Top 10 London Christmas Events 2016

By Vanessa Teo

Our favourite London Christmas events that'll get you feeling festive!

The festive season is fully upon us - London Christmas events are in full swing, with plenty of fun to be had all across the city. Whether it’s ice skating in front of famous attractions or taking a relaxed stroll around one of the beautiful Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone in London this Christmas. The city is transformed into a truly magical place full of festive cheer and here are the top Christmas events we think you’d like to hear about!

Image sourced via Harrods facebook

Harrods Christmas Range

With its magnificent food halls, seven floors of shopping and 4.5 acres of space, it’s really not surprising that Harrods receives over 15 million customers a year. Regardless of whether you’re planning to pick up one of their famous hampers, a gift, or just browsing, the store’s enormous Christmas department could well be worth a visit. When: Now Where: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL

Southbank Centre Winter Market

The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a wide variety of wares, such as warming mulled wine, delicious food and plenty of cute handicrafts. Each stall is housed in a quaint little chalet, along the banks of the Thames. It’s the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of a Christmassy London. The market is just one part of the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, so look out for the funfair, roller disco, Carol singing and many other cultural events taking place nearby. When: Now until 8th January 2017 Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX The Lodge Clapham This festive Alpine retreat is a pop-up lodge, brought to you by the TV chef Jimmy Garcia. Jimmy is often referred to as the pop-up king and has launched different temporary eateries across the capital in recent years. In this particular restaurant you can taste delicious seasonal dishes such as roast Crown Prince pumpkin, while sipping on hot cocktails like Baked Alaska Buttered Rum. When: Now until 28th February 2017 Where: The Lodge, 409 Clapham Road, London SW9 9BT

Image sourced via Winter Wonderland facebook

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is held each winter in Hyde Park. Consisting of a huge collection of market stalls, fairground rides, ice skating, grottos and more, it’s always popular among tourists and locals alike. It’s open daily between 10:00-22:00 and entry is free (rides and attractions are paid for individually). Winter Wonderland is ideal for all age groups: entertain the kids at the Sooty Christmas Show, go for a spin on the Munich Looping (the world’s largest portable rollercoaster) or chill out at the Ice Bar. When: Now until 2nd January 2017 Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH Want to find out more about London's Christmas markets? Check out our guide to the capital's best Christmas markets this year!

Christmas Carols at Trafalgar Square

Every December, over 50 different groups of carollers get together and sing beneath the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. Each group sings for around an hour and raises funds for a different charitable causes, so why not join in? You’ll be hard-pressed to find more jovial London Christmas events than this! When: Throughout December Where: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN Father Christmas at the Hall Embark on a magical adventure through the Royal Albert Hall, led by the Victorian doorkeeper who knows all of the Hall’s secrets. Solve puzzles and follow clues to find the secret key to open Father Christmas’s grotto, where the little ones will receive a present from the big man himself. When: 6th-24th December 2016 Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP

Image sourced via Kew Gardens facebook

Kew Gardens

Worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Kew Gardens comes to life in the winter evenings. With a twinkling Tunnel of Lights, spectacular laser shows and more, this is an atmosphere conducive to family fun and togetherness, making it the ideal place to visit this Christmas. When: Now until 2nd January 2017 Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House

A traditional entry in the Christmas calendar, the magical world of The Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s famous score are brought to life before your eyes at the Royal Opera House. Watch as young Clara embarks on a mysterious adventure - featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy and of course, the Mouse King. When: Now until 12th January 2017 Where: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD

Christmas Day Traditional Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

Indulge in a three-course festive lunch aboard a Thames river cruise on Christmas Day. You’ll be welcomed onto the specially decorated vessel with a glass of sparkling wine, as well as music and carols to help you get into the yuletide spirit. One of only a few attractions to open on Christmas Day itself, it’s a great way to take in the sights of London while you feast. When: 25th December, boarding at 11.30am Where: Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH

Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace

The Hampton Court Palace ice rink is a truly scenic spot for a skate this winter. Sessions are available during the day and in the evening, with the beautiful Tudor palace - a former home of Henry VIII - providing the backdrop. The Palace itself is hold an Elizabethan Christmas event with drama, dance and musical performances, as well as some of the Tudor period’s favourite yuletide treats from the historic kitchens. An advent experience fit for a queen (Queen Elizabeth 1, that is). When: Now until 8th January 2017 Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU Have you thrown your best/worst Xmas jumper on yet? Are you sipping mulled wine? Or are you halfway out the door heading to one of these activities? Tell us in the comments which London Christmas events sound the most fun to you!

