The most spoiling things to do at Christmas in London 2018

See the talk-of-the-town tree: Claridge's Christmas Tree 2018

Each year the grand entrance hall of Claridge's is transformed into a vision of Christmas. This year is no exception: one of fashion's most influential figures, Diane von Furstenberg, has been granted the honour of designing the 'talk-of-the-town tree'. Diane von Furstenberg's 'Tree of Love' celebrates all aspects of 'love and life' and will be unveiled on 27 November.

The unveiling offers visitors and Londoners alike the opportunity to marvel at the wonder of Christmas at Claridge's. Treat yourself to an indulgent festive dinner in the Foyer & Reading Room; or, to a shopping spree in the Claridge's Shop. The luxury Christmas Hampers and the new range of Claridge's Christmas Crackers, each containing a charming anecdote from the Claridge's archive, are just delightful.

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The Rooftop Winter Cinema, The Berkeley Hotel

This winter The Berkley Hotel relaunches its magical rooftop cinema. The hotel's rooftop Health Club transforms its secret garden into a twinkling wonderland, complete with rustic-style alpine cabins, heated velvet and fleece blankets and twinkling light lanterns. With panoramic views over Hyde Park, this pine-lined outdoor theatre screening classics including Miracle on 34th Street and The Nutcracker is London’s only rooftop pop-up cinema welcoming just eight guests per screening. Tuck into their homemade hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies while you watch.

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Spoiling Christmas shopping, Mayfair London

Nowhere in London is more festive at Christmas than Piccadilly favourite Fortnum & Mason and neighbouring Burlington Arcade. The lights, the music, the glinting trees and the decadent foodie treats will make even London's Scrooges very very merry.

Stock up on plush Christmas tree decorations – we love the newly released Fortnum's Cake Stand Decoration £25 – and edible stocking fillers at Fortnums before sashaying across the road to Burlington Arcade, bedecked for the season, with twinkling lights and festive flora. Eye up cashmere scarves, Frederic Malle room scents and towering golden Macaroon Christmas trees at Parisian favourite, Ladurée. Window shopping can be just as fun as the real deal: we promise.

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The ultimate festive experience: The Nutcracker, Royal Albert Hall

If you were looking for the perfect definition of magic, you could do worse than pick the pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince, the apogee of that most Christmassy of ballets, The Nutcracker. Following a hugely successful run last Christmas, Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to the Royal Albert Hall with its magical production.

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Festive Afternoon Tea & Christmas Cocktails, Brown's Hotel, Mayfair

This year Brown’s Hotel is celebrating Christmas with luxury fine jewellers Boodles. Boodles transforms the hotel with its whimsical display inspired by magical travel into a festive winter wonderland.

Enjoy a traditional (but delicious) afternoon tea with a festive twist to the accompaniment of carols in The English Tea Room; or, if it's a celebratory tipple you're after, try the limited edition festive Boodles Cocktail made with Hoxton Pink Gin and a splash of absinthe in the Hotel's famous Donovan Bar. It's the season to be merry after all...

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Wreath Making with JamJar Flowers

Welcome in the festive season at JamJar Flowers this December, with a gorgeously decadent one-and-a-half hour wreath-making workshop. Guests will learn the intricacies involved in creating a Christmas wreath using either a classic spruce or wired base. Working with beautiful seasonal foliage, foraged branches, sculptural seed heads, fruits and winter berries, you'll have all the materials you need to make the perfect wreath to adorn your front door.

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Tuck into winter warmers at Melba at The Savoy

The festive season is not complete without a thick, rich hot chocolate, accompanied by a delicious mince pie (or two). Look no further for winter warming treats than the Melba at The Savoy. The Savoy's gourmet counter, accessible via the Strand, is the last word in hot chocolate opulence. Choose between traditional, Brazilian or festive variations before adding toppings of your choice, including crushed macaroon, cookie dough and crunchy chocolate pearls.

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Children’s Special Christmas Film Club, The Soho Hotel

We love the Firmdale Hotels' joyful and inclusive attitude to Christmas, so we literally cannot wait for their annual Festive Film Club to return. During the month of December, The Soho Hotel, The Covent Garden Hotel and The Charlotte Street Hotel play Christmas Classics, old and new, including A Wonderful Life and Love Actually in their on-site luxury boutique screening rooms (click here for dates and screening times). Make a day or evening of it with brunch, Afternoon Tea or dinner before or after the film!

But something really special lies in store for the little ones. On 16 December at 10.30am, The Soho Hotel hosts a ‘Christmas Special’ Children’s Film Club screening of Elf starring Will Ferrel with children’s party specialists, Sharky & George. While you finalise your Christmas shopping, the team at Sharky & George will keep your children entertained with a range of exciting Christmas activities, including snowball fights and traditional party games. Following the activities will be a delicious buffet brunch.

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Festive Season at Intercontinental Park Lane

In tune with the festive season, the talented pasty team at the InterContinental Park Lane has created a festive afternoon tea inspired by the classic carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. Relax in the hotel's grand Wellington Lounge whilst munching on delicious Smoked Salmon, Gammon, Lobster and Roast Turkey sandwiches, and warming Partridge Pie. Festive desert specials include spiced scones, a golden goose egg, spiced drum and choux swan. For ultimate indulgence, pair with a glass of Perrier-Joust champagne.

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