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With just over two weeks before Christmas day, we wanted to share a few of our favourite festive things to do in this brilliant city. These aren't necessarily huge events but are guaranteed to get you into the Christmasy spirit. They happen annually, so if you can't make it this year, definitely add it to your list for December 2020.
#1 Columbia Road Christmas Market
Columbia road is one of my favourite streets in London. An unassuming location in the heart of the East End but at certain points in the week and year, it is transformed into a bustling hub of activity. If you haven't been to the flower market held there on a Sunday, add it to your to do list but at this time of year, the time to visit is a Wednesday evening. Head down anytime after 5pm and you will be treated to a whole street of festive stalls and Christmas cheer! A great place to pick up a lovely stocking filler, make sure to stop into the Royal Oak pub after for a drink and something to eat.
Photo credit: Lucy Smith - Postcards Home Ltd
#2 Singing for Syrians
This is happening today! It is a beautiful carol concert held in St Margaret's Church, Westminster. What makes this carol concert truly special (apart from the beautiful venue) is that all proceeds are donated to the Hands Up Foundation. The Hands Up Foundation work within Syrian communities to run incredible projects supporting individuals and families with their health, education and access to prosthetic limbs. Christmas is the time of year for giving, so why not give something small to a truly special project and get to sing some beautiful carols at the same time?!
Tickets are available here.
Photo credit: Singing for Syrians
#3 Ice Skating
It just doesn't feel like Christmas without a spin around the ice skating rink and we have a few favourites to share. The best thing about each is the incredible setting! Up first is the Natural History Museum- the location of our first ever ice-skate! Beautifully illuminated, you can pop in and see the dinosaurs after! Second on our list is the Tower of London rink. Nestled beneath this incredible fortress, you can skate to your heart's content and then take a wander along the river, perhaps popping into the cosy Banker pub for a mulled wine after. The final (and maybe top of the list) is the rink at Somerset House. From the outside, you wouldn't know there was anything going on inside but step off of the street and you will be transported into a wintery wonderland!
Photo credit: Arena Group, Somerset House, Ticketmaster
#4 Beer and Carols at The Three Stags
We love a good sing song and haven't found anything else quite like this! The Three Stags, a pub just 10 minutes from Waterloo hosts the best carol night ever! On Sunday 15th December, packed to the rafters, this is the closest to a movie-style Christmas that you can imagine. Grab a beer and a song sheet and sing your heart out. The singing kicks off at 7pm but get yourself there a bit before to guarantee a good spot.
Photo credit: Oasis Waterloo
#5 The Christmas Lights at Kew
Everyone enjoys a Christmas light or two but Kew Gardens takes it to another level. The gardens are beautiful in the day time and we are always amazed by the vastness of them. For the month of December, the team at Kew transform the park into a magical winter spectacular. Walk beneath glittering tree canopies, watch the mesmerising laser shows and take a wander through the tunnel of light. Wrap up warm!
Photo credit: Kew Gardens
Got another festive favourite that we haven't mentioned? Get in touch and let us know and we will add it to the list for next year!
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