Gingerbread Making & More

The countdown is officially on with only a week to go until Christmas day, there are still plenty of chances to get into the festive spirit! Take a look at the events happening this weekend, whether you’re looking for the perfect festive activity, plans with friends and family, or just wanting to learn a new skill there’s something for everyone! And that’s not all, check out what we recommend should be on your radar for the next four days. 

Gingerbread House Making Workshop (Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December)  Get into the festive spirit with a hands-on ‘Gingerbread House Workshop’ run by Jens Ferdinand! The perfect activity for a date night, meeting up with friends, something for the family or just meeting people and making new friends. Perfect for beginners and intermediate bakers, you’ll start with a hands-on live demo showing how to make delicious gingerbread dough from scratch. Then, using prebaked gingerbread tiles and royal icing, you’ll assemble and decorate your own festive house with a variety of fun toppings. Sip All materials are provided, including tools, a cake box, and a tote bag to safely take your gingerbread masterpiece home. Book here! 

Family Carols at St. Pauls Cathedral (Saturday 21st December) Get yourself feeling ridiculously festive with an evening of carols inside St. Paul’s Cathedral. Whoever you are, and whatever you believe, you are welcome to go to St Paul’s and experience their Christmas programme through words, silence, and music at one of their many services and concerts this December. The Advent and Christmas services, along with the regular pattern of services, are free of charge to attend, and everyone is welcome. They’re always hugely popular, so get down there early and be prepared to queue. The only events you’ll need tickets for are their  4pm Carol Services on the 23rd and 24th December. More information here! 

Christmas in Chelsea (Thursday to Sunday 22nd December) Christmas in Chelsea transforms the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea into an ultimate festive Christmas experience. Stroll through the beautiful light trail in the historic Ranelagh Gardens, explore festive markets, indulge in delicious food and drink, rejoice with daily pop up choirs and join seasonal workshops! If you’re wanting something to do this weekend to keep that festive feeling going, then this is the perfect place to go to! With tickets starting from £9.00, you can get all the Christmas spirit you need without paying a fortune!  Book here! 

Vogue: Inventing the Runway (Until 26th April) With first-hand testimony and a rich mixture of media, Inventing the Runway reveals how fashion shows became the ultimate statement of a designer’s vision – at times, a walking expression of their identity – reimagined season after season and year after year. It is a celebration of the imagination, discipline and passion that has revolutionised how we experience fashion. This is a spectacular new immersive exhibition exploring the history of the fashion runway show, from the intimate couture salons of the early 20th century to the unforgettable pop-culture events of the present. The show will utilise Vogue’s remarkable archive and contributor network to create an experience that brings together the industry’s leading voices from the past, present, and future. Book now! 

Christmas by Candlelight at Bloomsbury Baptist Church (Saturday 21st December) The festive season is all about coming together with friends and family and nothing brings people closer than some Christmas classic concerts! This Christmas, join the talented Belmont Voices, Trafalgar Singers and Covent Garden Carollers for a series of beautiful performances, including a selection of favourite Christmas Carols, Festive choral works and Congregational carols for all to enjoy. Book now! 

SENSAS (Weekend Availability) Step into the extraordinary world of SENSAS, where your senses are put to the test! For two hours, you and your team will dive into a whirlwind of laughter, primal fears and much more, navigating between total darkness and ultra-colourful sensory workshops. In teams you’ll face strange challenges that push the limits of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—all while collecting sensory charms that support local charities. Guided by the mischievous Master of Senses, SENSAS is all about learning together, and making a difference as a team in an inclusive, fun-filled adventure. Book here! 

A Christmas Carol (Ish) (Weekend Availability) Join double Emmy-award nominee Nick Mohammed dressed up as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow alongside a star-studded cast for an all-singing, all-dancing comedy retelling of Dickens’ festive classic. When Santa cancels Christmas on Christmas Eve, he’s visited by three ghosts who must convince him to see the error of his ways and rediscover the magic of Christmas. But with mere hours to go, and only one working reindeer, how will he deliver everything on time?! Taskmaster loser and Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed is joined by Ghosts’ Martha Howe-Douglas, Borderline’s David Elms and Two Doors Down’s Kieran Hodgson. If you need to get some festive spirit or simply feel you want more Christmas plans this is the perfect outing! Get tickets here. 

