Things to Do in London This Month: December

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the capital, so get your skates on at an ice rink, shop at a Christmas market or sip mulled wine by the Thames. There’s plenty happening to have you feeling festive – here are the top things to do in London this month:

1. Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
———————————————————

The sprawling annual Christmas fair is back with its festive stalls, fun rides and boozy Bavarian Village. Listen to traditional oompah music while you sip a beer (or hot cider) in a traditional chalet. Kids can meet Father Christmas at his grotto in Santa Land. Or you can capture the London skyline from the observation wheel. Entrance is free and the fair runs 21 November-5 January 2020.

2. Go Skating
————–

Every December in London, ice rinks pop up in unexpected places – the National History Museum for one. Here, fairylights in trees create a magical atmosphere for an afternoon of ice-skating.

For a fancier affair, Somerset House’s rink is impressive, not least thanks to its lodge hosted by Fortnum and Mason. Hit the ice or settle back for champagne and raclette. By night, the rink comes to life with a DJ at the Skate Lates events.

3. See the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square
————————————————————-

The spruce tree that dominates Trafalgar Square each year is a gift from the Norwegians to the British for refuge given during WWII. Leave the warmth of your London hotel so that you can watch the traditional lighting of the tree by the Mayor of Oslo and the Mayor of Westminster at 6pm on 5 December 2019.

If you miss that event, head to the square for the daily carol services that take place 4pm-8pm on weekdays and 2pm-6pm weekends until Christmas Eve.

4. Pick a Present at the Southbank Centre Winter Market
——————————————————-

This festival transports you to a Nordic wonderland with its wooden chalets and handmade crafts. Warm up with a mulled wine while you look across the Thames to Westminster. Or, snuggle up with a board game and seasonal cocktail in the Bar Under the Bridge alpine lodge. All along the festival strip, you can catch Christmas performances from the likes of the Philharmonia Orchestra and cabaret acts.

5. Step Back in Time for Christmas
———————————-

See what Christmas was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can take a Silent Night tour around the grade II-listed Georgian townhouse to catch the Christmas meal preparations in the kitchen and the garlands in the Victorian parlour. Afterwards, settle down in front of the open fire with a mince pie. The house is decked out for Christmas until 6 January 2020.

6. Walk Under the Christmas Lights
———————————-

Put your shopping on pause to enjoy Oxford Street’s famous Christmas lights. This year, they’ve been updated to LED curtains, creating a wave of light. Carnaby Street’s lights are always a themed affair. This year, the street has partnered with conservation charity Project 0 for its underwater light scenes. If you have more traditional tastes, go to Regent Street to see the angels soaring overhead.

7. Catch a Carol Service at St Paul’s
————————————-

The Advent procession at St Paul’s Cathedral on 1 December marks the start of the festive season. An Advent carol service and candlelit procession set the mood, followed by regular services throughout the month. Concerts and service are free but do get busy, so queue early if you want to secure a seat.

8. Watch the New Years’ Eve Fireworks
————————————-

Ring in 2020 watching the annual fireworks show light up the London skyline. Tickets for 2020 have already sold out, but you can still catch the show from further down the River Thames. Wrap up warm and walk to Lambeth or Millennium Bridge to watch without a ticket. To make a night of it, grab a blanket and bottle of bubbly and join the crowd at Primrose Hill to see the fireworks from afar.

9. Feel Festive at Kew Gardens
——————————

Throughout the Christmas season, a mile (1.5km) stretch of more than a million lights illuminate the Royal Botanical Gardens after dark. You’re free to walk through the immersive installations. Touch the vine lights and watch them change colour or take a picture of the light, music and water display in front of the palm house. At the end of the trail, tuck into roasted chestnuts at the food village.

10. Catch a Festive Favourite at a Pop-Up Cinema
————————————————

Is it really Christmas without a festive film or two? Head to the Floating Cinema at St Katharine Docks to watch Richard Curtis’ classic Love Actually on a floating pontoon. There are heaters, deckchairs and beanbags provided but do wrap up warm.

Take the festivity up a notch at Cinema in the Snow. Walk through a Narnia-esque wardrobe into a snowy haven to watch Elf or Home Alone 2.What are you waiting for? Plan your holiday to London today.”