Kempton, near Richmond, is the closest racecourse to central London and has both Flat and Jump races throughout the year. It has an all-weather floodlit course, making it one of only three racecourses in Britain with both an artificial track for Flat racing and a turf course for Jumps.

Kempton Park holds the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival always on Boxing Day and the day after, which this year is Friday 27th December. It is the must-see British sporting occasion at Christmas time with its flagship race, the King George VI Chase (held on Boxing Day) being the second most prestigious chase in England after the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

Plus it is a great way to get some fresh air after the Christmas day home festivities!

 Official Dress Code

There is no formal dress code – their motto is ‘Dress to feel Your Best’ – the more relaxed and comfortable you feel, the more likely you are to have a great time. Fancy dress is permitted as long as the outfit is not offensive and the racecourse reserves the right to decline entry should the need arise. However sports team kits are not permitted.

For the Ladies, We Say…

The Christmas Jumper

It is the season to be jolly, so why not embrace the festive spirit with a Christmas jumper. It will keep you warm and enable you to layer underneath with a blouse, long tee shirt and even thermals. Wear with smart jeans, trousers, skirts or even a dress.

The Coat

A coat or jacket is still necessary so wrap up warm in wool for the classic style, faux fur as a fun glamorous option, shearling aviator jacket for a cool look or snuggle up in a puffer or parka coat.  

The Hat

Although a hat is not required it will keep your head warm from the winter chill. Keep up the festive touch with a Santa hat or add sparkle with a sequin beret. Felt fedoras and faux furs will add a flamboyant touch and a wool hat will add a splash of colour to neutral coats or will complement/contrast a colourful coat. 

FOR THE GENTLEMEN, WE SAY…

The Christmas Jumper

Don’t let the ladies have all the fun style, jump into the festivities with a Christmas sweater. After all, you only get a chance to wear it a few times a year. Wear a t-shirt or thermals underneath to keep cosy and warm. 

The Coat

A coat or jacket is still necessary so wrap up warm in wool and tweed for the classic style, look cool but cosy in a shearling aviator jacket, be practical and casual in a parka jacket or colourful in a puffer coat.  Weather permitting, you can leave it open to show off that jolly Christmas sweater.

The Hat

You are outside most of the time so a hat is a must have accessory. For festive fun go for a Santa hat. For a sartorial touch choose a  flat/Baker boy cap or a felt trilby hat. Flat caps complement a tweed outfit whilst a felt trilby an overcoat but this is not set in sartorial stone. Woolly hats and scarves go great with most outfits and give the opportunity to add colour.

Images provided from canva.com