Five days, three FEI World Cup qualifiers, and over 200 shops: London International Horse Show 2026 is back at ExCeL and it’s the horse world’s biggest festive celebration. Whether you’re going for world-class sport, the shopping village, or a Christmas day out, here’s everything you need to plan a brilliant visit.
Key takeaway: London International Horse Show runs Thursday 17 to Monday 21 December 2026 at ExCeL London, with general tickets on sale from Thursday 30 April 2026 and the fastest access via the Elizabeth line or DLR Custom House.
When and where is the 2026 Show?
London International Horse Show 2026 runs from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 December at ExCeL London. It’s five packed days in the week before Christmas, making it an ideal festive day or evening out.
The Show is widely known as “The Horse World’s Christmas Party,” bringing the magic of elite equestrian sport to the capital just as the holiday season peaks. Expect electric evening atmospheres, family-friendly matinees, and festive entertainment threaded through every session.
“The Horse World’s Christmas Party, bringing together three FEI World Cups in the heart of London.”
Operating times typically span early mornings to late evenings to accommodate sport, displays and shopping (Thursday 7am–9pm; Friday 7am–11pm; Saturday 8am–11pm; Sunday 9am–9pm; Monday 7am–9pm). With multiple arenas running, plan your day around the sessions you most want to see.
When do tickets go on sale and how to get the best seats?
General ticket sales open on Thursday 30 April 2026, with priority booking for 2025 attendees on 28 April. Book early—this Show is “incredibly popular,” and premium evening sessions often sell first.
If you’re coordinating a group, note that parties of 20+ can save up to 25% on selected performances. That’s a significant saving for riding clubs, yards, and family groups planning a Christmas treat together. Review the schedule as soon as it’s released and lock in seats for your must-see classes—especially FEI World Cup sessions and the Saturday night spectaculars.
Quick tip: Keep an eye on matinee performances for value and family-friendly timings. You’ll still get top sport, plus more time to browse the Shopping Village before the evening rush.
How to get to ExCeL London quickly and stress-free
The fastest route is the Elizabeth line: it’s 18 minutes from Bond Street and about 20 minutes from Paddington to ExCeL. The nearest DLR stop is Custom House, and the covered walkway means you’re less than two minutes from the entrance.
Public transport is generally the simplest option across the long December days, with frequent services and step-free access. If you’re coming from outer London or the South East, consider a rail-to-Elizabeth line route to avoid central driving and London traffic. For something a bit different, you can arrive via river services to North Greenwich Pier and cross the Thames by cable car to Royal Victoria, then walk to the west entrance.
Driving is absolutely possible too. ExCeL offers more than 1,200 car parking spaces, using a pre-paid number plate recognition (ANPR) system. You can pre-book parking from 25 April via the link in your ticket confirmation email, and vehicles should arrive/depart via Royal Albert Way (A1020). If you’re heading to peak sessions, arrive early to avoid congestion and enjoy a calmer start in the Shopping Village.
What will you see: competitions and highlights
You’ll see three FEI World Cup qualifiers—Dressage, Jumping and Driving—plus 5* show jumping, international displays, The London International Showing Series, LeMieux Masterclasses, and Kennel Club Dog Agility. It’s an intense five-day schedule with world-class riders chasing points and glory before Christmas.
For many, the arena is the main event: dramatic CSI5* jump-offs, freestyle dressage under the lights, and the thrilling four-in-hand driving all deliver atmosphere you can feel from the stands. Between sessions, drop into expert-led training insights at the LeMieux Masterclasses, or wander to the showing and mounted games for a change of pace.
The Shopping Village is a destination in itself with 200+ equestrian and lifestyle stores. It’s ideal for last-minute Christmas gifting, kit upgrades, and a warm-up hot chocolate between classes.
What to wear and pack for a December day at the Show
Dress for a winter day of walking and grandstand seating: comfortable boots, smart layers, and a weatherproof coat for your journey. Inside ExCeL it’s an indoor venue, but London in December means chilly starts and late evenings.
If you’re making a night of it in hospitality or a premium evening performance, many visitors opt for smart-equestrian style—think tailored layers, chic knits and polished boots. For a sleek look that still nods to the sport, explore our curated women’s competition clothing for elegant base and mid-layers that move well and look the part. Pair with supportive, all-day-comfort riding boots to stay steady on steps and in the Shopping Village queues.
Pro tip: The LeMieux Masterclasses are a big draw—if you’re a fan, treat yourself to something fresh from our LeMieux collection before you go. It’s a great conversation starter if you’re hoping for a rider autograph in the shopping aisles.
What to bring:
- Small daypack (hands free for shopping)
- Portable phone charger (tickets, schedules, photos)
- Reusable water bottle and light snacks between sessions
- Warm scarf/hat for the journey home
- A checklist of priority shops and stands—200+ retailers is a lot to cover
Plan your day: schedules, arenas, and the Shopping Village
Check the daily programme in advance and prioritise your unmissable classes, then build shopping and display time around those sessions. With multiple arenas and time-sensitive queues for popular stands, a simple plan will help you see more and stress less.
