Christmas is fast-approaching as we wave goodbye to Halloween and embrace the cold, bitter weather. London has lots of Christmas-related events that really do vary. Obviously I wouldn’t be able to write an article about every single one, so I’ve tried to limit myself to the top Christmas-related things to do in the capital and have attempted to include a variety to suit everyone.
FriendsFestive
Calling all Friends fans, Shoreditch will be welcoming FriendsFestive between 28th November to the 21st of December, which will include the following attractions:
- Visiting the sets of Friends that are decorated for the festive season
- Ring Phoebe’s bell outside the mall
- Recreate the titles in the snow
- Pay a visit to the holiday armadillo’s grotFestive food and drinks and exclusive merch
Ticket includes a glass of mulled wine or a non-alcoholic beverage. Basically, it is promising festive, friends-related things to do, and is a festive take on the Friendsfest events that occur in the summer each year. I’ve already got my ticket, but if you want to get yours or find more information, click here: https://www.friendsfestive.co.uk
Luna Winter Cinema
Now you may have been to a Luna Cinema showing in the summer where they host outdoor events screening films. For the winter, rest assured the event is moved indoors, and they will be hosting showings at two venues in London: Evolutionary Arts Hackney and Kensington Palace. The films that will be showing are all Christmas-related and these are from the 17th of December to the 22nd.
So if you feel like watching Christmas films in a different venue other than being snuggled up with a blanket at home (which everyone loves, right?), then purchase your tickets here: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/luna-winter-cinema
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is one of London’s most popular Christmas-related things to do. The first time I went I felt so confused, so I’m going to try to explain how it works here so you can avoid this confusion.
Entry to the place itself is free, and you are able to play games, purchase food, and purchase funfair ride tokens here.
Other attractions however will need to be purchased in advance, which you can do on their website. Each year there are some consistent attractions, but also lots of new ones, and 2019 has incorporated many new attractions including ‘Magical Ice Kingdom presents A Christmas Carol’ and a 70 metre observation wheel. Other things that should be booked in advance include ice skating, bar ice and winter wonderland comedy club shows.
The event is on from the 21st of November 2019 until 5th January 2020.
It also just has an amazing, Christmassy atmosphere, so if you just want to go for the free experience then go! The official website is here: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Sh!t-Faced Showtime: A Pissedmas Carol
Now Sh!t-Faced Showtime have teamed with Sh!t-faced Shakespeare to perform the Christmas classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, or their alternative version of this, ‘A Pissedmas Carol’. Basically, the ‘Sh!t-Faced’ and ‘Pissedmas’ parts come from how one cast member is drunk, and it follows the improv tradition, meaning each show is different and they just perform as they go along basically!
Performances are from November 20th 2019 until January 4th 2020.
It’s something different than traditional theatre shows, so if you’re interested you can get discounted tickets on TimeOut here: https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/sh-t-faced-showtime-a-pissedmas-carol
Christmas Boat Party
If you absolutely love Christmas music and boat parties, then this event happening on Friday the 13th of December is definitely for you! There will be live DJs and a bar, accompanied with views of the city.
Sounds perfect for you? Get discounted tickets on TimeOut here: https://checkout.timeout.com/london/52-off-a-christmas-boat-party-with-hurlingham-cruises-58647/
Bottomless Food in an Outdoor Igloo at Inamo
You’ve probably seen the outdoor igloos which you can dine in, and here is an example of a place where you can just do that, in Camden. You can go visit Camden market and then have your dinner in an igloo, yay! The food is even unlimited and buying the TimeOut offer also includes a bottle of prosecco. There are over 30 dishes to choose from and these include veggie options. These tickets are valid from the 21st of October until December 31st 2019.
The menu is detailed on the TimeOut website here, where you can also purchase discounted tickets: https://checkout.timeout.com/london/62-off-bottomless-food-in-an-outdoor-igloo-at-inamo-58586/
There are also lots of Christmas markets you can visit, including at Southbank Centre and Leicester Square, but these will be detailed in a different article on KCL’s Her Campus page.
I hope at least one of these Christmas-related things to do have appealed to you, but if not, please feel free to have a Google or sign up to TimeOut where they tend to send emails of the top events to go to in London.
Enjoy the festive season!