Christmas in Blackheath: Why It's Not Too Early to Plan Your Festive Season

Let's address the elephant in the room: yes, we're talking about Christmas in September. The leaves have barely begun to turn, the conkers are still falling, and the thought of a mince pie feels distinctly premature. But here's the thing — Blackheath's favourite festive spots fill up fast, and every year we hear the same story: "I left it too late."

So consider this your friendly, slightly early nudge. The venues below have already published their Christmas menus, party nights, and festive events. By mid-November, the best dates will be gone.

Blackheath Lights Up

The season officially kicks off on Saturday 5 December with Blackheath Lights Up for Christmas, the Blackheath Society's annual celebration on the heath. Expect carols, community spirit, and the moment the village glows. It's the kind of evening that reminds you why you live here — or why you visit.

Party Nights at The Clarendon

The Clarendon Hotel has gone all out this year with a full calendar of Christmas Party Nights starting 5 December. Highlights include:

• Tina T's Tamla Motown Christmas Party Night (10 Dec) — dance the night away to soul classics
• The Fil Straughan Christmas Party Night (17 Dec) — swing, dine, and celebrate
• Aiden Kent Christmas Party Evening (19 Dec) — a festive swing-and-dine night to see the season out in style

The Clarendon's party nights are always popular, and with good reason — great food, live entertainment, and a proper party atmosphere. Book directly on their website to secure your date.

Festive Fun at The Crown

The Crown is the heart of village life at Christmas, with a packed schedule throughout December:

• Christmas Lights Switch On (5 Dec) — a proper pub celebration with drinks, music, and the kind of warm welcome The Crown does so well
• Christmas Themed Pub Quiz (14 Dec) — test your festive knowledge
• Christmas Themed Open Mic Night (15 Dec) — sing your favourite carols (or Christmas number ones)
• Christmas Jumper & Outfit Day (11 Dec) — the more outrageous, the better
• Festive Cocktail Making Session (17 Dec) — learn to shake and stir your favourite tipples
• Festive Christmas Lunch (25 Dec) — Christmas Day at the pub, done properly

Check The Crown's events page for full details and booking.

More Christmas Menus Around Blackheath

It's not just The Crown and The Clarendon — several more of Blackheath's best-loved pubs have already published their festive menus and party packages:

• The Depot — Christmas dining and party nights at this beloved locals' pub on Blackheath Standard. View their Christmas page.
• The Royal Standard — festive menus and events at one of Blackheath's most iconic pubs. See their Christmas offerings.
• The Fox under the Hill — a cosy Greene King pub with Christmas dining near the heath. Explore their Christmas menu.
• The Princess of Wales — festive food and drink at this historic Blackheath pub on Royal Hill. Browse their Christmas page.
• The Hare & Billet — a cosy, characterful pub on the heath with festive dining and Christmas menus. View their Christmas page.
• The Railway — Christmas dining and party nights at this popular pub near Blackheath station. See their Christmas offerings.
• The Ivy Cafe Blackheath — elegant festive set menus at one of Blackheath's most stylish restaurants. Browse their Christmas set menu.
• Côte Brasserie — French-inspired Christmas menus and party packages on Montpelier Vale. Explore their Christmas menu.

A Blackheath Christmas Fair

Before December even arrives, Age Exchange Café hosts the wonderful Blackheath Christmas Fair on Saturday 15 November. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up unique gifts from local makers, enjoy a mince pie, and ease yourself gently into the festive spirit. The fair supports the Friends of Age Exchange, so your visit does good as well as feels good.

Dance the Night Away at Blackheath Halls

For something a little different, Blackheath Halls presents Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet's Big Xmas Disco Ball on Saturday 5 December. If you've never been to one of their disco nights, think sequins, soul, and a dance floor full of people who absolutely have not stopped dancing yet. It's one of the most joyful nights of the festive calendar.

So — Too Early?

We know. We really do. But the reality is that Blackheath's Christmas offerings are popular, intimate, and community-driven — which means they sell out. The Clarendon's party nights, The Crown's festive lunch, the Christmas Fair at Age Exchange — these are the events people talk about for weeks afterwards, and the ones you'll regret missing if you don't plan ahead.

So pour yourself a cup of tea (or something stronger), open a few tabs, and make a date or two. Your future December self will thank you.

Discover Blackheath is your local community directory. Browse our Shops and Events pages for more festive happenings throughout the season.