Skuna Fondue Floating Experience (Weekend Availability) Try something different this winter and book yourself on a One-of-kind Floating Igloo Fondue Experience. As you enter the Igloo you’ll get the choice of a warm welcome drink, a mulled wine or a hot chocolate to enjoy as you start your experience. And the best part, once your experience starts, the dining begins. You get to choose between a classic cheese fondue or a decadent chocolate fondue. And if that wasn’t enough, the igloo includes hot water bottles, blankets, and a bluetooth speaker to make you feel as cosy and comfortable as possible! Book now! 

Electric Winter (Until 22nd December) It’s the season of giving and electric winter is returning to Between the Bridges to serve endless festive cheer for you and your loved ones! This is the perfect destination for Christmas drinks and celebrations this winter! With a heated and covered space, forget those frosty winter evenings, and fill yourself up on mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and delicious street food! And to top it all off, enjoy beautiful riverside views whilst listening to all your favourite festive classics, Between the Bridges is the perfect winter destination, book now! 

Mulled Wine Trail (Until 22nd December) The Christmas season is now in full swing, and as the nights get colder the idea of mulled wine becomes ever more appealing. Making the most of that is a much loved wine bar group in London that’s created its very own mulled wine trail! Coming from the people behind the new wine bar Quill (in Borough Yards) and Plume (in Covent Garden) the trail is between those two venues, starting at either one (just turn up, no booking needed) and with a stop-off in between. That stop-off is at the Milled Wine Shack that’s found in the Southbank Centre Food Market. And what’s more, when you’re done, there will be 10% off at your final stopping point. Book here! 

HUMBUG (Until 31st December) This highly anticipated immersive experience has returned! After last year’s sell-out season Humbug comes back bigger and brighter than ever before. Dive into a 2+ hour festive experience packed full of magical spaces to explore, live music, outrageous games and raucous cabaret. Plus, festive cocktails, award-winning street food, beer-can bowling, a shrine to Mariah Carey and an after party that you won’t forget! Help the locals cheer up Santa and join them for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Book here! 

Winter Wonderland (From 21st November) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs for six magical weeks from this Thursday, with a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more available. From DJ sets to acoustic performances and festive sing-alongs, to high adrenaline rides and classic festive treats to the newest in London’s street food scene, and cosy fire pit bars to mythical ice kingdoms – we guarantee there’s something for everyone. Make the most of your festive season in true Winter Wonderland style! During the winter, the event opens from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, excluding Christmas Day. Book here! 

Deck the Halls (From 14th November to 31st December) Escape the real world this winter at ‘Deck The Halls’, an all-out festive takeover at Pergola Brixton. They’ve taken Santa, Candy Canes, Christmas Trees, Snow, Lights, Mistletoe and Mariah Carey, and created the perfect Christmas outing for you and your loved ones!  And that’s not all, there’s Bottomless Brunches, Festive Fridays, Santa Saturdays and much more. Tables get booked up quickly, so get your group together and book your table now! 

Christmas at Kew Gardens (From 13th November) Experience a world of winter magic in Kew Gardens as their acclaimed light trail, Christmas at Kew, returns this festive season. From November to early January, discover 3km of enchanting illuminations, featuring over 20 dazzling installations, including some cherished favourites and exciting new displays. Wander by the fire garden’s warm glow, enjoy larger-than-life illuminations, and keep an eye out for Father Christmas! Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to celebrate Christmas and welcome in the New Year as you walk through a world brimming with seasonal sparkle. Book here! 

Christmas in Covent Garden (From Tuesday 12th November) Visit Covent Garden this winter to experience a festive magic takeover.  Witness the festive magic takeover of the iconic Piazza, Market Building, Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and surrounding streets! Last year Covent Garden introduced a brand new decoration scheme for the first time in almost a decade. Inspired by a traditional Christmas, Covent Garden’s world-famous festive installation with over 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, all displayed in our iconic Market Building will return for thousands to enjoy over November and December this year. More information here! 

Fire & Fromage (Until 31st December) Jimmy’s incredibly popular Raclette Bar is back. Join them in their cabana for unlimited raclette cheese, new potatoes, cornichons, salad, and bread served with a small plate of delicious charcuterie followed by mini chocolate doughnuts and hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream ALL for £35! Or how about gathering your friends around the roaring fire pits and enjoy Fire & Fromage’s Street Food Kitchen. Try the Raclette Burger with confit garlic and melty raclette cheese, or the Alpine classic, Schnitzel. There are also vegan options available too. Stay warm with mulled cider, mulled wine, or boozy hot chocolates. And, of course, you can toast your own marshmallows to finish off the feast! Last year they were fully booked very quickly. Book here! 

