Huge news, racers! The Race Across the World: The Experience Christmas Special is coming back to London’s West End in 2026!
We know not everyone likes to think about sleigh bells jingling or the temperatures dropping just yet, but we also know how busy your diaries are about to get. Before you know it, it’ll be time to start planning those festive parties, writing a list (and checking it twice!), or thinking up creative ways to beat the winter blues. We can help you there.
If you missed out last year, fear not – the West End Christmas Special is making a comeback. Read on to find out exactly what the Christmas Special is, when it becomes available and a little bit about what’s in store…
When Will The Christmas Special Become Available?
The official launch date of the West End Christmas Special’s return is 12 November. From that date until the end of December, all races in the West End will be Christmas-themed.
The non-festive version of the race will return in January.
Who Can Take Part in The Christmas Special?
Just as with all the Race Across the World experiences, we want everyone who wants to join in to take part!
Step-free, dog and family-friendly routes will be available. However, it is worth mentioning that at peak times the streets may be exceptionally busy, so organisers should aim to book off-peak timeslots to avoid very large crowds. Selecting family-friendly sends players to family-friendly checkpoint venues but does not change the difficulty of puzzles or clues.
Tickets must be purchased by adults (18+) and all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Finally, if you have already completed Race Across the World: The Experience in the West End, either as the non-festive version or last year’s Christmas Special, you may want to select a different location. Races are not replayable as the answers to puzzles remain the same and we cannot guarantee different checkpoint locations for replays.
What Makes the Race Across the World: The Experience Christmas Special So Magical?
While our standard year-round experience takes players on an epic urban adventure across the West End, our Christmas Special transforms these glittering, sparkling streets into a seasonal winter wonderland full of surprises.
The Christmas Special unfolds across Covent Garden, Mayfair and Soho, with a fun, festive theme for a limited time only. All the fun of racing across the city, but repackaged to make it fit for Father Christmas himself. Here are some of the festive highlights:
See London’s Christmas Lights, Up Close: There’s no view quite like this one. Your race brings you right beneath London’s world-famous festive displays in the West End. Crack clues while soaking in the glowing streets.
Festive Character Guides: At the start of each leg, your team will decide between two sets of directions to follow. One will cost more, the other costs less. What they have in common is that they are both full of seasonal cheer…choose wisely, your budget depends on it!
Seasonal Puzzle Twists: The brain-teasers and escape room-style puzzles have been given a festive overhaul! You will need to decode seasonal challenges, solve winter work-related riddles, and navigate festive clues to stay ahead of rival teams.
Is It Suitable for Work Christmas Parties and Families?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual office Christmas party or a brilliant day out with the family, a festive race will be the perfect fit.
If you’re looking for a corporate package with a recommended end venue, reach out to us at [email protected].
How many people can play per team?
Teams can contain 2-8 players, so it’s up to you whether you race in small teams or bring a larger group to split into competing crews and go head-to-head for the top spot on the leaderboard.
How long does the experience take?
Expect to spend roughly 2-3 hours navigating the route, solving clues, and soaking up the festive West End atmosphere. Add more time (at least one or two hours) if you wish to spend longer at checkpoints – it’s worth it, because there are exclusive discounts on food and/or drink available throughout the race!
Ready to Race?
Race Across the World: The Experience is available in the City of London, London’s West End, Manchester, York, Edinburgh and Bristol.
If you’re ready to race, book your tickets now from our website.
Select your city to be taken to the relevant booking page. Ticketing is handled by Fever, but if you need to make adjustments to your booking, please email us.
Check out our FAQs for answers to any questions you may have or feel free to contact us. See you on the leaderboard!