From family-friendly festivities to Christmas cocktails, these yuletide events in the capital offer something for everyone.
The arrival of cold weather might make you want to hibernate under a pile of heated blankets, armed with a hot chocolate and a subscription to your favourite streaming service.
However, hunkering down means you miss the magic of London at Christmas. Streets decked in twinkling lights, mulled wine in every pub and a plethora of phenomenal events.
Here, L360 has complied the ultimate list of Christmas pop-ups and experiences Yule not want to miss — from child-friendly craft fairs to festive fine dining.
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Bars and restaurants
Miracle at Henrietta
London’s worst-kept secret, hidden just off Covent Garden, is the kitschy Christmas of your childhood dreams.
Christmas-themed bar Miracle at Henrietta’s halls are decked floor to ceiling in loud, garish, 1950s-inspired decorations straight out of your nan’s house — and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
This year’s cocktails include the Snowball Old Fashioned, Christmapolitan, Stocking Stuffer and the Run Run Reindeer.
Miracle at Henrietta is fully booked for 2024, however walk-ins are welcome.
Open from 11 November to 23 December. Address: 14-15 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8QH
Limin Winter Lodge
If you’re looking for something a little unique, look no further than Limin’s Winter Lodge.
Located in Gabriel’s Wharf on the South Bank, this alpine-style retreat features a private ski lodge, fir trees, twinkling fairy lights and a fun Caribbean twist
The food is inspired by the islands and includes scotch bonnet glazed ham, garden and mountain risotto, croque monsieur with Trini ham and corn chowder packed with plantain and peppers.
Expect an array of entertainment throughout the season: DJs will be providing funky tunes, you can sing your heart out at the karaoke bar, steel pans will bring those island vibes to life, groups can get competitive with candy cane limbo and guests can be dazzled by fire breathers, burlesque shows and so much more.
Until March 2025. Address: 56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP. Book at limin.co.uk
Read more: A festive twist: how to upgrade your Christmas dinner
Pravaas
What’s more warming on a chilly winter day than a curry?
Pravaass’ chef-patron Shilpa Dandekar has devised a specially crafted Christmas set menu featuring a selection of delicious, innovative dishes that blend Indian spices with seasonal ingredients.
The menu includes pan-seared scallops with parsnip puree, wild mushroom tossed in mustard, curry leaves, coconut and kafir lime, confit lamb rillettes on spicy black pepper masala with red millet idli, a spiced rum-flambeed Christmas pudding and more.
Until 1 January 2025. Address: 3 Glendower Place, South Kensington, London SW7 3DU. Available from £48 for two courses or £58 for three. Book at pravaas.com
Christmas markets
Covent Garden
Top of the list is that perennial piazza favourite — Covent Garden. It’s such a colourful scene filled with handmade crafts and unique gifts. In addition to bagging bargains, visitors can also enjoy fascinating acts, mulled wine stations and this year’s Christmas sandwich festival.
Open from 12 November 2024 until 7 January, 2025. Address: 41 The Piazza, London WC2E 8RF
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
There are few locations more atmospheric than beside the Thames, and the Southbank Centre’s festivities make the most of its riverside location.
Alpine chalets and firepits add to the welcoming atmosphere. Look out for the hot apple cider, a great alternative to a classic mulled wine.
Open 1 December until 26 December. Address: The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 8XX
Read more: 6 winter nail trends you’ll want to rush to the salon for
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
There’s more than walking on the cards at Hyde Park’s winter wonderland. It also features over 100 rides and attractions, a Giant Wheel, numerous live shows, including a circus, ice show, and live music, as well as numerous bars and restaurants.
And from the famous market, expect a distinctly Scandinavian vibe and over 100 wooden stands featuring items such as crafts and jewellery.
Open 21 November 2024 until 5 January 2025. Address: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH. Tickets are free during off-peak times and £7.50 during peak times. Book at winterwonderland.com
Leadenhall Market
Hagrid and Harry stride through Leadenhall Market as they head for Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter movie.
This year, on 14 November at 6pm, the Lord Mayor of London will turn on the market’s Christmas lights.
Though Leadenhall is open all year round, there are Christmas markets open on special dates during the festive season.
Expect crafts, vintage furniture and more up for grabs.
Open on 14, 16, 24 November and 7 December. Address: Gracechurch St, London, EC3V 1LT
King’s Cross markets
Another beloved Harry Potter location is King’s Cross station. Forget platform nine and three-quarters, however, and turn your attentions to the area’s multiple Christmas markets.
Expect gifts from fashion to crafts, with live music and even a special vegan food market.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 29 November to 22 December, as well as Monday 16 December. Address: London, SE1 9AL
Read more: 7 cosy UK cottages like in The Holiday that you can book right now for Christmas 2024
Borough Market
If you’re a food-lover, look no further than Borough Market for all your Christmas treats.
Borough Market is open year-round six days a week but at Christmas it’s dressed in its finest and even open on Mondays too.
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Kingston Christmas Market
There’s a traditional German feel to the cosy market cabins that fill Kingston’s Ancient Market Place.