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Who's Buried in St Paul's Cathedral
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Who's Buried in St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It's also one of the most visited, with countless people wandering its halls throughout the year. But St. Paul's also doubles as a crypt, where some of the bravest and brightest minds are laid to rest. But who's buried in St Paul's Cathedral? Find out below! Including: Aethelred the Unready Sir Christopher Wren Horatio Nelson Joseph Turner and more! Aethelred the Unready We'll start at the beginning because chronological order rules. So, hop in your time machine as we take a journey back to 1016 and attend the funeral of the late King Aethelred the Unready. As you can guess by his title, he wasn't the most beloved king. So, was it preparedness? Was he too young to take the throne? Well, no. See, Aethelred's title is actually a mistranslation. The original name more closely translates to "ill-advised". Historical documents from his reign detail questionable decisions that bordered on comedic. When Vikings came knocking at his door with blooded axes, Aethelred the Unready chose to try and pay them off rather than meet them with steel. But, when all your opponent really wants is a payday, giving them what they want is hardly a deterrent. In fact, they just want more - like a modern email scam. As such, many more Viking clans came a-knocking, quickly drying up the country's coffers. Regardless of his choices - and unwise advisors - Aethelred the Unready lies buried at St. Paul's Cathedral. And, while he might not top any lists of the who's who of those buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, he tops ours. Again, because of chronology. Image courtesy of Natata/Shutterstock Sir Christopher Wren You may have never heard of ol' Aethelred, but you've almost certainly heard of Sir Christopher Wren. An architectural tour de force, Wren is responsible for many of London's most iconic landmarks. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, Kensington Palace, and yes, even St. Paul's Cathedral are just some of the many structures he designed in the wake of the Great Fire of London, which destroyed much of old London on a hot summer's day in 1666. So yes, the big man even designed the very building where he was laid to rest. But did you know that nearly wasn't the case? In fact, after his death, there were no plans to entomb him in St Paul's. However, thanks to a public outcry, plans changed. And, rather amusingly, Wren even joked that, when designing the building, he had the perfect place to put his tomb. And, when you go to see his final resting place, you'll find it in the exact same place he first pointed out. Now that's a story! Horatio Nelson Next, we take to the seas and toast this legend of an admiral without comparison. Horatio Nelson was a hero of the Napoleonic Wars, ensuring decisive victories against the French. Having fought in constant wars from his younger years through to his Admiralcy, Nelson's luck ran out during the famous Battle of Trafalgar, when a musket round pierced his shoulder, lung, and spine. While it may be a struggle to survive such wounds in the modern day, back in the 19th Century, it was a death sentence. But a man of such renown could not be buried at sea. There was only ever one place Nelson would be buried; St. Paul's Cathedral. But the journey from Trafalgar to London is long, and there weren't exactly freezers back then. So what did his crew do? They buried his body in a casket full of brandy, which just so happened to be Nelson's tipple of choice. The brandy helped preserve the admiral's body as it was safely transported to St Paul's. A boozy return for a deserving fellow. Joseph Turner Yep, St. Paul's Cathedral doesn't just welcome war heroes, kings, and giants of the architectural world. It welcomes painters too. Ladies and gentlemen, Joseph Turner. Turner was known for his breathtaking paintings capturing the essence of nature's beauty. Famous for this oceanic artwork, you'll likely recognise many of his paintings like The Shipwreck, Fisherman at Sea, and The Fighting Temeraire. Turner's work is almost immediately identifiable - no one paints quite like that. But legends suggest this isn't due solely to his skill. Supposedly, he made his own paints using unique elements such as herbs and spices, giving his paintings their unique look. Duke of Wellington Just when you thought we'd turned a corner, boom, another war hero appears! And yes, it's yet another military leader whose biggest triumphs occurred during the Napoleonic Wars. However, the difference between Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, aka Arthur Wellesley, is that while Nelson's victories took place on sea, the Duke of Wellington's victories happened on land. But, while his military prowess has been celebrated for centuries, the ol' Duke has a sense of humour too. At dinner one night, long before his death in 1852, Wellesley said that he didn't care where he was buried as long as they buried him in his boots. Maybe you had to be there? Either way, his wish came true, and he now rests beneath St. Paul's Cathedral, buried in his boots. Alexander Fleming And finally, last but certainly not least on our list is perhaps the most deserving. He may not be a king, an artist, or a "war hero" - though he did serve in a war - but his work has arguably saved more lives than anyone else. Not just on this list, but on the planet. You may not know his name, but you know his work. Ever taken an antibiotic? Well, you might not have if it wasn't for Alexander Fleming. The brilliant Scottish microbiologist was the first to discover that bacteria avoided certain fungi. Following testing, he realised why; said certain fungi kill them. This discovery snowballed into penicillin, the first antibiotic. And, to put it mildly, penicillin changed the world. No longer were infections a roll of the dice. Now, people would survive. If anyone deserves their resting place beneath the hallowed halls of St. Paul's Cathedral, it's Alexander Fleming. So, if you were wondering who's buried in St Paul's Cathedral, wonder no more. Of course, this is just a handful of the many luminaries who now call it "home", so go visit and see them all for yourself! Westminster Abbey is another popular burial place for famous faces of history so you could have your fill of historic graves in Westminster Abbey or St Pauls' Cathedral but with the London Pass, you can visit both and even skip the queue at St Paul's, as well as all of London's biggest attractions, for one low price!
Dom Bewley
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London Neighbourhoods: Things to Do in Soho

