As the city wraps itself in a festive cloak of twinkling lights and yuletide cheer, December in London is nothing short of magical.
From West End shows and winter wonderlands to ice skating under the shadow of iconic landmarks, embark on a jolly journey through the magic that is London in December.
Christmas
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Step inside a quintessential Christmas Card scene as you bundle up to skate under the stars in the grounds of Henry VIII’s historic home. This Tudor palace in Richmond upon Thames dates back to 1514 and offers a truly unique backdrop for a session on the ice.
Why not tie it in with a tour of the palace, where you can see Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours, and explore the Magic Gardens and maze before heading onto the rink. Afterwards, you can warm up in the cafe bar with a mulled wine or hot chocolate to soak up every moment of this enchanting experience.
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Christmas at Kew
15th November – 7th January
Botanical paradise turned Christmas dreamland, throughout the winter season Kew Gardens is transformed into a fabulous 3km festive light trail! Perfect for families or groups of friends, Christmas at Kew is a superb way to start off the festive season. Staying late into the evening? Grab some festive sweet treats or hot grub from a selection of independent street food stalls along the trail.
Or take a seat at the Botanical Brasserie overlooking the glittering views of the Kew Gardens’ winter trail.
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Check out the St Pancras Tree
Each year the St Pancras International Christmas Tree is a showstopper that captures the hearts of people far and wide. This year, in collaboration with Hatchards, the whimsical tree is not just a festive centrepiece but a journey through classic literature, featuring 3,800 hand-painted books, including A Christmas Carol and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Eight cosy nooks invite you to immerse yourself in Christmas magic. Equipped with speakers for audiobook excerpts, it’s a charming stop for families or a relaxing break in St. Pancras. Wendy Spinks, Commercial Director, sees it as an ode to literature, encouraging a return to the joy of reading amid screens. So rediscover the magic of literature at St. Pancras International’s Christmas Tree – an immersive reading adventure that transports you to captivating new worlds!
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Home Alone in Concert
7th December
Relive this enchanting Christmas classic in London’s magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Combining cinema with an exquisite live orchestra, Home Alone in Concert is the perfect Christmas day out the whole family will adore!
Immerse in the enchanting live performance of Home Alone by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, savour popcorn, and share a memorable Christmas with loved ones!
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Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
17th November – 1st January
What’s a Christmas city break to London without a trip to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland? With the famous Giant Wheel, the next-level festive Street Food Village and Christmas market stalls, the Real Ice Slide and an endless supply of marvellous theme park rides, Winter Wonderland has it all to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Winter Wonderland is open late every night from late November to early January. Secure your pre-booked time slot to explore this festive paradise with some of the best Christmas lights in London.
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London Santa Run
6th & 7th December
London’s largest Santa Run takes place in Victoria Park, with thousands of people dressing up as Saint Nicholas before setting out on either a 5k or 10k! Once you have finished the run, recover your tired muscles to the sound of Christmas carols whilst enjoying a delicious mince pie.
Each runner is provided with a free Santa costume, although elves, reindeer, snowmen and anything merry are welcome if you’d like to wear your own costume. Plus, kids can take part in the Mini Santa Run.
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Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
11th November – 5th January
Embrace the festive charm and spirit of London’s magnificent Christmas light displays this winter with a Christmas Afternoon Tea aboard Brigit’s London Bus Tours.
Hop aboard Brigit’s charming 1960s Routemaster bus and discover London’s rich history and festively transformed spots. As you pass the capital’s most famous attractions, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, The Royal Albert Hall and more, enjoy an assortment of freshly prepared finger sandwiches and homemade tarts alongside a pot of your tea or glass Prosecco of your choice.
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Glide at Battersea Power Station
10th November – 7th January
Experience the winter wonderland of London like never before at Glide Battersea Power Station! This event is pure magic set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings. As skate around three enchanting rinks, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of twinkling lights and a show-stopping 30ft Christmas tree to add that extra touch of festive cheer. But the fun doesn’t end on the ice – head over to The Glass House for a toasty hot chocolate or something a little stronger to keep the good vibes flowing. You can sit back, relax and watch skaters glide, or soak in the stunning Battersea Power Station views – yes, the bar is all glass!
