Things to Do
What to do in London this December
Get ready to jump into London's Christmas festivities, from Winter Wonderland to cocktail-making, and more.
The capital comes to life at this time of the year with 25 foot long illuminating Christmas trees, winter beer halls, stupendous Premier League fixtures, and some magical events that bring the spirit of Christmas to town.
So while you jot down the things to do this Christmas, add a list of breathtaking festivities to your list, including a visit to the legendary Hogwarts castle.
Winter Wonderland
(Throughout December)
Located in Hyde Park, this all round festive fair has a wide array of activities like Christmas shows, ice skating, live music, fairground rides (roller coasters, giant wheel observation wheel, and carousel), ice sculpting workshops, and a lot more.
For your amusement, Winter Wonderland will host circus shows and set up magical ice parks such as the Santa Land, while you entangle yourself in the fair’s many restaurants, bars, and food stalls.
Warm drinks like hot chocolate and mulled wine will be available to keep up with the freezing temperatures at various bars like the Fire Pit, Carousel, and Bar Ice. You may also opt to indulge in traditional German fare with glühwein and sausages at the Bavarian Village.
Off - peak : free.
Standard: £5 per person.
Peak: £7.50 per person.
Location - Hyde Park, London.
Timings - 10 am to 10 pm, everyday.
Cocktails by Candlelight - Cocktail & Candle Making Classes
(Throughout December)
Cocktail making class, Source: Facebook
Shake things up with cocktail and candle making sessions from Cocktails by Candlelight - Cocktail & Candle Making Classes in the heart of London. Every ticket holder shall be welcomed with a Mulled Winter Warmer cocktail on arrival before jumping to the 90 minute learning experience.
From making eco-friendly coconut wax candles to crafting a couple of your own winter cocktails, the expert will guide you with their wit and grit as you learn to master the art of mixology.
Ticket price: £55 per person.
Location - Seven Dials, London.
Timings - 8 pm to 9.30 pm, everyday.
Hogwarts in the Snow
(Throughout December)
Diagon Alley set at Warner Brothers Studio Tour London, Source: Facebook
Become a part of the magical world of Harry Potter and re-discover all the iconic sets from the Diagon Alley, Hagrid’s Hut, Gryffindor Common Room, the Forbidden Forest, and more this Christmas.
Whether it's the lavish Christmas feast at the Great Hall from The Philosopher’s Stone with flaming puddings or the spooky woodland of the forest with a winter makeover, Hogwarts in the Snow is a one stop spot for all the wizardry geeks out there.
Ticket price: £47 per person.
Location - Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR.
Timings - click here to view opening timings.
Jimmy’s Winter Snow Globes
(Throughout December)
Jimmy’s Winter Snow Globes, Source; Website
An ultimate private dining experience, Jimmy’s Winter Snow Globes offer views of the South Bank, unmissable food you wouldn't find anywhere else, and warmth of heated indoors with a capacity to house upto 10 people.
So, whether it is a romantic date, a fun outing with friends, or a feast with the family, Jimmy’s Lodge will treat you with royalty. Game meat, mulled wine & cider, fondue, and other delectable food and drink choices will make your time spent at the igloo worth the stay.
You will have to pay a £250 deposit if you wish to reserve an igloo for yourself, which will be deducted from your total bill amount in the end.
Ticket price: £250 deposit, minimum spend of £600 for lunch and dinner.
Location - Southbank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX.
Timings - 12 pm to 11 pm, everyday.
Winterfest at Wembley Park
(Throughout December)
The Hopeful Tree, Source: Instagram
Returning after a year’s absence, Winterfest at Wembley Park will illuminate your Christmas spirit with over 100,000 lights and The Hopeful Tree, London’s tallest LED Christmas tree.
This year, the ‘Reunited in Light' theme will take center stage at Wembley Park as you stroll around gazing at the best brands to shop and best food and drinks to endow.
Ticket price: free.
Location - Wembley Park, London.
Hot Tub Boat
(Thursday, December 2 to Friday, December 31)
Open throughout the year, Skuna’s private Hot Tub Boat is one of the most unique outdoor experiences you will come across in London. The electric powered boats heat the water upto 40° C if required, through a wood fired hot tub.
Sail with your friends/family members in the waters of Canary Wharf for 75 minutes of dramatic fun, drinking, clicking photographs, and enjoying the views of the city from a myriad of angles. A maximum of 7 people can board the boat at a single time.
Offer- use code FESTIVE25 for a 25% discount.
Ticket price: £225 (Monday to Friday), £250 (Saturday).
Location - West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL.
Timings - 8.40 am to 9.48 pm.
Camden Winter Beer Hall
(Saturday, December 11)
Drinking at Camden Winter Beer Garden, Source: Facebook
Hosted by The Electric Ballroom, Camden Winter Beer Hall brings an influx of local craft beer from the UK along with ales, stouts, German brews, and a lot of food options like freshly baked pretzels with mustard sauce, churros with peanut and chocolate dips, and more.
If you are craving for a pint with your mates under the roof of an escapist beer hall, Camden Winter Beer Garden will suffice. You can also pre book a table if you are planning to arrive in a group.
There will be live DJ performances to keep you entertained as you rejoice in the celebratory holiday mood.
Ticket price: starts at £15 per person.
Location -184, Camden High Street, London NW1 8QP.
Timings - 2 pm to 9pm
New Year’s Masquerade Ball
(Friday, December 31)
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Soho Residence, Source: Instagram
Make your way to the New Year’s Masquerade Ball at Soho Residence for an impeccable party to welcome 2022. On arrival, guests from the list will be served with a glass of bubbly and assorted canapes.
In 2019, the Soho Residence splashed out £1 million on the renovation, upgrading their stylish decor and comfortable seating options, making it an ideal venue to host a perfect New Year’s Eve party.
Don't forget to put on your mysterious mask for the masquerade ball.
Ticket price: £40 per person.
Location - 83 - 85 Wardour St, London W1D 6QE.
Timings - 7 pm to 5 am
Header image - Camden Winter Beer Hall, Source: Facebook
