The iconic Spirit of Christmas Fair is celebrating a momentous 25th anniversary this November (2– 8). As the UK’s longest running Christmas Fair, it welcomes over 50,000 Christmas enthusiasts, foodies, and gift buyers annually, all eager to shop from an unrivalled collection of over 600 small, vetted independent businesses. For 25 years, the Fair prides itself on offering shoppers’ true originality, featuring curated products and present ideas not seen anywhere else.
This milestone anniversary coincides with an exciting new chapter for Olympia, London which has just completed its landmark £1.3 billion transformation. The historic 140-year-old destination has evolved into one of the capital’s most vibrant hubs, making it the ultimate backdrop for visitors to discover and celebrate the season after visiting the Fair.
In an age of impersonal mass production, the Fair celebrates individual craftsmanship and authenticity. For consumers jaded by hours of fruitless online shopping, it gives visitors the ability to be inspired and reignites the joy of in-person browsing. It offers the rare chance to give a present with a rewarding backstory, where you can meet the maker or seller and find something that you couldn’t on the high street.
The multiple categories include fashion, gifts, health, wellbeing, pets, home and baby and incorporating artisan food and drinks. However tricky, there is no one that the Fair can’t provide a Christmas present for. And for those who like to be organised, the whole present list can be ticked off in one day, complete with decorations, tablescaping ideas and wrapping accessories.
Its success over the years is partly down to the carefully chosen exhibitor line up which last year saw over 700 new applicants and just 112 accepted. This year 30% will be new brands. As well as the buzz of buying in a festive atmosphere, there are also three Louis Roederer Champagne Bars, and a previously sold-out restaurant run by Chef Kate Austen, returning for the second year, serving all day dining and cream teas. Other chances to press pause momentarily on shopping are offered by the popular workshops and live music which are included in the ticket price.
Spirit of Christmas Fair is the only major Christmas Fair to host sustainability awards which launched last year. The aim is to celebrate independent brands leading the way in eco-conscious design, ethical production, and sustainable gifting.
As well as offering a platform for small, independent businesses, the Fair also offers those who have only been trading for less than five years a stand in a dedicated location. Spirit Rising Stars launched in 2025 with 30 businesses on the gallery level and returns this year.
Fair director, Mary Claire Boyd, said, ‘We are enormously proud of reaching this landmark anniversary, as the leading Christmas Fair. This is a consumer success story which has run the test of time still keeps growing in popularity. The Fair has built up almost a cult following over the years which has seen generations grow up and shop here year after year. We are the largest Fair of its kind to support small businesses while keeping the standard high and the mixture of brands constantly under review so it always feels fresh and interesting for our visitors.’
Ticket includes entry to Luxury Travel Fair:
Condé Nast Traveller presents the Luxury Travel Fair which takes place alongside the Spirit of Christmas Fair from 5-8th November 2026. Visitors can meet face-to-face with specialists and leading tour operators from over 80 unmissable travel brands. The show also features complimentary live talks from leading travel experts and personalities.
