Christmas in London 2022: Kings Cross to be transformed into an apres-ski with Christmas markets and slopes

London Kings Cross will play host to an alpine wonderland this Christmas, as the vibrant neighbourhood transforms into a throwback to yesteryear with ski chalets and slopes for the festive season. Shoppers can expect no less than eight festive markets this year, with the piece de resistance coming in the form of a 35ft pine tree in Coal Drops Yard.

The enormous Christmas tree will be adorned with ski accessories, befitting of the alpine theme this year, and illuminated with striking neon lights. Not one to cause wastage, organisers have assured the environmentally conscious that the pine needles will be diffused down to create an alpine essence for candles, which will later be sold in Coal Drops Yard.

Other events taking place over the course of Kings Cross’ winter season is the return of the popular Club Curling. Teams of up to six can come along for just £7 per person (children under 12 play for free when accompanied by an adult), making it the perfect activity for friends and families to get into the holiday spirit from 12pm to 8pm every day.

Once players have had their curling fix, they can enjoy some post-game refreshments at the brand new après ski bar, which will be serving up a selection of festive hot chocolates, hot toddies and delicious alpine cocktails. After that, why not check out the return of the striking, 11ft high geometric winter sculpture Temenos, created by trailblazing artist Liliane Lijn at it’s new home on Cubitt Square.

Across the six weeks Kings Cross will also see a changing line-up of eight markets, each offering a vast array of unique gifts, offering the best festive street food, fashion from emerging brands, vintage vinyl, arts and crafts and much more. Markets include Canopy Vegan Market, Independent Label Market, Lower Stable Street’s regular weekend market, Shotengai Market, The Drops Market, Mexican Christmas Market, The Illustrators’ Christmas Fair and Crafty Fox Christmas Market.

When will the apres-ski at Kings Cross begin?

London Kings Cross will be transformed into an illuminated, traffic-free wonderland from Wednesday 9 November 2022 until Sunday 26 February 2023.

Visitors are invited to follow the alpine signs towards Granary Square, past the magical festoon lighting and onto the Canal Side Steps, where they’ll find a fun and interactive ski-scene selfie moment before heading to Coal Drops Yard for Club Curling.