The best Christmas events in London

Feel like getting festive this weekend? Here’s our guide to the best Christmas events in London.

It’s good news for all you Christmas enthusiasts, because the season to be jolly is right round the corner. We’re talking mulled wines in fake Bavarian huts, stuffing yourself with an excessive amount of mince pies and chowing down on a festive pig in blankets sandwich without judgement (okay, maybe a little).

But beyond the sweet treats, it’s all the events that make this time of the year as special as it is. Whether you're perusing a Christmas market or treating yourself to a warming carol concert, there are all sorts of things to get up to this Xmas and because we're feeling merry, we've pulled together some of our top festive picks.

Classic Christmas events on this week

Christmas at Kew Gardens

Kew’s incredible botanical gardens will be undergoing another magnificent seasonal makeover in 2019, as Christmas at Kew lights up the space’s iconic buildings and the weird and wonderful plants that call it home.

Southbank Centre Winter Festival

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival returns is back for 2019 with another sparkling programme of festive shows and performances, family fun and music.

Skate at Somerset House

Now in its twentieth year, the arrival of the ice rink in Somerset House’s grand eighteenth-century courtyard is something of a festive institution. The 900-square-metre outdoor rink returns to the spot from November 13 to January 12, and is a great way to spend the day no matter how impressive your skating skills are.

by Blackstones

Plan an amazing Christmas in London

It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas in London. These festive events, markets and cosy pop-ups will provide enough festive cheer to see you through the rest of the year.

Almost as soon as the temperature drops and the clocks go back, London is transformed into a wintery wonderland. Ice rinks appear in squares, on rooftops and outside London icons while the city glitters with Christmas lights and creatively decorated trees. Suddenly, you can fill your free time sipping hot booze in kitsch pop-up bars (like this Miracle on Ninth Street one), wandering through an Enchanted Woodland or following your nose around an intricate gingerbread city.

Of course there are pantos, parties and countless Christmas markets – the Southbank Winter Market and Hyde Park’s enormous Winter Wonderland need no introduction – but the point is, London is stuffed like a stocking full of magical things to do at Christmas.

Oh, and talking of gifts, we’ve got Christmas shopping in London all wrapped up too – check out our 2019 Christmas gift guide and our pick of Christmas shops in London. Trying to cut back or give back? We’re with you. Find out how to have a sustainable Christmas in the capital this year.

by Blackstones