Our concierge brings you the Best Winter Activities, Events and Festive Fun Happening in London this December.
SHOPPING
Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Get ready to dive into the winter wonderland at the Southbank Centre. With its charming Alpine-style cabins, serving up delicious snacks, warming drinks and gifts, it’s the perfect place to get into the festive mood. Don't forget to check out Jimmy's Winter Lodge, featuring heated snow globes by the riverside, where you can enjoy cheese fondue.
Southbank Centre, till Jan 7
Christmas Independent Ceramics Market
Discover unique gifts for your loved ones at the Christmas Independent Ceramics Market. With over 150 makers selling their wares, you'll find everything from cups to art sculptures. Enjoy festive food, mulled wine, and music while shopping.
Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 10 Dec
Browse the DIY Christmas Art Market for potential gifts, including art prints, risograph and screen prints, t-shirts, patches, comics, tote bags, ceramics, zines, and independent publications. Sample the eclectic creativity with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 10 Dec
Want to take a break from traditional festive activities? Head over to the Satanic Flea Market for a unique shopping experience. There, you'll find everything from tarot cards, spell books, witchy fashion, and even human skulls; a perfect place to find a gift for a goth friend. Don't forget to check out the Electrowerkz bar and restaurant for a delicious roast dinner.
Electrowerkz, 10 Dec
THEATRE
Jamie Lloyd directs the revival of Harold Pinter’s masterpiece, The Homecoming, which explores the return of Teddy to his family’s all-male nest in North London, with his wife Ruth. The play is a haunting psychodrama that promises to be special.
The Young Vic, till 27 Jan
Lucy Kirkwood and Dave Malloy's new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children's book, The Witches, is set to be a hit. Featuring Katherine Kingsley as the Grand High Witch and Daniel Rigby as Mr Stringer.
National Theatre, from Nov 7
David Tennant stars as Macbeth in this National Theatre production, joined by Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth. The production uses binaural technology to create an intense and unnerving 3D sound world.
Donmar Warehouse, from Dec 8
FAMILY FUN
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the perfect family-friendly destination for festive fun. This year's event will feature illuminated fairground rides, Santa's grotto, and quaint Christmas markets. Prepare to hear all the classic Christmas songs as you explore this charming festive attraction.
Hyde Park, from 17 Nov
The 300-acre botanic garden is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with the dazzling Christmas at Kew light trail. With glass houses illuminated by kaleidoscopic projections, shimmering light tunnels, and colorful trees, it's a sight to behold. Don't miss the opportunity to greet Father Christmas himself. Make sure to book NOW to avoid disappointment.
Kew Gardens, from 15 Nov
Try out the sport of curling at King's Cross's pop-up outdoor arena with six synthetic curling lanes. After your 45-minute session, warm up with a toasty cocktail at the Curling Club bar. This year, the fun and games will be soundtracked by a programme of DJs curated thanks to Voices Radio.
Kings Cross, from 10 Nov
Experience a traditional carriage ride around Richmond Park or Bushy Park, with a pair of majestic Shire horses. The guides and carriage riders are all dressed in smock coats and bowler hats, making it a perfect Dickensian outing. While sipping on sloe gin and munching on mince pies, enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Private rides can be expensive, but the money raised goes to the equine therapy services of Operation Centaur. Alternatively, you can book one of the group rides in Bushy Park.
Richmond, from 25 Nov
Lace up your skates and glide around one of London's many excellent ice rinks. Winter Wonderland's rink is the biggest, Canary Wharf's is open for the longest period (18 weeks!), and Somerset House's is the most fabulous.
Various Locations
Christmas Carols at The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is the most iconic place in London to enjoy a Christmassy concert, with a variety of shows on offer. From Kylie Minogue's festive singalong to Jamie Cullum's piano tunes, there's something for everyone. And, of course, the classic Carols at the Royal Albert Hall will feature over 5,000 carollers belting out 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful'.
Royal Albert Hall, 16 - 24 December
Christmas Lights at Kenwood House
Visit Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath to experience the new Christmas light trail. This year, there will be 13 brand new installations promised, along with food, hot cocktails, and photo-worthy backgrounds.
Kenwood House, from Dec 1
Walking with The Snowman' art trail
Spot 12 decorated snowman sculptures inspired by the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' on the 'Walking with The Snowman' art trail in the Fleet Street Quarter.
Fleet St
Our Front of House team would be very happy to help you book tickets to any of the above activities! Happy Holidays!
