New research from Ealing Broadway reveals the creative and heartfelt ways families are preparing for Santa’s and Rudolph’s arrival this Christmas. With 92% of London families recognising the importance of maintaining Christmas traditions, it’s clear that rituals and routines remain a cherished part of festive celebrations.

Some of the most treasured Christmas Eve traditions include leaving treats out for Santa and Rudolph. Over half of Londoners (51%) leave biscuits and cookies out on Christmas Eve, and other popular treats include milk (46%), chocolate (42%), mince pies (37%), and carrots (36%). In Ealing alone, nearly a third of families (32%) make sure to leave a carrot out for Rudolph.

This year, Ealing Broadway is inviting families to join the festive fun at their Carrot Cabin on 23rd and 24th December. Open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, families can pick up a free mince pie and carrot from the Community cabin, located within the Christmas market and directly in front of Tesco. They can then leave the treats out on Christmas Eve to ensure Santa and his crew are well-fed ahead of their long journey.

Ealing Broadway’s research also uncovered that while many families cherish tradition, with nearly half (47%) of adults in London sticking to their usual routines, there is also growing appetite for creativity. One in three (30%) enjoy experimenting with new treats each year, and for 29% of households in the capital, it’s the children who take charge, surprising the family with their choices for Santa and Rudolph.

Families are also adding personal touches to their festive celebrations this year. Across London, over a third (35%) leave a special note with the treats, three in ten (30%) include drawings or small gifts for Santa and Rudolph, and a further 29% sprinkle reindeer dust on their lawns or driveways.

In Ealing, traditions are taken a step further, with 12% setting up a Santa ‘scavenger hunt’ with clues leading to the treats.

Festive decorations also play a key role, with 38% of London families leaving out a ‘Welcome Santa’ sign decorated with seasonal decorations. Over a third (34%) even prepare a gift or stocking for Santa and his reindeer.

Andrew Rollings, Centre Director at Ealing Broadway, said: “Our research shows just how much Christmas traditions mean to families within Ealing and beyond. From classic treats to quirky new rituals, it’s wonderful to see how the festive spirit is celebrated in unique and heartfelt ways. We’re thrilled to welcome local families to our Carrot Cabin this Christmas to pick up their all-important carrot for Rudolph and enjoy making festive memories together.”

Ealing Broadway has also announced its festive shopping hours for this year, with late night shopping until 8pm on Monday to Saturday from the 2nd of December until the 2nd of January giving customers an even more convenient shopping experience.

Full details about the Carrot Cabin can be found on Ealing Broadway’s website: https://www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk/event/carrot-cabin.