne tasting sessions, personal Christmas styling consultations, Reverend Hubert cocktail masterclasses, tablescaping workshops, Lavenders Blue floral demonstrations, and cooking demonstrations by Clodagh McKenna. These experiences transform a simple shopping trip into a comprehensive lifestyle event.
Sustainability remains a core focus, with this year marking the inaugural sustainability prize awarded to an exhibitor. Clarion Event’s dedicated sustainability team will evaluate exhibitor submissions, verifying all environmental claims to ensure authenticity. This initiative reflects the fair’s commitment to ethical trading and environmental responsibility, values increasingly important to modern consumers.
The fair operates daily from 10am to 6pm, with Sunday closing slightly earlier at 5pm and Thursday extending to 9pm for those preferring evening shopping. These varied hours accommodate different schedules and shopping preferences, whether visitors prefer the bustling atmosphere of peak hours or the more relaxed experience of quieter periods.
An added bonus for 2025 ticket holders is complimentary access to the Condé Nast Traveller Luxury Travel Fair, running concurrently from November 6 to 9. This sophisticated travel exhibition features over 80 premium travel brands, offering visitors the chance to meet face-to-face with specialists and leading tour operators. The travel fair also includes complimentary live talks from renowned travel experts and personalities, making it an ideal complement to the Christmas shopping experience.
Ticket options cater to various visitor needs and budgets. Adult weekday tickets are priced at £23, while weekend passes cost £30. Premium passes, including a complimentary glass of wine, are available for £30, and unlimited passes offer maximum flexibility for £32. Young visitors aged 13-16 can purchase advance tickets from £13, while children 12 and under enjoy free entry.
