With plenty of spare time over the Christmas holidays, you may be stuck for things to do to occupy yourselves (besides lots of studying, of course!). Fear not, we are here to save you from boredom and have come up with a list of festive activities to get you into the Christmas spirit!
1) Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
Featuring a huge fun fair, games, Christmas market stalls and seasonal food and drink, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is one of London’s most popular festive attractions. Grab a mulled wine in one of the bars and stroll around the different stalls. There is also an Ice Rink and a Magical Ice Kingdom for those brave enough to face the cold.
Dates: 18th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023
Tickets: Free in off-peak times up to £7.50, but make sure you have cash for all the bars, gift stalls and attractions!
Nearest stations: Bond Street, Green Park and Knightsbridge
More information: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
2) Harrods
Visit the famous department store and see the weird and wonderful decorations and gifts that they have on offer. Discover the magical 'Christmas World' of make-believe and make sure you check out the fascinating shop window displays.
Tickets: Free
Nearest station: Knightsbridge
More information: https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/christmas
3) Ice Skating at Battersea Power Station
Set in the iconic Battersea Power Station, this is a great way to get in the festive mood.
Dates: 11th November 2022 – 8th January 2023
Tickets: £8 - £15
Nearest station: Battersea Power Station
More information: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/glide/
4) The Great Christmas Feast at Kensington Palace
Be transported back to the Victorian ages with this immersive dining experience inspired by Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Visitors will experience the sights, smells and sounds of a traditional British Christmas, brought to life through music, food and drink, talks and dancing.
Dates: November 15th 2022 to January 15th 2023
Tickets: From £49.50
Nearest station: West Kensington
More Information: https://christmasfeast.thelostestate.com/
5) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The New Wimbledon Theatre
A panto for all ages right here in Wimbledon.
Dates: 3rd Dec to 31st Dec 2022
Tickets: From £13
Nearest station: Wimbledon!
More information: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/new-wimbledon-theatre/
6) Kingston Christmas Market
With over 100 traditional wooden chalets, Kingston Market offers the best of festive drinks, hand-made gifts and German-style food. Why not do a bit of Christmas shopping in the Bentall Centre and the surrounding shops whilst you’re there!
Dates: Market Stalls from 10th November to 24th December 2022. Bar, Food & Entertainment till 2nd January 2023.
Tickets: Free
Nearest station: Kingston
More information: https://www.kingstonchristmasmarket.co.uk/
7) Ice Skating at Somerset House
Get your skates on at this beautiful historical Tudor House, the picture perfect location for this ice rink. With skating club nights in the evening, there is a choice of events to suit everyone.
Dates: 16 Nov 2022 – 15 Jan 2023
Tickets: From £10
Nearest station: Temple
More information: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house
8) Borough Market at Christmas
Experience Borough Market in all its Christmas Glory. There will be various events on there throughout the festive period including their cheese-themed festive extravaganza "An Evening of Cheese"
Dates: 15th Nov 2022 to 9th January 2023
Tickets: Free
Nearest station: London Bridge
More information: https://boroughmarket.org.uk
9) Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Wrap up warm and enjoy an evening ice-skating in Henry VIII's Tudor home.
Dates: 17th November 2022 to 8th January 2023
Tickets: Adults from £17.50
Nearest Station: Hampton Court Palace
More information: https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/
10) Hogwarts in the Snow
This Christmas take a trip around the Warner Bros Studios where you’ll find glittering Christmas trees lining the Great Hall, Christmas dinner laid out on the banquet tables and the model of Hogwarts covered in a blanket of beautiful white snow. You will get up close and personal to costumes, sets, props and much more during this festive tour of the studios.
Dates: 12th November 2022 to 15th January 2023
Tickets: From £51.50
Nearest station: Watford Junction (from here you can get the shuttle bus directly to the studios)
More information: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/hogwarts-in-the-snow/
Always remember to wrap up warm if you are going to any outdoor events, and please always make sure that wherever you go you take care of your personal belongings. We hope you have a lovely Christmas wherever you may be and we are looking forward to welcoming new and old faces back to WSE!
