10 of the best things to do in London this Christmas
If you're not heading to the mountains this December and would like your festive diary to feature something more exciting than the office Christmas party, here are our favourite ways to feel the comfort and joy in our capital city.
If you’re not heading to the mountains this December and would like your festive diary to feature something more exciting than the office Christmas party, here are our favourite ways to feel the comfort and joy in our capital city.
1. DRINK CHRISTMAPOLITANS AT THE MIRACLE BAR
If you need a break from Veuve and Baileys isn’t your tipple, the pop-up Miracle Bar
is a 1970s extravaganza of nostalgic décor, tinsel and appropriately kitsch cocktails.
Tucked inside Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel, the cocktail menu includes vodka-
based Christmapolitans, a rum Jingle Bells Nog and a gin lover’s Elfing Around –
served, as you might expect, in a Santa’s pants mug. Be sure to book a time slot in
advance;
2. WATCH THE NUTCRACKER AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without losing yourself in a swirl of dazzling costumes as you follow the story of Clara, the toys and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This year, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Royal Ballet Sinfonia Orchestra bring this classic Christmas tale and Tchaikovsky’s unmistakable ballet to life in the glorious surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. Until 31st December, tickets from £29.77;
3. STAY AT THE STANDARD & RELAX IN ITS WINTER YURTS
The glamorous Manhattan-Miami-Hollywood vibes of The Standard London’s sister hotels are combined with quirky take on Christmas. Head on up to the roof-top restaurant for a Spanish/Mexican-inspired Christmas Day lunch with a view, and sip on Snowball slushie cocktails; there’ll also be a cosy winter yurt for you to spend time with family or friends. A variety of Christmas packages are available;
4. GO DICKENSIAN & DINE AT THE GRAND CHRISTMAS FEAST
Take a trip back in time to Victorian London as you dive into this immersive festive experience, complete with a cast of actors, live music and a turn-of-the-century feast that includes a Cod & Oyster starter, House-Smoked Yorkshire Turkey, Twelfth Night Cake – and a Smoking Bishop cocktail. Dining and experience from £129.50pp;
www.christmasfeast.thelostestate.com
5. MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY WREATHS AT PETERSHAM NURSERIES
When a bit of holly and mistletoe simply won’t do, book in for one of Petersham’s masterclasses to make your very own wreath. Discover the art of wreath building using willow, British foliage, winter berries and seeds heads – all fully biodegradable and compostable – then get ready to make your door the best-looking one around. £150 until 12th December;
6. SING ALONG WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND TO BATTERSEA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
Yes, a carol concert at St Paul’s would be grand, but we prefer the charm of taking our four-legged friend along to St Luke’s & Christ Church for a warble. Dress warm in matching Christmas jumpers and know that ticket sales go towards Battersea Dogs Home. From £22;
7. TRY THE PATISSERIE CHRISTMAS TREES IN THE DORCHESTER’S AFTERNOON TEA
Take a break from pounding the streets of London in search of the perfect presents, and pop in for a traditional afternoon tea – with a twist. Find your table among The Dorchester’s spectacular promenade of Christmas trees, then fill up on turkey, chestnut and cranberry sandwiches, miniature Christmas tree patisseries and chocolate baubles. Wash it all down with a cup of Assam – or better still, a glass of bubbly. From £105pp;
8. SEE THE SPECTACULAR LIGHT DISPLAYS AT KEW GARDENS
The perfect way to get the whole family out into the crisp December air, Christmas at Kew sees the Royal Botanical Gardens transformed into a magical display of light after dark. Don’t miss the geometric installation on the lake and the special music and water display in front of the Palm House; you can also wish Father Christmas “Happy Holidays” along the way. Selected dates until 8th January 2023, tickets from £21.50 for adults;
9. SHOP AT THE CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER MARKET
When you can’t get to your chalet, bring the chalet to you. Against the backdrop of Tower Bridge, this festive market is packed full of street food stalls, pop-up bars and opportunities to shop for presents. Throughout December, they’ll also be a series of outdoor film screenings, workshops and events inside fairy-lit winter chalets.
10. PUT YOUR FEET UP BY THE FIRE
Because Christmas is exhausting. And, however much fun you’re having, there’s no place like home. Cheers!
