With the Christmas lights already shining brightly across London’s Oxford Street and many of the Christmas festivities having already started, there’s plenty to get you into the early festive London spirit.
Get your Christmas presents and decorations under one roof at the Christmas Ideal Home Show. 23 – 27 November, Olympia. Book online (it’s only £5 to go after 5pm on Thursday 24 November) or visit one of the many Christmas Markets for some festive shopping and mulled wine.
Southbank Centre Winter Market ~ Open 11 November to 8 January
Christmas in Leicester Square ~ Open 11 November to 8 January
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ~ Open 18 November to 2 January
Tate Modern Christmas Market ~ Open 19 November to 23 December
Wrap up warm and get your skates on at one of the many outdoor ice skating rinks across the city.
- Natural History Museum Ice Rink ~ Open 27 October to 8 January
- Canary Wharf Ice Rink ~ Open 4 November to 25 February
- Broadgate Ice Rink ~ Open 14 November to 2 February
- Tower of London Ice Rink and Eis Haus ~ Open 16 November to 3 January
- Somerset House Ice Rink ~ Open 17 November to 15 January
- Ice Rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ~ Open 18 November to 2 January
- Westfield London Ice Rink ~ Open 24 November to 8 January
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink ~ Open 25 November to 8 January
(All ice rinks are closed on Christmas Day)
You’re spoilt for choice for entertainment this Christmas with a tantalising selection of Christmas shows and concerts for your enjoyment.
A tradition spanning back centuries is the Christmas pantomime. The modern form of this theatre production is usually based on a children’s fairy tale with jokes and innuendos for children and adults, many starring TV personalities. Click here for a list of London pantomimes.
What could be more Christmassy than an evening at the ballet? The Nutcracker is being performed by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House from 23 November to 12 January and the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum from 14 December to 7 January.
There are many Christmas concerts and carol singers across London during the festive season.
The sound of carols can often be heard in Trafalgar Square by carol singers from various charities throughout December. Others to look out for include:
Cutty Sark Christmas Concert ~ 10 December
Westminster Abbey ~ 15 December
St Paul’s Cathedral ~ throughout December
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall ~ throughout December