We recommend arriving early for headline sessions and using quieter windows (often late morning or mid-afternoon) for shopping sprints. The Shopping Village is purpose-built for festive finds—perfect for yard Secret Santas and last-minute gifts. If you need inspiration before you go, browse our hand-picked equestrian gifts and our seasonal Christmas gifts for horses to fine-tune your list and budget.
Quick tip: Screenshot the arena timetable the night before. Mobile coverage inside is generally good, but having your plan saved makes it easier to pivot if you spot a queue-free stand you want to visit.
Parking and on-site logistics
ExCeL offers 1,200+ parking spaces with a pre-paid number plate recognition system; pre-book parking from 25 April via your ticket confirmation email. Drivers should enter and exit via Royal Albert Way (A1020) and allow extra time for peak session traffic.
On site, wayfinding is clear and Custom House DLR is just a short, covered walk from the entrance. If you’re meeting friends, pick a landmark inside (for example, a major brand stand in the Shopping Village) to avoid crowd bottlenecks at main doors. Operating hours across the five days are long, so pace yourself—drink water, take leg-stretch breaks, and wear supportive footwear for the concrete floors.
At Just Horse Riders, we recommend setting a spending cap before you arrive—it’s easy to get carried away in December with 200+ retailers and show-only offers. Split your shopping into two passes: a recon sweep to shortlist favourites, and a second lap to buy. You’ll make smarter decisions and carry less all day.
Travelling with your horse or supporting a competitor
Most visitors attend without horses, but if you’re involved with competitors or transporting a horse to London, plan well ahead around welfare, parking and route timing. The venue is in a busy part of the city, so schedule arrivals outside peak commuter traffic and confirm loading/unloading protocols through the appropriate channels.
For travel comfort in typical UK December weather, choose breathable, season-appropriate rugs and protective travel wear. If your horse is clipped or sensitive to drafts, a midweight travel rug or a stable-layering system helps maintain core warmth without overheating in the lorry. Explore our weather-ready winter turnout rugs for robust, breathable protection, and add leg protection from our horse travel boots and bandages range for loading, unloading and motorway miles.
Pro tip: Do a pre-trip kit audit the week before—check fastenings, replace worn tail guards, and pack a spare rug in case of spills or a temperature drop. The British Horse Society (BHS) also publishes helpful guidance on safe horse transport—build in time for rest, water and checks, especially when crossing London.
Our customers often bring a small “arrival tidy” kit for the warm-up: a soft brush, wipes, and a clean cloth to brighten muzzles and boots after travel. It keeps your focus on performance rather than last-minute faff.
Money-saving and time-saving tips
Groups of 20 or more can save up to 25% on selected performances—ideal for riding clubs and yard Christmas outings. Book early (general sales from 30 April 2026) to secure lower prices and better seating choices for headline sessions.
Travel-wise, the Elizabeth line is both fast and cost-effective from central hubs, and the DLR’s Custom House stop puts you right at the door under cover. If you need to drive, pre-book parking from 25 April via your confirmation email to lock in a space and speed up entry with ANPR.
Time-savers that work:
- Arrive early on Friday/Saturday evenings to beat security and browse before your session.
- Use quieter mats or mid-afternoon breaks for Shopping Village runs.
- Screenshot timetables and venue maps for offline access.
- Set meeting points away from main doors to avoid chokepoints.
FAQs
When is London International Horse Show 2026?
It runs from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 December 2026 at ExCeL London.
When do tickets go on sale?
General sale opens Thursday 30 April 2026, with priority booking for 2025 attendees on Tuesday 28 April.
What’s the fastest way to get to ExCeL?
Take the Elizabeth line (about 18 minutes from Bond Street, 20 from Paddington), or the DLR to Custom House, which is under a two-minute covered walk to the entrance.
Is there parking at ExCeL?
Yes—there are over 1,200 spaces with a pre-paid number plate recognition system. Pre-book from 25 April via the link in your ticket confirmation email and arrive via Royal Albert Way (A1020).
What competitions and displays can I see?
Three FEI World Cup qualifiers (Dressage, Jumping, Driving), CSI5* show jumping, international horsemanship displays, LeMieux Masterclasses, The London International Showing Series, and Kennel Club Dog Agility, plus much more.
Are there group discounts?
Yes—groups of 20 or more can save up to 25% on selected performances, which is perfect for riding clubs and yard groups.
What are the opening hours?
Across the five days, operating times are typically: Thursday 7am–9pm, Friday 7am–11pm, Saturday 8am–11pm, Sunday 9am–9pm, and Monday 7am–9pm. Always check the published programme for your chosen session times.
Have a brilliant time at “The Horse World’s Christmas Party”—and if you’re shopping ahead of the Show, explore our smart, show-ready picks: elegant equestrian layers for evening sessions, supportive riding boots for all-day comfort, winterwise turnout rugs for travelling horses, protective travel boots and bandages, fan-favourite LeMieux pieces, thoughtful gifts and festive Christmas treats for horses.
