It’s getting dark before 4 in the afternoon and our woolly hats and scarves are firmly on before we’ve even rolled out of bed each morning, yet it still doesn’t feel like Christmas…! Sound familiar? Well, fear not, because we’ve put our Christmas detectives to work to search out and reveal the best of London’s Christmas activities to get you into the full spirit of things!
Wreath Making
First up, an event of our own! If you want it to feel like Christmas at home, you’ve got to dress your home like Christmas, head to toe! So why not join Daylesford at our brand new concept store in Belgravia to make a wreath of your own to take home and display proudly? Because you’re never too old to get ‘artsy and crafty’!
What: Wreath making with Daylesford
Where: Hip & Healthy’s Pop-up Concept Store, 77 Elizabeth St, SW1W 9PJ
When: Wednesday 6th December, 6:30PM – 8:30PM
(Book tickets at hipandhealthy.com/event/wreath-making-daylesford)
Carols and Shopping
Or, if you fancy an evening less hands-on, head out West to Richmond to join Petersham Nurseries in the launch of their Christmas Collections. In true Petersham Nurseries style, the braziers will be lit and carols will be sung. And if you’ve managed to resist temptation so far, what better place to indulge in your first mince pie and mulled wine of the season?!
What: Carol and shopping evening
Where: Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Richmond, TW10 7AB
When: Wednesday 6th December, 6PM – 9PM
Ice Skating + Dating
Somerset House’s infamous ice rink is back for another year of festive celebrations! This year, Somerset House have partnered with Fortnum & Mason to provide an experience the goes beyond the rink. Having skated your socks off, you can then enjoy a delicious treat for two, served at the Fortnum’s Lodge. Choose from four ‘Skate Extras’, including ‘Wine & Cheese Fondue for Two’ or, if you’re feeling sweeter, opt for the ‘Champagne & Chocolate Fondue for Two’… So, what are you waiting for?! Get your skates on!
What: Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason
Where: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
When: Now until 14th January 2018
(Book tickets at somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house/skate-extras)
Christmas at Kew
If there’s one thing that’ll get you into the Christmas spirit (bar putting Michael Bublé on repeat) it’s Christmas lights! And if there’s one place that know how to put on a Christmas light spectacle like no other it’s Kew Gardens. So, get yourself down to Kew one of these evenings to see the Gardens light up for an unforgettable after-dark festive trail of lights. Get ready to enter an enchanting world of seasonal cheer and Christmas colour!
What: Kew’s Christmas Lights
Where: Kew Gardens
When: Now until 1st January 2018, 5PM – 10PM (Entry from 5PM to 8PM – tickets can be bought on the gates but are advised to be purchased in advance online at christmasatkew.seetickets.com)
words by Kate Harrison