Christmas Celebrations Kick Off in Hammersmith

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With annual Winter Festival and launch of Lyric's panto Aladdin

Annual Winter Festival begins soon in Lyric Square

November 4, 2024

Hammersmith’s Christmas celebrations kick off on Saturday November 16, with two big seasonal events - the annual Winter Festival in Lyric Square and the opening of Aladdin, this year’s pantomime at the Lyric Hammersmith.

The Winter Festival will be open from 10am till 4pm in Lyric Square and a traffic free King Street, with over 100 stalls selling a range of gifts, crafts, jewellery, home accessories, boutique fashion, art and more.

There will also be a seasonal food quarter with outdoor seating area and all day entertainment including live music from performers including a Whitney Houston tribute act, the Hammersmith Morris Dancers, the Snow Lion, Tall Tea Lady, elves, robins and of course Santa himself.

November 16 is also the first night of the Lyric’s ever popular pantomime. This year the theatre is presenting Aladdin, who is now a local cheeky chancer, hustling his way through life while “helping” (or rather, barely lifting a finger) at his mum’s busy Wishy Washy Launderette in Shepherd’s Bush Market.

Aladdin at the Lyric Theatre

When Jasmine, a bold, sharp-witted orphaned princess, who’s bored with life and ready to break free, crosses paths with Aladdin, sparks fly. But with his meddling mother Widow Twerkey, her evil step-father Abanazaar and a Genie in tow, can the course of true love run smoothly? Of course not, it’s panto!

Written by Sonia Jalaly and directed by Nicholai La Barrie, reuniting the team behind the critically-acclaimed Jack and the Beanstalk from 2022, audiences can expect everything from dance battles and live music to jaw-dropping magic.

Aladdin, which runs through till January 5, is suitable for everyone aged 6 and up. For families with younger children meanwhile, the much loved annual treat, Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas opens in the Lyric’s Studio on November 20, with the 50 minute show running at various times of the day until December 28.

The Lyric also has three special festive events scheduled in December.

Live at the Lyric, a Christmas Comedy Night, featuring some of the UK’s top comics, is on December 2, at 7.30 pm.

A Merry Lyric Christmas, an evening of festive fun and fundraising hosted by Gyles Brandreth & his Christmas Jumpers is on December 9 at 7.30pm.

Joe Stilgoe’s Christmas at the Lyric, an annual festive highlight, returns on December 16 at 7.30pm.

Find out more about all these shows and book tickets here.

Hammersmith’s festivities continue on Thursday, November 21 when local people are invited to celebrate the Christmas Tree Lights Switch On from 5.30pm till 7pm.

Hosted by Hammersmith BID, the switch on will be accompanied by music from the Steel Pan Trust and the Addison’s Singers before the Deputy Mayor of Hammersmith and the cast of the Lyric’s Aladdin conduct the countdown to switch on the Christmas tree lights at around 6.15pm.

Holders of Hammersmith Privilege Card holders will be offered a free serving of mulled wine, and shops around the town centre will be staying open late so guests can get started on their Christmas shopping.

To download the Privilege Card, offering special deals and discounts in shops, pubs and restaurants across Hammersmith, go to this link.

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