All the lavish things to do this Christmas in London

We’re inching closer and closer to the big C day, and this weekend London hits peak Christmas, complete with light trails, exclusive festive offers and a giant gingerbread house at Harrods. Interested? Read on to get inspiration for things to do this Christmas period.

Get into the festive spirit on Oxford Street
Christmas is officially on its way and if you’re determined to get ahead on your festive shopping, make sure you head over to Oxford Street this weekend to nab some exclusive offers and deals.
Throughout the festive period, Oxford Street will treat all of its shoppers to two ‘Magic Days’, with the first taking place this Saturday 19th November. These days will allow Londoners to explore the street’s shops, restaurants and leisure brands, all while experiencing their iconic light display.
From exclusive offers to free gifts and festive experiences, this Saturday will see a wealth of their brands getting involved. Expect samples and knot wrapping at Lush; shop the classic 574 model at New Balance and receive a complimentary Sneaker Freaker x New Balance hardcover book (while stocks last); and Intimissimi will be offering a range of events, from a complimentary sherpa blanket when you spend £90 or more on the 19th, and personalised Christmas Baubles on the 10th December (offer valid for purchases at their Oxford Street store).
Don’t forget you can catch Mr C himself at John Lewis from now until the big day! From 25th November, he’ll also be stopping by Selfridges alongside his squad of Christmas pudding disco balls.
Head down this weekend or bookmark their second ‘magic day’ on Saturday 10th December to experience Oxford Street in all of its Christmas glory and kickstart your seasonal shopping in style.
WHEN: 19.11.2022 & 10.12.2022
WHERE: OXFORD STREET
WEBSITE: WWW.OXFORDSTREET.CO.UK

Lose yourself in Dickens’ classic Christmas novel at this immersive experience
Prepare yourself for a wild adventure this weekend as The Great Christmas Feast opens for business. Returning for the fifth year running, you are invited to travel back in time to Christmas Eve, 1843 and visit the enchanted home of Charles JH Dickens.
The Lost Estate team have created a breathtaking theatrical performance, filled with immersive sets and an indulgent yuletide feast.
Enter the cobbled streets of Victorian London and meet Dickens himself as he leads you through a festive retelling of A Christmas Carol. As Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas emerge, you’ll be served an epic three-course feast, packed with Victorian delicacies with modern twists.
Interested? We’ve secured priority access to the final ticket drop, just for Handbook readers. Skip their long waitlist queue and book in right now. Click here to book this year’s best festive feasting experience before it’s too late.
WHEN: 15.11.2022 – 15.01.2023
WHERE: THE LOST ESTATE, 9 BEAUMONT AVENUE, LONDON, W14 9LP
WEBSITE: WWW.CHRISTMASFEAST.COM

Explore Kew’s bright winter trail
It’s the most magical time of the year and Kew Gardens is going all out. This November sees their iconic winter light trail return for the festive season.
Expect every ounce of the trail to be dancing with lights, from lakeside reflections and sparkling tunnels of light to trees drenched in twinkling colours. This year there’s even a flickering fire garden and a chance to say hello to Mr C himself.
For other light shows, read our full guide here.
WHEN: 16.11.2022 – 08.01.2023
WHERE: KEW, RICHMOND, TW9 3AE
WEBSITE: WWW.KEW.ORG

Stop by Harrods to explore their Dior gingerbread makeover
Titled ‘The Fabulous World of Dior’, the façade of the Brompton Road luxury department store has been completely transformed. On display until early January, the exteriors nod to iconic Dior moments, reinterpreted by artist Pietro Ruffo for the Dior cruise 2023 collection.
A compass rose, lucky stars and scintillating flowers will guide you through this stunning display, becoming the building’s largest structure to date.
The fun doesn’t just stop at the exteriors. Inside Harrods, you’ll find plenty of Dior action to get involved in, including a cafe and two novel pop-up boutiques. The first, designed as an authentic gingerbread house representing Monsieur Dior Atelier, invites you to discover more about the House and its iconic creations over the years. Expect plenty of optical illusions thrown in for good measure. Dior Café will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, so book in to try a biscuit version of your favourites from the brand – we’re keeping our eyes peeled for an edible Lady Dior bag.
Inside there’s even a dedicated exhibition space to explore. A real ‘kingdom of dreams’ designed especially for Harrods, it revisits the tradition of gingerbread houses, reproducing the architecture of Dior’s emblematic locations, from Granville to La Colle Noire.
From miniature to grandiose, the exhibition invites you to discover the history of Christian Dior in a whole new setting, uncovering landmark places of his life and career. Expect to see everything from the dream workshop where he drew his first fairy-tale dresses to moments where collections were created.
WHEN: UNTIL 03.01.2023
WHERE: HARRODS, 87-135 BROMPTON ROAD, SW1X 7XL
WEBSITE: WWW.THEFABULOUSWORLDOFDIOR.COM

Get creative at a wreath workshop
London’s favourite florist, McQueen’s, renowned for its installations and restaurant takeovers is back with its ever-popular masterclasses this winter.
Taking over their original flower school home in Bethnal Green, the classes are guided by their tutors. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from the experts while customising your own wreath with an array of seasonal ingredients.
Looking for other wreath workshops? Check out London’s best wreath workshops here.
WHEN: VARIOUS DATES FROM 18.11.2022 – 10.12.2022
WHERE: MCQUEEN’S, 229 CAMBRIDGE HEAD ROAD, E2 0EL
WEBSITE: WWW.MCQUEENSFLOWERS.COM

Book in for an intimate evening of jazz
In need of Saturday evening plans? Make a reservation to remember and book in for 116 Pall Mall’s evening with Pete Horsfall.
The acclaimed UK jazz trumpeter will celebrate the music of legendary singer and trumpet player Louis Armstrong. A regular at Ronnie Scott’s and The Lincoln Center in NYC, Pete and his band will perform Armstrong’s most recognised and remembered songs.
Beforehand, book in for a special afternoon tea courtesy of Searcys. Expect delights such as smoked salmon gillette with horseradish and pickled fennel; freshly baked scones; and pastries of caramel choux, blackberry macaron and Victoria cake.
WHEN: 19.11.2022
WHERE: 116 PALL MALL, ST. JAMES’S, SW1Y 5ED
WEBSITE: WWW.116PALLMALL.COM

Celebrate Shoryu’s 10th birthday
If you’re a huge fan of Japanese food, then Shoryu is a must-visit. Celebrating its ten-year anniversary since its opening back in 2012, the restaurant has launched a special menu to commemorate the huge occasion.
Expect plenty of delicious yuzu-inspired options on the menu, including yuzu tonkatsu ramen; pork BBQ buns; and everyone’s favourite: mochi for dessert. End the night on a high with a sweet strawberry calpico or a yuzu mojito for that fresh, citrus zest
WHERE: VARIOUS LOCATIONS
WEBSITE: WWW.SHORYURAMEN.COM

Catch a very special light show at Tower of London
Tower of London will be lighting up this weekend, offering Londoners a spectacular free show celebrating 13.8 billion years of history.
During the day, from 11am onwards, a digital exhibition will showcase newly commissioned poems, featuring animation and poetry created by children across the UK. Come nightfall and the historical site will become alive with a light projection, including video projections, poetry and music, exploring our shared story from the Big Bang through to today.
WHEN: UNTIL 19.11.2022
WHERE: TOWER OF LONDON
WEBSITE: WWW.ABOUTUS.EARTH

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