1. Check-out London’s Ice Skating Rinks

Popping up all over London this winter are a range of Ice-skating location to get you into the spirit of Christmas. Grab your gloves, scarf and winter jacket and head over to one of many ice-rinks in London this Christmas. From Rooftop ice-skating at Skylight’s in Tobacco Dock, with fantastic views of the city, or skating into history at the Natural History Museum, you’re spoilt for choice this winter. If you’re anything like us and want a little less chill and a bit more thrill, check-out the ice-rink at the Tower of London for a very dramatic time on the ice.

2. Get A Little Merry On Mulled Wine

If all that time of the ice has left you a little chilly, then warm yourself up with a traditional glass of Mulled Wine. You’ll find plenty of bars and outdoor food courts serving the festive drink but our favourite is right on our doorstep. Home to this year’s Christmas Market, Leicester Square is a great place to sip on one (or maybe two) of the winter drink right in the heart of London.

3. Explore London’s Christmas Markets

Wake up to the city and check-out London’s Christmas Markets for a very magical and festive Christmas shopping day out. You have plenty to choose from too! From Leicester Square’s Christmas Market right in the heart of London’s West End to Christmas shopping along the River Thames at Southbank’s Winter Festival. Both offer a great array of seasonal products to fill those red and white stockings (or green if that’s more your colour) and of course traditional Bavarian Huts because it just wouldn’t be a Christmas Market without them.

4. Get Lost in London’s Christmas Shopping Scene

London is well known for its shopping, offering the latest brands and fashion trends. However, shopping in London at this time of the year can also be a very “Christmassy” event. Playing traditional Christmas music in what seems to be every shop, outlet, and boutique (not that we’ve noticed), and filled with beautiful decorations and Christmas lights it sinks in the message that Christmas is just around the corner.

5. Play at Winter Wonderland

Every year Hyde Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland for all those visiting London during Christmas time. Don’t just stay in your hotel room, go play! From the World’s tallest Transportable Observation Wheel to the UK’s largest open-air ice-rink, Winter Wonderland offers enough thrill for everyone. The Christmas destination is lined with traditional Bavarian huts offering festive gifts and wintry snacks.

6. Snuggle Up at a Pop-up Winter Cinema

There’s always a feeling of magic when watching a film during the festive season and there’s something even more magical when it’s a Christmas film, so why not combine the two? From Clapham Common and Hackney Downs to London’s Westminster, there are loads of Winter Cinemas to choose from. This Christmas, snuggle up with your nearest and dearest (or a stranger if you like), grab a tasty hot chocolate, sit back and relax with a warm blanket to a showing of The Holiday.

7. Lose Yourself in Christmas Play or Pantomime

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a good Panto and there’s plenty to choose from in London this festive season. Visit the London Palladium for a childhood classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears or for a classic with a twist, check-out Pinocchio: No Strings Attached playing at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington.

8. Shine Like a Star Underneath London’s Christmas Lights

Bringing an extra sparkle to London this time of the year, the Christmas light installations across the city will brighten up your December. Taking on different themes they lighten up the night sky. Head over to Regent Street to witness the spirits of Christmas overhead shining off the architectural buildings enclosing them. Check-out Soho, for Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights with their ocean-inspired decorations including sea turtles and even a bubble blowing whale.