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Christmas days out you'll want to add to the diary ASAP
The countdown to Christmas is officially on
If you love Christmas just as much as we do, you’ve landed in the right spot. Whether you’re a sucker for tradition - we’re talking ice skating rinks and Christmas markets stocked with mince pies and warming mulled wine - or you’re looking for something a little more bougie - hello, cosy winter terraces and festive cocktails, there’s so much to get stuck into this winter. If you don’t know where to start, here’s our round-up of some of the best Christmas 2025 events happening in London and beyond. You can sign us up for all of it.
Have the ultimate festive afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury Hotel
Going for an afternoon tea is easily one of our favourite things to do year round, but make it festive? We're racing you there. And easily one of the best festive afternoon teas is at the Coral Room at the Bloomsbury Hotel. At £75 per person you get a crisp glass of champagne, festive themed sandwiches including a turkey cranberry sandwich with a delicious sage and onion mayonnaise, and scones and mulled pear jam.
The pâtisserie round is our favourite and this Christmas the Bloomsbury Hotel has got all bases covered. There's a yummy pistachio Christmas wreath to share, a Mont Blanc tart layered with blackcurrant, vanilla cream and frangipane, miniature gingerbread madeleines, a raspberry mousse and a Black Forest delice.
And of course every afternoon tea is served with your choice of tea and coffee.
Explore the Winter Bar at ABBA Voyage
If you've never been to ABBA Voyage this is your sign to go this festive season. New for 2025 is the venue's Winter Bar, an exclusive venue you can head to before the show that has a menu jam packed with festive treats. We're talking a festive hot dog, hot chocolate and all the mulled wine you could ask for. And then after indulging in the ultimate festive menu you can go inside and watch teh music of ABBA come to life.
Marylebone Village
What could be more festive than a wander in Marylebone Village now that the Christmas lights are on? There are beautiful window displays, shopping opportunities galore and the perfect balance of little spots to stop in, and cafés to fill your time with.
Shopping wise, head to Moscot for a your sunglasses needs, and Sezane if you want to channel French-girl chic. There's a Lululemon *and* a Sweaty Betty for your Sunday morning 'fits, a Daunt Books for your next novel, and (my personal favourite), a Caroline Gardner for cards and gifts.
Then, whether you pop into Ottolenghi for a hot chocolate and a treat, or cosy up at The Coach Makers Arms for a scotch egg and a Guinness - there's no end to the opportunities for a treat. For a truly memorable evening, head to the newly opened Kudu - a South African-inspired restaurant with deep burgundy marble interiors, a relaxed atmosphere and genuinely the best food you'll eat all year. Don't leave without getting the signature Kudu 'KitKat'.
Christmas at Kew, Richmond
If you’ve never experienced Christmas at Kew Gardens, make 2024 the year you pay a visit to the world-famous botanic garden. Along with a series of new installations for this winter, the stunning Palm House light show and the Temperate House lights are once again a magical must-see. Tickets start at £27.50 for off-peak slots.
When: Until 4 January
Moco Museum and Winter Wonderland, Marble Arch
There's a host of amazing museums in London, with Moco Museum being the hottest addition to the city. Even better, it's just minutes away from London's Winter Wonderland!
You can get our skates on at the Ice Rink, presented by Moco Museum, then walk just a few minutes to have a wonder around the contemporary art museum which displays work from Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Robbie Williams (yes, that Robbie!)
There’s still time to plan in the ultimate visit to Winter Wonderland and Moco before Winter Wonderland closes on the 4th, but don’t worry if you can’t make it before then as you can still enjoy a visit Moco Museum who are open year round.
When: Until 4 January
Battersea Power Station, London
If you’re heading down to Battersea Power Station to stock up on Christmas gifts this year, you’ll also be treated to some joyous Christmas scenes. Highlights include a 40ft tree featuring more than 1,500 baubles, an open air ice skating, festive markets, festive food and drink pop-ups along the riverfront, and you can also pop into The Cinema in The Power Station where they’ll be showing a series of Christmas film classics. Oh, and if you've got time, don't forget to check out Lift 109 to get a glimpse of glorious 360 views of the London skyline.
When: Until 4 January
Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, London
After you’re greeted by the 40ft Christmas tree as you step into Somerset House’s famous neoclassical courtyard, you’ll find one of the best ice skating rinks in London. This year you can join Skate Lates, featuring party-starting sets from Foundation FM, NTS legend Ruf Dug, queer dance collective Sue Veneers, and special sets from DJ Shortee Blitz and Studio Wayne McGregor.
If you’re hungry, head to The Chalet where you’ll find Alpine-inspired winter warmers made with artisan British produce by Jimmy Garcia, joined for the first time by Blondies Kitchen with a bespoke menu including Mince Pie Cookie Cups.
When: Until 11 January
Bicester Village, Oxford
For the ultimate festive shopping destination, Bicester Village in Oxford ticks all the boxes. As well as stocking up on gifts from one of the many boutiques, including Acne, Astrid & Miyu, Bamford, Charlotte Tilbury, Benefit, New Balance, Monica Vinader and lots more (in fact, more than 150!), this year they’ve ramped up their festive offerings for the whole family. Key highlights include a cute wintery Village Workshop where guests can pick up gift wrap and put a personal spin on their presents, while artists such as Illyboo Designs and The Lost Girls are offering unique hand-painted baubles, embroidered napkins, and more. You can also expect lots of ‘snow’ courtesy of the snow canons dotted around the Village, as well as live performances from carol singers and gospel choirs. Kids can also send a letter to Father Christmas, with every note posted supporting DO GOOD charities. For more info and to check out the entire range of Bicester Village boutiques and restaurants, head here.