FR - Prepare yourself for neon lights, parties and some of the best meals in London - here's some of the best things to do in Soho Soho thrums with vibrant energy at every turn with live musical performances, adventurous restaurants and some of the best LGBT venues in London. As a favourite with both locals and tourists, it's an area packed with endless places to explore and fall in love with. Check out some of the best things to do in Soho below. If it's not Baroque, then Hendrix it There's no place that better encapsulates London's diverse cultural history than Handel & Hendrix, a London museum built in the converted homes of Baroque composer Handel and legendary musician Jimi Hendrix. Recreations of their homes bring real harpsichords to Handel's lounge and eclectic 80s sensibilities to Jimi Hendrix's bedroom alongside informative exhibits detailing their lives. Catch a rainy day flick London weather isn't overly kind to visitors and it helps to have an indoor activity planned when it rains. The Curzon Cinema is one of London's most charming and exclusive cinemas, with both blockbusters and arthouse films alongside industry Q&As with some of the most exciting people in the industry. Perfect for a quiet date night, the Soho branch also has a great bar for some late-night cocktails. Walk and Roll Soho has a long, complex past and musically inclined visitors will be glad to hear that there's a Rock N' Roll walking tour detailing its musical history. With names like The Beatles, The Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie tied strongly to the area, this hour and a half long tour will take visitors to little known rooftop stages and famous recording studios that have become part of Britain's Rock n' Roll legacy. #gayclub #gay A post shared by ylieu (@ylieu_) on Apr 2, 2017 at 3:12pm PDT Take pride in London Soho has long been a hub for the LGBT community, with numerous gay bars and clubs scattered around the area. G-A-Y, one of London's most fun nights out, is a fantastic option for the younger crowd with an unapologetic soundtrack, while those looking to relax with a pint alongside like minded people may find the historical Admiral Duncan more their speed. Ladies looking for love may find it at She Soho, a lively bar for bisexual and lesbian women which also hosts comedy and DJ nights, while those looking to dance all night long should make a beeline for Freedom. First day of a new job and I find a mini food market right next to me! Wahoo🎊🎈😃- I went for Greek cuisine and chose the pork souvlaki for £5😍 A post shared by Sofia the Foodie 🇬🇧🇮🇹 (@eastlondonfoodgirl) on Mar 9, 2017 at 6:09am PST Eat and drink your way around the area Soho is packed with incredible culinary options, with highlights including the Indian street food delights of Dishoom, creative Hong Kong-style egg waffle ice cream cones at Bubblewrap and BAO's piping hot Taiwanese buns. If you're looking to get started early in the morning, grab breakfast or brunch at Berwick Street Market which is packed with piping hot street food and fresh produce. Finish off your night with a cocktail at one of the neighbourhood's effortlessly trendy bars; recline in The Blind Pig's moody black leather chairs and indulge in one of Mark's Bar's delicious rum concoctions. For more on London's best street food markets, check out our little guide here.
Megan Hills
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London Neighbourhoods: Our Guide to Shoreditch

