With lots of festive things to do, December is the most magical month to visit London. Here at the Washington Mayfair we want to guide you to the best activities, events and fun stuff happening in London throughout December 2019.
Get into the festive spirit during your December visit by experiencing some of London’s favourite seasonal activities: shop for handmade gifts and festive food at a charming Christmas market; go ice skating on one of the stunning outdoor ice rinks that pop up across the capital; enjoy carols and concerts accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies; and watch a Christmas pantomime, ballet or family show.
OPERATION SMILE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT – 4th December 2019
Operation Smile UK has announced that the London Community Gospel Choir, the Fulham Children’s Choir and celebrity readers will be joining them at their annual Carols by Candlelight on Wednesday 4th December 2019 at 7pm at the Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair. The event will see a number of readings and musical entertainment, followed by refreshment in the chapel. Tickets for the Carol Service are £20 for an adult (Under 16 go FREE) All tickets include seasonal refreshments. Book your tickets here. The Washington Mayfair Hotel is only few minute’s walk from the Grosvenor Chapel.
WINTER WONDERLAND IN HYDE PARK – until 5th January 2020
Only a 15 minutes’ walk from The Washington Hotel, is the extravagant Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Get together with family and friends for a festive adventure in Hyde Park, with ice skating, fairground rides, big top shows, Christmas markets and seasonal food under sparkling Christmas lights. New attractions for 2019 include Marvel at the acrobatic wonders at Zippos Christmas Circus or Cirque Berserk and Paddington on Ice – The Grand Voyage.
CHRISTMAS AT ZSL LONDON ZOO – until 24 December 2019
Immerse yourself in the magic of ZSL London Zoo at Christmas as you step inside an igloo at the heart of the zoo to meet the man himself in Santa’s Grotto. It’s then time to journey around the zoo to discover more about its inhabitants. Get up close and personal with donkeys, camels and penguins, as they feast on their very own Christmas treats ahead of the big day. Also, relax and enjoy some time in front of the big screen at the Free Festive Film Screenings. Cosy up with tasty snacks and a hot drink and enjoy your favourite Christmas films. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance with a valid zoo ticket or membership.
TOP ICE-SKATING RINKS IN LONDON
- Covent Garden Ice Rink (until 26th December 2019)
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (until 5th January 2020)
- Tower of London Ice Rink (until 5th January 2020)
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (until 5th January 2020)
- Natural History Museum Ice Rink (until 12th January 2020)
- Somerset House Ice Rink (until 12th January 2020)
- Queen’s House Ice Rink (until 12th January 2020)
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, BALLET AND FAMILY SHOW
- English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum – 11 Dec-5 Jan.
More than 100 dancers and musicians tell the story of a young girl’s Christmas adventure that begins in snowy Edwardian London.
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the London Palladium – 7 Dec-12 Jan. 2020
This top Christmas panto in London includes Paul O’Grady, Matt Baker and Julian Clary, as Dame Betty Barnum and Goldilocks strive to save the beloved family circus.
- Nativity! The Musical at the Eventim Apollo – 11-29 Dec. 2019
Based on the Christmas film series, this family-friendly stage adaptation features many of its catchy tunes, including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment.
- The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre – until 5 Jan. 2020
Raymond Briggs’ Christmas story is filled with dance, storytelling and songs from the film, as the two friends embark on a magical adventure to the North Pole.
- Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre – until 3 May 2020
Join Mary, Bert and the Banks family for a magical adventure this Christmas, and sing along to classic tunes including Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and a Spoonful of Sugar.
- White Christmas musical at Dominion Theater – until 4 Jan. 2020
Catch a true classic with the stage production of the famous Bing Crosby film, White Christmas.
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS – 31st December 2019
Hear Big Ben’s famous “bongs” ring out at midnight on New Year’s Eve in London, followed by the UK’s largest annual fireworks display over the Coca-Cola London Eye, presented by the Mayor of London. If you want to join in the celebrations on the night, you must have a ticket to attend.
Don’t miss our special packages:
Winter Wonderland – click and learn more
Winter Warmer – click and learn more
