I normally write my annual London Christmas To Do List at the end of October but life has been a little bit crazier and busier than normal. This being the case has meant that I will sadly not be including the Christmas lights turn on dates but I hope I have lots of lovely festive finds for you listed below and some key dates for your ice skating and theatre trips. Let me know which sound most exciting to you. For even more festive inspiration check out my guides for 2016 and 2015 which still have some relevant ideas.
THEATRE
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella
Sadlers Wells
9 December – 27 January
The Nutcracker
The Coliseum
5 December – 10 January
SELLING OUT!
Barnum
Chocolate Menier
25 November – 3 March
MARKETS
17 November – 1 January
Fun for all the family. Winter Wonderland in Hype Park is something that you must experience once. Liam and I went as a romantic date once and it just didn’t live up to that occasion. That being said, going with a group of friends or with all of the family it is amazing and full of things to do for everyone. There are also events such as ice skating and theatre shows which you can book in advance.
10 November – 7 January
I believe last year was the first year that Leicester Square created the wintery market area. There is a Santa’s Grotto and market like many places but where Leicester Square manages to top others is that they have so many theatre shows for you to book as well.
Southbank
10 November – 4 January
The Southbank is always awash with people visiting their regular markets but at Christmas everything becomes a little bit more twinkly. Being by the riverside makes the weather even more crisp and wintry. This year there is even a Finnish Rooftop Sauna!!!! Whaaaaat?! Yup. Book here, including women only sessions. If you can gather 16 friends together for the experience then you can even privately book out the whole venue.
ICE SKATING
Natural History Museum
26 October – 7 January
£8.80 – £12.65
Hampton Court Palace
24 November – January
£10 – £14
Somerset House
15 November – 14 January
From £7.50
SPECIAL SOMETHINGS
Petersham Nurseries
Petersham is a place that you need to visit in the lead up to Christmas. Everywhere is wonderfully festive in such an elegant way. Check their site out for what classes and events they have on as well, especially their wreath making class.
Do you know that there is a hidden gem on the rooftop of John Lewis, Oxford Street? Well, there is and it is perfectly delightful. Hire your own shed (in a super cool heated decked out sense) fully kitted with your own Robert’s radio and order drinks and food. As from now they have turned the whole of the rooftop into a winter wonderland. Make sure you order a mulled Negroni or Hot Toddy.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens have a Christmas light show that I am determined to make time for this year as I have heard such wonderful things about the event.
Wisley Gardens
OK…so Wisley isn’t quite in London but this is a lovely event I wanted to let you know about. Wisley Gardens recently got in touch with me to invite me to have a Christmas bauble decorated for me by artist Jane Redmond. Every Tuesday and Thursday between 12-2pm. Check out Jane Redmond’s decorated baubles which are for sale at Harrods here.
What are you most looking forward to this year?