Winter Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia London, November 2-8, 2026 - Celebrate 25 years of unique festive shopping.
Dates
2–8 Nov 2026
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
Olympia Exhibition Centre
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
Join us for the 25th Anniversary of the Winter Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia London from November 2 to 8, 2026.
This event is the ultimate festive destination to discover unique gifts and enjoy a day of celebration and inspiration.
TL;DR
Visitors can explore a wide range of unique gifts from independent brands, enjoy festive workshops, and experience live music, making it a perfect outing for friends and family.
Exhibitors gain access to a large audience of engaged shoppers, the opportunity to showcase their unique products, and the chance to connect with other artisans and brands. The Winter Art & Antiques Fair is a key event in the festive shopping calendar, attracting visitors looking for unique gifts and experiences. It supports independent brands and artisans, fostering a vibrant marketplace.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
London, United Kingdom
Attend
Who runs the show
Clarion Events Ltd
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
This edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
Join us for the 25th Anniversary of the Winter Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia London from November 2 to 8, 2026. This event is the ultimate festive destination to discover unique gifts and enjoy a day of celebration and inspiration. The Winter Art & Antiques Fair is a key event in the festive shopping calendar, attracting visitors looking for unique gifts and experiences. It supports independent brands and artisans, fostering a.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Art and antiques enthusiasts, Gift shoppers looking for unique items, Families seeking festive experiences, Individuals interested in home decor. Dates: November 2-8, 2026. Location: Olympia Exhibition Centre, London. Over 600 independent brands showcasing unique gifts. Complimentary workshops and live festive music. WINTER ART & ANTIQUES FAIR - OLYMPIA LONDON 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain access to a large audience of engaged shoppers, the opportunity to showcase their unique products, and the chance to connect with other artisans and brands. The Winter Art & Antiques Fair is a key event in the festive shopping calendar, attracting visitors looking for unique gifts and experiences. It supports independent brands and artisans, fostering a vibrant marketplace. Exhibitor categories include Independent artisans and craftspeople, Antique dealers, Home decor brands, Gourmet food.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
London is one of the world's two largest art and antiques trading hubs alongside New York, and Olympia is a long-established fairs venue in Kensington with strong transport links across the city. Holding the fair in November places it inside London's winter auction and gallery season, so buyers and dealers get a dense week of viewing, provenance checking and sourcing in one trip. For exhibitors, the UK remains a core market for European and North American collectors, supported by a mature ecosystem of shippers, restorers, valuers and export-licensing services.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Provenance-led buying
Cross-category and younger collecting
Digital previews feed the floor
Cross-border cost pressure
Conservation over replacement
The Winter Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia sits in a year-round circuit of vetted art and antiques fairs that many of the same dealers and collectors travel. Planning a 12-month calendar around these windows gives buyers better access to inventory and helps exhibitors sequence stand bookings, shipping and staffing.
January-February
March
September-November
Peer fairs identified from published fair calendars and sector knowledge; months shown are typical annual windows - confirm each fair's current edition, dates and venue before booking flights or stands.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.
to venue
45–75 min off-peak
by car
Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube to the venue district.
to venue
50–80 min
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for London.
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–170 / night
Book 2-3 months ahead - November rates rise during London's auction and fair week. Room-only and non-refundable rates are materially cheaper than flexible ones.
sourceUSD 180–300 / night
The closest cluster to the venue; ask for a quiet room away from Hammersmith Road and confirm whether breakfast and cancellation terms are included.
sourceUSD 380–750 / night
Suited to principals and hosted collector groups; pre-book dinner reservations, as nearby restaurants fill during the November art week.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.
taxi
Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube to the venue district.
taxi
taxi
taxi
taxi
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Nationals of countries without a UK visa waiver - for example India, China, South Africa and much of the Middle East, Africa and Asia. | $160.00 | Typically around 3 weeks from a biometric appointment; allow up to 6 weeks in peak periods. | |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visa-exempt nationals, including EU/EEA, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and GCC visitors. | $20.00 | Usually within 3 working days, often faster; apply at least a week before travel. | |
| Business visitor activities under the visitor route | Any visitor attending the fair for commercial purposes, whichever entry document they hold. | — | No separate application; permitted activities are covered by the ETA or Standard Visitor visa. |
No visa fee applies to visa-exempt nationals, but the ETA fee (GBP 16) still applies to nearly all of them. Irish citizens do not need a visa or ETA.
The UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of goods such as art, antiques and exhibition stand materials. Confirm in advance with your chamber of commerce, your freight forwarder and the venue, and carry the carnet with the goods - unlisted items can be seized.
Official visa pageWeather
November in London is cool, grey and changeable: typical daytime highs of about 10-12 degrees Celsius and overnight lows of 5-7 degrees Celsius, with rain on roughly half the days of the month. Daylight is short, with sunset before 17:00 early in the month, so plan indoor travel between venues.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies — confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service charges
A discretionary 12.5% service charge is common on London restaurant bills - check before adding a tip. Around 10% is usual for taxis and hotel staff, and service charges are not compulsory.
Business dress and etiquette
Smart-casual to smart is the norm at London art and antiques fairs; a handshake and business card exchange is standard at first meetings. Be punctual for dealer appointments and confirm before photographing or handling objects on a stand.
Payments, transport and queuing
London is largely cashless - contactless cards and mobile wallets work on the Tube, buses and in nearly all venues. Queue for taxis at designated ranks, stand on the right on escalators, and expect contactless fares to be capped daily.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LHR
Book flights to LHR when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare LGW only if fares are materially lower.
Most visitors from visa-waiver countries (EU/EEA, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, GCC states and others) now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, GBP 16, valid for 2 years) instead of a visa, and can attend the fair as a business visitor for up to 6 months. Nationals of countries without a UK waiver (for example India, China and South Africa) need a Standard Visitor visa (GBP 127 for a 6-month visa), which also permits attending a trade fair, negotiating and ordering goods. Apply at least 3-6 weeks before travel in peak periods, and carry proof of accommodation and onward travel.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Covers tourism, permitted business activities such as attending a trade fair, negotiating and ordering goods - but not paid employment in the UK. Apply online and attend a visa application centre for biometrics. Digital authorisation valid for 2 years (or until passport expiry) for visits of up to 6 months. Linked to the passport used to apply, so reapply if you renew your passport.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: LHR/LGW/STN/LCY: Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express, or Gatwick Express then Tube to venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Olympia Exhibition Centre: Earl's Court / Hammersmith (SW5-W6), roughly 15-25 minutes on foot or one Tube stop from Kensington Olympia: Premier Inn London Kensington (Olympia), Travelodge London Central Earl's Court, Ibis London Earls Court; Kensington High Street / Hammersmith Road (W8-W14), adjacent to or within 10 minutes of Olympia: Hilton London Olympia, Holiday Inn London Kensington High Street, Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington; Kensington / South Kensington (W8-
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in London; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Tube and Elizabeth line serve ExCeL (Custom House), Olympia (District), and Business Design Centre.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Olympia Exhibition Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: 10-12 degrees Celsius daytime highs and 5-7 degrees Celsius overnight lows (London November averages)
Seasonality: Rain falls on roughly half the days in November, often as short showers, and daylight ends before 17:00. Pack a compact umbrella, a waterproof outer layer and warm layers for the walk between Kensington hotels and Olympia.
Packing: Rain falls on roughly half the days in November, often as short showers, and daylight ends before 17:00. Pack a compact umbrella, a waterproof outer layer and warm layers for the walk between Kensington hotels and Olympia.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 4 November 2026 (mid-run weekday)
The fair runs 2-8 November 2026, with the opening Monday carrying preview traffic and the weekend (7-8 November) drawing the largest public crowds. A mid-week visit on Wednesday 4 November gives full exhibitor staffing, the best access to dealers for provenance and condition discussions, and easier movement through the hall; programme talks and demonstrations at fairs of this type typically cluster mid-run, and Mayfair auction previews are also open earlier in the week.
Check passport validity and UK entry requirements for your nationality — Apply for a UK visitor visa well in advance if one is required for the Winter Art & Antiques Fair (November 2-8, 2026).
Book flights into a London airport — Confirm onward travel from the airport to Olympia Exhibition Centre before booking.
Reserve a hotel near Olympia Exhibition Centre — Book for the fair nights, November 2-8, 2026, to keep daily travel short.
Register online and obtain your visitor badge — Register through the organiser Clarion Events and download your badge confirmation.
