Spirit of Christmas Fair 2025 returns with Alex Horne, Amanda Owen, Elif Shafak, Clodagh McKenna, and Kate Mosse among the headline names, with tickets also including entry to the expanded Luxury Travel Fair
Now in its 24th year, the Spirit of Christmas Fair (3–9 November, Olympia London, Kensington) is set to dazzle with its most exciting programme yet. Welcoming over 600 exhibitors and 55,000 visitors, the Fair has become the UK’s definitive festive destination for stylish shopping, seasonal inspiration and indulgent experiences.
While the curated shopping is a highlight, the Fair’s much-loved talks and workshops programme, included in every ticket, has grown into a cultural and lifestyle showcase, drawing bestselling authors, award-winning chefs, stylists and creatives.
Spirit of Christmas Fair 2025 Programme Highlights
- Alex Horne, comedian and Taskmaster presenter, will share insights from his new children’s book The Last Pebble.
- Author and shepherdess Amanda Owen presents Christmas on the Farm across two sessions.
- British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak discusses her acclaimed Rivers in the Sky, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.
- Kate Mosse reflects on the enduring legacy of Labyrinth and introduces Feminist History for Every Day of the Year.
- Irish chef and TV presenter Clodagh McKenna demonstrates festive favourites from her new book Happy Cooking! including Power Soup and 10-Minute Soda Bread.
- Kate Austen, Great British Menu 2025 winner, presents indulgent Christmas recipes and designs a bespoke restaurant menu exclusively for the Fair.
Workshops range from cocktail making with Reverend Hubert and Champagne tasting with Louis Roederer to flower arranging (Lavenders Blue, MeadowSweet), wreath-making (AdoreMyDoor), gift-wrapping masterclasses(Jane Means), and festive styling through tablescaping and “Dress for Dinner.”
Beauty and lifestyle experts will also be on hand, including Karen Davies on achieving ‘Winter Glowy Skin’, Lisa Talbot on personal branding, and luxury membership brand Beauty Pie with exclusive workshops.
Discerning travellers will also head to The Luxury Travel Fair (6–9 November 2025), presented by Condé Nast Traveller, co-located with the Spirit of Christmas Fair. Now in its 18th year, the Fair has expanded to a new ground-floor location at Olympia London, offering even more inspiration for seasoned explorers seeking unique adventures.
Visitors will connect with over 80 leading luxury travel brands, from household names such as Abercrombie & Kent, Audley Travel, Oceania Cruises, Kuoni, Trailfinders and Emirates Holidays, to independent specialists including Humbolt Travel, Hidden Iceland, Tracks Safaris and Wildfoot.
The 2025 Fair showcases extraordinary experiences: from Antarctic cruises and mountain biking in Namibia, to wildlife photography in India and journeys along the Silk Road. Exhibitors bring unrivalled expertise, having travelled from remote islands to spectacular African landscapes, curating once-in-a-lifetime escapes.
This year also introduces a new restaurant partnership with acclaimed chef Kate Austen, the youngest female chef to win the main dish in Great British Menu. Her exclusive menu blends British flavours with global inspiration, featuring dishes such as Crab Crumpets, Confit Duck and Tempura Broccoli with Chilli Mayonnaise. Visitors can also enjoy the Louis Roederer Champagne Bar.
Talks & Insights
The Fair’s live talks programme features travel stories and expert advice from globetrotting personalities including:
- Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan
- Race Across the World duo Brian and Melvyn
- Adventurer Pelumi Nubi, who travelled from London to Laos by car
- Industry talks on 2026 travel trends, curated escapes with Abercrombie & Kent, and Simon Leadsford in conversation
“After a record-breaking 2024, we’re thrilled to present an even bigger and more diverse event for 2025,” says Ben Myatt, Show Manager of Condé Nast Presents The Luxury Travel Fair. “Travellers are increasingly seeking transformative, sustainable and personalised adventures. This Fair connects them directly with the world’s best travel experts to make those dreams a reality.”
The Luxury Travel Fair’s 2025 charity partner is Just a Drop, which brings sustainable clean water and sanitation projects to communities worldwide. Founder Fiona Jeffery OBE will deliver a special talk at the Fair.
Key Information
- Spirit of Christmas Fair: 3–9 November 2025, Olympia London
- Luxury Travel Fair: 6–9 November 2025, Olympia London
- Opening Hours: 10am–6pm daily (Sunday closes 5pm; Thursday Late Night until 9pm)
- Ticket Prices:
- Adult weekday: £23
- Weekend pass: £30
- Premium pass (incl. wine): £30
- Unlimited pass: £32
- Child (13–16): from £13
- Child (12 & under): free
(£2.75 transaction fee applies)
Tickets and full programmes: www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
