LONDON AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas in London, it really is magical. It makes the cold days feel cosy and as the winter evenings start drawing in, you can’t help but feel the tree-mendous excitement as it leads up to the season of Bailey’s, Love Actually and Christmas shopping. Even though we all try to wait until December to start the festivities, the end of November is really when that festive cheer reappears. It’s all about booking your Christmas parties, making a list (and checking it twice – sorry I had to!) and eating yule log at any opportunity. But there really is so much to choose from, so we thought it’s best to make a list of the top things you should try and do in London this Christmas!

1. Pantomime 

If you haven’t experienced a pantomime, then this is your year to book one. They always promise to be funny, entertaining and perfect for bringing on the Christmas spirit, even for the Scrooges out there (every family’s got one). 

The London Palladium: Peter Pan will be the West End’s ultimate pantomime adventure. Starring Jennifer Saunders as Captain Hook and Julian Clary as seaman Smee, the cast includes all your Palladium panto favourites. Back for an eighth season, The London Palladium pantomime is renowned as the most spectacular show staged in the West End. 

Dick Whittington at Richmond Theatre: Writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter Paul Merton will be stepping out from behind the iconic Have I Got News For You desk and donning the Panto Dame’s heels at Richmond Theatre this Christmas! He will be joined by comedian Suki Webster as Suki the Sweet Maker, musical theatre performer Wendy Mae Brown as Spirit of the Bells and West End star Vivien Parry as Queen Rat. 

Cinderella at Wimbledon: Famous for always casting famous faces! This pantomime is perfect for all the family. Entertaining on all levels, with jokes for both children and adults, especially with a cast including Craig Revel Horwood, Pete Firman and Alison Jiear! Get tickets before they sell out! 

2. Winter London Festivals and Markets 

Covent Garden’s Winter Warmer Mulled Wine Festival: The Winter Warmer Mulled Wine Festival is back for another year in Covent Garden, with myriad takes on hot toddies, hot chocolate, mulled wine and other types of warming tipples. Try variations from big-hitting restaurants such as Frenchie’s House Mulled Wine and Cora Pearl’s Spiced Kitty.

Winter Wonderland: The longstanding magical winter destination, London’s biggest winter festival is back for another year, and it is bigger than ever. With everything from rides to a circus, ice rinks, and much more, there is something for everyone. From the 17th November to 1st January. 

Christmas in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square: This West End Christmas festival transforms the centre of bustling London into a magical destination for all the quintessential Christmas activities including outdoor bars, delicious food pop ups and traditional market stalls. Running from the 8th November to 7th of January. 

Southbank Centre Winter Festival: Stroll along the Thames under twinkling Christmas lights at the  Winter Market, where you can try festive drinks and street food or shop for some Christmas gifts! There will be seasonal pop-ups, and the chance to take part in alpine-themed curling at The Curling Club, toast marshmallows at Fire & Fromage and enjoy more goodies at Beltane & Pop, Choco Fruit and The Thirsty Farrier! 

3. Go to a Pop Ice-Skate Rink 

Glide at Battersea Power Station: Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Glide at Battersea Power Station offers unrivalled views of the Thames as you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.

Skate at Somerset House: Skate returns to Somerset House this winter for an unforgettable skating experience in the heart of London. A well known, and much loved event of the winter season, Somerset House’s beautiful courtyard will once again be transformed into a festive destination with a Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. 

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: Glide into the festive season on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, set under a picturesque canopy of twinkly lights and built around Hyde Park’s iconic Victorian bandstand. A perfect activity if you’re also thinking of looking round the whole of the festival. 

Hampton Court Ice Rink: Immerse yourself in the quintessential winter experience at Hampton Court Palace’s outdoor ice rink. Set within a beautiful historical location makes this the perfect setting for an enchanting winter adventure. 

4. Christmas Lights Switch on (dates)

In the next week you’ll have the chance to see some of London’s most iconic lights switch on! Nothing symbolises Christmas across the city like the glow of the themed Christmas lights down every street. But don’t fear, if you miss them being switched on, you’ll still have all of December to go check them out! Regent Street and Marylebone Village are both being held this week on November 9th. If you can’t make those, the lights just keep on going with Kew Gardens (15th November), Mayfair (16th November) and Chelsea (18th November). Along with the lights there will be food pop ups, stalls perfect for stocking fillers and Christmas themed activities such as wreath making.

5. Christmas Carol Singing

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the music! Across the city there will be plenty of opportunities to go see your favourite carols being performed and for you to sing-along too of course! 

Christmas Carols at St Mary Le Strand Church: Brought to you by City Music Promotions, experience a truly extraordinary musical evening in the enchanting days leading up to Christmas, featuring an unmissable performance by the exceptional musicians of The Piccadilly Sinfonietta. 

Carols at Royal Albert Hall: Join in at the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall for what’s set to be London’s finest sing-along carol concerts of the season. These special concerts have become a festive favourite over the years and 2023 is no exception. 

St Pauls Cathedral: Throw yourself into the Christmas spirit in a beautiful and iconic location for singing songs for the festive season. The best part is  all of the advent and christmas services, are free of charge to attend, and everyone is welcome! If you would however like to attend these services on 23rd and 24th December, you will need a ticket so grab them whilst you can.  

So whether you call London home, or you’re planning a visit this season, there’s a Christmas activity for everyone. Even if  you’re a bit of a Scrooge or maybe you’re a true Buddy the Elf at heart, there’s a spot in this city for you to embrace the Christmas spirit. Christmas is about coming together with loved ones, creating treasured memories, eating copious amounts of cheese and ensuring that everyone has a copy of your Christmas list. These events are known to sell out so don’t wait to book!