London

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-your-skates-on">GET YOUR SKATES ON</h2>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/3.-Skate-at-Somerset-House.-Photo-by-Owen-Harvey-1024x683.jpg" alt="Skate at Somerset House " class="wp-image-14784" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/3.-Skate-at-Somerset-House.-Photo-by-Owen-Harvey-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/3.-Skate-at-Somerset-House.-Photo-by-Owen-Harvey-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/3.-Skate-at-Somerset-House.-Photo-by-Owen-Harvey-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/3.-Skate-at-Somerset-House.-Photo-by-Owen-Harvey.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Ice skating and the Xmas holidays are a match made in heaven, so get booking these cool spots asap. This year&#8217;s the 25th anniversary of Somerset House&#8217;s iconic skating rink (12 Nov-11 Jan; tickets from £11). <a href="https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookings open</a> 26 Sept, (Psst, you can register for pre-sale now). Meanwhile Glide at Battersea Power Station opens on 6 Nov and runs until 4 Jan, tickets from £18.70 and you can<a href="https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/tickets/?tx_inline_iframe=%2Fdate-selection&amp;tx_sessionDataId=67e59029-4f67-4678-b733-f380e49f347d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> book now</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-book-a-light-trail">BOOK A LIGHT TRAIL </h2>







<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Christmas at Kew 2024 (LF)" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/900730392?h=28a3492a84&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
</div></figure>



<a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Kew Gardens</a> (14 Nov–4 Jan) is always magical; think 3kms of illuminated tunnels, twinkling jewel-coloured lights, fire pits, and (if it&#8217;s anything like last year) dancing lanterns, musical displays, illuminated sculptures and work from international artists being shown for the first time. Best enjoyed with a boozy hot choc (or two), off-peak tickets from £27.50.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buy-tickets-for-a-show">BUY TICKETS FOR A SHOW</h2>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/The-Snowman-5-credit-Tristram-Kenton-scaled-1-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14788" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/The-Snowman-5-credit-Tristram-Kenton-scaled-1-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/The-Snowman-5-credit-Tristram-Kenton-scaled-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/The-Snowman-5-credit-Tristram-Kenton-scaled-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/The-Snowman-5-credit-Tristram-Kenton-scaled-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is it even Xmas if you haven&#8217;t watched <a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/a-christmas-carol-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Christmas Caro</a><a style="font-weight: bold" href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/a-christmas-carol-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a> at The Old Vic, (10 Nov–5 Jan; tickets from £15)? We think not. Though there are many productions cropping up across the capital, The Old Vic manages to pull it out the bag time and again and this year is no exception. Jack Thorne&#8217;s superb adaptation this year sees Paul Hilton&nbsp;(The Inheritance,&nbsp;Lady Macbeth,&nbsp;Slow Horses) step into the role of Ebenezer Scrooge &#8211; pass the mince pies and cuddle in for a cracking Christmas watch.



More Christmas feels at the Peacock Theatre in Holborn, which is showing <a href="https://muddystilettos.tixculture.com/london/shows/26625-the-snowman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Snowman live</a> (22 Nov-4 Jan; tickets from £22). Author Raymond Briggs&#8217; much-loved story of the little boy and his snowman coming to life then embarking on a magical adventure before, sniff, he melts, is a total classic. 



<a href="https://muddystilettos.tixculture.com/london/shows/44741-pinocchio-globe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinocchio</a> at Shakespeare’s Globe, (29 Nov–4 Jan) is something a bit different (but no less Christmassy). Watch the wooden puppet come to life in the iconic Globe Theatre in this magical, unmissable new musical for the whole family by Charlie Josephine and Jim Fortune. Tickets, which are selling fast, start as just £8. 



Grinches, there&#8217;s something here for you too! If the usual stock of Christmas shows are not your bag, then catch some ballet courtesy or Matthew Bourne&#8217;s <a href="https://muddystilettos.tixculture.com/london/shows/19771-matthew-bournes-new-adventures-the-red-shoes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Shoes</a> (2 Dec-18 Jan; tickets from £18) at the Sadlers Wells, which should provide just enough magic to mark the season without lashings of tinsel and excessive Christmas cheer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purchase-panto-seats">PURCHASE PANTO SEATS</h2>







The best of the best? Got to be <a href="https://palladiumpantomime.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleeping Beauty</a> at The London Palladium (6 Dec–11 Jan). Each year it hits the jackpot and 2025 is no exception with Catherine Tate and Jon Culshaw joining the usual&nbsp;Palladium&nbsp;crew (Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Paul Zerdin) for this mischievous take on the traditional fairy-tale. Expect the most flamboyant costumes in the West End. 



Another must-book fairytale is <a href="https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/cinderella" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cinderella</a> at Hackney Empire (22 Nov-31 Jan; tickets from £10). One of the best dames in the business, Clive Rowe, is one again directing and starring at the Hackney Empire&#8217;s panto, now in its 26th year. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-the-music-play">LET THE MUSIC PLAY </h2>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/039-copy.jpg" alt="Royal Albert Hall " class="wp-image-81157" /></figure>



