London in December is about so much more than elbowing past shoppers on Oxford Street.
1. South Bank Christmas Market
This annual event gets bigger every year. More than just the usual stalls of mulled wine and reindeer-shaped biscuits, the South Bank is celebrating its Winter Festival with a host of events. Pick up gifts and treats from one of the 50 wooden chalets that sell 'sustainable and artisan produce' (Time Out http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/southbank-centre-winter-festival-guide ).
2. Chestnuts
A vegan and festive treat—roasted chestnuts are available from street vendors, there's usually a stall on Oxford Street near Selfridges or at Covent Garden. Savour the challenge of shelling these hot snacks to get them out whole. Health fact: chestnuts are actually lower in calories than other nuts and are a great source of fibre!
3. Carol service
Free entertainment? Sing-a-long carols? Just head to your local church for their carol service. Most churches will have their biggest carol service on Sunday 17th December. Head to St Peter's Vauxhall at 6:30pm for top class music by Stanford, Rutter and Bach and join in with your favourite carols. All accompanied on the mighty organ by a certain travel blogger with a musical day job…
4. Christmas lights
Oxford and Regents Streets are the obvious places to go in order to gaze on the seasonal illuminations but take a walk down to Seven Dials to see the woodland themed lights. While you're in the area you could check out the Wild Food Cafe http://www.wildfoodcafe.com/ . Describing themselves as 'a plant-based eatery and wellbeing oasis' it is possibly the healthiest, most delicious food you will ever eat. You have to try the raw chocolate tart.
5. Vegan Christmas dinner
Looking for somewhere special for a Christmas meal without having to watch other people consuming dead things? Look no further than vegetarian restaurant chainette Mildred's. Their three restaurants (Soho, Camden and Kings Cross) only take bookings for large groups, so arrive in the early evening to enjoy their festive menu. Want to enjoy amazing Christmas food whilst wearing a slanket and slippers? They offer takeaway and delivery options too.
6. Ice-skating
If you're not too scared of falling over and being bruised and soggy for the rest of the day then you've got to have a go at ice-skating. If you want to stand in line at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland to skate in circles on melting ice then I suggest you book in advance (you’ll still have to queue endlessly with advanced booking). However, I recommend a trip to Alexandra Palace instead. There's is a permanent rink available all year round at the North London 'people's palace'. Book in advance at http://www.alexandrapalace.com/ice-rink/ to enjoy a two and half hour session. There's even a rink-side cafe to revive you should you need a break.
7. Winter Wonderland
This comes bottom of the list for me but I felt it had to be included. For some people Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to this busy, noisy, tourist filled pop-up event. With its over-priced rides, embarrassingly over-themed bars and eateries and queues round corners I just can't see why. If you're vegan then you might find a falafel in a corner if you're lucky... (disclaimer: I haven't actually been this year, if it has miraculously become a wholesome and tasteful event then please let me know).
There is something romantic about London at Christmas. Streets with twinkling lights, cosy pubs to escape the drizzle, and a host of festive things to do. What are your favourites? What would be on your list?
1. South Bank Christmas Market
This annual event gets bigger every year. More than just the usual stalls of mulled wine and reindeer-shaped biscuits, the South Bank is celebrating its Winter Festival with a host of events. Pick up gifts and treats from one of the 50 wooden chalets that sell 'sustainable and artisan produce' (Time Out http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/southbank-centre-winter-festival-guide ).
2. Chestnuts
A vegan and festive treat—roasted chestnuts are available from street vendors, there's usually a stall on Oxford Street near Selfridges or at Covent Garden. Savour the challenge of shelling these hot snacks to get them out whole. Health fact: chestnuts are actually lower in calories than other nuts and are a great source of fibre!
3. Carol service
Free entertainment? Sing-a-long carols? Just head to your local church for their carol service. Most churches will have their biggest carol service on Sunday 17th December. Head to St Peter's Vauxhall at 6:30pm for top class music by Stanford, Rutter and Bach and join in with your favourite carols. All accompanied on the mighty organ by a certain travel blogger with a musical day job…
4. Christmas lights
Oxford and Regents Streets are the obvious places to go in order to gaze on the seasonal illuminations but take a walk down to Seven Dials to see the woodland themed lights. While you're in the area you could check out the Wild Food Cafe http://www.wildfoodcafe.com/ . Describing themselves as 'a plant-based eatery and wellbeing oasis' it is possibly the healthiest, most delicious food you will ever eat. You have to try the raw chocolate tart.
5. Vegan Christmas dinner
Looking for somewhere special for a Christmas meal without having to watch other people consuming dead things? Look no further than vegetarian restaurant chainette Mildred's. Their three restaurants (Soho, Camden and Kings Cross) only take bookings for large groups, so arrive in the early evening to enjoy their festive menu. Want to enjoy amazing Christmas food whilst wearing a slanket and slippers? They offer takeaway and delivery options too.
6. Ice-skating
If you're not too scared of falling over and being bruised and soggy for the rest of the day then you've got to have a go at ice-skating. If you want to stand in line at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland to skate in circles on melting ice then I suggest you book in advance (you’ll still have to queue endlessly with advanced booking). However, I recommend a trip to Alexandra Palace instead. There's is a permanent rink available all year round at the North London 'people's palace'. Book in advance at http://www.alexandrapalace.com/ice-rink/ to enjoy a two and half hour session. There's even a rink-side cafe to revive you should you need a break.
7. Winter Wonderland
This comes bottom of the list for me but I felt it had to be included. For some people Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to this busy, noisy, tourist filled pop-up event. With its over-priced rides, embarrassingly over-themed bars and eateries and queues round corners I just can't see why. If you're vegan then you might find a falafel in a corner if you're lucky... (disclaimer: I haven't actually been this year, if it has miraculously become a wholesome and tasteful event then please let me know).
There is something romantic about London at Christmas. Streets with twinkling lights, cosy pubs to escape the drizzle, and a host of festive things to do. What are your favourites? What would be on your list?
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