The rest of the schools broke up yesterday, most of you have wrapped up work proper until the new year, and now it begins. That glorious stretch between finishing work and tucking into turkey. The kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement, last-minute shopping lists are being scribbled, and if you haven’t put up your Christmas lights yet – what are you waiting for?
If you’re staying in Putney for the holidays, you’re in luck. There’s plenty happening right on your doorstep, from spectacular pantomimes to riverside walks, cosy pub quizzes to winter funfairs. Time to stock up on decent wine, find a good book, wrap up warm, and embrace Christmas in Putney.
We’ve rounded up everything happening over the next fortnight – your complete guide to making the most of Christmas in Putney.
Christmas in Putney: your complete guide
The pantos are in full swing
Let’s start with the main event. Four brilliant pantomimes are running right now, including one just up the road at Putney Arts Theatre.
Peter Pan-to at Putney Arts Theatre wraps up this Sunday – and tonight’s 7:45pm performance is your last chance to catch it. Putney Theatre Company’s production promises catchy songs, hilarious hijinks, and plenty of “Oh no he isn’t!” fun as Peter Pan, Wendy, and the Lost Boys battle Captain Hook and his pesky pirates.
The value is exceptional – under 12s just £5, adults £18. For a proper night out without the West End price tag, this is your ticket. Walking distance for local residents, which means no trek home with over-excited children hopped up on ice cream.
Final tickets available for Saturday 7:45pm – Sunday performances are sold out.
Book tickets at Putney Arts Theatre or call 020 8788 6943.
If you fancy something bigger, Robin Hood is at New Wimbledon Theatre (featuring Marcus Collins from The Voice UK) and Cinderella is at Richmond Theatre (starring Helen George from Call the Midwife and Basil Brush – yes, really). Both run through to 4 January, so plenty of time to catch them over the holidays.
For the little ones, Polka Theatre in Wimbledon has The Snowflake – a gentler alternative to traditional panto, perfect for very young children. Running until 18 January.
See all the panto details on our Christmas page
What’s on this week
If you’re still hunting for that perfect gift, the BobCat Gallery Winter Boutique in Putney Exchange Shopping Centre runs until 27 December – a festive emporium of art and gifts all month long.
Tomorrow morning, join the Walk and Talk Movement on Putney Heath – meeting at the Green Man at 10:30am for a friendly community Christmas in Putney walk. All ages and abilities welcome, and it’s free. Perfect way to work off the mince pies and get some fresh air before the next round of festivities.
Throughout the week there are pub quizzes aplenty. Sunday night at the Prince of Wales (£2 entry, hosted by the inimitable Alex Donald). Tuesday at The Jolly Gardeners. Wednesday comedy nights at The Railway if you fancy a laugh instead. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, there’s live music at The Railway every Friday from 9:30pm.
On Christmas Eve, the Roehampton Community Shed is open 11am-3pm – a wonderful weekly group for over 60s to meet and work on projects together. Just £1, 5 Portswood Place, Roehampton.
After Christmas
Once you’ve survived the big day, George Irvin’s Winter Fun-Fair arrives at Clapham Common from 27 December through to 4 January. Free entry with reduced ride prices – ideal for burning off cabin fever with the kids.
New Year’s Eve, The Arab Boy has live music from 9:30pm to see in 2026 properly.
And if you’re already thinking ahead to January (we won’t judge), BobCat Gallery in Putney Exchange Shopping Centre has a gorgeous (IM)Material Exhibition opening 6 January – a showcase of textile artworks running until 24 January.
Browse all events on our What’s On calendar
Where to feast
Our Christmas dining guide has the lot – from riverside pubs like The Duke’s Head and The Boathouse to French elegance at Gazette Putney and Mediterranean warmth at Artisans of Sardinia. Whether you’re after a big family gathering or an intimate dinner for two, Putney’s restaurants and pubs have you covered.
Many places still have availability for Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, but book soon if you haven’t already. Peak season means tables fill fast.
See the complete Christmas dining guide
Wrap up and walk
The Thames Path is spectacular this time of year. Bundle up, grab a flask of something warming, and take a proper riverside walk. Putney Bridge to Barnes, Wandsworth Park to Battersea Park, or just a wander around Putney Heath – winter light on the river is something special.
And if you spot a robin, that’s basically Christmas law requiring you to take seventeen photos.
If you’ve got warm coats, new children’s pyjamas, or winter clothing you no longer need, several local charities are running Christmas appeals. Ernest & Larner on Upper Richmond Road is gathering new pyjamas for children in hospices and refuges, and Chestertons is running their annual coat drive.
Small acts multiply. One coat, one pair of pyjamas, one donation – together they make Christmas in Putney warmer for hundreds of people right here in our community.
See all the ways to give back this Christmas
However you’re spending the next fortnight – whether that’s multiple pantos, long lie-ins, elaborate feasts, or just finally getting through that stack of books – we hope it’s brilliant.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Putney.news. We’ll run some quick guides over the next few days, see what news there is out there – feel free to send us tips – and do a wrap-up of the year in time for the end of 2025. See you on the other side.
