Get the festive feeling with #CreateChristmas at Victoria

The chill is setting in, we’re donning our thickest coats and gulping cinnamon mochachoccachinos –conclusive evidence that the festive season is upon us. London is one of the most exciting places to be over the Christmas period, and Victoria’s three-day #CreateChristmas event promises a host of free entertainment and treats this week. Kicking off the fun on Thursday, MKS –Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan, of the original Sugababes – will switch on the Victoria lights in partnership with the Victoria BID, illuminating Victoria Street from the station to Buckingham Gate. Crowds will also be treated to the band performing songs from their new album, plus old favourites.

After starting off with a bang, the live shows continue for three nights, hosted by Lisa Vickery from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Mulled sangria, roasted chesnuts and mince pies will warm visitors as they enjoy shows by London’s top talent on the Cardinal Place roof garden.

The opening day also includes the London Ballet Company and the IDMC London Gospel Choir, and on Friday 22, Passionata Opera warm up the crowd before headliner John Owen-Jones, star of ‘Les Mis’ here and on Broadway and the West End’s longest-running show Phantom. On the final day, Saturday 23, there’s a performance by students from Violin School and an interactive family show by the casts of ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘The Snail and The Whale’ –with a chance to meet the Gruffalo! Leading lady from ‘Wicked the Musical’ Louise Dearman brings the three days of live events to a close.

There’ll also be a Christmas food market and Cardinal Place is packed full of high street favourites, such as Zara, Hobbs and Space NK. Many retailers are hosting special offers and in-store activities –you’re bound to find something for everyone on your Christmas list. Many restaurants will be open late, including La Tasca, Zizzi, Nando’s and Wagamama.

As well as all this, the festivities will be overlooked by a giant photography exhibition projected onto a ten-storey building visible from the Cardinal Place roof garden.

Londoners’ photos capturing what Christmas in the city means to them will be selected for projection by Time Out’s photographer Rob Greig – and yours could be there too. Simply submit a photo to www.createvictoria.com/facebook and your image could be projected each evening. For every picture featured, Land Securities will donate £1 to The Prince’s Trust, so get uploading now. The top ten pictures will then be displayed in an exhibition in Victoria, with the final winner awarded £500 of photography equipment and their photo printed in the Victoria Newspaper. Get snapping for your chance to win!