Christmas 2022: 5 of the best things to do in London this season
Christmas is a magical time of year and whether you’re raring to get out and celebrate or are looking for something to get you in the festive spirit, there’s plenty going on in and around London to whet your appetite. From wintry wonderlands to pop-ups, markets and more, we’ve rounded up our favourites to help you start – or finish – the season in style.
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Skate into Christmas at Somerset House
What could be better than enjoying an hour or two of ice skating at one of London’s beautiful skate settings, complete with its glorious 40-foot Christmas tree decorated by Moët & Chandon? Somerset House promises a spectacular winter experience, with unrivalled skating, trailblazing DJs providing the soundtrack to your event, and delicious food and drink. There’s also a pop-up alpine restaurant and masterclasses with Hotel Chocolat. Tickets range from £10-£22, but get your skates (!) on as it’s selling out fast.
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Step into Christmas at Covent Garden
Renowned for its luxury fashion and beauty stores, as well as its award-winning restaurants and theatres, Covent Garden is arguably one of the most festive places in London at Christmas. With its giant 60ft (yes, you did read that correctly) tree and cobbled streets drenched in a jaw-dropping 30000 twinkling lights, you can also enjoy flurries of faux ‘snow’ along with live ballet performances from the Royal Opera House. Giant baubles hang over the marketplace roof, while a sleigh in the South Hall provides the ultimate festive sleigh selfie. Not sure where to start? Plan your visit here and make a day or night of it…
Christmas in Covent Garden | Covent Garden
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Wonder at Christmas winter festivals
Packed with live entertainment, seasonal fayre and funfair rides, London’s winter festivals are as popular as ever. This year, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland boasts not only the UK’s largest ice rink, but a cocktail bar made entirely of ice and is open until 2nd January 2023. With a brand new buzzing street food area and a Cirque Berserk ‘Dynamo’ show, there’s plenty to do for kids and big kids alike. Get a slice of the action by booking your tickets here: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
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Celebrate Christmas at The Ritz
If you’re more into eating than exploring, you might want to get yourself over to The Ritz where its traditional afternoon tea has been given a festive twist. Aside from the fact that the hotel has been transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, surrounded by rich red and gold trimmings, you’ll be treated to a glass of Ritz Champagne, along with mince pies and mouth-watering Christmas cakes. Of course, you’ll still have the choice of 18 different loose-leaf teas and the usual freshly made scones, but this month you can enjoy them while listening to The Ritz choir singing well-known carols. Although it’s not cheap at £102 a ticket, it’s a splurge that we can’t help but think would be well worth it.
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Get Christmas shopping at Selfridges
Still need to pick up some presents? Get yourself over to Selfridges where they have a whole array, not only of gifts galore but a chock-full calendar of Christmas events. From music by the Selfridges Christmas choir to performances from the Disco Ball Pudding Dancers and appearances by Santa himself, it’s a Yuletide extravaganza of shopping and seasonal delights.
