From early November, the West End will transform into a hub of festive activity, with festive lights switching on across multiple districts to kick off the celebrations. Access key dates, seasonal highlights from our cultural initiative, and essential member updates here.
Festive light dates:
Discover the best of London with our curated guides to top art galleries, cultural highlights and standout restaurants
Locate your perfect venue for over the festive season for private dining, team celebrations, event spaces and more using our Venue Directory.
Skate Leicester Square, presented by Underbelly and Westminster City Council, introduces a brand-new outdoor ice rink in the heart of London from Saturday 1 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Open daily, the rink offers flexible booking options, with advance tickets online and a selection of walk-in tickets available for groups and visitors.
Read more.
Local hotels and retailers are offering 15% off skating sessions. Discover offers here:
Christmas tree recycling
Westminster City Council offers real Christmas tree recycling from Saturday 27 December 2025, to Sunday 11 January 2026. Opening hours are 8am – 8pm. Find out more here.
Winter Vigilance Campaign with West End Security Group
HOLBA partners with West End Security Group to work with our members to improve their own readiness and, by extension, the wider resilience of the West End.
Throughout the festive season, WESG will be running a campaign that reminds workers and visitors in the West End to remain vigilant. Information available here can be shared internally and externally to raise awareness.
During this busy time, many businesses will be looking to ensure they are prepared should they need to respond to a threat level.
WESG have given guidance to help businesses respond to a rise in the UK threat level to CRITICAL. It covers considerations to keeping your business operating when the threat level is at CRITICAL, activities to undertake if you decide to keep your business operating, and considerations when the threat level reduces to SEVERE.
Chairman's Festive Reception
