Things To Do In London Over Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, which marks the last chance to make 2024 plans, and we’re taking full advantage by filling up our calendar with seasonal activities in the capital. If you’re looking for ideas for things to do in London for Christmas, we’ve searched high and low and put together this guide for you - consider it an early Christmas present.

 

 

Kicking things off with a controversial choice. Is it busy? Yes. But will you secure presents for all your loved ones, enjoy the Christmas light display and be able to reward yourself with a delicious post-shopping dinner? Yes, yes and yes again. For any last-minute Christmas shopping, when you’ve left it too late to order anything online to arrive in time, a trip to the stores is a must. Once you’re through with everything Oxford Street has to offer, head on over to Duke Street to visit our flagship store – only a 9 minute walk away!

 

 

 

When you think of Christmas in London, we’re assuming it’s swiftly followed by thoughts of Winter Wonderland. The beauty of WW is that it’s enjoyed by everyone, from kids trying their luck at winning giant toys they can’t carry home, couples riding the waltz together on dates, or groups of friends toasting mulled wine and tucking into a Bratwurst in the Bavarian Village. Whether you’re a ride fanatic, food lover, taking your kids to meet Father Christmas or just an all-round Christmas enthusiast, there’s something at Winter Wonderland to please everyone.

 

Winter Wonderland tickets - Standard £5, Peak £7.50

 

We love a Christmas market. Year after year we enter them with a list of people left to secure presents for, only to inevitably leave with armfuls of treats for ourselves. Leicester Square’s Christmas markets have already started, set beneath a festive light display to really heighten the seasonal spirit. Not only will they have food and retail stores, but this year also sees the return of La Clique, the world-famous, Olivier Award-winning Cabaret performance, with its Spiegeltent, back for the 20^th anniversary. If a walk down London’s most famous riverside appeals to you, London Bridge are also hosting a market called Winter By The River. This runs daily, with everything from mouth-watering food, artisanal crafts, bespoke gifts and unique experiences including cocktail masterclasses and festive trivia night. Be sure to catch the panoramic views from their pop-up bars to soak up the true London Christmas magic.

 

Both markets are free to attend, however tickets to La Clique are £26.50 and need to be booked in advance.

 

 

Is there anything more magical than the glow of Christmas lights during the darker months? London’s light festivals take it a step further, with elaborate displays to brighten your night in spectacular seasonal fashion. The UK’s original festive light trail returns with Christmas at Kew Gardens kicking off from November 15^th with 8 new installations making their UK debut. For a lights experience like no other, we’re looking to the Epping Ongar Lights Express. This interactive experience allows you to view a fully immersive lightshow to music both on and in a steam train, gazing at neon-coloured flashing views of the scenery beyond the windows. Hosted by the Voiceover Man, known from The X-Factor and BGT, you're in for the most memorable train ride.

 

Christmas at Kew Gardens tickets – Individual tickets from £15/£22.50, Family tickets from £69.

Ongar Lights Express – Starting from £45 for 2 people.

 

 

Make the most of the cold weather by wrapping up and taking it in your stride, well, skate. There are plenty of ice rinks dotted around London, whether you’re wanting to show off your seasoned moves to friends, or looking to learn. You can take to the ice in Canary Wharf up until February 24^th, and unpredictable weather forecast won’t ruin your plans as their rink is set beneath a fairy-light lit roof. They’re also hosting themed DJ nights, ideal for choreographing your pirouettes to. London’s only riverside ice skating venue this year can be found with Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station. Three inter-connecting rinks provide ample space to, well, glide across, whilst a 30ft Christmas tree takes centre stage for a setting worthy of appearing in a festive romcom.

 

Canary Wharf tickets – Individually from £13.95, family from £53.95.

Battersea Power Station tickets – from £10.50/£16.

 

 

Alongside the current West End show schedule, you may notice a few festive appearances. If you’re a ballet fan, The English National Ballet are presenting a month-long run of The Nutcracker from December 12^th at the London Coliseum, which is expected to receive standing ovations at every performance. The Charles Dickens classic 'A Christmas Carol' is also being brought back to the stage from November 9th at The Old Vic, starring John Simm (Life on Mars, Mad Dogs). In listing Christmas theatre shows in London, we can’t forget to give pantomimes a shout-out (oh no we can’t!). For the 9^th season, The London Palladium Pantomime is putting on a production of Robin Hood from the 7^th December. Gather your gang of Merry Men, and enjoy channelling your inner kid.

 

The Nutcracker Ballet tickets – From £20.

A Christmas Carol tickets - From £13.

Robin Hood Pantomime tickets – From £20.

 

 

If you or a loved one are big Harry Potter fans, now is your chance to experience more magic than just the magic of Christmas. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter has been festively updated to wish you a “Harry Christmas” (their words, not ours!). This also doubles up as a perfect early Christmas present if you know someone who grew up as a fan of the franchise. From Christmas trees in the main hall and authentic Christmas cards made by the film’s cast and crew, to snow-laded sets of the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley. On the way out, make a stop at the Christmas gift shop for exclusive gifts, souvenirs and stocking fillers.

 

Hogwarts In The Snow tickets start from £56.

 

 

Make this Christmas one for the history books by visiting one of London’s museums, who are joining in with the festivities. From 20^th December the National History Museum is opening its doors after-hours for an education with a yuletide twist. This night at the museum features harp performances, a Women in Science: Winter Wonders Tour, a Christmas-themed trial and more. Another museum getting into the merry spirit this year is the Science Museum. They’re truly pulling out all the stops on Wednesday 18^th December, from mince pies and mathematic decoration making, to a deeper look into winter themed science. They will also be putting on an 18+ screening The Muppet Christmas Carol followed by a scientific talk exploring whether the laws of physics could permit Scrooge to visit his Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

 

Christmas at the National History Museum tickets - Adults £27, Members £24.30.

Science Museum Christmas Late tickets – Standard is free, VIP is £12

Science Museum ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ Screening & Talk tickets - £12

 

 

 

Whether you’re looking for a venue to host your own Christmas party in, searching for a club night, or seeking a pub to raise a glass and exchange secret Santa gifts with your closest friends in, it’s a sure-fire thing that London has exactly what you’re after. Although we haven’t put together a list of venues for you, as we don’t know your Christmas party criteria, what we do know is what to wear for your celebrations.

 

Think shimmering sequin dresses, green and red Christmas outfits, striking co-ords, velvet or the classic go-to, the reliable LBD, with layered jewellery and stand-out bags. All of these are available in our Partywear collection, and more inspiration is also available in our How To Dress For A Christmas Party blog.

 

 

 

So… what are you waiting for? Make the most of your Christmas in London by filling up your calendar, whilst the big FC fills your stocking (…we meant the other FC, but we also have a stocking filler collection now that you mention it…)

 

Merry Christmas, from all of us at French Connection x

 

 

Feeling inspired? Shop our New In collection for outfits to accompany your Christmas outings.

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