London in December is, in our opinion, a great treat because whether you like it or not, Christmas is a-coming and - unless you’re the ultimate Scrooge - you can't help but enjoy the atmosphere that radiates out all over the capital.
With light displays in Oxford Street and Regent’s Street, shop front windows full of colour, ice rinks for skating, mulled wine for drinking, pantomimes to make you laugh, ballets to make you gasp, festive markets and pre-Christmas Day lunches on offer (with all the trimmings included) what’s not to like?
And, as always, for anyone who’s less interested in Christmas and more into culture, our city offers a wealth of it - museums, galleries, theatre, lectures - whether you stay a weekend or a month, you’ll have so much to choose from that your head will spin.
Here are a few of our suggestions for what to do in London this month…just put on your hat, gloves and scarf because it will definitely be a bit chilly…
1. ‘Skate’ at Somerset House
There are plenty of places to skate in London over the festive season, but one that never fails to disappoint is at Somerset House. Their ‘Skate’ ticket gives you 45 minutes on the ice, with the backdrop of the beautiful house itself and marvellous views of the capital, since it’s on the edge of the River Thames.
Glide around to lively music provided by DJs on the rink side, take a lesson with ‘Skate School’, enjoy food and drink stands afterwards, and even do your bit for those less fortunate - Shelter, the housing crisis charity, will have a pop-up store there. This means you can buy a pre-owned gift (clothes, homeware, jewellery) either for yourself or a friend and know that all the proceeds are going to a good cause - ending homelessness in the city.
2. Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre
Even those who aren’t mad keen on musicals will be blown away by this extraordinary production of a classic tale of love and romance in 1920’s Manhattan. Extended until January 2025, Guys and Dolls is a must-see - it has a fabulous cast, the design is extraordinary and, best of all, the entire production is immersive.
Either sit in a seat or put on a pair of comfy shoes and stand in the middle - yes, the stage moves round, you can dance along to all the numbers on the dance floor and, in the interval, there’s even entertainment from a jazz band, with tables put up you can sit at. Trust us, you’ll leave this musical wanting to return the following evening and see it again - it’s that good! Get your tickets at the Bridge Theatre now…
3. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park - all of December
For anyone who likes nighttime fun, then there’s no better place to head to than the annual ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Hyde Park. There’s so much to do there, including an outdoor skating rink, ice sculptures, food stands and even a Ferris wheel!.
Even better, entrance itself is free, so if you’re not a fan of funfairs just enjoy the atmosphere, grab yourself a hot drink and wander around without spending a small fortune. Once you’ve had your fill of the jollity, head off to Oxford Street and gasp at the famous Christmas Lights that stretch down into Regent’s Street.
4. ‘Ghost and Spirit’ by Mike Kelley at the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern, close to the attractions of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the South Bank and Tower Bridge, is one of London’s most visited museums - it has a fine location overlooking the Thames and the space itself (it was once a power station) is remarkable and well worth seeing. But as well as all of the regular exhibits, it has plenty of ‘special events’ and Mike Kelley’s ‘Ghost and Spirit’ is quite unusual
Kelley, an experimental American artist, spent over 30 years on the art scene (drawings, collages, video, discovered objects) as well as his breakthrough ‘craft’ sculptures. With plenty of references to popular culture, literature and philosophy, Kelley’s work is all about identity, memory and imagination - and the plush toys are very cute!
And after exploring the Tate, if you’re hungry head round the corner to Borough Market with over 100 delis, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemakers and an array of food stalls where you can grab some rather good lunch.
5. Midnight Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral - December 24th
St. Paul’s existed for almost 600 years before it was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was left to Christopher Wren to set about rebuilding it and what a job he made - this is the tallest church in London (taller than Westminster Abbey’s towers), with an extraordinarily lovely interior - remember this was where Prince Charles and Lady Diana married - the famous ‘Whispering Gallery’ and a crypts where famous British heroes (including Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington) are entombed.
But if you really want to get a feel for St. Paul’s Cathedral, come on Christmas Eve for the famous Midnight Mass service. It’s incredibly moving, the choir is simply wonderful, the atmosphere is unique and you don’t have to be a member of the Church of England to attend (it is free, you just have to get there early because it’s understandably popular!) Beautiful, serene and undoubtedly spiritual, liturgical music doesn’t get much better than this.
Finally, if you’re planning on coming to London this December and looking for comfortable, family-run and family-owned Hampstead hotel, we're just three minutes walk from Hampstead tube, get in contact with us, here at La Gaffe, either by phone or email.
We offer a range of accommodation - whether you’re alone, with a partner or even with kids - and, arguably, the best cappuccino in north London. You can also book directly with us and find out more about our story and things to do in Hampstead on our blog.