You know that delicious moment in December when London flicks from “dreary drizzle” to “full festive fabulousness”? Well, last night I found myself right at the heart of it, stepping into one of my favourite houses in the entire city – Handel Hendrix House – for their annual pre-Christmas preview. Today it would have been Jimi Hendrix 83rd birthday!
Honestly, if walls could talk, these ones would probably sing. Gloriously. In perfect harmony. With a surprisingly funky bassline.
The house, once home to G.F. Handel and – two centuries and several hair products later – Jimi Hendrix, somehow manages to feel as though the past is quietly humming under the garlands. Each room is dressed to impress with opulent festive displays inspired by the music created under this very roof. Goosebumps? Immediate.
After-hours wandering through twinkling rooms, chatting to the team, trustees, supporters and museum friends felt like slipping into a cosy annual tradition – the kind of London ritual you pretend is “for work”, but secretly treasure like a tin of posh biscuits you hide from the children.
A season of sparkle and sound
From Thursday 27 November right through to Sunday 4 January, the house will be in full Christmas mode – and, for the first time, even open between Christmas and New Year (29, 30 and 31 December, with last entry early on the 31st so the staff can get to their mince pies).
Expect twinkling lights, beautifully dressed period rooms and decorations themed around music and feasting – because if anyone knew how to put on a proper seasonal spread, it was 18th-century Londoners and 1960s rock stars.
Families can follow the Festive Family Trail, uncovering Christmas treats and traditions from Handel’s era right through to Hendrix’s heyday. Think Georgian punch vs 60s party snacks – a cultural compare-and-contrast we didn’t know we needed.
Highlights to mark in your diary (preferably with a quill or a quitar pick)
Guitar Saturday – 6 December (£20 including admission)
Bring your guitar, your curiosity and perhaps your inner rock god. Guitar specialist Nigel hosts “The guitar day Christmas bash” featuring Hendrix chat, blues riffs, chord magic and a free-for-all Q&A. It all ends with the legendary Brook Street Jam.
Christmas late openings – Thursdays 11 & 18 December
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the house by candlelight – or something very convincingly similar – pop by for the evening openings until 7pm. Perfect for a pre-dinner cultural nibble.
18th-Century Christmas cooking – 13 & 14 December
Live in Handel’s kitchen? Not quite – but almost. Food historians Marc Meltonville and Robert Hoare recreate the sights, sounds and scents of Georgian Christmas cooking, including a special deep dive into historic punch. Yes, punch. Georgian style. Evening event £25; daytime demos included in standard admission.
Joyful carolling – 21 & 22 December
Because nothing completes this atmospheric house like a burst of live festive music echoing up the staircase.
Shopping, naturally
If you’re still searching for that perfect gift for the music lover in your life, the museum shop has curated a charming selection including great books and novelty items that strike the balance between tasteful and fun – a rarity in the world of themed museum merch.
As Director Simon Daniels puts it, this is “the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets and get one step inside and suddenly Oxford Street feels worlds away.
If your December needs a dash of magic, music and a sprinkling of London history, Handel Hendrix House is the place to be this Christmas.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
