Christmas in Putney brings six weeks of lights, pantomimes, festive feasts and community celebrations. From the big switch-on at Church Square to New Year fireworks, here’s your complete guide to celebrating in SW15 — plus where to eat, what’s on, and how to give back. The season begins with Putney’s Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 28 November and runs through to 4 January, with pantomimes, carol services, markets and parties throughout.
⭐ Featured Christmas Events
Putney Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
28 November 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join the festive celebration as Putney lights up for Christmas with the annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.
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Quick view: Christmas at a glance
| When | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| 28-29 November | Lights switch-on & ice sculptures |
| 6 Dec onwards | Pantomimes begin (3 venues) |
| Throughout Dec | Christmas dining, carol services |
| 18-21 Dec | Last posting dates for Christmas |
| 24-25 Dec | Christmas Eve & Day services |
| Until 4 Jan | Pantomimes continue, New Year |
Jump to: Where to eat | Pantomimes | Christmas Trees | Giving Back
Where to eat and celebrate
South West London’s Christmas dining scene offers everything from riverside Victorian pubs to intimate bistros. Here’s where to feast, party, and toast the season in Putney.
Planning Your Christmas Dining — Booking Tips: Peak booking period is mid-December. Reserve early for Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Many venues offer group discounts – ask when booking/ Check individual venue websites for specific Christmas Day opening hours
Riverside Venues
The Duke’s Head
8 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN
Perched on the Thames, this Victorian beauty shines at Christmas. Private spaces include The Wolsey Room (perfect for 40 guests) and The Rowing Club for larger parties. Festive menus feature traditional trimmings from turkey to Christmas puddings. Ideal for intimate family gatherings and office celebrations.
The Boathouse Putney
32 Brewhouse Lane, SW15 2JX
Modern riverside dining with Thames views perfect for a Christmas toast. Festive party menus cater for sit-down dinners and canapé receptions. The upstairs mezzanine makes an ideal setting for work or family celebrations. Expect twinkling lights, hearty food, and relaxed atmosphere.
Coppa Club Putney
29 Brewhouse Lane, SW15 2JX
Stylish festive dining with chic interiors and riverside terrace. “Magic of Christmas” menus offer seasonal dishes with modern twist. Private dining spaces available for both family celebrations and corporate parties. Perfect for those who love sparkle with their supper.
The Rocket
Putney Wharf Tower, Brewhouse Lane, SW15 2JQ
Large riverside pub (JD Wetherspoon) with terrace overlooking the Thames. Spacious, welcoming setting ideal for informal gatherings, post-work drinks, or casual Christmas get-togethers. Broad drinks menu and hearty pub meals.
www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/the-rocket-putney
Upper Richmond Road
Prince of Wales
138 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2SP
Heart of Putney local favourite with welcoming atmosphere and classic British menu. Brand-new festive menu and private upstairs dining room perfect for Christmas parties. Expect roaring laughter, golden fairy lights, plenty of mulled wine.
Artisans of Sardinia
45 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2RF
Mediterranean warmth for winter celebrations. Family-run restaurant serving handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and indulgent festive specials with Italian twist. Sardinian hospitality meets Christmas dining in relaxed, elegant setting.
Home SW15
146 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2SW
Modern European restaurant with exceptional food in contemporary setting. Mezzanine available for larger parties or reserve tables for cosy festive dinner. Christmas menu promises locally sourced ingredients, refined flavours, warm intimate atmosphere.
Gazette Putney
35 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2SP
Refined French brasserie-style Christmas. Festive Planning Pack makes hosting stress-free for groups of 15+. Table d’Hôte menu available 24 Nov – 24 Dec featuring classic French festive dishes and indulgent desserts.
“Stress-free celebrations start here … we’re here to sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to.”
www.gazettebrasserie.co.uk/christmasatgazette
Putney High Street & Around
Spotted Horse
122 Putney High Street, SW15 1RG
Over 250 years of history in this charming venue blending classic British pub vibes with modern touches like rooftop terrace and sharing plates. Perfect for family gatherings, work parties, or relaxed festive meals. Cosy corners and warm festive decor.
