Christmas events in Hillingdon

Once again, the council is supporting 28 council-led and four community-led Christmas lights schemes, which will illuminate areas across Hillingdon's 21 wards, including the display at the Civic Centre forecourt on Friday 15 November which will be switched on by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan. Residents are invited to come along from 5.45pm and enjoy free mulled wine, mince pies, tea and coffee while listening to festive tunes from a brass band and carol performances by local schools and choirs.  

Residents are also being encouraged to shop locally to support the borough's high streets and independent businesses. The council is once again providing free parking to HillingdonFirst cardholders on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15, and Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December. This offer is available in council-owned car parks and on-street parking bays. Residents using PayByPhone must register their HillingdonFirst card on the app. For more information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/festive-parking.   

Many local businesses offer residents with a HillindgonFirst card discounts on their products and services. For a list of participating businesses, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/businessdirectory.  

From Monday 2 December, the council's Rural Activities Garden Centre on West Drayton Road, Hillingdon will be selling real Nordmann non-drop premium real Christmas trees. Priced competitively between £40 to £60, depending on height, these high-quality trees are perfect for adding a festive touch to your home. A variety of potted trees grown at the centre, alongside a collection of handcrafted Christmas wreaths, festive gifts and decorations will also be available.   

Hillingdon theatres will be putting on performances of The Santa Show and Snow White starting from Thursday 5 December at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham. For the full listings and to book, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/theatres.   

Libraries across Hillingdon will be hosting festive children's storytime sessions, light-up Christmas card, advent calendar and snow globe making workshops, and Christmas-themed coffee mornings with carol singing from local schools for older residents. Free mini wreath making sessions will be hosted at Cranford Park on Saturday 30 November, Sunday 1 and Saturday 14 December from midday to 2pm. And The Battle of Britain Bunker will have Mess Hall crafts and trails around the museum on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December from 11am to 3.30pm.  

Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: "We are continuing to invest in our communities and put up Christmas lights, offer free parking over two weekends and host a range of festive events and activities in our libraries and heritage sites. 

"These events are a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, and I also encourage everyone to shop local and support our independent businesses as we celebrate the season of giving." 

For more information on Christmas events and to book spaces (where necessary), visit  discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/events.