It’s that time of year when the capital is taken over by all things festive. But which of London's Christmas events are worth braving the weather for? Fear not, we’ve put together our pick of the best Christmas events in London this year.
Christmas at Kew
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
When: Now until Monday 2nd January
Opening times: Every day 5pm – 10pm
An enchanting Christmas extravaganza for all the family, Christmas at Kew turns the beautiful gardens into a light-up kingdom when the night draws in. New this year is a trail through the botanic gardens, which is one mile long and lit up by 60,000 lights.
A number of illuminated art installations, tunnels, and a light, water and music display add to the theatrics and make this an event not to be missed this Christmas.
Cinema in the Snow
Where: Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs
When: From Thursday 8th December – Sunday 18th December
Opening times: Dependent on day and showing
Hackney Showroom – an alternative warehouse arts venue – has teamed up with Pop up Screens, offering you the opportunity to watch your favourite classic Christmas films in a cinema space filled with snow.
Enter through a wardrobe, grab some mulled wine at the bar and settle down for a magical cinema experience. Think Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually….
SantaCon London
Where: TBC
When: Saturday 10th December
Time: TBC
What better way to spread Christmas cheer this winter than dress up as Santa for the day? Join around 1,000 other Santa enthusiasts on the streets of London and eat (optional), drink (not optional) and be merry.
Visit some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as Trafalgar Square, and make sure you dress in a full Santa suit, because you won’t be allowed to join in the festivities otherwise. Register beforehand for the different routes around London and you’ll find out exactly where to meet a week before the event.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Where: South Bank close to London Waterloo
When: Now until Wednesday 25th January
Opening times: Times vary depending on day and event
While South Bank near the London Eye remains one of the most visited spots in central London throughout the year, it is at Christmas that the area really comes to life.
A Nordic themed market, lights, food stalls and a wealth of events in the Southbank Centre mean you can spend a whole day, or perhaps an evening after work, enjoying this celebration of all things Christmas.
Winter Wonderland
Where: Hyde Park
When: Now until Monday 2nd January
Opening times: Every day 10am – 10pm
No list of the best Christmas events in London would be complete without mentioning Winter Wonderland. Now in its 10th year, people come far and wide to experience the magic of Hyde Park’s Christmas transformation.
Stalls selling gifts and decorations, numerous bars with mulled wine, a circus, rides, an ice rink and Santa Land – featuring a grotto and children’s rides – make Winter Wonderland probably the most spectacular of London’s Christmas events. And the busiest too...
Skye Halla
Where: Queen of Hoxton
When: Now until March 2017
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 4pm-10pm
What better way to enjoy a festive fizz or two than from a Viking drinking horn? This winter, Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop will be transformed into a Viking wonderland. Experience traditional Nordic food from feasting tables, within suitably adorned surroundings.
A long boat, fire pits and furs suspended from the wigwam ceiling, all add to the authenticity – and protect you from the English weather, of course.
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Why not take a look at our article on preparing your home for winter, or these properties with feature fireplaces to warm your winter.
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