The thing about Christmas for Londoners is that as soon as we officially feel Yuletide enough to go and do something (usually the second week of December, give or take), everything has already sold out. So you don’t make that mistake, we’ve rounded up the most festive things to do in the capital that you really must book now.
The ice rink: Skate at Somerset House with Switzerland Tourism
Time to get your skates on, quite literally, because there’s nothing quite as iconic at Christmas time than whizzing around the ice, against the backdrop of Somerset House’s grand neoclassical façade. This year it’s bigger than ever, 900 square metres, with a towering 40ft tree taking centre stage, and a Swiss theme thanks to its partnership with Switzerland Tourism. You’ll want to make time to slip by the shiny new Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel and Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia for fondue and Croque Monsieur. On weekends, the legendary Skate Lates are back, with DJ sets from the likes of Pxssy Palace and foundation.fm.
November 15-January 14, 2024. Adults £20, child tickets £10.50. somersethouse.org.uk
The boozy shopping afternoon: FLANNELS X
Gen-Z's favourite luxe fashion and beauty emporium has made shopping a dangerous sport this Christmas thanks to their recently opened X Bar. Head to the second floor of the FLANNELS Oxford Street flagship store, you can't miss the sunshine yellow installation; seating 14, the bar is bookable in one-hour slots - which is just enough time to get you pleasantly buzzed and ready to spend. Serving only Dom Perignon, Ruinart and Veuve Cliquot (and edited selection of snacks: crisps and caviar), at least you'll leave hangover-free (everyone knows Champagne doesn't give you a hangover...right?)
Throughout December. Book your one-hour slot via flannels.com
The pantomime: Peter Pan at The Palladium
If you’re going to do a Christmas panto, it needs to be at the mega, all-singing, all-dancing Palladium, and this year’s show is taking guests on a trip to Neverland with its Peter Pan production. Cast regulars including Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot are back and joined by Jennifer Saunders, who is making her panto debut as the evil Captain Hook, and Rob Madge who is returning in the role of Tinkerbell. Directed by Michael Harrison with a strictly limited five-week run, expect the usual slapstick fun with naughty gags you’ll hope the kids won’t understand.
December 9 -January 14, 2024. Tickets from £25. palladiumpantomime.com
The ballet: The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House
There’s nothing quite so enchanting than a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmas. There’s a few to choose from this year, including the English National Ballet’s at the Coliseum. But it’s still well worth trying to squeeze into the ROH, to see the Royal Ballet perform to Tchaikovsky’s 1892 score, the musical epitome of sugar, snow, and sparkle. The story goes something like this: a little girl called Clara befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Featuring stunning sets by Julia Trevelyan Oman and breathtaking costumes, this production from choreographer Peter Wright is a spectacle.
December 6-January 13, 2024. Tickets from £32, though Friday Rush tickets may be your best bet now. roh.org.uk
The immersive dinner: The Great Christmas Feast
If you fancy something entirely different this Christmas, The Lost Estate’s immersive dinner theatre is a treat for the senses. Behind a hidden door near West Kensington tube station, the entertainment heavyweights have created a Dickensian wonderland, combining a performance of A Christmas Carol with cocktails, theatre, live music and, of course, a Victorian-style feast. Munch on Smithfield ham hock and oysters, down a smoking bishop and watch
the world’s most famous ghost story unravel. You can pay for the entire full feast or just enjoy the show (without the food, at a cheaper rate). You’ll want to be quick — tickets are selling out for this one fast.
Until January 14. Tickets from £149.50. christmasfeast.thelostestate.com
The afternoon tea: The Dorchester
After unveiling its lavish new look earlier this year, Christmas at the Dorchester has never looked better, with majestic trees lining the pastel pink and plump velvet deliciousness of The Promenade. The festive afternoon tea - which still has availability for December - is as decadent as you’d expect with plates laden with finger sandwiches (smoked salmon and lemon, and turkey and cranberry), alongside savoury specials like mulled pear and spiced beetroot brie tart, not to mention fluffy scones and festive pastry creations that look like artwork. If you get a weekend reservation, you’ll be serenaded by a rousing choir singing carols.
November 18-December 26. From £125 per person.
The musical: Christmas Actually at Royal Festival Hall
This isn’t the adaptation of Love Actually many would wish for, but it is written by Richard Curtis, in aid of Comic Relief, and will be taking over the Royal Festival Hall for five days. Promising a witty and enchanting evening, conjuring up the best of the fun and merriment of Christmas, expect poems, carols, celebrities, live music, comedy and live illustrations, as well as Christmas cracker jokes, letters to Santa, and a festive sing-along, by a stellar celebrity line-up. According to Curtis, he never liked the Christmas shows he took his children to in the past, so was inspired to make sure this one “really is fun for all the family”.
December 7-11. Tickets from £25.50. southbankcentre.co.uk
The festive train: Belmond Pullman Christmas Feast
Relive the golden age of riding the rail by getting yourself on one of Belmond’s British Pullman’s Christmas rides. While the day trips to Bath and Winchester’s markets are sold out, there’s still tickets left to the opulent festive afternoon teas and five-course turkey lunches, which will see you heading from London Victoria out to the Surrey Hills, and back, in the most beautiful vintage 1920's restored train cars with Art Deco furnishings. As the English countryside whooshes past your window, listen out for carol singers wandering through the carriages.
November 23 - December 31. From £400 per passenger. belmond.com
The screening: Luna Cinema at Kensington Palace
Ever walked around Kensington Palace and thought, “I just wish there was a giant screen set up right here so I could watch a film?” Well, The Luna Cinema is doing just that, sprinkling the festive stardust (once again) inside the stunning Pavillion, on the orangery lawn at this royal residence. Among the roster of films this year, there’s Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Love Actually and The Holiday. Snuggle up on a sofa for two, throw in some mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate and you have yourself a merry little evening.
December 11-15. Tickets from £12. thelunacinema.com
The Father Christmas experience: Anya’s Village
The most stylish place in town to meet the man in red? The grotto at Anya Hindmarch’s Village in Chelsea is returning for a second year and there’s still some availability — just be quick. Elves will guide little ones through an Insta-ready expedition, past candy cane forests and glistening baubles and over crunchy snow, ending with a festive story by the fire. The whole experience lasts for roughly 30 minutes with each child receiving a little present too. Afterwards, you can shop some of her signature kooky gifts before making a beeline for Anya Café.
November 13 - December 24. £45 for 1 adult and 1 child. anyahindmarch.com
The wreath-making workshop: Lucy Vail
Best known for her whimsical blousy blooms, society favourite florist Lucy Vail is opening her Battersea studio for a few dates in December, teaching the art of making a Christmas wreath in the most sustainable of ways. Working with evergreen foliage and pine, interwoven with natural seasonal decorations such as dried flowers and fruits, cinnamon sticks and pinecones, there’ll be plenty of bubbles to get those creative juices flowing and you’ll come away with a beautiful wreath for your door.
