Although we love to complain about London; ‘the weather is terrible,’ the real estate is sooo expensive,’ ‘it’s a rat race’ etc… we also have to remember all the great events that happen in and around the city that makes it one of the top cities in the world. I was emailed and asked to name my Top 10 Christmas Activities in London this year and, no, they are not original, but they are truly unique to London.

Here are my Top 10 Christmas Activities this Christmas.

1. Ice Skating at Somerset House: In a truly unique setting, Somerset House ice-skating is a special experience. For more ice-skating, the Natural History Museum is another top choice.
2. Harrod’s Christmas Grotto: There are so many Santa’s Grottos around that it is hard to choose from all the choices, but Harrod’s tops the list as the most spectacular. I have been invited to visit it this year and will write up a post on it. If you didn’t manage tickets this year, Westfield is a good alternative.
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: The Kids just adore it. That’s all there is to say. ‘One of my favourite things in the world’ quoted one child the other day. You may hate it, but they certainly don’t. Skip the circus, it’s not quite Cirque du Soleil.
4. Royal Albert Hall: Christmas Carol Singalong and more. If you grew up with Christmas Carols, this is back-to-the-past-nostalgia. A lovely family affair from 0-100 y.o. The Royal Albert Hall has a whole Christmas Festival with all kinds of shows to choose from.
5. The Snowman Theatre: For the kids, it’s a classic. A lovely show put on at the Peacock Theatre, most love it year after year.
6. London Zoo: There are live reindeers and if you booked in advance, a chance to see Santa.
7. GOSH Christmas Carols: Doing a little giving during Christmas is the biggest reason to celebrate Christmas and Great Ormond Street Hospital always puts on a great show this time of year.
8. The Nutcracker Ballet: Another family tradition, the Nutcracker ballet will enchant and whisk you away to a dream-land full of ballerinas and wooden nutcrackers. For older children.
9. Father Christmas at the Hall: A visit through Royal Albert Hall, you can get insight in this great building with the help of Santa, his elves and his reindeers.
10. Christmas Markets: There are so many to choose from, but the posh will enjoy Belgravia’s Christmas Market on Elizabeth Street, the cool will like the Monocle Christmas Market at its offices, and the tourists will enjoy wandering the Southbank Winter Festival.

Enjoy!

xx

NHYM