And when you’re ready to refuel, the power station is brimming with over 120 shops, bars, cafes, entertainment venues and restaurants. Don’t miss out on this magical winter adventure – Glide at Battersea Power Station is where the festive season truly comes to life!
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West End Theatre
Moulin Rouge!
Picadilly Theatre
Ladies and gents, we present to you the boldest and sassiest show in London’s West End, Moulin Rouge! This whirlwind of feathers, frills, and jaw-dropping performances is filled with iconic songs, eye-popping costumes, and a storyline that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Enter the glamorous Moulin Rouge world with a backstage pass to the legendary Parisian cabaret, leaving you humming ‘Lady Marmalade’ all the way home.
SIX
Vaudeville Theatre
A London musical sensation, SIX is a modern retelling of the Six Wives of Henry VIII. Described as a ‘beacon of hope for the future of British musicals’, be prepared to lose your head with excitement at the Vaudeville Theatre, The Strand this winter. This multi-award-winning show reimagines Tudor England, narrating Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard, and Parr’s historic tales of love and loss.
Back to the Future
Adelphi Theatre
One of the biggest cinematic musical adaptions has arrived in London’s West End. Back to the Future: The Musical ignites nostalgia, bringing back the energy and excitement, making you want to turn back time! Coming in hot at 88mph this winter season, this musical’s magical performances are ripped straight from the 1985 classic. Marty McFly and Dr Brown are beautifully portrayed by a devoted cast alongside stellar visual set pieces and orchestral symphonies that will have you shouting “Great Scott!”.
Cabaret The Musical
The Kit Kat Club
You won’t want to miss out on this theatrical revival masterpiece this winter season. Based on the John Van Druten play, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club – winner of a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical Revival – has returned to London’s West End with a star-studded line-up.
Cabaret The Musical has established itself as a sensational, electrifying West End experience with a stellar cast and unforgettable performances.
Jersey Boys
Trafalgar Theatre
In this Broadway and West End musical, discover how four men from Jersey became an international sensation overnight, while off stage a very different story took place. In the Jersey Boys show, experience legendary harmonies and vibrant performances!
Go behind the music and experience the inspiring rags-to-riches tale based on 1960s rock icons, The Four Seasons. Watch as the quartet rises to international stardom, celebrating the exhilarating highs while enduring the lows that come with fame.
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Art & History
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at The National Gallery
14th September – 19th January
This Autumn, The National Gallery invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh in a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. Witness the artist’s most iconic works alongside rarely seen masterpieces from around the globe.
From the swirling stars of ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’ to the vibrant ‘Sunflowers’, this exhibition is a unique chance to experience Van Gogh’s artistic genius up close. Discover the inspiration behind his vibrant palette and poetic landscapes, as you journey through Arles and Saint-Rémy, the places that shaped his revolutionary style. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the 200th anniversary of The National Gallery London with a truly unforgettable exhibition!
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Gingerbread City at the Museum of Architecture
1st October – 31st January
Gingerbread houses date all the way back to 16th century Germany and soon became synonymous with Christmas. The largest one ever made measures 21 feet high and covers an area the size of a tennis court. Continuing the tradition of spectacular feats of construction from sweetly spiced bread, The Museum of Architecture will be hosting its ever-popular exhibition The Gingerbread City, although these will be a little smaller than a tennis court.
Designers, engineers, and architects show off their creativity and ingenuity to produce a city of gingerbread structures beyond belief. Marvel as you walk amongst beautiful biscuity buildings, and take inspiration for your own festive efforts.
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Batman Unmasked
October – December 2024
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Batman at the all-new exhibition Batman Unmasked, celebrating the iconic superhero’s 85th anniversary. As you step into this thrilling experience, you’ll be transported through Batman’s legendary film history, exploring an extensive collection of original props, vehicles and costumes.
Marvel at the Batmobile from The Batman and the Batpod from The Dark Knight Trilogy and venture into the Batcave itself. Navigate through themed rooms inspired by iconic Batman films and create lasting memories with professional photo opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to explore the universe of the Caped Crusader and take home a piece of his legacy!
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