London events in December

Even if you think Christmas is a load of consumerist claptrap, you can’t deny that London looks a whole lot better when it’s hung with strings of glistening lights. And London is never in short supply of some thoroughly excellent festive light displays. From the classic angels that beam over Regent’s Street to the snazzy, themed displays over Carnaby Street, a trip to one of these gleaming streets will flutter the heart of even the most Scrooge-like of souls. 

For elite festive vibes – plus the very best shopping –  head to Westfield London thid Christmas. From luxury brands to high street faves as well as the perfect blend of leisure and family fun in the mix, Westfield London is the place to be in the weeks running up to the big day. Especially this year, because we’ve teamed up with our Westie besties to bring you our very own Winter Square. Here, you’ll find glistening light installations, plus an epic line-up of comedy, music and performers gracing our stage throughout the Yuletide season, from string quartets and brass bands to panto stars and Nutcracker ballerinas. There’s also the Kitchen Disco Trail, created by artist Amy Isles Freeman, with eight Christmas tree installations inspired by the sights of London for you to discover. Click through to check out the full programme of events.

Born in Denmark and now sizzling in both Soho and the City, KöD brings Scandi minimalism and serious meat mastery to central London. With sleek interiors, high-welfare grain-fed beef aged for at least 35 days, and a new cocktail menu to match, this is elevated steakhouse dining with a cool Nordic edge. For a limited time, Time Out readers can enjoy KöDs tender rump steak and slow cooked pork belly with a selection of seasonal side orders & Madagascar pepper sauce every day of the week, until the end of year!

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Markets, eh? They’re pretty nice to wander around at nearly every time of year. But, at Christmas? Well, that’s when London’s markets really come into their own. Every year the capital fills with the kind of markets that host fairy-light-lined stalls, festive street-food sellers and community tombolas, with a playlist of Christmas songs on loop in the background. In fact, whether you’re looking for tasty treats, traditional decorations and cutting-edge arts and crafts or are just shopping for a last-minute present, the capital’s selection of Yuletide stalls are here to help. 

Have we finally reached Peak Paddington? The Young Peruvian bear’s spectacular film-begat renaissance hasn’t just yielded a trilogy of hit film: there’s a tie-in TV series, a skit with the late Queen, and an official immersive attraction, The Paddington Bear Experience. Now, there’s a big splashy West End musical. Super-producer Sonia Friedman has assembled a team headed by playwright Jessica Swale doing the book and kids’ author and McFly member Tom Fletcher on songs, all directed by Luke Shepherd, who did such a good job with the smash revival of Starlight Express.

It wouldn't be Christmas in London without Somerset House's famous rink serving up festive prettiness, brews, and edgy Skate Lates. But it's not the only skating spot in town. This year, rinks are popping up all over the city: head to Battersea Power Station for industrial chic or try Alexandra Palace for stellar views over the city. Here's our pick of the very best.

Many of us love a good old-fashioned Christmas complete with trips to festive markets, ice skating, carol services and all the trimmings. But it’s not everyone’s glass of eggnog. Thankfully, London is abuzz with unusual Christmas events come winter. Whether you fancy switching up your usual gift-shopping with a trip to the Satanic Flea Market’s Antichristmas Fayre, making the Yuletide gayer than ever at a camp as Christmas drag show, swatching some alt Christmas movies with only the most tenuous of links to the festive period or even spending December 25 pounding the pavements to complete an ultramarathon, have yourself a quirky little Christmas with our round-up of the ultimate unusual festive events in London. It is truly the most (weird and) wonderful time of the year.

The young Peruvian bear’s spectacular renaissance hasn’t just yielded a trilogy of hit films: there’s a TV series, an official immersive attraction, the Paddington Bear Experience, a computer game, and now a big splashy West End musical. Super-producer Sonia Friedman has done the honours, assembling a crack team headed by playwright Jessica Swale doing the book and kids’ author and McFly member Tom Fletcher on songs, all directed by Luke Shepherd, who did such a good job with the smash revival of Starlight Express. The bear himself is being depicted by a team of two performers: Arti Shah will don a bear suit and James Hameed will be the ‘off-stage performer’.

An evening of proper Christmas carols is an absolute must if you’re interested in getting entirely wrapped up in unalloyed festive cheer. Check out our comprehensive round-up of the jolliest and most moving services in the capital. Indoors and outdoors, cathedrals, churches and secular spaces, we’ll be adding to it constantly, as more events are announced. 

New Year’s Eve in London means you’re faced with some choices. Sometimes there’s so much choice, in fact, that you end up spending the night indoors with a few loved ones and plenty of booze. We’ve all been there, but London boasts loads of great New Year’s Eve events that should coax even the most reluctant NYE fan out of the house this year. Click through for all-night raves, sophisticated soirees and everything in-between

Escape reality through maximum immersion and experience 42 masterpieces from 29 of the world’s most iconic artists, each reimagined beyond belief, through cutting-edge technology. Situated in Marble Arch, Frameless plays host to four unique galleries with hypnotic visuals and a dazzling score. Enjoy 90 minutes of surreal artwork from Bosch, Dalí and more for just £24!

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