It’s Starting to Look a lot like Christmas...
Here in Highbury and Islington, we love looking for the first Christmas lights and decorations going up – usually in November!
There are lots of lovely things to do in London at this wonderful time of the year. To make life a bit easier for our lovely guests, with or without children, here are some of our suggestions for seasonal activities.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Free entrance with lots of stalls, fairground rides and an ice rink. You pay for the attractions but you can wander round enjoying the atmosphere for free. It opens at 4 pm on 21st November and can be visited between 10 am and 10 pm every day. Find out more.
Check out the Christmas Lights
There are lots to choose from, some very close to the Highbury Centre, some a little further away. The traditional Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, gifted to the City of London by the people of Oslo every year in gratitude for their support in the Second World War, is switched on 5th December at 6pm.
Go Ice Skating
There are lots of places in London offering a seasonal ice rink. It’s great fun for all the family and can be followed with a restorative hot chocolate and a piece of cake! Check it out.
Sing your Heart out
Come along to the Christian Aid Gospel Christmas event at NTCG Brixton Community Church on Saturday 7th December. Ticketed event only, find out more information and to book here. You can get your hands on the early bird tickets up to 30th November.
Go to a Museum
The London Museum has a Victorian Santa’s Grotto at both its sites, there’s festive storytelling for the under-5s at their Docklands site, the V&A is putting on a free Festive Origami drop-in from 1st – 22nd December while the Museum of Childhood has a whole range of Christmas activities to suit all tastes.
Wrap up Warm and Go for a Walk
If you’re feeling fit, climb up Primrose Hill and look at the lights of London coming on. Or stroll along the South Bank, taking in all the street entertainers and Christmas markets.
Sing Some Carols
Nothing is more inspiring than hearing thousands of voices raised in worship. Check out the traditional carol services at St Paul’s Cathedral, St Martin-in-the-Fields and the Royal Albert Hall.
Watch a Christmas Film
Visit Luna Cinema in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Go Window Shopping
Liberty’s of London is famous for its beautiful displays, as are all the shops along Oxford Street and Regent Street. Carnaby Street, just round the back of Liberty’s is also well worth a visit.
It’s panto season!
Oh yes it is …… see here for Time Out’s complete list of London pantos this year.