Download the fair programme and hall plan — Use the official site olympia-art-antiques.com to shortlist galleries and dealers to visit.
Request appointments with exhibitors and specialists — Pre-schedule meetings with the galleries, dealers and experts you most want to see.
Shortlist talks, workshops and guided tours — Review the programme and block time for the sessions most relevant to your interests.
Arrange local transport between hotel and venue — Confirm routes, timing and parking options for Olympia Exhibition Centre.
Plan dining and evening events around the fair — Check whether the fair offers on-site dining such as Afternoon Tea and book any outside reservations.
Pack appropriate attire for a November London visit — Smart-casual business wear plus comfortable shoes and a waterproof layer for cool, damp weather.
Prepare business cards and meeting documents — Bring a shortlist of target pieces, dealer contacts and any paperwork for discussions.
Travel to London and collect your badge on arrival day — Collect your badge at Olympia and orient yourself with the hall plan before the halls fill up.
Land at Heathrow, transfer to Kensington, check in, collect your badge and walk the main fair hall once to build a shortlist of stands and reserve items.
Heathrow (LHR) to Kensington Olympia; Olympia Exhibition Centre, main fair hallReturn to shortlisted stands in ceramics, silver, jewellery and clocks; request condition reports and ask about provenance and restoration history.
Olympia Exhibition Centre, main fair hallPre-booked appointments for negotiation, reserve agreements, pack-and-ship quotes and UK export licence guidance for items above the licensing thresholds.
Exhibitor stands and the fair's consultation/café areaCompare inventory and prices at South Kensington museums and Mayfair galleries/auction previews, then return to the fair for a final evening pass and any follow-up deals.
V&A and South Kensington; Mayfair gallery district; Olympia Exhibition CentreOxford
Windsor and Eton
Fair café and bar area in the main hall
The natural pause point between stands - dealers and collectors regroup here between appointments, making it the easiest place for unplanned introductions.
Entrance concourse and registration desk
Badge collection, cloakroom and enquiry points concentrate arrivals during the first two hours of each day - useful for catching visiting dealers and press before they reach the floor.
Kensington High Street and Holland Park restaurants
The standard venue for post-fair dealer dinners and follow-up meetings within a short walk or taxi ride of Olympia.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visa_fee
visitor · standard_visitor_6_month
GBP 127 / per applicant (6-month Standard Visitor visa)
visa_fee
visitor · electronic_travel_authorisation
GBP 16 / per applicant (ETA, valid 2 years)
visa_fee
visitor · Standard Visitor visa
USD 160 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
USD 20 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | standard_visitor_6_month | GBP 127 / per applicant (6-month Standard Visitor visa) | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | electronic_travel_authorisation | GBP 16 / per applicant (ETA, valid 2 years) | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Standard Visitor visa | USD 160 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | USD 20 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want to see a broad cross-section of ceramics, silver, jewellery and furniture in one venue and can travel mid-week when the floor is quieter.
Best for
Collectors, interior designers, valuers and curators doing a focused 1-2 day buying or research visit to a London winter fair.
Min. budget
$600.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks (flights and Kensington hotels tighten during the November auction season); 3-6 weeks if an ETA or Standard Visitor visa is required.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals - confirm live rates.
No confirmed 2026 public ticket price was published on the organiser domain at capture - verify entry price and opening hours before booking.
exhibit
A UK or European dealer network is central to your sales plan and you can commit a stand budget well above the cost of simply attending as a buyer.
Best for
Established dealers, galleries and specialist restorers with a UK buyer base who want direct collector contact during London's winter art week.
Min. budget
$2,800.00
Timeline
6-12 months for stand selection, contracts, shipping and ATA Carnet / customs planning; 3-4 months for staffing, insurance and catalogue production.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals - confirm live rates.
Stand pricing, shell scheme and corner premiums are not published on the organiser domain - obtain a written quote from Clarion Events.
Cross-border deliveries need correct customs paperwork, export licences for restricted items and adequate transit insurance.
skip
Budget, travel approval or category fit does not justify a November London trip, and the same inventory can be reviewed online or at a later fair in the circuit.
Best for
Buyers whose interests sit outside the fair's decorative-arts and antiques core, or teams already covering the London market through auction and gallery channels.
Timeline
None.
Risks
No major risks listed.
Book with
Recommended providers
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References
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Date checked
London travel reference
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