Festive Fun & More
As the festive season arrives, there are plenty of events happening across the city this weekend, whether you’re looking to try some christmas sandwiches, or wanting to book a fun themed activity, 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!
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!
Sarnie Party – Christmas Edition (Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November) The UK’s ultimate sandwich festival is celebrating Christmas Specials. This weekend is your chance to join the first ever Christmas Special Sarnie Party, a brand new food festival for 2024 celebrating the unbridled joy of things-between-bread. A weekend stacked with once-in-a-lifetime sangers, brilliant brews, and thrills galore. Over 20 of the best chefs and sandwich shops have been invited to create a never-seen-before Christmas special sarnie each over one deliciously packed weekend. Book tickets here!
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!
Candlelight: Tribute to Elton John (Saturday 16th November) Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in London. Escape the cold this weekend and spend an evening listening to a musical legend! It’s a chance for you to see your favourite songs by the legend that is Elton John played out in a dramatic and unique setting. This is the perfect activity for a date night, or meeting up with friends and family! Get your tickets now to discover the music of Elton John at St Mary’s Church, Marylebone under the gentle glow of candlelight. Book 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!
Marbling Wheel Throwing Pottery Class (Thursday 14th and Friday 15th November) This is the perfect class for you, if you’re keen to get into pottery, learn the basics of marbling and how to create your own unique designs by throwing paint onto a surface. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class is for anyone who wants to explore the world of marbling. Under the guidance of an experienced tutor, you’ll be using the potter’s wheel to create a small plate, bowl, or cup with a marbled effect that’s sure to look incredible when finished. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried pottery before, as you’ll have all the support, tools, and guidance you need to complete something you can be proud of. Book 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 (Available from 25th October) 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!
Waiting for Godot (From 13th September to 14th December) One of the greatest plays of the 20th century, Waiting for Godot explores the meaning of life and the absurdity of existence. Didi and Gogo wait by a tree for a man named Godot. They don’t know who he is, why they are meeting or what time he is coming – only that something incredible could happen when he does. In a 1998 poll of more than 800 theatre professionals conducted by the UK’s Royal National Theatre, Waiting for Godot was voted the most important English-language play of the 20th century. Ben Whishaw is the recipient of two Emmys, two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. Lucian Msamati was the first black actor to play Iago in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed 2015 production of Othello. He has also starred in the Olivier award-winning Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Amadeus, and the multi-award winning Clybourne Park. Book here!
ECLIPSE (Until the 8th December) Recently opened, and presented by Lumen Studios, brings a groundbreaking spatial light and sound experience to London. Created by the acclaimed Japanese-French duo NONOTAK, this immersive exhibition showcases the pinnacle of audiovisual art. NONOTAK, known for their ethereal and immersive installations, have garnered international acclaim. Their work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vice, Dazed, and The New York Times. The duo has also collaborated with luxury brands including HERMÈS, Adidas, and Stella McCartney, cementing their status as leaders in the world of audiovisual art. Set in London’s trendy Bermondsey district, ECLIPSE invites visitors to explore over 1,000 square metres of mesmerising installations. Book here!
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 (Opens 17th November) 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.
