‘Tis the season and we’re entirely intent on making the most of our social calendars for Christmas 2022. Luckily, London’s social scene has delivered this year and there’s a real wealth of different events to fill your diaries with.
From afternoon teas to wreath workshops, festive cocktails and tasty festive menus to try, the capital has plenty of Christmas activities to get stuck into this December. This is just the tonic we need after a rather turbulent year all round.
So, grab your friends, put a pin in your diaries and enjoy some of our picks of the best Christmas activities the capital has to offer this December.
Christmas at the Castle, Windsor Castle
Take a trip to Windsor Castle at this time of year and you’ll see the stunning 20-foot Christmas tree in St George’s Hall. Dressed with hundreds of lights and ornaments, it took a staggering 13 hours to decorate (it certainly puts our own efforts to shame). This year, you can also attend a virtual talk about how the royals do Christmas with Curator of Decorative Arts Sally Goodsir, who will spill the details on the history of Royal Christmas traditions, and learn how today’s preparations at Windsor Castle have been shaped by a rich tradition of festive celebrations.
Location: Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Festive afternoon tea, Claridge’s
Alternatively, head to Claridge’s in Mayfair for their festive take on afternoon tea. The centrepiece here? The brand’s Christmas Pudding, stirred to perfection by the whole pastry team in an annual ritual that dates back over 100 years. Obligatory decked halls and weekend performances from The Southend Children’s Choir provide the setting to this limited-edition ode to festive tradition.
Location: Claridge’s, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
Christmas afternoon tea, Ruben’s at the Palace
There’s not much more festive than the words ‘bottomless mulled wine’, so we’re immediately booking in for this afternoon tea at Ruben’s at Buckingham Palace. Tuck into truly adorable Christmassy pastries, created by Bake Off Professionals finalist Sarah Houghton, while taking in the grandeur of the Palace Lounge.
Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, SW1W 0PS
Mediterranean Christmas dinner, Brother Marcus
It’s the foodie pairing you never knew you needed: traditional Greek dishes with a festive twist – all washed down with warming Metaxa brandy cocktails. Head to Brother Marcus in Spitalfields for a take on fusion food that, frankly, really works. Charred pita and stuffed turkey breast on the same menu? Actually, we’re completely here for it.
Location: 2 Crispin Place, Spitalfields, E1 6DW
Curling Club, Southbank Centre
The Curling Club pop up has left the Langham and set up shop at the Southbank Centre this December, with a selection of new offerings to get stuck into. Curling enthusiasts can play the Olympic sport in groups as small as two (date night?) up to as many friends as you can rope in. There’s a variety of options to choose from which include table reservations, sides, mains and drinks – or not, if you’ve already eaten at the Christmas market.
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
The Ned’s Christmas, Bank
The Ned is one of the most festive places to see and be seen in this Christmas (just look at that tree), and you don’t have to be a member to enjoy its festive delights. During December you can book singalong carols with Gareth Malone and his choir, enjoy mince pies at festive afternoon tea, tuck into a luxurious Christmas dinner and more. Before a night of dancing and festive frivolity we suggest booking into the spa for a manicure and a signature Cowshed massage which is so relaxing, you might even doze off.
Location: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
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Winter Forest, 100 Wardour Street
The team at 100 Wardour Street have put together the most picturesque winter drinks menu we’ve seen: we don’t think we’ve ever seen a faux snow sprayed cocktail before, and we love it. Sit in the bedecked atrium, wrapped up in a cosy blanket under the twinkling lights and enjoy.
Location: 100 Wardour Street, W1F 0TN
The Nutcracker, Royal Albert Hall
A lovely Christmas classic brought alive on the stage by the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Watch the Nutcracker and his friends come to life at the stroke of midnight, featuring choreography created just for the Royal Albert Hall and Tchaikovsky’s stunning score. Prepare to be impressed.
Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Christmas centrepiece workshop
A Christmassy afternoon tea with a difference. Visit Pan Pacific London’s lavish Orchid Lounge (probably the most comfortable sofa we’ve ever sat on) for an Asian-inspired selection of savoury nibbles and sweet treats including possibly some of the most charming festive patisserie we’ve tried. This year’s offering takes inspiration from The Sugar Plum fairy ballet – if you’ve never had a cocoa dusted bao bun before, or a mango and citrus aperitif served as a shot inside a real eggshell, now is your chance.
Location: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
We visit winter wonderland
Winter wonderland Hyde park Tour
Source Elle
Christmas at the Castle, Windsor Castle
Festive afternoon tea, Claridge's
Christmas afternoon tea, Ruben's at the Palace
Mediterranean Christmas dinner, Brother Marcus
Curling Club, Southbank Centre
The Ned's Christmas, Bank
Winter Forest, 100 Wardour Street
Winter Forest, 100 Wardour Street
Christmas centrepiece workshop
