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The long and exciting road to Christmas (and New Year’s Eve) has already taken shape. it begins with Halloween, and by the time we’ve passed Bonfire Night we’re well and truly on the home straight. Anyone who thinks that Christmas is just for the kids is seriously missing out. The mix of escapist entertainment and comfort eating is too tempting.
London’s Christmas Lights switch on from 2 November and this famous extravaganza takes up the entire length of Oxford Street, plus Regent Street, Bond Street and Carnaby. On top of that, Covent Garden always promises something special. That’s an awful lot of illuminated shopping and snacking.
Outdoor ice rinks are back this year. Principal among them is Skate at Somerset House on Strand, Covent Garden. From mid-November to mid-January 2023, you can skate around the jazzed–up Neoclassical courtyard, and then enjoy a cocktail at the Moet and Chandon Skate Lounge. Christmas shops, DJ, and food too.
On the other side of town is the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park. This opens earlier, on October 22, and runs right through till the end of February 2023. Flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, there is a rink–side bar and lots of nearby restaurants and watering holes.
Watch out for the Great Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden on 10th December at 11am. It’s a charity fun run featuring people in fancy dress trying to keep a Christmas pudding in one piece while avoiding obstacles. Very British. And afterwards there is the rest of Covent Garden to explore, a great dining destination and lots of intriguing shops.
Winter Begins
Winter fun kicks off with Halloween themes and a trip to the Theatre.
2:22 A Ghost Story
Piccadilly Circus
Booking to: 8 Jan 2023
Fourth incarnation for this highly successful, award winning chiller. Ages 14+ (theatre entrance faces Eros fountain).
Good
Panton Street SW1
6 October to 24 December
David Tennant impressive in this revival of CP Taylor’s 1982 play. Directed by Dominic Cook.
Hogwarts in the Snow/The Making of Harry Potter
Watford
Until 15 January 2023
Harry Potter devotees can see a whole range props and film sets here. Travel to Warner Bros Watford is remarkably convenient thanks to the Shuttlebus from London’s Victoria Station. Blue Orchid has two hotels near Victoria station, within easy walking distance and perfect for holiday family packages. Also convenient for Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, West End Theatres and the Museums of South Kensington.
Horrible Histories Live
Onboard! Terrible Thames
Tower Bridge Quay
Booking to: 1 Jan 2023
Horrible histories and its wicked river tour. Climb aboard.
The Gunpowder Plot
Tower Vaults (next to Tower of London)
Tower Hill EC3
Until 31 March 2023
The famous plot to blow up Parliament reimagined: an elaborate immersive experience, taking you back to 1605, with a virtual Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) starring as Guy Fawkes.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
166 Drury Lane WC2
Until 8 January 2023
One of the UK’s favourite stories returns: for ages 6 and up.
My Neighbour Totoro
Silk Street EC2
8 Oct 8 to 21 Jan 2023
The magic of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli transfers to the Barbican stage courtesy of the RSC. The music, the enduring appeal of the creatures including Totoro, protector of the forest. Puppets and actors.
The Wind in the Willows Wilton’s
Wilton’s Music Hall
Grace’s Alley E1
24 November to 31 December
Wilton’s Music Hall presents a magical new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved Wind in the Willows, from award–winning children’s author Piers Torday. Wilton’s is near Tower Hill Tube or Fenchurch St. Station. Ages 5+
Follow this link to the website booking page and use the discount code: BLUE15
The Woman in Black
Russell Street WC2
Until 29 April 2023
Susan Hill’s chilling tale of Eel Marsh House and the shadows the past. An audience of seven million have been scared by it so far.
Christmas Markets
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Covent Garden Christmas Village: Shop and Stay in Style
Take in Covent Garden’s White Christmas experience (snowfall in front of the Piazza’s 60 foot Christmas tree) and enjoy exclusive offers and discounts from fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands in these historic surroundings. Afterwards it’s back to your hotel for authentic Italian food and a view of the Tower of London. A luxury one night stay for two in Tower Suites’ boutique hotel in London, and 20% off Spa treatments. l
Leadenhall Market
Gracechurch Street EC3
Leadenhall Market is the perfect Christmas setting. Among the most picturesque of London covered markets, it was made famous by the Harry Potter films and can be found near The Monument and London Bridge. Famous for its shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
London WC2
9 November to 7 January
Busy West End Christmas market. Also close to the Lego Store, Chinatown and Theatreland.
