Things to do in London this winter
Whether you're planning the ultimate festive season or already preparing to fight off the January blues, London has a lot of exciting events this winter. From concerts to baking classes to holiday celebrations there are so many ways to embrace the cosiness of the season.
Here are some of London's upcoming events and activities to keep in mind this winter.
Festive Activities
Big Bus Christmas Light Tour
Switching on the Christmas lights in Central London marks the beginning of the festive season for locals and visitors alike. To see them as efficiently as possible, book a night bus tour that takes you past the most spectacular holiday displays and London landmarks. The 90-minute tour by Evan Evans runs from 16 November to 30 December.
South Bank, SE1 | evanevanstours.com
Glide at Battersea Power Station
If you want to make your Christmas shopping a little more festive, Battersea Power Station will have an ice skating rink from 8 November to 5 January. The ice rink is covered in twinkling lights and features a massive Christmas tree to get you in the festive spirit. If skating's not your thing, you can enjoy a hot chocolate and watch the skaters fall over each other from the nearby Glass House.
Battersea, SW11 | glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
Festive Baking Classes at Bread Ahead
Everyone loves a homemade treat this time of year and if you're looking to step up your baking skills Bread Ahead is offering a variety of seasonal classes. From perfecting classic Christmas biscuits to learning how to make festive treats from around the world, there's something for every aspiring Star Baker. Festive courses run from 9 November to 22 December and are held across Bread Ahead's nine London locations.
Various locations | breadahead.com
New Year's Eve at the Park Plaza London Riverbank
Starting 2025 by shoving through crowds of people in an attempt to see the New Year's Eve fireworks sounds like a very stressful way to ring in the new year. For a more relaxed experience, book a room at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel which features spectacular views of Westminster and the fireworks display along the Thames. The hotel also offers an elegant New Year's Eve Gala at their 12th-floor event space and a special candlelit dinner at their restaurant.
Vauxhall, SE1 | parkplazariverbank.com
Markets & Fairs
Christmas Art & Design Market
If you're hoping to stray away from the high street while doing your Christmas shopping this year, the North London Maker's Market is holding a special Christmas pop-up with independent vendors selling unique art, ceramics, jewellery, etc. The market runs the weekend of 14 - 15 December at Abney Hall.
Stoke Newington, N16 | n4makersmarket.co.uk
Merry Marylebone Festival
While there are plenty of Christmas light displays in London, in Marylebone the lights are accompanied by a lively street festival. On Wednesday 13 November, the celebrations will kick off with artisan market stalls, craft workshops, a Ferris wheel, and special offers from the restaurants and shops along Marylebone High Street.
Marylebone, NW1 | marylebonevillage.com
London Art Fair
If you've already done the rounds of London art galleries, the London Art Fair brings fresh work from over 120 international galleries for a four-day pop-up event in Islington. Showcasing the best of modern and contemporary art, the Fair is open to the public for browsing as well as to collectors looking for their next purchase. London Art Fair runs from 22 - 26 January at the Business Design Centre.
Islington, N1 | londonartfair.co.uk
Live Performances
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
This winter, the Almeida Theatre will put on Tenessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Twister's Daisy Edgar Jones and Barbie's Kingsley Ben-Adir. Directed by Rebecca Frecknall, who won the Olivier Award for her production of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Almeida in 2022, the modern classic play follows a "marriage plagued by secrets and deceit" as "the question of legacy lingers."
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof runs from 10 December 2024 to 1 February 2025.
Islington, N1 | almeida.co.uk
Nutcracker by the English National Ballet
The iconic festive ballet, Nutcracker, returns to the London stage with the English National Ballet, because nothing says Christmas like a rendition of this classic production. The ballet features over 100 dancers and Tchaikovsky's breathtaking score, performed by a live orchestra. Nutcracker is on at the London Coliseum from 12 December 2024 to 12 January 2025.
Soho, WC2N | ballet.org.uk
The Nightmare Before Christmas Live in Concert
If you're not quite ready to let go of the spooky vibes of autumn, a live concert of The Nightmare Before Christmas brings Tim Burton's classic film to life. The performance features Danny Elfman voicing his iconic role as Jack Skellington accompanied by a live orchestra.
The concert takes place 12 December at OVO Arena.
Wembley, HA9 | disneytickets.co.uk
The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate
Leave 21st-century London behind when you walk through the doors of The Lost Estate in West Ken. For the seventh year running, The Great Christmas Feast transports you to London on Christmas Eve, 1843. You are Charles Dickens’ guest of honour as he unveils a ghostly Christmas story... This is immersive theatre in its truest form, with a virtuosic performance, an outstanding three-course Victorian Christmas dinner dreamt up by Head Chef Ash Clarke, spellbinding sets, and Yuletide fantasy.
West Kensington, W14 | thelostestate.com
Letters Live
The heartfelt and hilarious Letters Live returns for its 10th year at Royal Albert Hall on 12 December. The show features beloved actors acting out correspondence from across history. The lineup is always a surprise, but past readers include the likes of Colin Firth and Olivia Colman. Letters Live is in support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.
Kensington, SW7 | royalalberthall.com
Winter Date Nights
La Poule au Pot
If you're already making Valentine's Day plans or just want a romantic night out this winter, the candle-lit tables at La Poule au Pot create the perfect atmosphere for a cosy date. The menu includes classic French dishes and decadent desserts.
Belgravia, SW1W | pouleaupot.co.uk
Ida
When it feels like the sun sets at 2 p.m., a comforting meal with someone special is just what you need. Ida is a warm, family-run Italian restaurant off the beaten path in Queen's Park. With vintage decor and a welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere, the restaurant is great for a casual meal out or a delicious mid-week treat.
Queen's Park, W10 | idarestaurant.co.uk
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