See the highlights of one of London's trendiest neighbourhoods with our guide to Shoreditch Shoreditch is the beating cultural heart of East London and never fails to capture the hearts of locals and travellers alike. This vibrant neighbourhood overflows with creativity, colour and some of the most interesting people you'll see in London. With so much to see and do, here's a quick guide to Shoreditch for travellers. Image via Queen of Hoxton facebook Queen of Hoxton What's a London neighbourhood without a local watering hole? The Queen of Hoxton is one of Shoreditch's stalwarts, spanning over several floors and a beautiful rooftop that fills up quickly on a crisp summer's day. With ping pong tables, crazy rooftop installations (which have at one point included a gigantic tipi, rainbow tower and a graffitied car for photo ops) as well as alcoholic slushies, it buzzes with creative energy and the music is always on point. You'll even here the occasional Cockney rhyming slang, which will be an experience unto itself. Breaking news! #beigelbake #saltybeef now with #pickles!!! 😱😋👌 #bricklane #innovation A post shared by Solaris100 (@solaris100) on Apr 4, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT Beigel Bake Don't mistake this Jewish bakery for the yellow one next door - this famous 24 hour bakery can be recognised by its white luminous sign and blue lettering. Best known for their hearty salt beef bagels, their recipe consists of a thick slice of succulent beef, a crunchy pickle and a generous helping of mustard slathered across a bagel. Always a favourite with the late night party crowd, they also serve sweet treats like apple strudels and cheesecake. To be continued #graffiti #wallpainting #art #bricklane #london 🎩🌂 A post shared by @vvdvvdvoo on Apr 7, 2017 at 2:52am PDT Graffiti Shoreditch is littered with graffiti by some of the best street artists in the world and you'll regularly see tour groups stopping and staring at some of its more notable works. With the likes of Stik, Otto Schade and others transforming the neighbourhood's walls, one of the most iconic pieces of the neighbourhood is Belgian artist ROA's gigantic crane which symbolises the strong Bengali community in the area. Find out more about Shoreditch's street art here. Sexy cinema Sundays 😍 #sohohouse #portobello #electriccinema A post shared by samphireandsalsify (@samphireandsalsify) on Apr 2, 2017 at 1:51am PDT Electric Cinema Make your movie night a spectacular one at Electric Cinema, an indie theatre where moviegoers can relax in couches, blankets and a cheeky glass of wine while watching blockbusters or little known arthouse films. If you're looking to save a couple of quid, pick the seats around the edges that have a slightly angled view as they're available for a reduced price. Small but mighty! 🍔💪🏽@bleeckerburger A post shared by The Restaurant Society (@rest.society) on Apr 6, 2017 at 11:19am PDT Indulge in Shoreditch's fantastic street food selections Shoreditch teems with talented street chefs and street food markets, which makes choosing a midday snack something of a challenge. Try one of Bleecker Street's incredible cheeseburgers which includes a layer of black pudding for a bit of a twist at Old Spitalfields Market, Japanese hot dogs at Pump Street Market or grab a pint of cider at BOXPARK while relaxing on its picnic benches on a sunny day. See our full guide to London street food markets here. Image via Rokit Vintage facebook Dress like a Londoner at Shoreditch's many vintage and boutique stores Shoreditch is well-known for its fashion forward residents and its eclectic clothing stores are always a sartorial adventure. Whether you're combing through the racks for a bargain find at Rok It Vintage, Blitz or Absolute Vintage or discovering the pop up boutiques at BOXPARK, you're sure to find a unique piece that will be the envy of all your friends.
Megan Hills

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