When: Until early January
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace will take your breath away without being enveloped in Christmas goodness, so imagine what it’s like with a festive makeover and thousands of twinkling lights. As well as the return of the Christmas Market hosting artisan food and drink sellers in wintry wooden chalets, you can also explore the Neverland-themed palace State rooms. For the first time ever, there’s also a skating rink located in the Great Court. But for the main event? That’s the illuminated trail which weaves through the gorgeous grounds, lighting up the lake and South Lawn.
When: Until 1 January
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
A guaranteed good time in the capital, Winter Wonderland is back with the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, 150+ rides and attractions, magical new installations, value packed packages and an expanded family offering including the biggest free Santa’s Grotto in London. There is also a new Luminarie Lane, a vast Italian designed light installation, global gift market and seasonal food stalls.
When: Until 4 January
Camden Market, London
Weekends spent strolling around Camden Town Market are always a busy, bustling and fun affair. And this Christmas, the market is putting on its most festive events to date. As well as *five* tree displays, throughout December the market will host a Santa's Grotto, a Santa's meet and greet, choir performances, and of course don't forget to grab a bite from one of the 1,000 traders who will have their best festive food, drinks and craft offerings on display. For more information and to book activities, head here.
When: Until the end of December
Glow Wild at Wakehurst, Sussex
When one of your main festive features is the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, you have a lot to boast about. Not only can you marvel at the dramatic 37m tall tree dressed up with 1,800 energy-saving light bulbs, this year you can weave in and out of nine bespoke international artist creations, light animations, soundscapes, and over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns.
When: Until 1 January
Humbug - The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar, London
For all the festive giggles, get yourself down to Humbug at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. Explore a series of rooms at the famous East London spot, including a hectic mailroom, Santa’s ‘Grotto’, a shrine dedicated to queen of Christmas Mariah Carey and a festive themed beer can bowling alley. Expect live performances, sing-a-longs, games and immersive storytelling. The perfect night out if you ask us.
When: Until 31 December
Festive pop-ups, various
Brought to you by the Experimental Group, Miracle is the kitsch festive pop-up bar nestled in the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden. It’s a small space and table time is limited to an hour and 45 minutes, but the retro decorations and punchy cocktails which include the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old Fashioned, more than make up for it. Bar Hütte, which has locations in Manchester, Liverpool and now Warrington features cosy huts decked out with rustic furnishings and fairy lights and, most importantly, karaoke machines.
When: Miracle 11 November - 23 December / Bar Hütte 8 November - 31 December
Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Hertfordshire
Step into a festive wonderland with the return of Hogwarts in the Snow. As well as the Great Hall getting another dreamy makeover, this year there’s a brand new frozen Hogwarts fountain which you’ll recognise from the Clock Tower Courtyard, plus the Hogwarts castle model will be covered in a blanket of snow. Dinner in the Great Hall also returns to offer fans exclusive after-hours access to the Studio Tour. Enjoy a drinks reception before recreating IRL Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone scenes with your own Christmas dinner. There’s also a one-off family dinner taking place in the Great Hall on 13 December.
When: Hogwarts in the Snow: 16 November - 19 January / Dinner in the Great Hall: 9 - 11 December
Windsor Great Park Illuminated, Windsor
The dog-friendly festive light trail is back for the fourth year running, and promises a brand new trail design for 2024. The event, which will include pretty projections, flood-lit fountains, lots of lasers and also the return of the Field of Lights, is put together by the same people who created Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - so you know it promises to be special. Entry starts at 4:30pm and runs until 10:30pm, and tickets are priced at £18 for an adult and £11 for children.
When: Until 4 January
Petersham Nurseries, Surrey
This year, the stunning Richmond hot spot has a variety of fun festive DIY workshops on offer. If you want to make sure you nail your Christmas tree decs, then why not try out the tree decorating class where you’ll be shown how to create unique flourishes using natural materials and foliage? There’s also a homemade Christmas decorations class where in-house florist Antonia Campbell-Evans will teach guests how to make ornaments from dried flowers and seed heads, ribbon and string. And don’t forget the festive wreath making class where you’ll be shown how you can forage yourself and gather foliage from your garden. Refreshments are served on arrival.
When: Until 9 December (dates vary for different workshop)
The Great Christmas Feast by The Lost Estate, London
Ok, we’ll admit it - we’re suckers for a fun immersive experience. For the seventh year running, The Great Christmas Feast in West Kensington will play host to an immersive production of the story of Scrooge. Listen to Charles Dickens narrate the famous story while feasting on a three-course Victorian-inspired festive meal. But be quick with tickets as every year it’s always sold out.
When: Until 12 January
Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
If wholesome family fun is what you're after, Chessington World of Adventures is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled family day out. Guests can head along to the Christmas Village where they'll be guided by friendly elves through a snowy forest to a cosy, woodfire-lit grotto where Father Christmas will be waiting. There'll also be lots of other festive entertainment on offer, including a Christmas panto, an elves toy workshop, plus lots of festive food and drink. For an extra special festive outing, guests can also enjoy an overnight stay at the Azteca and Safari Resort Hotels where kids will be treated to a wake up call from an elf.
When: Until 31 December
Warwick Castle, Warwick
Warwick Castle’s Christmas offering is always a joy, with a market, light trail, ice rink and a chance to meet the big man himself in the castle library all on offer. But there’s also a lot more festive goodness on offer in the rest of Warwick, including the market in its historic Market Square which features everything from vintage stalls to street food or why not head over to The Lord Leycester for a wreath-making workshop.
When: Until 5 January
Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
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