If anyone needs us this December we&#8217;ll be decking the Royal Albert Hall with boughs of holly because the roster of Christmas shows are bringing all the festive cheer (and then some). Seriously, it&#8217;s so hard to choose between catching <a href="https://tickets.royalalberthall.com/production/97707?_gl=1*1d5lafm*_ga*MTEyNDM4NzEwMS4xNzU4NjM5MzE3*_ga_6L8KSSSCZP*czE3NTg2MzkzMTckbzEkZzEkdDE3NTg2Mzk0NzIkajckbDAkaDA." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">My Christmas Orchestral Adventure</a> (7 Dec), <a href="https://tickets.royalalberthall.com/syos2/performance/94759" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jamie Cullum: The Piano Man at Christmas</a> (12 Dec), <a href="https://tickets.royalalberthall.com/production/93055?_gl=1*18zhf2a*_ga*MTEyNDM4NzEwMS4xNzU4NjM5MzE3*_ga_6L8KSSSCZP*czE3NTg2MzkzMTckbzEkZzEkdDE3NTg2Mzk2NjYkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carols at the Hall</a> (14-24 Dec) and <a href="https://tickets.royalalberthall.com/production/92952?_gl=1*1vr5vp6*_ga*MTEyNDM4NzEwMS4xNzU4NjM5MzE3*_ga_6L8KSSSCZP*czE3NTg2MzkzMTckbzEkZzEkdDE3NTg2Mzk2ODMkajQzJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nutcracker </a>(29-31 Dec) that we&#8217;re planning on spending our Christmas there. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-santa">MEET SANTA </h2>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1010" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-01-at-06.55.57-1024x1010.png" alt="Father Christmas at Kenwood House " class="wp-image-5262" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-01-at-06.55.57-1024x1010.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-01-at-06.55.57-300x296.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-01-at-06.55.57-768x758.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-01-at-06.55.57.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Head to Hampstead Heath to get an audience with <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/kenwood-father-christmas-29-nov-21-dec-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Father Christmas at Kenwood House</a> (29 Nov-21 Dec), where he&#8221;ll be taking time out of his busy schedule to tell stories around the Christmas tree in this iconic North London mansion. Every child gets a meet and greet plus a gift too. All for £12.50 &#8211; Santa clearly hasn&#8217;t been affected by inflation. 



South of the river, the most magical grotto&#8217;s at the <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/attractions/santas-grotto-queens-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen&#8217;s House</a> in Greenwich, where the former royal residence will be festooned with decorations inspired by The Nutcracker. Discover Lands of Sweets and Ice and Snow, meet Clara and the Nutcracker and enjoy performances from tin soldiers before finishing in Santa&#8217;s Grotto, for gifts and Xmas Day requests (if you&#8217;ve been good this year). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-book-a-festive-bar">BOOK A FESTIVE BAR</h2>







<a href="https://www.miracleathenrietta.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miracle at Henrietta Hotel</a> in Covent Garden, (10 Nov &#8211; 23 Dec; book now to avoid disappointment) pulls it out the bag every year. The pop-up which literally screams Christmas &#8211; or rather kitsch-mas, thanks to the abundance of retro decorations. Seriously it’s like stepping back in time to your Nan’s front room circa 1982 with all the tinsel, paper chains and chintzy ornaments strewn about). But, once your corneas have recovered, it’s straight to the bar for a Christmas-themed cocktail &#8211; Christmapolitan anyone? 



Why should kids have all the fun at Xmas? Join Santa in his favourite dive bar <a href="https://www.humbugchristmas.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HUMBUG!</a> at Truman Brewery, (19 Nov-31 Dec) for Christmas drinkies, some cabaret, dancing and a whole lotta festive fun. This is an immersive festive event come theatrical production come cocktail bar come great night out with friends where you&#8217;re tasked to cheer up a rather stressed-out Santa with the help of some of the bars regulars, all while enjoying a tipple yourself (of course). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dine-at-a-museum">DINE AT A MUSEUM </h2>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-1024x768.jpeg" alt="Charles Dickens Museum " class="wp-image-5266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



For one day only transport yourself into a Dickensian Christmas Eve, by visiting the home where Charles Dickens lived and wrote his legendary tales, including Oliver Twist. What&#8217;s more, <a href="https://dickensmuseum.com/blogs/all-events/christmas-eve-at-the-charles-dickens-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Charles Dickens Museum</a> nr King&#8217;s Cross (24 Dec) is 100 years old this year. Expect to be surrounded by traditional style decorations (red ribbons and holly garlands galore), while tucking into a free mince pie and mulled wine &#8211; there&#8217;ll also be adaptations of A Christmas Carol playing throughout the day, including family-favourite&nbsp;The Muppet Christmas Carol, in ‘The Smallest Theatre in the World.’



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-festive-at-a-fair">GET FESTIVE AT A FAIR </h2>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Winter-Wonderland-23_6th-December-2023_Joshua-Atkins-1121-1200x800-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Winter Wonderland " class="wp-image-14808" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Winter-Wonderland-23_6th-December-2023_Joshua-Atkins-1121-1200x800-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Winter-Wonderland-23_6th-December-2023_Joshua-Atkins-1121-1200x800-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Winter-Wonderland-23_6th-December-2023_Joshua-Atkins-1121-1200x800-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Winter-Wonderland-23_6th-December-2023_Joshua-Atkins-1121-1200x800-1.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Love it or loathe it, <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Wonderland</a> Hyde Park (14 Nov-1 Jan) is here to stay and what it lacks in classy Christmas style it makes up for with neon-lit fairground rides, German beer tents, skating, an ice bar and a market with more than 100 cute chalet huts selling Xmas bits and pieces you never knew you needed, from expanding snow to out-sized baubles, light-up Santa hats and candy canes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-things-to-do-in-the-capital-this-autumn-amp-winter">More things to do in the capital this Autumn &amp; Winter&#8230;</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/30-cultural-things-to-do-in-london-this-autumn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30+ things to do in London this Autumn</a></li>



<li>Go see the <a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/art-culture/review-gianni-versace-exhibition-retrospective-arches-london-bridge/">Gianni Versace Retrospective</a></li>



<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/nyc-restaurants-opening-in-london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York&#8217;s cult restaurants taking over the capital </a></li>
</ul>

Christmas countdown: 20 Xmas events you need to book NOW

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