Has anyone been to the Spirit of Christmas fair at Olympia?

[JumperandJacket]

A magazine I subscribe to is offering a free ticket. I can’t work out if it’s actually worth going as a punter or is it more of a trade show?

I’d probably be going on my own as I don’t know anyone sufficiently keen on Christmas to invite them!

It’s a commercial show rather than a trade show

If you like Christmas shopping you'll love it.

I've been. You'll enjoy it if you like Christmas! Lots of stalls from small businesses, loads of Christmas present ideas there. It also smells really nice from all the dried oranges and Christmas potpourri businesses.

Thank you!

I went a couple of years ago - it was packed - waaaaayyy to busy for my liking and this was pre covid! Don't expect a leisurely stroll - expect a rugby scrum of people and you'll not be disappointed

I’ve been once.
Love Christmas and it was lovely. All too expensive for me. But a nice look at Christmas stuff all the same

Yes. Definitely go along if it’s free. You can kill off your Christmas shopping in a day or get ideas and find the equivalent for less. Stocking fillers etc. I take a day off every year. Nowhere very good to eat though.

The food and drink section is great. Some of the fashion and lifestyle stalls are way out of my price range but you're sure to find something interesting and unusual there. If it's free I'd really encourage it.

Just don't sign up for any competitions to win some free studio photographs...

Ooh - Scrambled where do you eat? I tried the champagne bar that had no food and Mosimans that only had breakfasts or sandwiches and you were best to pre book and last year just gave up and went to the Pizza Express instead as everything was elderly curling sandwiches or filthy benches. I would LOVE if I could get a good lunch there too. Would be my favourite day off of the year.

I went a few years ago - was pretty busy as day went on. Went on my own . Food options pitiful - but tbh I survived on coffee . Was very warm- train station leaving was packed. Enjoyed it but couldn't ho every year - I do a more local one instead

I've not been to this particular show, but I've been to both the BBC Good Food Christmas show and the Ideal Home Christmas show lots of times; and thoroughly enjoyed them.

I've been for work. I cannot imagine why anyone goes for pleasure. It's rammed and such a horrible venue. I did pick up some nice decorations, to be fair. Have also been to the BBC Good Food Christmas Show, also for work, which was a much more pleasant affair but of course, is just food and drink.

I've been because I got a free ticket. (I cannot believe people would actually pay the entry fee to go shopping!) They do have some wonderful stuff there, but it is not cheap. I got amazing chocolates, flavoured balsamic vinegars, curry pastes, and some presents. I was shocked that they had several exhibitors just selling (real) fur coats. I didn't find it too rammed full of people. I took a packed lunch so just bought coffee, and I'm glad I did.