Look out for Bavarian curling lanes and bratwurst, or if you’re feeling more traditional, don’t miss the hog roast and carol singing.
Open 14 November 2024 until 5 January 2025. Address: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JH
Activities and parties
London’s Original Christmas Boat Party
Get ready to rock around the Thames as London’s Original Christmas Boat Party gears up to set sail again this festive season.
An on-board DJ will play all the best party anthems and Christmas chart-toppers as you float down the river gazing at the jaw-dropping, ever changing sights of some of London’s top landmarks on the festive four-hour cruise.
Indulge in a light buffet meal and taste a tipple (or two) before soaking up those Christmas vibes and partying the night away.
Operating every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 24 November and 23 December. Tickets cost £34 per person. Address: Confirmed closer to the time, but will be a central London Pier between Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Book at londonboatparty.co.uk
The Curling Club
In addition to returning to London’s Southbank Centre, The Curling Club has opened in a new location for 2024: Vinegar Yard, located by London Bridge station.
This fun activity is suitable for couples, families, friends and corporate work parties, and guests can expect to enjoy state-of-the-art curling sheets, cosy decor and a vast range of delicious food and seasonal cocktails.
While you curl, expect entertainment including DJs, glitterball dancers and singers.
Some lanes are available for walk-ins, but wannabe curlers are encouraged to pre-book to avoid disappointment.
Book at curlingclub.com. Until 28 February 2025. Tickets from £48 for a couple.
Addresses:
- Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QX
- Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Family-friendly pop-ups
The Polar Express train ride
Dive right into the 2004 classic The Polar Express with an experience like no other.
On board the train, which departs from Euston station, you’ll find beloved characters including the chefs, conductor and possibly even the ghost, who will draw you into a magical world.
As the journey continues, everyone will be served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie. Father Christmas will also greet children and present them with the first gift of Christmas, a beautiful shiny silver sleigh bell.
Operating three days a week between 6 and 23 December. Tickets start at £59.95 per person. Address: Euston Station, Euston Road, London NW1 2RT. Book at londonthepolarexpressride.com
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Miffy’s Winter Wonderland at Westfield London
Grab your children (or the big kids in your life) and head to Westfield London for a winter wonderland experience.
Located in Ichiba, Europe’s largest Japanese food hall, Miffy’s Winter Wonderland offers shoppers a totally Intsagrammable festive foodie vibe.
There will be a delightful menu of Miffy-themed mochi doughnuts and bubble tea, as well as the perfect prop for selfie-lovers: a giant Miffy lamp.
Exclusive Miffy merchandise from Japan, including dinnerware, accessories and homeware, will also be available to buy.
On 7 December, Miffy herself will be popping to meet fans.
Until 31 January 2025. Address: Ariel Way, London, W12 7GF
Fulham Palace’s Christmas fairs
The former home of the Bishops of London is holding Christmas fairs to celebrate the season.
On 29 November, adults can enjoy the Christmas Fair at Twilight, with holiday shopping from local artisans and vendors, while sipping a complimentary glass of fizz.
Fulham Palace Friends and patrons go free. Tickets for non-members cost £10.
On Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, the annual Family Christmas Fair returns. Attendees can shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy live performances and indulge in seasonal treats.
Kids will love taking part in the craft and activity stalls, including face painting, badgemaking, storytelling and a themed Christmas trail.
Fulham Palace Friends and patrons go free. Tickets for non-members cost £5 for adults, £3 for children, or £15 for families (two adults and two children).
Address: Bishop’s Ave, London, SW6 6EA. Book at fulhampalace.org
Christmas in Chelsea
New for 2024, Christmas in Chelsea at Royal Hospital Chelsea features an enchanting festive light trail through Ranelagh Gardens, complete with market stalls and workshops.
Each night will feature choir performances to add even more merriment to the event, filling with crisp winter air with the sound of classic carols.
Visitors can also expect food market stalls serving up everything you would want as a winter warmer, from mulled wine to sugary churros, smoky bratwurst and more.
Open Wednesday 4 November until Sunday 29 December. Tickets cost from £15 per person, book at christmasinchelsea.co.uk
Address: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
A magical immersive Christmas experience is coming to Eltham Palace this festive season, taking families on a theatrical adventure through the stunning former royal residence.
The Spirit of Christmas features an interactive one-hour journey through the grand rooms of the English Heritage property, once a royal medieval and Tudor residence and childhood home of Henry VIII.
Guests are joined by whimsical characters who will guide children of all ages through the palace on an immersive adventure, telling the tale of how the true meaning of Christmas has been lost.
Can you help to restore the magic of Lapland through kindness and generosity of spirit, before it fades away forever?
At the end of the trail, kids will enjoy a heartwarming encounter with Father Christmas, who will give them a present as a reward for saving the festive season.
Running on select weekends from 23 November to 22 December. Children over two from £30 plus booking fee, adults from £25 plujs booking fee. Address: Court Road, London SE9 5NP. Book at sneakyexperience.co.uk
