Chelsea Pensioners look out over a snow covered Light Horse Court

Christmas at the Soane Stable Yard

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Christmas at the Soane Stable Yard

Join us for a Soane Stable Yard Christmas 

Saturdays: 6th, 13th & 20th December

Step into the festive spirit at the Soane Stable Yard this December! Each Saturday, we’re hosting a joyful programme of family-friendly events and activities to celebrate the season in style.

A Cosy Christmas Experience

Nestled in the heart of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Soane Stable Yard offers a warm and welcoming setting for all ages. Enjoy hands-on craft workshops, interactive storytelling with a Chelsea Pensioner, guided tours, festive talks, and enchanting choir performances by the Holland Park Youth Choir and our very own Chelsea Pensioner singers.

Festive Treats at Heidi Bakery

Take a break with a steaming cup of mulled wine or indulge in a slice of festive cake at Heidi Bakery, the perfect spot to relax and soak up the seasonal cheer.

Two Chelsea Pensioners, dressed in their iconic Scarlet Coats and black shako hats peek out from behind partially opened large black doors

Discover The Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join a Chelsea Pensioner for a special tour of the site and learn how we transform the hospital for Christmas. Explore its rich history and traditions in a truly magical setting.

Plan Your Visit

Each Saturday offers something unique - check below for full details of what’s happening on each day. We can’t wait to welcome you and your loved ones to the Soane Stable Yard for a Christmas to remember.

Christmas Events

Christmas, Family Event, Free Event

Design a Christmas Card for a Chelsea Pensioner

Sat 6th Dec 2025 10.00am - Sat 6th Dec 2025 1.30pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Space, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join us for a heart-warming family workshop where children can create and design a festive Christmas card to be delivered to a Chelsea Pensioner. It’s a lovely way for young ones to share seasonal cheer and connect with our cherished residents.

Christmas, Lectures, Public Event

Wartime Christmas at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Sat 6th Dec 2025 3.00pm - Sat 6th Dec 2025 4.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Space, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Drawing from his acclaimed book The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War, Martin Cawthorne will reflect on how the festive season unfolded during one of the darkest chapters in the Hospital’s history. Discover how Christmas became a symbol of hope, compassion, and duty on the Home Front, even as the Hospital itself stood in the line of fire.

Christmas, Family Event

Breakfast with Santa

Sun 7th Dec 2025 9.00am - Tue 23rd Dec 2025 9.00am
Location: Heidi Bakery at the Soane Stable Yard, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Step into the festive spirit with Breakfast with Santa, hosted by Heidi Bakery, within the Soane Stable Yard at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Christmas, Family Event, Free Event

Design a Christmas Card for a Chelsea Pensioner

Sat 13th Dec 2025 10.00am - Sat 13th Dec 2025 12.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Space, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join us for a heart-warming family workshop where children can create and design a festive Christmas card to be delivered to a Chelsea Pensioner. It’s a lovely way for young ones to share seasonal cheer and connect with our cherished residents.

Christmas, Family Event, Free Event

Family Christmas Decorations Workshop

Sat 13th Dec 2025 1.00pm - Sat 13th Dec 2025 4.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Space, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Get crafty this Christmas at our festive family workshop in the Soane Stable Yard! Led by our talented arts and crafts facilitator, Veronica, this hands-on session invites children and families to create their very own Christmas decorations to take home or gift to someone special.

Christmas, Free Event, Public Event

Festive Favourites in the Soane Stable Yard

Sat 13th Dec 2025 4.00pm - Sat 13th Dec 2025 4.45pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard, Court Yard. Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join us for a heart-warming performance of festive favourites in the Soane Stable Yard courtyard. Join the Opera Holland Park Youth Chorus - a talented group of local 8–12 year olds, directed by Joe Cummings and supported by professional opera singers - as they fill the air with the joyful sounds of Christmas.

Christmas, Family Event, Free Event

Design a Christmas Card for a Chelsea Pensioner

Sat 20th Dec 2025 10.00am - Sat 20th Dec 2025 12.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Space, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join us for a heart-warming family workshop where children can create and design a festive Christmas card to be delivered to a Chelsea Pensioner. It’s a lovely way for young ones to share seasonal cheer and connect with our cherished residents.

Christmas, Family Event, Free Event

Family Gingerbread Decorating Workshop

Sat 20th Dec 2025 1.00pm - Sat 20th Dec 2025 4.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Space, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Add a sprinkle of creativity to your Christmas celebrations at our festive family workshop in the Soane Stable Yard! Led by our wonderful arts and crafts facilitator, Veronica, this hands-on session invites children to decorate their own gingerbread men and charming 2D houses - all made from cardboard, so there’s no need to worry about allergies.

Christmas, Free Event, Public Event

Christmas Carols in the Soane Stable Yard

Sat 20th Dec 2025 4.00pm - Sat 20th Dec 2025 4.45pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard, Court Yard. Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join us a joyful celebration of Christmas in the heart of the Soane Stable Yard. Join the Chelsea Pensioner Singers, supported by Elaine Hillier, as they perform a selection of classic carols and festive favourites, filling the courtyard with warmth, harmony, and holiday cheer.