Six luxurious London Christmas experiences

By Hannah Hudson

October 1, 2022

From ice skating at London landmarks to taking in a West End show or raising a frosted cocktail glass, London in December really delivers.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas – and nowhere more so than in London, where the whole of December functions as an atmospheric countdown to the nation’s big day off. Here’s our pick of six of the very best of Christmas experiences across the capital.

Ice skate at a London landmark

The annual pop-up rinks mean you’re spoiled for choice if you want to ice skate in London. For the best panoramic views, Europe's only real ice rooftop rink at Skylight in Tobacco Dock in East London. Other returning favourites include the ice rink at Somerset House within its grand 18th century courtyard. Here, you can follow your skating session with a visit to the Chalet Suisse by pop-up legend Jimmy Garcia to enjoy winter classics, including cheese fondue, roast pork belly with pancetta-laced mash and Bernese Oberland Meringue with whipped cream and fresh winter berries.

MO insider tip: To glide in peace, consider booking the first session of the day, before the tour groups and after-work groups descend (though it’s not as conducive to mulled wine drinking).

Drink Champagne in an igloo or hop into a Nordic hot tub

If you’re after an igloo with a view, you can’t beat the Insta-worthy domes overlooking the Thames at the Coppa Club near Tower Bridge. Here, chic PVC domes are filled with fluffy blankets, sheepskin rugs, gently flickering candles and (should you wish) chilled Champagne on ice. All it needs is you and some friends to heat things up. If a Nordic Christmas is more your style, head to Winterland in Fulham. Its authentic Alpine experience features mountain scenery, fire pits, festive feasting tables, chairlifts, and bubbling woodland hot tubs – keeping things cool and hot at the same time.

MO insider tip: Book a hot tub at Winterland in advance and you’ll enjoy butler service – meaning you can enjoy drinks from the bar without having to leave your pool.

Lose yourself in a festive West End show

Discover the magic of the London stage with a world-class West End show. At the London Coliseum, the English National Ballet is pulling out all the stops for its performance of the Nutcracker, with more than 100 dancers and musicians bringing a frost-dusted Edwardian London to life. For families, The Snowman at Sadler’s Wells is a real treat. This stage adaptation returns to the Peacock Theatre for its 25th year, offering a heart-tugging musical score enhanced by a live orchestra.

MO insider tip: Want the best seat in the house? Visit Which Seat, which collects seat reviews for every London theatre.

Explore a winter wonderland at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens may seem like more of a London summer must-do, but great effort is made to ensure the same is true of these botanical gardens during the run-up to Christmas when, after dark, the grounds are illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. See them on one of the popular guided walks of the displays, gaze up at trees swathed in sparkling colour, and say hello to Santa Claus along the way. You’d have to be made of stone not to feel the Christmas spirit.

MO insider tip: No time to grab a bite to eat beforehand? No problem: there’s a huge quality selection of street food along the trail, plus spiced cider, mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up.

Sing traditional Christmas carols

Sing and be sung to at one of the many festive carol services taking place in London during December. The elegant St Martin-in-the-Fields, near Trafalgar Square, offers a programme of festive music. The church’s choir sings traditional carols – and the crowd is invited to join in. Meanwhile, at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral you can enjoy concerts including a spine-tingling performance of Handel’s Messiah by The Cathedral Choir and Chorus, as well as Sankta Lucia – the famous Swedish Christmas service, complete with a candlelit procession of St Lucy.

MO insider tip: The Christmas Eve Carol service at St Paul’s is particularly popular, so if you want to get a seat, arrive at least two hours beforehand.. Don’t fancy the wait? Grab yourself a hot drink from a nearby café and head to Paternoster Square, just a minute’s walk away – the service is beamed onto an outdoor screen there.

Toast the season with a festive brunch

Gather friends and family all under one roof for a festive feast of epic proportions: for something truly deluxe, it doesn’t get better than a specially curated festive brunch at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, which offers a menu including Irish oysters, glazed duck robata and miso yuzu eggs royale, plus your choice of free-flow wine, beer, sake, or a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails. Available throughout November and December, this spread is guaranteed to imbue you with a suitably festive glow.

MO insider tip: Sweet tooth? You’ll want to try the Bento Box with its feather-light yuzu choux, apple gyozas and decadent matcha chocolate truffles.

About the Author

Hannah Hudson

Hannah is a London-based lifestyle writer and content director, specialising in business, luxury and travel.