What to do in London over the Christmas break
Staying home for the holidays? There’s loads to do in London from now through the new year. This week and next, we’ll give you the scoop on enjoying the best festivities in the capital at Christmas.
Join in the Southbank Centre Winter Festival
through Sunday 11 January 2015, free entry
Come for the Christmas market, the food market, the Christmas Tree Café or the gargantuan glowing rabbits. Much of the Southbank Winter Festival is geared towards kids, from the Children’s Trail (free) to the Christmas Tree Maze (a bit overpriced at £4, which probably explains why it was nearly empty when I visited last Saturday). There’s even a diminutive train that will chuff you down the river to Festival Pier and back (also £4, but better value—how often can you ride the rails right along the Thames?).
For a bit of grown-up time, kick back at the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge or take in the sights from the Viewing Deck Bar. Get a sitter and check out La Soiree, a circus and burlesque show; the website warns it’s not for children, as it ‘may contain nudity’ (a bit odd that they’re not sure).
Peace on Earth may be in short supply these days, but you can at least demonstrate good will toward men: whether you know how to knit or are just a beginner, bring your own wool and needles to Get Your Knit On! and help knit blankets for vulnerable older people at Christmas. Or visit the pop-up charity shop Gift of Giving, which appeared to be nearly undiscovered when I visited—I found a stylish little handbag there for less than a fiver.
Go ice skating
through at least 4 January 2015, check websites for prices
Strap on those blades at a variety of venues: admire the gorgeous architecture as you glide by Somerset House and the Natural History Museum. Go for an Eyeskate at, you guessed it, the London Eye. Goggle the Tudor grandeur of Hampton Court Palace, foil the rain by skating indoors at Westfield or bask in the great out-of-doors in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. A post-skate hot chocolate is a must.
Experience Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
through 4 January 2015, free entry
Speaking of Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is more than just another ice rink. Two circuses, a giant wheel, and the Magical Ice Kingdom all vie for your attention as well. If you’ve gone without the kids (though I’m not sure why you would), you can chill out at Bar Ice, drinking cocktails in a ‘sub-zero environment’. All those attractions require tickets—including the bar, where tickets must be bought even for children should you choose to bring them—and you’d be best off buying in advance, as they do tend to sell out. Advance tickets also get you fast-track entry at the Winter Wonderland gates. Of course there’s no need to book for the rides or the Christmas market, open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 10pm.
Go for a dip at Hampton Pool
year-round, from £4.90/£3.05 adult/child
Open—and more importantly, heated—year-round, the open-air Hampton Pool near Bushy Park promises to be toasty no matter the weather. Want to swim on Christmas Day? Go ahead, the pool opens at 6am.
Check out Covent Garden at Christmas, through 6 January 2015, free
Let Covent Garden’s silvery reindeer, 150,000 pea lights and oversized baubles give you that festive feeling. Outside the Transport Museum, your kids can scrawl on a miniature chalk bus or touch the fuzzy top of one decked out like a Queen’s Guard. Plus there’s a Lego sculpture of Father Christmas with his reindeer (through the 29th)—you can even climb into the sleigh for a selfie with Santa.
