London has so much to offer this December. Between the Christmas markets, ice skating and festive films you are absolutely spoiled for choice. To make things easier, we have narrowed our winter guide down to five fabulous events and activities to get you in the mood for Christmas.
After Dark
Chiswick House Gardens
This year, Chiswick House and Gardens have put on a magical light display trail. Visitors arrive after dark and are treated to a walk through the iconic gardens which have been lit up by twinkling lights and colourful projections. The walk ends with a food hall filled with delicious street food stalls and stands selling Terry’s Hot Chocolate Orange, Bailey’s Hot Chocolate and Hot Apple Cider. This year will also see Chiswick House turned into the canvas for a light show set to a bespoke and exclusive track curated by Sergio Pizzorno, the singer and songwriter of Kasabian.
Ice Skating
Natural History Museum
Put on your warmest gloves and cosiest Christmas jumper: ice skating season is here! London has several amazing ice rinks set up at landmarks around the city, including the Tower of London and Somerset House. However, the Natural History Museum experience in Central London is extra special. Set against the backdrop of the venue’s beautiful architecture and with the Cafe Bar serving refreshments, it has become a festive favourite. Find out more here.
Winterville
Clapham Common
If you want to pack as much Christmas-themed fun into one visit as possible, we recommend visiting Winterville in south-west London. The winter festival is open until 23rd December and features an ice rink, food and drink stalls from Street Feast, a fairground, a roller disco and films from Backyard Cinema. There is also a circus and various magic shows, meaning there really is something for everyone. You can find more about Winterville here.
Cinema in the Snow
Old Truman Brewery
London may not get real snow this year, but you can still experience a white Christmas at Cinema in the Snow. This mini film festival will be held for a week from the 18th – 23rd of December on East London’s famous Brick Lane and will be showing festive classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppets Christmas Carol, Elf and Gremlins. Visitors will walk through a wardrobe into an alpine forest filled with fake snow and twinkling Christmas trees. There will be up to three screenings every day at 1pm, 5pm and 7.45pm – you can find out more here.
The Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City
V&A Museum
If you want to combine your Christmas activities with a little bit of culture, you should pay a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in West London. From the 8th of December, there will be an exhibition of over 60 gingerbread buildings designed and created by architects, designers and engineers, named Gingerbread City. The display is sure to be both educational and fun – just make sure you don’t get hungry and take a bite out of a building! Find out more here.
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