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Winter is such a lovely time to be in London; not only does it look so beautiful under the festive lights, there’s also a wealth of events to enjoy, too. Read on for our handpicked selection of the capital’s seasonal highlights.
Langham Festive Afternoon Tea (10 November – 4 January)
The Langham is offering a festive afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and pastries (the latter of which are themed upon traditional toys). There is a separate children’s menu for smaller appetites.
Covent Garden Christmas (12 November – 5 January)
Covent Garden is a must during the festive season, it looks stunning and there is so much to see and do. Alongside the permanent attractions (boutique shops, street performers and musicians, the Royal Ballet & Opera and the London Transport Museum), there will be a Lego Chalet of Play (until 30 November), a Piper-Heidsieck Winter Pop-Up (until 29 November), Ladurée Festive Pop-Up (until 2 January) and SUSHISAMBA Winter Piazza Terrace by Belvedere (until February). The Christmas lights will be switched on on 12 November, and the decorations will remain until 5 January.
Winter Wonderland (14 November – 1 January)
We are so lucky to have this fabulous winter attraction so nearby. Held in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland includes fairground rides, a big wheel, a Bavarian Village, a fantastic selection of food stalls, ice skating, a circus and a Magical Ice Kingdom.
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre (22 November – 4 January)
Raymond Briggs’s classic children’s story is brought to life in this beautiful stage adaptation. With choreography by Robert North and music by Howard Blake, it’s accompanied by a live orchestra.
The Nutcracker at the RBO (22 November – 5 January)
Peter Wright’s enchanting production of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal tale of The Nutcracker, which has been performed by The Royal Ballet since 1984.
Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations (26 November – 28 December)
Hosted by the Royal Hospital Chelsea (home to the Chelsea Pensioners), the interactive illuminations are the only light trail in the capital. The Winter Village will include a Christmas market, live music and choirs in the bandstand, festive street food, craft drinks and traditional fairground rides.
Novikov Christmas Street Market (27 – 29 November)
Held less than half a mile from Hertford Street, the Novikov Christmas Street Market will include entertainment, food and drink, festive shopping and a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer.
A Christmas Carol at the Charles Dickens Museum (2 – 23 December)
Enjoy a live performance of London’s seasonal tale of A Christmas Carol at the Charles Dickens Museum (which was home to the author between 1837 and 1839).
Winter Carriage Rides in Richmond Park (6 December – 1 January)
Taking a carriage ride is a fabulous way to enjoy one of London’s most beautiful green spaces in winter. Richmond Park covers an area of 2,500 acres and is home to over 600 red and fallow deer. The carriage ride, drawn by shire horses, lasts for an hour and is followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the working stables.
Local pubs
We have some beautiful, historic pubs in our vicinity (see our guide here), perfect for relaxing with a warming drink and a bite to eat.
Winter walks
With Hyde Park, Green Park, Berkeley Square and Mount Street Gardens nearby, you have a fabulous choice of spaces to enjoy a refreshing winter walk.
Winter break in London
If you’d like to organise a winter break, contact us directly or book here.