This month my flat mate and I made it our mission to make this most of this beautiful city at the most magical time of year. Although there is always something to do in this ever changing place, the Christmas offering is something that cannot be missed. Here is a few bits we have done and are still hoping to get round to if we get a chance.
Food and Drink
What would Christmas be without a glass of Mulled Wine in one hand? It is one of my go-to festive drinks of the season. With it's warming temperature and holiday related flavours it is the perfect beverage to have to get you in the spirit of things. To match the weather outside you could also consider heading to London's Ice Bar, much closer than heading to the North Pole. Having previously visited one in Amsterdam, it would be even more appropriate for a get-together with you and friends to do something a little different and (n)ice. If you are anything like me you will be hunting for a cute brunch spot, my recommendation would be Dolloway Terrace which has been beautifully decorated for the celebrations ahead. With an array for food an drink on their menu, this is the place to get in you in the mood this winter. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, Peggy Porschen has outdone themselves with the everything from wreaths to fake snow on the outside of their bakery. Don't be put off by the outdoor seating, they offer snuggly pink blankets to keep you cosy.
Activities
One of the first things we booked in was Ice Skating, having not gone in years I was keen to get this in our diaries first. With multiple options including Somerset House or the Natural History Museum, it is something fun to do during the day or in the evening. Plus it guarantees plenty of laughter as most people tend to be more Bambi than professional skater. One of my friends recommended doing a Cinema Trip At Snow Kingdom, as we were unable to do the dates available we went to the Pop Up Screen in Hackney Showroom to watch Elf. With a Narnina entrance, snow machine and one of the most merry films going it is almost impossible to be a scrooge. If festive films aren't your thing why not got to the theatre for the ballet for the Nutcracker or a panto performance. On everyone's list already is most likely Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park which has enough to keep you busy from am to pm. It's one of the best places to spend time with loved ones and keep everyone entertained, with games, rides, bars, stalls, there is so much to occupy your time. For me it has become a yearly tradition and I still don't tire from the atmosphere there. This year they have also introduced Winterville in Clapham which I haven't personally been to but maybe another option for you to consider.
Explore
London has to be one of the best places to wander, whilst doing your last minute shopping or passing by its worth stopping and taking in your surroundings. Shops tend to go all out with window displays and inside layouts which enhances the shopping experience. This floods out on to Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street and more with the use of lights and hanging props. If you are brave enough to stay out in the cold a few light displays to visit would be Kew Gardens at Christmas which I can imagine looks even more beautiful than it already does or the Chiswick House Magic Lantern Festival which has more cultural references to Chinese New year (which is where I will be spending mine in case you were wondering). On the other hand you also have Christmas Markets on south bank or London favourites including Borough Market that have had a festive makeover, a great place to pick up unique gifts or food for the big day.
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I hope you enjoyed these recommendations and if you have any other feel free to share in the comments!
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