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Festive Things To Do In London 2022
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By | 7 months ago
London is a magical place to be in the festive season, and the city has already come alive with a plethora of Christmas lights and exciting pop-ups. Looking to make the most of it? Here’s the C&TH guide to festive things to do in London this Christmas.
Festive Things To Do In London 2022
From carol singing to festive theatre, delicious Christmas dinners to cute markets, there’s plenty of festive events and activities in London every year, and 2022 is no different. Here’s our guide to this winter‘s most exciting things to do.
See the Pretty Christmas Lights
The London lights are officially on for 2022 – and they’re looking gorgeous. From regal lights on Bond Street, to a quirky ski-inspired display at Kings Cross, to a colourful extravaganza at Carnaby Street, there’s plenty to see (and take pics of). Check out our full guide to London’s Christmas lights here.
Image: Chelsea Christmas Lights 2022
Try Curling at Kings Cross
9 November 2022–26 February 2023
It’s back: Kings Cross’ popular Club Curling has had an ski-themed makeover for 2023, with six multicoloured curling lanes and an après ski bar serving up a selection of festive hot chocolates, hot toddies and delicious alpine cocktails.
BOOK: Tickets are £7 per person and under 12s go free when accompanied by an adult. kingscross.co.uk
Head to a Festive Market
There’s nothing quite like the warming smell of mulled wine and gingerbread floating through the air. Head to one of London’s festive markets this season to make the most of it:
Winter Wonderland
Southbank Centre
Kingston
Kings Cross
Covent Garden
Leicester Square
London Bridge
Borough Market
Image: Winter Wonderland
Experience One of a Kind Shopping and ‘All The Wonder(s) of Jermyn Street’
10 December 2022
For a car-free festive shopping experience this Christmas, head to Jermyn Street on 10 December, where twinkling lights, live music, stilt walkers, craft workshops and street food, combined with pedestrianisation for the day, will create a Christmas shopping heaven. Between shops showcasing the best of British artistry and craftsmanship, nibble on delicious festive bites, snap a snow globe selfie, or watch circus-themed performances from Gospel singers, DJs, ballerinas and jugglers. stjameslondon.co.uk
Paint Some Baubles
18 December, 3–5 pm
Head to amie wine studio this winter, for a collaborative bauble painting workshop with @pimpupyourplants, with unlimited wine included in your ticket.
BOOK: Tickets are £40. drinkamie.com
Explore an Enchanted Forest at Greenwich Peninsula
From 30 November 2022
Speaking of Christmas markets, Greenwich Peninsula – home of the O2 – is being transformed into an Enchanted Forest this festive season, featuring everything from winter craft workshops to classic film screenings (think Elf, Home Alone, Frozen and It’s a Wonderful Life), intimate jazz gigs to a Christmas rock concert. This is all alongside Christmas market favourites such as warming mulled wine, season street food, festive cocktails and delicious churros. greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
Tuck Into Festive Afternoon Tea
Time to get quintessentially British this Christmas, with festive afternoon tea galore across London. From sweet treats designed to look like little Christmas trees to a festive tipple, here’s our guide to London’s best festive afternoon tea.
Image: The Lanesborough
Chow Down On One of London’s Best Festive Menus
Or, if a slap up roast is more your speed, book into one of London’s many restaurants for a delicious roast (or Christmas-inspired special menus). Check out our guide to London’s best festive menus here.
Image: The Spread Eagle
Catch a Festive Show
From Elf: The Musical to a dark twist on Sleeping Beauty, London’s festive theatre scene is back with a bang this winter. Check out our guide to the must-see shows.
Image: The Nutcracker (c) Tristram Kenton.
Check Out the Extravagant Christmas Trees
London hotels love to go all out for the festive season, pulling in top designers and creatives to design show stopper Christmas trees. From a zero-waste honesty tree to an installation designed to make us contemplate the world’s beauty, check out our 2022 guide to London’s prettiest Christmas trees. Keep your eye out for Trafalgar Square’s magnificent annual Norwegian tree, too – coming on 1 December.
Image: Shangri La The Shard
Indulge in a Festive Staycation
Christmas trees tempting you to stick around even longer? Why not book a festive city staycation at one of London’s beautiful hotels? Check out our full guide to the best festive packages here.
Image: The Goring
Lace Up For Ice Skating
The Natural History Museum’s famous rink may be no more, but the all new Glide at Battersea Power Station promises London’s festive ice skating scene will be just as strong in 2022. There’s also the ever popular Skate at Somerset House, the pretty Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink and the huge Winter Wonderland rink. Check out all of our favourite London skating spots here.
Image: Skate at Somerset House 2021
Admire The Incredible Christmas Windows
Head to one of London’s popular shopping districts to see the magnificent window displays that retailers have created this year. We’ll be flocking to Bond Street, Knightsbridge and Chelsea for our faves. Shout out to Selfridge’s mouth watering ‘Seasons Feastings’ theme on Oxford Street.
Image: Harvey Nichols’ display in 2021.
Head to a Christmas Carol Concert
From traditional concerts from world-renowned choirs to playful renditions of Jesus’ birth, there are plenty of spectacular carol concerts in London this year. Don’t miss our favourites.
Enjoy a Cosy Winter Terrace
From après ski themed rooftop bars to an Iceland themed terrace, it’s time to get cosy on one of London’s lovely winter terraces. Check out our favourites here.
Image: Acme Fire Cult.
Featured Image: Regent Street decorated for Christmas, 2022 (c) Getty.
