Fairy Tale of London

Dear reader,

I know, I know, it’s only November but I’m always ready for festivities – it is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year – and here at GEO, we never gatekeep! What follows are my favourite things to do in and around London at this time of year:

1. Festive Fayre

Hampton Court Palace is a must-see no matter the time of year, whether you’re a history fan, gardens fan or Bridgerton fan! Everyone knows that HCP has an ice-rink every winter but their Festive Fayre is still relatively unknown, even to Londoners. From Saturday 2^nd to Monday 4^th December, the courtyards and gardens are transformed into a bustling artisanal product and food festival selling pashminas and peanut butter, jewellery and jams, coffee cups and chocolate – the list is endless! What’s more, the price of entry to the Fayre is included in the standard ticket meaning you can enjoy the festivities at no additional cost.

For more information, click here and to book tickets to the palace, here.

2. Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is truly a staple of the London festive season so I won’t waffle on for too long. Suffice it to say, fairground rides, food and artisan sellers – what more could you want?

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

3. Ice Hockey at Ally Pally (Alexander Palace)

Now, I’m fully aware that ice-hockey is not the most British of pastimes but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a huge amount of fun! The home team at Alexandra Palace are the Clockwise Haringey Huskies and they play an average of 2 games a month during the season.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

4. Christmas Lights Tour

Who loves twinkly light? Me! Nothing helps get me through those long, dark winter days like a little bit on sparkle. Different areas of London begin switching their lights on on different days but all will be going by the 18^th of November.

If you’d like to see the lights in style, you can book tickets for the London Lights by Night Tour here or, if you’re willing and able, here is a wonderfully detailed walking tour guide.

5. Liberty

Tourists often arrive in London with Harrod’s, Hamley’s and Selfridges on their radar but often unaware of Liberty. If you’ve seen the live action Cruella film, you may recognise this long-standing department store as Cruella’s workplace. The reason Liberty makes an appearance in this list is that, during the festive season, the entire 4^th floor becomes the Christmas floor where you can browse baubles, gifts, food and games!

Liberty is on Regent’s Street and rather near Carnaby Street if my memory serves so is a great place to stop off while visiting other sites.

6. Frozen

Yes, yes, I know that technically Frozen is a children’s film but honestly the musical is for everyone. The costumes, set design and special effects are incredible and, of course, the main cast are super talented. What’s more, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where Frozen is performed, recently underwent at £60 million restoration and is one of the most beautiful venues in London.

To book tickets to the show, click here or if you’re not musical fan (boooo!), then click here to book tickets to the theatre tour which takes you on a journey through the theatre’s fascinating and occasionally spooky history!

7. Kew Gardens Lights

Kew Gardens is a popular destination in the Spring and Summer but sometimes gets forgotten during the colder seasons. I’m here to spread the word about Christmas at Kew, an unmissable light display walking trail with festive food and drink vendors along the route. This experience is incredibly popular and tickets sell out very quickly but there are still a few slots left!

Click here for more information and to book tickets.

8. Carol-singing

I can hear you rolling your eyes – I appreciate that, initially, carol-singing does not appear to be a particularly unique idea. However, I’m telling you about the best choral concert in the city, nay, the world!

Our wonderful assistant director, Mary, is singing Christmas carols with her choir, the London Lawyers’ Chorus, on Wednesday 29^th November at 7.30 PM in the Actor’s Church, Covent Garden. Tickets can be purchased here.

9. Christmas Movies at the Prince Charles Cinema

The Prince Charles is an independent cinema around the corner from Leicester Square. As well as upcoming films, they host screenings of cult classics, indie must-sees and seasonal favourites. Over this festive period, they’re showing Die Hard, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, Love Actually and many more!

Check out their full listing and book tickets here.

10. Skate at Somerset House

Somerset House is a beautiful neoclassical building that dates back to the Georgian Period (though the original palace was built by the Duke of Somerset in 1547). Today, it is “the home of cultural innovators” and hosts a huge variety of exhibits, film screenings and most importantly for us, a seasonal ice skating rink. They offer skate school classes, have a Kid’s Skate Club, cater to wheelchair users and host chilled out sessions with quiet music, more indoor rest areas and fewer tickets for a less crowded rink so everyone is welcome!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

That’s all from me folks! I hope you have a wonderful festive season and do let me know if you take on any of my suggestions – maybe we’ll cross paths at the movies or on the ice!

Noemie