Christmas Countdown: Festive Things to Do in London this WeekBy Angelica Malin
Welcome to our new #ChristmasCountdown column: every week until Christmas, we’ll be running a weekly round-up of festive things to do in London. Here’s some ideas for festive things to do in the capital this week:
Grab a Christmas Tree: Pines and Needles Pop-Ups
London’s leading real Christmas tree retailers Pines and Needles, the team behind this year’s tree at the Albert Hall, Blenheim and Hampton Court, are opening their annual pop-up shops across the capital this week. Celebrity fans include Madonna, Elton John and rumour has it, a certain Royal couple even opted for a Pines and Needle tree. Grab yourself a tree at one of the pop-ups here.
Enjoy a Festive Staycation: The Langham London
Celebrating the most magical season, The Langham has a launched a special Fairytale of London package, valid until 2nd January 2022.. Guests can relive their fairy-tale dream with a ride on a horse-drawn carriage ride around Regents Park, followed by tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cinderella” musical performance, accompanied by carols by the famous London Gay Men’s Chorus. Top off the fairy-tale royal experience with a festive afternoon tea at the famed Palm Court followed by a stay in an elegant suite decorated for the festive season with a traditional Christmas tree and stockings.
Discover a New Winter Terrace: Yauatcha City
Yauatcha City has now launched its winter terrace, Yauatcha Ice City, in collaboration with Champagne Moët & Chandon. Open until March 2022, Yauatcha Ice City sees the terrace’s two covered and heated floors decked out with faux fur rugs under hanging chandeliers and fairy lights. Expect Moët by the glass, three new cocktails, such as the Golden Spice Warmer, a hot cocktail with Hennessy VSOP cognac, cinnamon and Angostura bitters, and new dishes such as Drunken chicken and prawn wonton.
Have a Drink on a Festive Terrace: Bubba Oasis
Bubba Oasis, in the heart of Angel Islington, has transformed the rooftop terrace into a cosy hideaway with twinkling lights, a covered roof, blankets, large Christmas trees, and heaters, ready for celebrations across the festive season. They also have a special warming cocktail menu and winter food specials available, as well as mid week live acoustic sessions through to top London DJ’s on weekends.
Visit a Christmas Installation: St. Pancras International
St. Pancras International has unveiled this year’s Christmas installation, a family-friendly festive display, in partnership with ZSL London Zoo. This year, St. Pancras International has used its legacy of Christmas installations to show support for another iconic destination – London Zoo, by partnering to create its famous annual Christmas tree creation. Throughout December, the station will host a different choir each day in the lead up to Christmas, as part of its Caroling for Causes activation.
Take Part in a Christmas ‘Pup’ Crawl: The Happenstance
This Christmas, The Happenstance and The Refinery Bankside are inviting you to don your festive jumpers, spruce up your pooch in seasonal attire and raise a glass for London’s first ever Christmas ‘Pup’ Crawl on Sunday 5th December, from 11am – 2pm – in partnership with Paaw House, Butternut Box, and dog rescue charity, Wild at Heart Foundation. Both humans and pooches will enjoy hours of fabulous festive entertainment, prosecco and ‘puppaccinos’ alongside mince pies and refreshments. Tickets are priced at £22 per person, inclusive of one dog, and £2 from every ticket sold will be donated to Wild at Heart Foundation. To book, head here.
