Where does Santa live when he isn’t delivering presents via his reindeer-pulled sleigh? Westfield London in White City, of course.
The man in red is always in demand in the shopping centre, where the Wish Upon a Star experience runs from 8 to 24 December. It’s free, making it the capital’s cheapest ‘meet Santa’ event, but it is ticketed.
Although tickets for the daily event (which runs from 10am to 7pm in partnership with Disney’s Wish) are rapidly snapped up, there are occasional cancellations and some take-a-chance walk-up slots too.
Youngsters who are lucky enough to visit will get the chance to make a wish and send it on a star to Santa, before meeting the man himself, in his sleigh. They can also be pictured with Father Christmas, and everyone receives a gift.
It’s just one of the festive activities at Westfield London.
The ice rink – 1,000sqm of it – is now in full swing outside John Lewis in Westfield Square.
Themed to tie in with the release of the Warner Brothers’ movie Wonka, it’s open daily until 7 January. It’s advisable to book a 45-minute slot (adults from £15, children from £11, which includes skate hire), although it’s also possible to gamble on there being space on the day.
You skate around Europe’s tallest Christmas tree, standing 65ft tall, with skating aids available for beginners.
There’s a quiet hour from 10-11am, when lights are dimmed and numbers reduced, for a more relaxed experience, and you can buy a season’s pass if you’re really keen.
Westfield London is supporting the Shepherds Bush Families Project, with a toy appeal running until Christmas Eve (leave gifts in the atrium).
Television Centre
There are events galore as Television Centre embraces the Spirit of the Season, including workshops, meditation, carol singing and ice sculpting under the new lower forecourt Canopy tent.
Local school choirs will be singing at TV Centre on Tuesdays at noon. The choir from Hurlingham Academy in Fulham takes centre stage on Tuesday 5 December alongside the giant Christmas tree. While the choir from St George’s Catholic school in Westminster performs on Tuesday 12 December.
Meanwhile, in the Television Centre reception lobby the food bank is taking non-perishable donations from 27 November until 22 December, to support those struggling to feed their families in Hammersmith & Fulham.
There’s also a Wrap Up London unwanted coat collection in the reception lobby at 1 Wood Crescent until Friday 1 December, where pre-loved warm coats and jackets can be left to be distributed by charities.
