15 last minute things you have to do in London this Christmas

Christmas is HERE.

Woah. Pump. The. Breaks.

OK, so it’s less than a week until Christmas, which means its about time to cram EVERYTHING into your schedule.

Seriously. I don’t know where the time has gone, but it’s moments like these when I’m panic buying everyone’s Christmas presents (with express delivery). Yes, it’s the things I should have been on top of a month ago. Oh well. C’est la vie. 

It also means I’m getting a little knot in the pit of my stomach because I have yet to experience EVERYTHING in London that I’ve wanted to before Christmas Day. The good news is, we still have six days to go. And, lucky for us, London tends to extend Christmas festivities for a few days into the New Year.

So what do you need to do? Obviously, everything. But if you can’t do it all, here are…

15 things that are worth trying to cram in this Christmas (good luck!):

1. Winter Wonderland – The Bavarian Village is a must-do. Sing all the songs. Drink all the drinks, and order a sausage while you’re at it.
2. Ice Skating at Somerset House (or the Natural History Museum) – Try and go during the day to avoid all the kids who will inevitably grab your arm and take you down.
3. Lights on Oxford and Regent Street – I know, the street is a nightmare during the holidays. But it’s worth it to see all the streets lit up.
4. Mulled Cider – I recently went down to the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge on the Southbank. Get the Spiced Plum hot cider. It’s a game changer.
5. Covent Garden – If you haven’t been down to Covent Garden yet, go now! Their Christmas tree takes the cake and the market is so decorated beautifully.
6. Nutcracker Ballet – I stupidly didn’t book these in time. But if you check back each day, you might manage to snap up a ticket or two!
7. Christmas jumpers – This doesn’t require much planning. Just get jumpers out and spend the day feeling festive.
8. The Ivy – Don’t care if it’s a cliche, The Ivy is one of the best decorated restaurants in town. Each site has their own twist on their theme. This year, it’s all about the brightly coloured baubles. Grab a cheeky wine and start feeling festive!
9. The Department Stores – Yes, department stores are also a must. Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum and Masons, Macy’s in New York has nothing on you!
10. Let it Snow at The Long Bar – Sanderson Hotel’s swanky Long Bar has been transformed into a winter alpine forest, complete with dangling birch trees, leaf covered floors and falling snow. I tried the French 75 and highly recommend. Also, my favourite drink, not part of the Winter experience, but still, a winner is the V V Voom.
11. Carnaby Street – Expect gleaming streets decorated with a festive Carnival vibe this year. Super bright, super colourful. Tuck yourself into one of the pubs, (a favourite cosy pub of mine is the cheap and cheerful The Clachan) in the area and soak it in.
12. Borough Market – I got stumped at number 11 coming up with my last five things to do. Because obviously, I’m running out of time to do it all and my brain knows I shouldn’t try to hard to get it all done. Anyways, I bring you Borough Market at Joe’s suggestion. They too, apparently have nice mulled wine options. And it’s a good opportunity to tuck into all the treats at the market stalls.
13. Caviar & Dom Pérignon Champagne Christmas at Royal Lancaster London – Oh, you fancy! Yes, those of you craving an incredibly elegant experience – the Lancaster London’s brand new lobby is the champagne bar you never knew you needed. You can snap up a glass of Dom Pérignon with a 10g tin of premium Caviar for £45. Cheers darling!
14. Leadenhall Market – I can’t believe I still haven’t managed to sneak myself over here yet. I plan on going Friday. So, expect some panicked Insta-stories due to overcrowding/general busyness. The tree looks gorgeous from what I’ve seen, and everyone and their brother has been here so far. I. must. go.
15. Winterville at Clapham Common – OK. I can’t believe I didn’t know about this until way late in the game. BUT. Winterville. From the pals you brought you Hawker House and Dinerama. So you know you’re in for good eats, bright lights, and cool signage.

Luckily, we’ve got a few days to go and rumour has it that most of these activities are going to carry on until the start of the New Year. So another two weeks of fun is in your future.

Thank me later.

Kelly xo