The Railway Pub
202 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TD
Directly opposite Putney Station. Multiple private spaces including The Lounge and The Snug can host anything from office party to large family dinner. Hearty pub favourites, festive cocktails, live music to keep spirits high.
www.therailwaypubputney.com
The Coat & Badge
8 Lacy Road, SW15 1NL
Just off Putney High Street with charming garden and dedicated private dining room (The Boat Room) for smaller groups. Christmas menu includes festive sharing boards to classic roasts. Perfect for relaxed family meal or friendly get-together.
Bricklayer’s Arms
32 Waterman Street, SW15 1DD
Putney’s oldest pub, dating back to 1826. Historic charm meets festive cheer with traditional pub atmosphere and seasonal menu. Ideal for those seeking authentic local character with their Christmas celebrations.
Pantomimes
Four theatres – including one right in Putney – are staging spectacular pantomimes this Christmas. From professional West End-style productions to excellent community theatre, there’s festive family entertainment within easy reach with performances running from early December through late December.
Putney Arts Theatre
Peter Pan-to
Ravenna Road, Putney, SW15 6AW
11 – 21 Dec 2025
Second star to the right and straight on to the theatre! Join Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys as they soar into Neverland this festive season for a pantomime packed with laughter, adventure, and audience participation galore. But beware! Captain Hook and his pesky pirates are up to no good, and with a ticking crocodile hot on his heels, the stage is set for a battle of good versus mischief.
This is Peter Pan as you’ve never seen it before – bursting with catchy songs, hilarious hijinks, magical moments, and plenty of “Oh no he isn’t!” fun. Written by Putney Theatre Company writers and directed by Megan Good & Ian Wainwright.
Performance times: 7:45pm evenings, 3pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (13, 14, 20, 21 Dec)
Note: No performances Monday 15 or Tuesday 16 December
Good for: All ages, local community theatre, excellent value
Tickets: Adults £18, Over 65s/Students £14, Under 12s £5, PTC Members £12
Group discounts available: Contact info@putneyartstheatre.org.uk
Getting there: In Putney! Walking distance for local residents
Book: www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk or call 020 8788 6943
New Wimbledon Theatre
Robin Hood
The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG
6 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
The Magical Family Christmas Pantomime comes to New Wimbledon Theatre starring Marcus Collins (The Voice UK, Kinky Boots) and Jonny Wilkes (Benidorm, Dancing on Ice). Expect spectacular sets and costumes, rip-roaring comedy, and incredible special effects. Robin and his Merry Men steal from the rich to give to the poor — but can they outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham?
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute interval)
Good for: All ages, big production values, celebrity performances
Tickets: From £15
Special performances: Relaxed performance 2 January
Getting there: ~20 minutes from Putney (District Line to Wimbledon, short walk)
Book: www.atgtickets.com/shows/robin-hood-pantomime/new-wimbledon-theatre
Richmond Theatre
Cinderella
The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
6 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Oh Cinders! The family-favourite tale comes to Richmond starring Helen George (Call the Midwife) as Fairy Godmother, musical theatre star Charlie Stemp, and the one and only Basil Brush. Join Cinderella, the handsome prince, and her evil stepsisters at the ball for glitzy costumes and sets, innuendo, and plenty of audience participation.
Good for: All ages, celebrity cast, classic panto experience
Tickets: From £15
Special performances: Relaxed performance 2 January
Getting there: ~15 minutes from Putney (District Line to Richmond)
Book: www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella-pantomime/richmond-theatre
Polka Theatre: The Snowflake
FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB
15 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
Enchanting alternative to traditional pantomime for little ones. Based on the timeless story by Benji Davies, this heartwarming adventure about belonging and being together is designed specifically for young children. Polka Theatre specialises in productions for families with children.
