Christmas in London
Christmas Shopping
Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Perhaps it’s just the enticing scent of Gluhwein and bratwurst, but German-style Christmas markets have become big business in recent years. The best thing about this one though is probably the Chocolate Festival, taking place December 9th – 11th. Until December 24th, free entry.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
The ultimate destination for those wanting to indulge in the Christmas spirit, Winter Wonderland incorporates a Christmas market, funfair and more food stands than you can shake a stick at. Because what more could you want from your Christmas fair than scary talking mannequins and a possible case of diabetes?
Until January 3rd, free entry.
Wonder Hill Market
For something a bit off the beaten track, try the Wonder Hill Market. There are two Christmas markets coming up in December, offering an assortment of handmade and vintage goodies as well as student discounts and free mince pies. December 10th and 17th, The Miller Pub, Snowsfield Road. Free entry.
Ice Skating
Somerset House
A prime destination for those wanting to unleash their inner Torvill or Dean this Christmas. And if you don’t pose enough of a health and safety risk when balanced precariously on two razor-sharp blades, there’s also a bar serving mulled wine. Until January 22nd, student tickets from £8.50.
Pantomimes
Potted Panto
Can’t make up your mind which pantomime to see? The creators of this summer’s successful Potted Potter return, this time attempting to cram eight pantos into just 80 minutes. Vaudeville Theatre, December 18th – January 8th Tickets from £15.
Bollywood Cinderella
Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli puts a new twist on the classic fairytale. For anyone who’s ever watched the original and thought, ‘this would be better if she was called Surinderella…’. Tara Theatre, December 7th – 24th. Tickets from £12.50.
Music
St Martin-in-the-Fields
The parish church for Buckingham Palace – complete with royal box – has a huge program of choir and orchestra performances in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year. Until December 31st. Tickets from £8.
St Paul’s Cathedral
The exquisite St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and the City of London Sinfonia perform, plus celebrity readers. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to be seated. December 15th, 6.30PM. Free entry.
Westminster Abbey
The Choir of Westminster Abbey perform a number of festive pieces, alongside Robert Quinney on the organ. December 13th, tickets from £10.
Circuses
La Soirée
Not, strictly speaking, a traditional Christmas actvity, but this critically-acclaimed show, which has recently taken up new residence at the Roundhouse, promises to be a great night, with its exciting mix of cabaret, burlesque and circus acts. Roundhouse, until January 29th. Tickets from £15.
Zippos Cirque Extreme
The grown-up sister of Zippos Christmas Circus, this steampunk-themed show is billed as a ‘jaw-dropping daredevil show’. If you want to see three men riding motorbikes inside a steel ‘globe of death’ then this is the one for you. Hyde Park, until January 3rd. Tickets from £7.50.
Alternative Christmas
If the thought of Christmas already has you wanting to hibernate until just after January exams, then that’s probably what you should do. Failing that, you could do worse than check out one of these events.
Bad Santa’s Grotto
The Graffik Gallery in Notting Hill presents an exhibition dedicated to street art, based on the theme of ‘Santa’s Ghetto’. Expect graffiti, photography and beatboxing, plus a small Christmas market. Graffik Gallery, Saturday December 10th. Free entry.
Sam Simmons - Meanwhile
Multi award-winning Australian comic Sam Simmons takes on the Soho Theatre this Christmas. His mixture of stand-up, sketches and music received great reviews at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. December 14th - January 7th. Tickets from £10
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