Christmas 2022: London events to book now

Christmas at Kenwood

The grounds of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath turn into a dazzling winter wonderland this Christmas with a festive light trail. Along with the twinkling lights, there are immersive soundscapes, crackling fire pits and theatrical projections. Plus there's a street food market and plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate stops along the way. Make a day of it with a crisp walk on the heath and a cosy pub lunch.

The Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker

Combining magnificent dancing with a story sure to awaken the inner child in even the most cynical adult, stunning designs and Tchaikovsky’s miraculous score, The Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker is an unparalleled Christmas treat. This 1984 production by Sir Peter Wright relies on Lev Ivanov’s original Russian choreography, but has been gently reworked and tweaked over the years to bring it as near to perfection as possible.

Festive Wreath Making at Petersham Nurseries

Learn how to make a magnificent Christmas wreath at this hands-on workshop at Petersham Nurseries. Embrace the wild and dramatic Petersham aesthetic by combining foliage, mosses, woodland materials and fruits to ensure your door is the envy of the street. Light refreshments and ask the equipment required to make your wreath are included.

Santa's Grotto at Hamleys

There are a fair few Santa's doing meet and greets around London, but the most authentic of the St Nicks resides at Hamleys toy shop. Each family gets a personal experience with Father Christmas. You tell the elves family names and Christmas wish lists to make sure Santa's list is up to date and the meeting feels extra authentic. And each child leaves with a a special early Christmas present. Booking is now open and slots are filling up quickly.

The Santa Express at Audley End

All aboard the Santa Express! This charming festive adventure at Audley End miniature railway in Essex is so much more than a Santa's grotto. Take a train ride through the festive forest, spotting the 12 days of Christmas, to meet Father Christmas and his helpful elves. Then explore the enchanted woodland and create your own reindeer food package to leave out for Rudolph and his friends. There's also a North Pole post office, where you can write a special Santa letter and stamp and post it. Plus there's an adventure play area, cafe and tipi tents.

Service of Lessons & Carols, Westminster Abbey

For a Christmas celebration to take your breath away, don't forget to register for the candlelit Westminster Abbey service; without a doubt the best carol concert in London. The Service of Lessons and Carols on 23 and 24 December are free, but tickets must be reserved in advance (and they're always snapped up faster than hot mince pies).

The free tickets are due to be released in mid November - watch this space for updates...

Skate at Somerset House

Glide along the ice with the elegant backdrop of Somerset House. The partnerships with Moët & Chandon and Hotel Chocolat ensure indulgent food and drink for all. This year's Skate Lates nights include a series of DJ slots spanning grime and pop to Northern soul and nu-electro, while the Skate School and Kids Skate Club remain a favourite for family fun.

Booking opens on Friday 30 December and the best time slots fill up quickly, so get your skates on!

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Southbank Centre

Dolly Parton takes on Charles Dickens in this re-worked festive musical based on A Christmas Carol. Relocated to the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the show imagines Scrooge in a mining town. 'I've been busy writing new songs that I hope will bring some the warmth, love and good memories that I have of Christmas time,' Parton says.

For ages 8+

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The Fir Tree, Shakespeare's Globe

Hans Christian Anderson's festive fairy tale comes to life in a magical forest under the starry sky. A little fir tree dreams of a world beyond his forest in a show that encompasses puppets, carol singing and plenty of imagination. The show is staged in the open air Globe Theatre, so wrap up warm and stay cosy with hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Suitable for all ages, but best for 3+

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