Good for: Very young children (alternative to traditional panto)
Getting there: Same location as New Wimbledon Theatre area
Website: www.polkatheatre.com
Quick Comparison
| Theatre | Show | Best For | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putney Arts Theatre | Peter Pan-to | Local community theatre, great value | £5 (U12s) / £14-18 |
| New Wimbledon | Robin Hood | Big production values | £15 |
| Richmond | Cinderella | Classic panto | £15 |
| Polka Theatre | The Snowflake | Very young children | Check |
All venues offer accessible performances. Putney Arts Theatre offers exceptional value with under 12s tickets at just £5, making it perfect for local families.
Giving back in Putney this Christmas
The festive season is perfect for sharing kindness with those who need it most. Several Putney businesses are running charitable appeals this Christmas.
Chestertons Winter Coat Drive
What: 11th annual coat drive collecting gently used coats and jackets
Who it helps: People in need across London via Calling London charity
Drop-off: Chestertons Putney office
Deadline: Until 21 November 2025
Chestertons has been running this appeal for over a decade, collecting warm coats that go directly to people experiencing hardship across the capital.
Find details: chestertons.co.uk/articles/chestertons-winter-coat-drive-2025
Ernest & Larner Pyjama Appeal
What: Brand-new pyjamas collection for children (newborn to 18 years)
Who it helps: Children in local hospices, hospitals, and women’s refuges
Supporting: Children’s Hospital Pyjamas charity
Drop-off: Ernest & Larner, 246 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TG
These pyjamas bring comfort to poorly and vulnerable children during the festive season. New pyjamas only please – they must be unworn and in original packaging.
Learn more: www.childrenshospitalpyjamas.co.uk
Wrap Up London Coat Drive
What: Pre-loved coats, gloves, hats, and scarves
Who it helps: People experiencing homelessness, refugees, and families in crisis via HandsOn London charity
Drop-off locations in Putney:
- Co-op Funeralcare, 221 Upper Richmond Road, Putney (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)
- Duke’s Head Pub, 8 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN
Collection period: 3-28 November 2025
One of London’s largest winter volunteering events. With homelessness in London having doubled in recent years, this campaign provides a simple but powerful way to make a difference. Good quality winter clothing in wearable condition goes directly to those who need it most during the coldest months.
Danny Ovenden, Funeral Director at Co-op Funeralcare Putney, said: “Homelessness in London has doubled in recent years, and many of us have wardrobes full of warm clothes we no longer wear. This campaign is such a simple but powerful way to make a difference.”
Co-op Funeralcare branches in Putney, Hammersmith, and Fulham Parsons Green all have donation sacks ready to be filled by the community.
Details: www.handsonlondon.org.uk/wrap-uplondon
Co-op Funeralcare Putney: coop.co.uk/funeralcare/putney
Other Ways to Give Back
Food banks:
Wandsworth Foodbank operates several donation points across the borough. Check their website for locations and most-needed items during the Christmas period. Food banks typically need non-perishable items, toiletries, and household essentials.
Volunteer opportunities:
Contact local charities about Christmas volunteering opportunities, from serving meals to wrapping gifts for children who might otherwise go without. Crisis at Christmas, local churches, and community centres often need extra hands during the festive season.
Shop local:
Supporting Putney’s independent businesses helps strengthen the community year-round. Every purchase from local shops, restaurants, and services keeps money circulating in SW15 and supports your neighbors.
Regular giving:
Consider setting up regular donations to local charities working in Wandsworth. Consistent monthly giving helps organizations plan and provides more reliable support than one-off Christmas donations alone.
Why Local Giving Matters
The festive season highlights inequality – while many of us celebrate with abundance, others struggle with basics like warm clothing, food security, and safe housing. These local appeals make it easy to help people right here in Putney and Wandsworth.
Small acts multiply. One coat. One pair of pajamas. One donation. Together, they make Christmas warmer for hundreds of people in our community.