6 things to do in London in December 2022
December time in London comes with a fantastic variety of festive events. From Carols at the Royal Albert Hall and ice-skating pop-ups to magical moments at Winter Wonderland. Here are some of our favourite things to do in the city this December.
Southbank Winter Market
When: until 26 December 2022
Where: Riverside, Southbank Centre
Image: Southbank Centre Winter Market, India Roper-Evans
#FLODown: A firm fixture of the festive season, the Southbank Centre's Winter Market returns to its riverside location. Featuring traditional alpine-style chalets, an array of seasonal pop-up bars, restaurants and, for the first time ever, an apline there curling club! It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in festive favourites, shop for seasonal goodies, enjoy warming drinks and even dine in private igloos overlooking the London skyline. Click here for more. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
When: until 2 January 2023
Where: Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland
Price: off-peak (free), standard (£5), and peak (£7.50) entry tickets
Image: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
#FLODown: Winter Wonderland is back for its 15th anniversary in London’s beautiful Hyde Park. Without a doubt one of London's most iconic festive events, they are back with a host of new attractions that will add to your magical day out. You are guaranteed to have a fantastic fun-filled day with attractions including the enormous outdoor ice rink, the classic giant wheel and real ice slide. A show-stopping circus experience at the Zippos Christmas Circus and an exciting brand new Magical Ice Kingdom. Also back in full force is the iconic Ice Bar where you can expect lots of insta-worthy ice snaps, an 80’s Après-ski theme and fun cocktails! Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH.
Skate at Somerset House
When: until 15 January 2023
Where: Somerset House
Price: £7.50 - £11 Children, £10 - 22 Adults
#FLODown: Skate in one of London's most picturesque locations. Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard will once again be transformed into a festive dream, featuring a huge 900-square-metre outdoor rink and a giant 40ft Christmas tree. Don’t miss out on Skate Lates, where you can recreate a classic Christmas movie moment, whilst gliding around the ice with DJ’s playing live.
And if you're only in it for that post-skate festive food and drink then you’ll be please to read that gourmet dining is also returning at Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. Plus, champagne and cocktails will be available at the Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon and importantly, there will be lots of Hotel Chocolat hot chocolates ready to be drank.
Click here to discover other locations you can ice skate in London this festive period.
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
When: Saturday 17 – Saturday 24 December 2022
Where: Auditorium, Royal Albert Hall
Price: starting from £18.89
Image: Royal Albert Hall, Raluca, August, 2022
#FLODown: The Royal Albert Hall is back with their much-loved Christmas concert. Expect a joyful holiday concert with performances including several classic Christmas Carols. It's undoubtedly one of London's finest Christmas concerts and you are more than welcome to sing along! This year presenter Greg Beardsell, soloist Vanessa Haynes, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society, National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and British Imperial Military Band will all grace the stage to bring these incredible carols to life. Location: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP.
Christmas at Kew
When: until 8 January 2023
Where: Kew Gardens
Price: Off peak £21.50/ Peak £28.00
Image: Christmas at Kew 2022, OSamuels
#FLODown: Christmas at Kew is back with their magical winter trail lighting up the evening skies. A staple for the Christmas season in London, the Kew Gardens winter trail offers sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way. There are also lots of independent street food vendors offering a selection of tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and of course hot chocolate. Location: Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE.
The Gardens close at 10pm with last entry at 8:20pm (7:20pm on 24 December 2022).
WEIRD SENSATION FEELS GOOD: The World of ASMR
When: Until 13 May 2023
Where: The Design Museum
Price: from £9.50
Image: WEIRD SENSATION FEELS GOOD: The World of ASMR, The Design Museum, September 2022
#FLODown: Have you ever heard a sound that has brought you a sense of calm? Or even made your skin tingle? Millions around the world are part of an online community who experience ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), a physical sensation of euphoria or deep calm, sometimes tingling in the body, triggered through sound, touch, and movement. This is the first exhibition of its kind to lift the world of ASMR out from your screen and into physical space.
This relaxing exhibition will be a welcomed break in the midst of your busy festive season. Previously due to end this year, the exhibition has been extended until April 2023. Location: 224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, W8 6AG.
Click here for more art exhibitions to see in London this December.
Festive Displays
#FLODown: It's undeniable that London looks amazing during the festive period, from seasonal streetlights to gigantic Christmas trees, there is no shortage of fantastic festive displays in London. Take a trip to one of London's iconic streets to see their impressive festive display including crown jewels beaming over New Bond Street to the classic Spirit of Christmas angel on Regent’s Street.
Click here to read our guide to 2022 festive displays in some of London.
