Christmas in London!

In spite of the grey weather and dark nights, London truly comes alive at Christmas. There are hundreds of different events to choose from; from markets and pop ups to one off theatre shows and themed dining. The options are endless – and since we know you’ve got Christmas cake to bake and stockings to hang – we’ve selected a few of our favourites that will fill you with Christmas spirit and get that gift list ticked off!

If you’ve had enough of the crowds at Oxford Street, London is rich in alternative shopping events. Crafty Fox is back this year with their annual Christmas markets in a number of hip locations, including the Bussey Building in Peckham and The Dogstar in Brixton. Browse over fifty unique sellers, carefully curated by the likes of Sarah McCoy of Oh Comely Magazine and Sarah Ross, Buyer at Southbank Centre Shops. Why not also try one of the city’s many museum shops for an original gift? The Victoria & Albert Museum for fashion lovers, the Design Museum for homewares and gadgets or the Natural History, British and Science Museums for interesting gifts for children?

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a mulled wine and a hearty bellow of ‘It’s behind you’! The newly refurbished Wilton’s Music Hall is the perfect place to see the obligatory Christmas pantomime; making a most elegant affair of a usually low brow night out due to its stunning Victorian interior.  You can catch Dick Whittington there from 1st to 31st December.

If you’re looking for a quirky alternative to a Christmas Fair, try ‘Winterville’ at Victoria Park, the classier older sister of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. All the usual attractions are there, including an ice rink, fairground and food and drink stalls with the addition of a cinema and circus tent, all with their own kooky twist.

For a little festive feasting, Chelsea Physic Garden nails the cultural zeitgeist for all things ‘scandi’ by hosting ‘Skandilicious’, a pop up Swedish dining experience. For £45 you can enjoy traditional ‘Glogg’ and an all-you-can-eat Christmas smorgasbord. Of course, gastronomic delights can also be found closer to home in our very own Printworks Kitchen. We’ve already caught a glimpse of their gingerbread gateaux but are also excited for their top-secret Christmas sandwich!

Looking for something a little different? The Geffrye Museum is fascinating at all times of the year, showcasing English domestic interiors throughout the ages, but is a particular hit at Christmas as a selection of the rooms are dressed in historic festive finery befitting the time.

Mince pies already catching up with you? Combine a little light exercise and take in best of the cities Christmas lights and sights with a two-wheeled tour from The London Bicycle Tour Company.