Christmas in Acton: Services and Events

We've got Christmas all wrapped up and it's all in Acton!

Westfield? Oxford Street? Who needs to battle the crowds when you can find the best food, drink, entertainment and gifts right here in Acton.

Christmas Events in Acton

Check out our Calendar section for all the latest happenings over the holiday period.  Don't miss the Acton Christmas Fayre which will be held at the Acton Market and St. Mary's Church Hall on Saturday December 18th from 10am until 3pm.  All of the Acton Market traders will be on hand for last minute Christmas shopping. There will be a Santa's Grotto in the Church Hall, free face painting and live animals including, yes, reindeer- fun for all the family.

Councillor John Gallagher will be on hand to award prizes for the best Christmas shopfronts at the end and there will be the annual Winter Lantern procession for children from APPLE, starting in Acton Park at 2:30 and heading to The Mount.  Why not head to Poets Corner for Carol Singing at 4:30pm, at the community garden, corner of Chaucer and Myrtle Roads?

On Sunday 19th, don't miss the Second Annual ATC Christmas Barrel Race. Teams of seven from each of seven local pubs including the Mill Hill, Red Lion & Pineapple, Redback, Chatsworth, King's Head, Six Bells and The Talbot are required to carry empty beer barrels on their shoulders to the next pub in the relay race. This year’s race also sees the inclusion of the Acton Safer Neighbourhood Police who are hoping to beat the winning time set during the last event of an astounding ten minutes and two seconds.

The event builds on the success of the earlier barrel race which raised nearly £1,000 for various charities including Cancer Research and Help for Heroes. The organisers hope that the Christmas barrel race can raise money and awareness for the Community Activities Project Ealing (C.A.P.E). The charity helps people who experience severe and enduring mental health problems in the local area.

The Christmas barrel race will be sponsored by Acton Training Centre (ATC) who will be providing and presenting the trophy to this year’s winner.

Shopping

Christmas is a time for giving and there are all kinds of unique and unusual gifts at The Village Trading Store on Churchfield Road. Proprietor Laura Forsyth invites you to browse, have a coffee, a homemade cake (or two!).  A beautiful selection of vintage clothing and accessories, homeware, gifts, unique toys, jewellery and so much more.  And don't forget The Village Trading Store is open Sundays during December from 11 until 3.

If you know someone who wants to get healthy after the holiday indulgences, The Park Club has come up with  really unique idea for a present.  Their Membership in A Box scheme is just that - a beautifully displayed gift box tht includes  full-month's membership at this private family health club as well as other benefits including 5 personal training sessions, mini-facial or mini-massage, luxurious bath robe and Dermalogica products. For information call 020 8740 4599.

Eating and Drinking

Thinking of ditching the traditional Christmas turkey? Why not eat out at one of Acton's excellent pubs.  There's a lot happening throughout the festive season at all of our fine eateries.  The Station House has got a special Christmas menu, along with daily specials, an extensive wine list and live music every Sunday from 4:30 until 7pm.  Landlords Raffaele and Tracey welcome you to The Station House - it's a little bit of Italy right here in Acton.

Pop along to the George and Dragon and sit beside a roaring fire, and soak up the atmosphere in this 17th century pub on Acton High Street.  With  new landlord and regularly changing menu, it's a perfect place to meet after a heavy day of shopping.

The King's Arms on The Vale, has been a place for eating and drinking in Acton for 250 years.  There's live music every Friday night, an open mic session on Tuesdays where you'll hear aspiring musicians from Acton's local renowned interntional music college.  There will be a Russian-themed New Year Party from 8pm on December 31st.  More information here.

December 16, 2010