Christmas in London is moments away and we can’t wait for the frivolity and festive events that come with it; here are a few of the best
Get into the Christmas spirit with the capital’s best festive events
TASTE OF LONDON: FESTIVE EDITION
This month the festive edition of the capital’s finest culinary celebration, Taste of London, returns to Tobacco Dock with a specially curated showcase of the city’s best chefs, restaurants and gourmet producers. Enjoy festive tipples, take part in a hands-on masterclass or sample and shop from the UK’s finest producers; there is much to be enjoyed for all.
COVENT GARDEN LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Covent Garden is the number one and ultimate Christmas destination this year. The festive events with a ‘switch on’ extravaganza in the Piazza on Tuesday 14 November led by the cast of the acclaimed hit West End musical 42nd Street and special guest Pudsey, as Covent Garden teams up with BBC Children in Need for the first time. They will also be joined by additional special guests to switch on the lights, while the company of 42nd Street perform some of the most iconic numbers from the show.
14 November, Covent Garden
CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER
London’s most picturesque Christmas market returns to the banks of the River Thames for its fourth year, offering not only a view of London’s most-loved landmarks but the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a true Christmas market. Whether you’re looking to fill your loved ones’ stockings with artisan gifts or simply settle in to eat, drink and be merry Christmas by the River is the place to soak up some festive spirit.
30 November – 3 January, London Bridge
FESTIVE FEASTS THE PETERSHAM
Visitors to The Petersham Restaurant are guaranteed a glimpse of snow this December when they book lunch or dinner in the restaurant. ‘Snowfall’ takes places outside the panoramic windows twice during lunch and dinner services, much to the delight of diners. If that’s not enough to create a Christmassy buzz, head chef Adebola Adeshina has created a feast of festive dining choices as well as an exquisite festive afternoon tea.
WINTERVILLE
After a year off, the pop-up town of Winterville heads south of the river to Clapham Common for a brilliant extravaganza for all ages. Skate on Clapham Common’s first-ever ice rink, enjoy sensational street food from Street Feast, play crazy golf, ride the big wheel and grab gifts from an alternative Christmas market; the offering is endless.
BACKYARD CINEMA THE SNOW KINGDOM
Adventure through ice caves and cross frozen lakes to discover an enchanted castle only read about in fairy tales. Backyard Cinema have discovered a hidden snow kingdom in the heart of London and they’re inviting guests to enter an immersive world with the cosiest cinema winter has to offer. Backyard is showing a selection of films celebrating wonder, magic, snow and winter, which can be enjoyed while feasting on popcorn and indulging on winter warmer cocktails.
CHRISTMAS CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA IN THE WINTER GARDEN
Indulge in The Landmark London’s iconic Champagne afternoon tea… with a twist to incorporate all the flavours of Christmas. What better way to get you in the mood for the festive season? The afternoon tea includes a glass of champagne and is set under the glass atrium in the hotel’s Winter Garden, which will be dressed in traditional Victorian Christmas decorations.
CARNABY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
Festive events in London doesn’t get crazier than the switch-on of Carnaby’s brand-new, immersive carnival themed decorations and lights. The area will be transformed into one big party throughout the season, launching with a shopping party on Thursday 9 November. Here, DJ Norman Jay MBE will provide tunes alongside exciting performances, exclusive shopping offers and in-store events. Ticket holders can also enjoy a rum cocktail from the Carnaby pop-up bar.
9 November, 5-9pm, Carnaby Street
THE WINTER HOUSE
This winter Bourne & Hollingsworth, the city’s best-loved purveyor of all things beautiful and entertaining, invites Londoners to discover The Winter House and lose themselves in an exclusive world of fine food, delectable drinks, incredible interiors and elegant festivity. Set in a previously unseen, hauntingly beautiful Grade II listed chapel in the heart of the West End, this limited edition restaurant, bar and club is the perfect setting for a memorable night out.
SAMPLE: THE CHRISTMAS EDITION
London’s most dynamic new neighbourhood, Greenwich Peninsula, will present a unique and festive edition of its vibrant urban market, SAMPLE this winter, in what is set to be London’s most creative Christmas experience. The festive edition of SAMPLE is free to attend and packed with fashion, food and foliage. Expect to shop, eat, drink and celebrate the season to come, sampling the best produce from some of London’s most renowned and emerging creatives.
FESTIVE MASTER CLASSES AT THE LANDMARK LONDON
This year, The Landmark London has partnered with like-minded brands to offer masterclasses in gift wrapping, cake decorating and Christmas pudding making. Let luxury gift-wrapping experts at Wrapsody show you the secrets to perfectly presented gifts or learn how to make extraordinary cake decorations with award-winning cake designer Rosalind Miller Cakes. The talented Pastry Chefs at The Landmark London will be hosting Christmas Pudding Masterclasses that have been hugely popular every year. Guests will have the chance to make a traditional Christmas pudding to then take home to enjoy with family and friends.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR
One of the UK’s biggest high-end shopping festive events, the Spirit of Christmas Fair returns to Olympia for its 17th year and is better than ever. Expect extraordinary gifts and unrivalled collections from 800 independent boutiques. There’s something for everyone at this ultimate destination for Christmas shopping, from trinkets and decorations, to fashion, beauty, jewellery and gifts for men. Discerning shoppers will be spoilt for choice with never-seen-before items across seven straight days, along with exclusive tips and tricks from the best in the business, complimentary workshops and a showcase of the finest culinary delights.