Glide at Battersea Power Station (Friday 8th November to Sunday 5th January) Starting this weekend, the breath-taking open-air ice rink reopens, offering an unforgettable winter experience set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Grade II* listed Power Station on the banks of the River Thames. This ice rink isn’t just any rink—it’s three interconnecting rinks, uniquely shaped to give skaters of all levels plenty of space to glide and spin. At the heart of the rink stands a beautifully decorated 30ft Christmas tree, adding a touch of festive magic. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun outing with friends, or a family day out with the little ones using penguin skate aids, Glide promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. Book tickets here! 

Southbank Winter Festival (Until Thursday 26th December) With pop-up bars, street food stalls and independent craft traders, our Winter Market is a haven for festive indulgence. Keep your stomach merry with plates of truffle burgers, duck wraps, cheese toasties, lobster buns and London’s hottest hot dogs. There’s nothing better at Christmas than endless food! And round it all off with sweet treats like Dutch pancakes, churros and chocolate-smothered fruit. Ward off the cold by cradling a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you browse for gifts, jewellery and decorations made by independent creatives. More information here! 

The Devil Wears Prada The Musical (Available from 24th October) A new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, featuring an original score by Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub & Mark Sonnenblick, book by Kate Wetherhead and direction & choreography by 3-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray). Tony Award nominee Vanessa Williams, best known for her celebrated TV roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives and as a multi-award winning singer, will play the iconic role of Miranda Priestly! She’s joined alongside Georgie Buckland, making her West End debut as Andy and many more big names! Just like the movie, the musical promises to be hilarious, fun and fabulously stylish, this much loved story is all about discovering what kind of person you truly want to be! Get your tickets now. 

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (Until March 2025) A brand new circus spectacular now playing at Earl’s Court. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular as it starts its run at The Empress Museum in Earls Court. Enter a 700-seater Big Top arena, where all the circus spectacle meets musical theatre fun. You can expect all the popular songs from the film from This Is Me to Rewrite the Stars, alongside a brand-new story! Due to popular demand they have extended the season, so this is definitely not one to be missed! Book here! 

The Devil Wears Prada Afternoon Tea: At The Soho Hotel, the talented pastry chefs have created a themed afternoon tea to celebrate the hotly-anticipated musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada making its debut at The Dominion Theatre this October. Created in partnership with the West End show, the menu captures iconic scenes and memorable motifs in the form of fabulous treats. From a Cerulean macaron and an edible Fruit punch lipstick to a Runway raspberry Opera cake, complete with an intricately designed (edible) magazine topper. Book your slot now! 

Serial Killer: The Exhibition (Until January 2025) This 2000 square-metre exhibition reveals the intricate world of criminal investigation and profiles of some of history’s most infamous serial killers. Explore notorious serial killers of the past and present, and learn about various typologies, murder methods, and the sinister goals that drive these individuals. Accompanied by engaging graphics and narrated audio stories, journey through the myths, curiosities, and investigations of serial killers. With over 1000 original artefacts, such as Jeffrey Dahmer’s glasses and Armin Meiwes’ refrigerator, and reconstructions of famous crime scenes like those of Ted Bundy and the Zodiac Killer, this exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration into this criminal phenomenon—all while honouring the names and faces of the victims. Get your tickets now! 

NAOMI In Fashion (Until 6th April 2025) NAOMI: In Fashion explores the unequalled 40-year career of fashion model and cultural icon Naomi Campbell. After being scouted in Covent Garden aged just 15, Campbell quickly rose to prominence in the industry, and made history a few years later when, at 18, she became the first black model to feature on the cover of Paris Vogue, in 1988. The first exhibition of its kind exploring the extraordinary career of the fashion model. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers, this exhibition celebrates her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact. Book here. 

Fragile Beauty (Until January 2025) A new exhibition is arriving at the V&A this Saturday and it’s not to be missed! Dive into a diverse collection showcasing the work of renowned photographers from around the globe. Explore a wide range of subjects, from fashion and celebrity to reportage and studies of the male body. Each image offers a glimpse into modern and contemporary photography, highlighting iconic moments and diverse perspectives. Book tickets here! 

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Written by Kate Trefry and original story by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a gripping West End play that takes you back to the beginning, revealing Hawkins’ story before the world turned upside down. Experience theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension in this Stranger Things prequel at Phoenix Theatre, located in the heart of the West End between Soho and Covent Garden. Get your tickets!

Make the most of a city of boundless opportunities, which caters to every taste and curiosity, providing a diverse array of thrilling and immersive encounters. Whether you’re a Christmas fanatic,  music enthusiast, or looking for the perfect date night, there is plenty to discover.