From carols and cocktails; to Christmas trees and Tudor feasts; have a jolly holiday with our round up of festive days out in London
Words Helen Brown
John Lewis Christmas Tree-torials
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a trussed up tree and John Lewis are offering the chance to make yours the envy of everyone with a series of complimentary Christmas Treetorials. Whether seeking the latest looks and tree trends this year, or tops tips for buying a first tree, customers can pick up helpful hacks and inspirational ideas from John Lewis experts.When: Everyday, 1pmWhere: John Lewis Oxford Street, W1C Peter Jones Sloane Square, SW1
Carols by Candlelight
The Royal Albert Hall welcomes the Mozart Festival Chorus and Orchestra to the stage for a Christmas music by candlelight in full 18th century costume. Celebrate in elegant style with this exquisite concert of carols, traditional readings by Wombles narrator Bernard Cribbins and a sing-a-long session of seasonal classics.
When: Saturday 17th DecemberWhere: Royal Albert Hall, SW7 Price: from £19.50, buy tickets here.
Christmas Wreath Making
Let Bloomsbury Flowers owners Stephen Wicks and Mark Welford teach you the art of seasonal floristry this Christmas. Throughout the season, wreath making masterclasses at their beautiful floral boutique will show you how to moss your base and add lovely seasonal foliage to deck your doorway this Christmas.When: Throughout DecemberWhere: 29 Great Queen Street, WC2B
Thanksgiving at Sea Containers
Transatlantic inspired restaurant, Sea Containers at Mondrian London are offering a very special Thanksgiving menu for the festive season. Available at lunch and dinner on 24th November, guests will be treated to a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne before choosing from an enticing three course selection. On the menu and hard to resist: Shrimp Mac n’Cheese, Clay Baked Half Lobster and Pumpkin Cheesecake.
When: 24th NovemberWhere: 20 Upper Ground, SE1Price: £50 per person, book here.
Richard Corrigan’s Festive Feasting Experience
Inspired by celebratory banquets throughout time, Richard Corrigan and his team have created a personalised festive feast for up to 12 guests around the Chef’s Table to celebrate the season in style. This is a wonderfully theatrical dining experience taking guests on a whimsical journey showcasing innovative interpretations of historic recipes such as whole suckling pig; pressed terrine of Goosnargh duck with roasted pineapple and dry aged beef wellington. Delicious. When: Throughout DecemberWhere: 22 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1KPrice: Menus from £50 per person, book here.
Santa’s Grotto and Husky Sleigh Rides
Winter magic comes to London this Christmas as Santa arrives at the Wetland Centre. Forget reindeer though, it’s all about the huskies this year, which visitors will find pulling sleighs alongside donkeys decked in their festive finery. Head over to explore the centre and seek out Santa’s grotto among the festive pines, before heading to a seasonal lunch at the scenic Water’s Edge Cafe.
When: 3th – 4th DecemberWhere: WWT Wetland Centre, W1KPrice: £6 per child, more information here.
Christmas Feast by The Art of Dining
Be transported back in time to indulge in an festive feast of Tudor proportions. Experience an unforgettable evening of delicious food, plentiful wine and festive frivolity in the magical medieval setting of Sutton House. Chef Ellen Parr will lead you on a culinary adventure through five courses of decadent and mouthwatering food, influenced by symbolic Tudor still-life paintings and real 15th century recipes. When: Throughout DecemberWhere: Sutton House, E9 Price: £100 per person, more information here.
Father Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
It looks like Father Christmas is popping up again in London this season, this time at The Royal Albert Hall. Journey through the magnificent 19th century Hall on an exclusive tour and walk back in time to the Victorian era, the period which created Christmas as we know and celebrate it today. Not only that, but children can take part in card and decoration making workshops before receiving a gift from Santa himself.
When: 6th-24th DecemberWhere: The Royal Albert Hall, SWPrice: £26.50 per person, book tickets here.
Corrigan’s Christmas Cocktail Class
For those looking to truly impress their guests during the party season Corrigan’s Christmas Cocktail Class is a masterclass inspired by the season. Guests will receive a welcome cocktail whilst the expert guides guests through some of the tricks of the trade, before learning how to shake up a collection of exquisite festive cocktails, using seasonal ingredients largely sourced from Richard Corrigan’s farm, Virgina Park Lodge. The class will continue with cocktail demonstrations and tastings before guests will then mix up their own. A selection of the Chef’s canapés will be served from the kitchen, followed by a farewell cocktail.
When: 3rd or the 10th December, 3-5pmWhere: 22 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1KPrice: £55 per person, book tickets here.
