A BKC curated guide to festive lights and shows in Soho
The lights and performances in Soho are an ever-changing spectacle during Christmas. For a London experience of the utmost magical, let BKC Soho show you everything there is to do in Soho, from Christmas lights to magic theatre. Whether you’re going for the lights, the music or the action, our collection will keep you happy at every single moment. And what better to finish your adventures than with the warm and authentic flavours of Awadhi cuisine at BKC Soho?
The magical theatre performances lighting up Soho
- Mrs. Doubtfire at Shaftesbury Theatre – A 10 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
Laugh and sing with the family at the Shaftesbury Theatre where the beloved character of Euphegenia Doubtfire takes over the theatre. This musical version of the old classic film is filled with laughter and nostalgia, and is aimed at young and old. It is the best way to start your festive season with smiles.
2. The Devil Wears Prada at Dominion Theatre – A 12 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
Get behind the scenes of fashion with this musical adaptation of the cult classic. “The Devil Wears Prada”. Filled with Elton John’s catchy score and the narrative’s mix of elegance and wit, “The Devil Wears Prada” is all about chic, adding a sprinkle of glamour to your festive calendar.
3. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells – A 10 minutes’ bus journey from BKC Soho
Matthew Bourne’s re-telling of the ballet is nothing short of legendary. Assembled around an all-male corps de ballet and an energetic mashup of dance, comedy and drama, this Sadler’s Wells production modernises an ancient story. Running through January, it’s an opera you will not want to miss.
4. La Clique at Leicester Square – A 5 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
Add some dazzling acrobatics and unrestrained amusement to your holiday experience with Olivier Award-winning cabaret “La Clique”. The Spiegeltent action packed show is full of daring stunts, laughter and pyrotechnics that embody the daring spirit of the festive season in Soho.
5. The Nutcracker at London Coliseum – A 3 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
Christmas in London is not complete without “The Nutcracker”. The English National Ballet recreates Tchaikovsky’s classic score and envelopes audiences in the magic of this timeless tale. The grand props and costumes bring awe leaving family and friends mesmerised.
6. A Christmas Carol (ish) at @sohoplace – A 5 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
For something a little bit Christmassy, A Christmas Carol (ish) is a spoof on Dickens’ tale starring Nick Mohammed as Mr. Swallow. Dancing, singing and full of laughter — it’s a beautiful reminder of Christmas bliss, but with a twist..
7. The Merchant of Venice 1936 at Watford Palace Theatre – A 15 minutes’ bus journey from BKC Soho
In this dramatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy set in East London in the 1930s, Tracy-Ann Oberman is Shylock. It is a must see if you’re looking for a timely rendition that touches on the issues of discrimination and justice and would make a nice holiday viewing.
8. All I Want For Christmas Is Cabaret at The Phoenix Arts Club – A 7 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
This holiday show with burlesque performers, musicals, drag acts, and comedy will give you a glittering production right in the heart of Soho. Enjoy a night of dazzling performances that embody the spirit of Christmas magic.
Soho’s dazzling Christmas lights
- Carnaby Street – A 3 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
The Carnaby Street’s “Into the Light” installation includes more than 60,000 glimmering LEDs, a wildly eclectic tribute to Soho ingenuity and rebellion. Wander under the street lamps that have made Carnaby one of London’s most iconic festive spots.
2. Regent Street – A 10 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
The illuminated angels soaring above Regent Street bring a timeless and elegant Christmas ambiance. This year’s display takes you back to classic London Christmases, with a majestic golden glow lighting up the bustling street.
3. Oxford Street – A 12 minutes’ walk From BKC
Immerse yourself in the glimmer of a cascade of lights on London’s biggest shopping street, Oxford Street. Overhead light curtains add warmth to the cold winter night, making it the perfect place for some festive shopping.
4. Seven Dials & Leicester Square – A 5 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
Located just minutes from Soho, Seven Dials is transformed into a family friendly Christmas winter wonderland. Also, Leicester Square lights up with fayre markets and mulled wine to catching up on the full holiday feel.
5. Covent Garden – A 15 minutes’ walk from BKC Soho
Covent Garden boasts of London’s biggest Christmas tree and more than 30,000 lights which make for a romantic festive scene. Mistletoe chandeliers and holiday lights adorn it and are a dream to stroll through.
6. Southbank Centre Winter Market – A 20-Minute Walk from BKC Soho
Visit the Southbank Centre for the Winter Market with its street food, handmade crafts and enchanting lights on the Thames. If you’re looking for holiday shopping with a little riverside charm, the market is the place to be.
7. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree – A 15-Minute Walk from BKC Soho
There is no better Christmas Tree in the whole world, then the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. This is a tall well-lit tree (donated each year by Norway), flanked by carolers singing holiday favorites and the scene is utterly festive.
End your festive adventure at BKC Soho
When you have seen all the glittery sidewalks and theatres, what could be better than a hearty meal at BKC Soho? Come inside and let our food tell its own story – real, authentic and steeped in history. Our Awadhi Chicken Biryani slow-cooked with aromatic spices soothes you on a cold night. The smokey and succulent Galouti Kebabs melt in your mouth, each bite inscribed within Lucknow’s culinary history.
Indulge in the Lakhnawi Lamb Biryani, consisting of tender lamb pieces cooked with fragrant rice, saffron and rose water for true Lucknowi taste. If you are a vegetarian, then our Malai Broccoli. For vegetarians, we also have our Malai Broccoli – slightly spiced broccoli stalks in cheese and peppercorn, and our Nadru Galouti (little patties made from lotus stem) – smoky and spiced seasonal delight, that is perfect for the season.
The lights may dazzle your eyes but our spices will delight your palate. The Kashmiri Pink Chai, brewed with rose petals and pistachios, should warm you up or the succulent Murgh Makhni with tomato-fenugreek gravy. The Tandoori Prawn, spiced with a little ajwain and yoghurt, adds a taste of the sea to your festive meal while the Achari Paneer Tikka has a sweet and spicy kick vegetarian diners will love.
Top off your meal with creamy and buttery Malai Tikka or our house recipe House Dal, slow cooked with tomatoes and fenugreek for that perfect, comforting taste. At BKC Soho, the season of the year is a celebration of sharing food, laughter and unforgettable moments.
Try our Soya Chaap Biryani – if you’re looking for something different. Our Soya Chaap Biryani is a great vegetarian meal that can rival any meat dish, this lucknowi recipe involves soft soya chunks being marinated and cooked in fragrant rice. End your evening with a Gulab Jamun, soaked in rose syrup, or a cup of Karak Chai to leave you feeling truly satisfied.
So while you enjoy the Christmas cheer of Soho, let BKC be the Indian restaurant Soho of your choice – one where each bite is an occasion, every flavour a narrative. Come, share in the warmth, and make this festive season truly unforgettable.