London is of course a vibrant and bustling city, but come the festive season and it is transformed into a magical metropolis with more happenings than there are people. That's we've taken the time to put together a recreational menu of the very finest. Have a peek:
Outdoors
Winter Wonderland: Every year, the majestic Hyde Park is host to this family friendly replication of Santa's hometown in Lapland (well, a contemporary version anyway!) Lose yourself in the wondrous stylings of a deluxe ice kingdom, skating rink and ice bar – frosty glasses included- and if you want to warm up there is always the invigorating 'Zippos Circus', a hit spectacle in Britain and main feature of 'Wonderland', always a blast for parents and children! Watch the bright and mind-bending performances of acrobatics, comedy and silky airborne fabrics. This year 'Zippos' also has a new 'thrill show' Mechanika with gravity-defying motorbikes. The park is open pretty much 24/7, 10am-10pm daily.
Christmas Markets: In addition to the Bavarian-style shopping and chalet shaped stalls that can be found in 'Wonderland', there are many seasonal markets popping up throughout the city. Southbank, within walking distance of Waterloo and Embankment underground stations, has one of the most treasured. As well as an array of priceless little knick-knacks, including vintage books and jewellery, the food stalls are, ironically, to die for. Sample an array of fresh British favourites such as organic burgers, cheeses and falafels, and to drink there are fruit juices or expertly brewed mulled wine available on tap. Brixton and Spitalfields markets are also alternative crowd favourites.
Oxford Street shopping and lights: If you are looking for some bulkier purchases hit the famed consumer temples of Oxford, Bond and Regent's street, all within close range of each other. These places also have some of the most spectacular light displays so you can shop in the spirit. The area is scattered with great break cafes and quick dining options for those boasting longer shopping lists.
Trafalgar Square Ambling: Mix city and rural spaces when you travel to this historic spot. Find the biggest Christmas Tree near Nelson's Column and the free-entry National Portrait Gallery nearby. Wrap-up warm and nestle a hot chocolate in your gloves as you watch the carol-singers and take in the city space. Or, if you are craving natural beauty, adjacent are large arches that lead to the whimsical greenery of St James' Park. Buckingham Palace can be seen through the trees and water-life which come together to create a fairytale retreat in the heart of urban London.
Ice Skating at the Millennium Wheel: Eye-Skate, another Southbank wonder, offers a spacious skating ring situated just in front of the iconic Millennium Wheel and the River Thames; a dazzling time for you and the kids!
Dining
Dishoom: Offering up a 'Christmas Feast' on the menu this Indian and vegetarian friendly restaurant, known for its delicious black dahl and exciting desserts, will be serving seasonal specialties such as spicy mulled wine. Nearest tube stations are Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
Sofra: With locations in Mayfair and Covent Garden, this Turkish restaurant offers a touch of exotica this Christmas. The establishment has excellent dishes and an affordable lunch menu. Bond over the Meze sharing plates, including spinach and mixed-cheese pastry parcels,and spoil yourself with a lavish main course.
Rooftop Dining; Babylon and London Oxo Tower: With a flamingo garden and luxury 'British cuisine' on the roster, Kensington-based Babylon is worth the lavish splash out. Take in the brighter than usual city from a priceless viewpoint, quite literally, as the restaurant allows free visits if you just want a picturesque experience.
London's Oxo Tower is very similar with one major difference: The Thames! Enjoy being at the heart of a festive metropolis while you tuck into select dishes. The suave establishment has the feeling of a first-class airport lounge; George Clooney might pop up at any moment,an Espresso in hand.
Theatre and Film
There will be an exciting run of shows everywhere you look this Christmas, from the West End onwards but here are some special front-runners:
Phillip Pullman's Grimm Tales: Taking place at the Bargehouse Oxo Tower Wharf, this performance is marketed as a 'world-wide exclusive.'Based on the work of successful fantasy writer Phillip Pullman, already bewitching characters are brought to life through your interaction with the stories. The immersive experience is aimed at both young and old viewers and has been described as “vivid and unfussy — true to the stories’ visual clarity and taut plotting, while also evoking their dreamlike qualities” by London newspaper The Evening Standard. Showing from 21st Nov to 15th Feb 2015
Beauty and the Beast: Taking place at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, this musical number will take you through the classic tale of the yellow-gowned Princess Belle. Showing from the 29th Nov to 17th Jan 2015
It's A Wonderful Life: The heart-warming black and white film starring James Mason will be showing at Southbank's British Film Institute this Christmas.
Miracle on 34th Street: It's Winter Wonderland again! The beloved tale about an ordinary man who claims to be the real father Christmas will be screening at their forest themed cinema: a showing guaranteed to bring out the child in you! Showing from the 21st Nov to 4th Jan 2015
Christmas Gift Ideas/sources
Head Massager: This ever popular and highly affordable gift, is fit for stressed out mums and dads and little people who still have to take exams! These can be ordered easily via Amazon.
Perfume from The Perfume Shop: You can't go wrong with The Perfume Shop who are boasting “£10.00 off selected lines” with dozens of fragrances for Him and Her. From J LO Glo to Iceberg Twice there is a signature scent for everyone.
Clothes: Topshop, Monsoon, ASOS (online), Forever 21 and H&M (kids range available): All the above have a range of wonderful winter-wear for both sexes. Whether you're looking for something lumpy and warm, sparkly and stylish or just plain practical, these outlets never fail to provide hundreds of quality choices. I'll be heading for the scarf section myself...
Christmas Cupcakes: Available from any bakery, in mini or regular size, you can make family and friends glow on the inside this St. Christopher's day! Lola's cupcakes have a particularly inspiring range.
Gadget Stores: Want something more out of the box? Hit gadget stores such as Hawkins Bazaar for some quirky choices. Get a real-life melting Dali clock or the 'Blow Light' candle is a particular cutie for Christmas- flickering and extinguishable just like the real thing.
A Last Minute Getaway
Iceland (of course): Have a look at www.lastminute.com for hundreds of other deals and destinations, but Iceland is by far the most enchanting. Gaze at the Aurora Borealis (or colourful Northern Lights), this time of year being the most likely you will catch it, or enjoy peach-pink champagne in the open and natural hot springs of an imperial snowy landscape.
