Kensington is known for its Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating, now we’re bringing the fun to the high street with spooky street-theatre and festive treats. Bring your family, friends, plus your best costumes.
Packed line-up includes a giant inflatable, spooky street theatre, a Halloween hunt, an autumnal farmers market, Yayoi Kusama’s giant polka dot pumpkin at Kensington Gardens, a rampaging Godzilla in the Japan House – and the launch of the World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum
Kensington High Street is set to become London’s Halloween capital this half term with a week-long, spook-filled programme (25-31st October). A mega-sized inflatable looming over the tube station, a free, ‘win-a-treat’ Halloween hunt through the streets and a family-inspired Farmers’ Market filled with autumnal food, crafts, pumpkin decorating and face painting (on Sunday 27th October) are all part of the line-up. Then on the 31st, Hallow’s Eve itself, there will be a free extravaganza of spooky street-theatre with entertainers galore and trick or treating.
Halloween at the Farmers Market
27 OCT 2024 | 11am – 2pm | Jubilee Square, W8 4NR
Kick off your spooky festivities at Jubilee Square! The pop-up market will be buzzing with Halloween-themed arts and crafts and entertainment.
High Street Kensington Halloween Hunt
25 – 31 Oct 2024
Embark on a thrilling adventure with our Halloween Hunt! Wind your way through High Street Kensington, collecting clues at every turn for a Halloween treat.
Download the Trail map here https://highstreetkensington.co.uk/halloween/
High Street Kensington’s Hallows’ Eve
31 OCT 2024 | 4pm – 7pm | Church Walk, W8 7NX
Dare to take a stroll down Church Street? We promise, it’s all fun. Our Haunted Walk will immerse you in the festive vibes of Halloween as you explore this Victorian-esque pathway. With ghostly decorations, seasonal lights and a few friendly frights along the way.
Plus take part in our Halloween Costume Contest towin goodies from your favourite local stores. Whether you’re flying solo or dressing up the kids, we want to see your creative costumes. Snap a pic, drop it on Instagram with #KensingtonHalloween and tag us @highstreet_kensington. Competition closes 1st November 2024.
These Halloween events are organised by Opportunity Kensington Business Improvement District, a not for profit organisation led and funded by businesses located on and around Kensington High Street.
Other local events
With the destination’s streets renown for showcasing London’s most elaborate Halloween displays, more macabre creativity will be on show at the Design Museum. From 25th October the venue will unveil The World of Tim Burton exhibition – a celebration of the design of his unique aesthetic and madly grotesque films from the last four decades (tickets £22 adults, £11 children and under 6yrs free). Alongside the exhibition, children can join a number of ‘Design Camp’ workshops associated with the exhibition throughout half term week.
Quirky Halloween must-sees also await in the nearby Royal Park’s of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Artist Yayoi Kusama’s striking yellow and black polka dot ‘Pumpkin’ installation will remain in situ beside the Round Pond at Kensington Gardens until 3rd November. While Hyde Park’s Hair-raising Halloween Discovery Days (29-31st October from 11-3.30pm) will run throughout half term. For more information https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on
Halloween family fun is also on offer at Victorian family home Sambourne House, which has a variety of craft activities for children aged 5-10yrs on 28th October (2-4pm, tickets £5 per child. Accompanying adults (1 adult per child) free with admission to the historic house included). On 31st October adults can join Mrs Sambourne for an evening of intrigue including a ghostly tour, a short film and a welcome drink (Tickets £20 per person).
While in situ in the Japan House London until 31st October is an imposing two-metre Godzilla statue – part of the venue’s event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the cult film and the Japanese-created monster it was based on. For more information: https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/godzilla-conquers-japan-house-london/
For more information about the Halloween line-up visit: https://highstreetkensington.co.uk
