It’s December and officially when LDN Life feels like we can finally talk about Christmas and the fun goings-on in and around London. Naturally, there are too many to mention in one post, but here are some of our favourites. If you’ve already been to something that really needs to be on this list, then let us know.
London Christmas Experiences
1). We’ll start with Backyard Cinema’s Christmas Labyrinth – which is their biggest production to date. Guests will take their festive fate into their own hands as they navigate an enormous magical maze before journeying through a tunnel of trees and discover a cosy, enchanted forest cinema. Sounds worth heading to Winterville in Clapham Common.
2). If you want something a bit more ‘classic’ and central, then Backyard Cinema’s ‘The Snowman™ Experience’ might be for you. – To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic story which is likely known and loved by pretty much everyone that doesn’t say bah humbug. Backyard Cinema has created an exclusive immersive multi-roomed and multi-sensory, cinematic adventure at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
3). Speaking of snowmen and not to be outdone. The Greatest Snowman is an immersive theatre and dining experience by Funicular. They are inviting festive Londoners to board a luxury train carriage this Christmas for an evening of good tidings. Guests will be treated to a four-course meal courtesy of MasterChef The Professionals finalist Louisa Ellis whilst an interactive plot thickens around them.
4). We reviewed John Lewis & Partners rooftop experience back in the summer and if it’s ‘Skyline Skating with Sipsmith’ is as good, then you’re in for a treat. It’s billed as the ultimate rooftop hideaway experience and visitors can take a break from Christmas shopping madness on Oxford Street and practice their pirouettes (or in our case not falling on our arse), plus of course, try a hot gin cocktail from Sipsmith and a tasty pie from MYPIE.
5). Winterland’s Alpine Club – Fulham’s first Thameside beach has had a retro ski chalet makeover to welcome Winterland into the fold – expect piping hot, indulgent cheese fondues served with a selection of charcuterie and schnitzel enjoyed upon large feasting tables, and warm wintery cocktails from Moose, the ‘Alpine spirit’ enjoyed in heated hunting lodges.
London Christmas Festivals
The biggest and the best, well when it’s not too busy. It’s become a Christmas tradition for many Londoners and every year it seems to pull another festive rabbit out of Santa’s hat. Yes every year I say that I’m not going back and every year I somehow end up there.
7) Winterville – Clapham Common
This feels more grown-up than Winter Wonderland, but it offers an exciting alternative for those south of the river folk.
If I had to choose one place in London to go at Christmas, well the south bank would be it. At Christmas it just becomes even more magical and beautiful, perfect for a romantic evening and fun with friends with the Thames and London as the backdrop. This year there’s circus tents, theme park rides, plus the usual gift and food stalls, cinema and Christmas ‘not’ afternoon tea and much much more for people of all ages.
With its new old beautiful theatre, Ally Pally is undergoing a resurgence and it knows it. Their Christmas experience has been set up to celebrate the reopening of the Alexandra Palace Theatre and East Court, they are throwing a Christmas Carnival like no other! Running from 1st – 16th December, visit Ally Pally for Winter Ice Skating, Panto On Ice, Horrible Christmas, StrEATlife street food and craft beer festival, Christmas Market and much more.
Our London Festive Dining Roundup
With the Christmas festivities fast approaching, here’s a roundup of the merriest dining experiences that you can enjoy this festive season. As you would expect, London has a huge variety of places to choose from.
10) The Pembury Tavern – based in Hackney, the home and taproom of Five Points will be serving mouth-watering Christmas roasts to help warm the cockles, but it makes the list with the promise of purple… YES purple beer.
11) The Arch London (www.thearchlondon.com)
The Arch London in Marylebone will be offering a luxurious three-course Festive menu for £35 per person from 26 November 2018 until 6 January 2019.
12) Sopwell House (www.sopwellhouse.co.uk)
For a memorable Christmas Day Lunch, Sopwell House will be hosting a banquet in its St Alban Suite. A sparkling reception will be followed by a sumptuous four-course lunch including all the traditional trimmings.
13) K West Hotel & Spa (www.k-west.co.uk)
Head over to the ice-cool hotel in Shepherds Bush for a wonderful three course Christmas Day Lunch for £45.50.
14) Royal Lancaster London (www.royallancaster.com)
You could indulge in an exquisite sounding five-course menu on Christmas Day featuring heart-warming Christmas classics such as Bronzed turkey breast with all the trimmings and homemade Christmas pudding for a tidy £75 per person.
15) The Club Hotel & Spa, Jersey (www.theclubjersey.com)
Bohemia is offering Festive three-course lunches from £52 per person; and dinners from £62 per person including wine and a glass of prosecco on arrival.
16) Royal China Restaurants (www.theroyalchina.co.uk)
With restaurants in prime locations across London, Royal China Group is offering Cantonese-inspired feasts to celebrate the festive season. The restaurants in Baker Street, Queensway, Canary Wharf and Harrow-on-the-Hill each have their own unique menus.
Think something should be on the list, whether it is naughty or nice? Let us know via Twitter or contact us
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Festive London Drinks
17. The City of London Distillery launches new warm festive cocktail @ their COLD bar
We went along and tried this yummy warm cocktail and some of their others. Well worth a visit if you’re in central London
18. The Pembury Tavern and Five Points Brewing Company
From free beer for donating clothes to festive pizzas, if your over in Hackney you should add this to your list.
