Twinkling lights, magical parks and enchanting shows: there’s no place on earth like London at Christmas-time. After all, it’s where the original star of Dickens’ Christmas Carol learnt what the merriest time of the year is all about. While you might not have three seasonal spooks up your sleeve to help your Scrooges get into the Christmas spirit, there’s plenty going on in London that’ll have them feeling more festive than a figgy pudding in five minutes flat. Below is just a small selection of the finest seasonal treats in store this December!
After a day of festive fun, curl up in absolute comfort at one of London’s luxury hotels near the centre of the Christmassy action: Grange has hotels in Covent Garden, Tower Bridge and several other locations for ultimate convenience, where you can dream of wonderful Christmases present and future.
Speaking of Scrooge
Two stage legends are bringing Dickens’ classic Christmas Carol to London theatres over December and early January. For a tuneful re-imagining of the novella, catch legendary Cockney crooner (and inveterate hoofer) Tom Steele starring in Scrooge – the Musical throughout the festive season.
Alternately, see Simon Callow revive his acclaimed one-man Christmas Carol show at the Arts Theatre. As Dickens, he’ll take you on a journey through gloomy Victorian streets, ghostly visitations and ultimate redemption in an enthrallingly comic new take on one of the most famous works of Christmas fiction.
Enjoy Christmas Carols with the Choir of King’s College
The world-famous choir from King’s College, Cambridge are bringing their beautiful sound to London for a festive night of Christmas favourites: they’ll be singing seasonal classics, including the Hallelujah Chorus and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, in the majestic arena of the Royal Albert Hall.
Visit a Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
A magical kingdom in the centre of London that’ll enchant children and adults alike, it’s no wonder that Hyde Park’s yearly transformation into an icy dream-world is one of the capital’s best-loved Christmas attractions. Slip, slide or glide across the UK’s biggest skating rink and marvel your way through 200 tons of ice sculpture to get to the lair of the glittering ice dragon. Of course if that all sounds a bit exciting, you could take in the all sights with a mellowing mulled wine in hand at the Wonderland’s Christmas market, or view them from a serene distance from the top of the magnificently lit up observation wheel. Read more about the Winter Wonderland.
Want to take in a Panto?
Oh yes you do! At the Shaw Theatre, Eggheads know-it-all. C J de Mooi is the boo-worthy baddy in Beauty and the Beast, scattergun punner Tim Vine is Wishee Washee in Richmond Theatre’s Aladdin and veteran dame Paul O’Grady will be hamming it up as Widow Twankey in A Wish Came True at the O2.
Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Grange Hotels.
London is most beautiful place in the Europe. If you want to make your Christmas memorable, then you need to visit London. I had personal experience of it. Thanks for reminding my beautiful memories once again.
I spent Xmas in London I believe 6 years ago, was a really special time!