London Love Affair Christmas Market
Tower Hill EC3
19 November to 18 December
Fabulous location for a Christmas market, just by the Tower of London and other famous landmarks. London Love Affair’s Christmas market has been specially created to provide a satisfying blend of Christmas gifts and London history in an idyllic setting.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
The Queen’s Walk SE1
3 November to 8 January 2023
Street food, pop–up bars, lights, and stalls between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye. Outdoor Winter Light exhibition. Handy for Hayward Gallery and National Theatre.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Christmas Market
London WC2
On the doorstep of the National Gallery and close to Theatreland and Houses of Parliament.
Winter Wonderland 2022
18 November to 2 January 2023
Thrilling fairground rides and circus shows, the largest outdoor ice skating rink in London, and charming Christmas markets. Family shows, too.
Escape Rooms/Immersive Theatre
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AIM Escape Rooms
London E1
Renegade factions, rogue scientists, fiendish puzzles. The games in these high energy escape rooms are designed for families, friends and a range of ages, from 10, 14, 16 years and up. All under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Crystal Maze Live Experience
22–32 Shaftesbury Avenue W1
75 minutes of frantic team fun. Open to ages 9 and over. Score as many points and get as much time in the Crystal Dome as possible. Four different zones, mental and physical challenges, puzzles to solve.
The Gunpowder Plot
Tower Vaults (next to Tower of London)
Tower Hill EC3
Until 31 March 2023
The plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 goes for the big–budget immersive theatre treatment – to good effect (live actors and VR). Using some of the best names, including writer Danny Robins (of “The Battersea Poltergeist” and “2:22 – A Ghost Story”). Revisit the complex class and religious conflict of Jacobean England. Impressive and thoughtful.
Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Words’ Immersive
56 Leadenhall Street
Until 31 December 2022
Victorian London is under attack from Martians and HG Wells’ sci–fi classic has teamed up with 1970s prog rock. VR-enhanced Fighting Machines and actors to guide you through tunnels and into hot air balloons. Impressive real life sets and virtual design. Two hours long.
MCM Comic Con
ExCel London
28 to 30 October
Three days of pop culture, including anime, TV and film. Meet the stars, play the games, enjoy the cosplay. Not everything here is suitable for children, but there is a family friendly experience with the Treehouse: family lounge, family–friendly interactive sessions and performances (details tbc at time of writing).
SAW: The Experience
Secret Location, EC1
27 October to 25 March 2023
Immersive theatre/escape game and movie spin–off for the very brave or the resolutely ironic. Further details not available at the time of writing. You have been warned…
New Year’s Eve
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NYE Fireworks London
31 December 2022
Midnight fireworks on the River Thames can be seen for miles around. They last for just over ten minutes, focusing on the Southbank Centre area and London Eye. Tickets are sold for the main display, although you might find a (busy) free space on Westminster Bridge or Victoria Embankment. Or get yourself a comfortable rooftop vantage point like the Skyline London terrace bar and restaurant on Minories, overlooking the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
New Year’s Eve: Jurassic Party
31 December 2022
8pm to 1.30pm
Jurassic themed performers, musical Bingo, live band and dino–themed activities. Also a silent disco and access to Wildlife Photographer of the Year show. Jurassic fancy dress encouraged.
NYE at Somerset House
Strand WC2
Music, food and drink and that famously pretty ice rink. Pop up experiences and a surprise at midnight.
NYE Spectacular at the Southbank Centre
Five floors of party festivities, a regular venue from which to see in the new year. Sells out fast.
NYE River Cruises
Great views of the city and various options on parties, food, festive cheer, families.
Piccadilly, Regents St, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall
Sunday 1 January 2023
Free
From Edwardian grandeur near Buckingham Palace to a 50 metre roof terrace overlooking the Tower of London, find the best group holiday package with Blue Orchid hotels.
Join the crowds or opt for a romantic getaway. Take in fabulous views and historic tours.
It’s party time in London and Blue Orchid Hotels has the perfect festive plan.
Contact us at
hello@centrallondonalliance.com
