The season of celebration is well and truly upon us and there are plenty of yule-tide festivities to immerse yourself in this winter. Get into the festive spirit by rockin’ around the ice rink or carolling at the Christmas tree, explore the winter markets or catch a family show, there is something for everyone this Christmas at our magical member venues.
As well as the endless list of events taking place over the next month, all of our members offer spectacular party packages. If you’re still searching for the perfect venue to host your Christmas event then look no further than our extensive selection of heritage, landmark and unusual spaces.
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Make Christmas memories
Christmas is the season of giving, celebrating and making memories that last a lifetime. Put your phones away, grab your loved ones and head out and about in London and take in the wonderful sights and sounds of the season. Be dazzled by the moons, planets and galaxies during the festive-themed planetarium show at the Royal Observatory Greenwich or wander along an illuminated trail through beautiful botanical gardens during Christmas at Kew. Discover London by night at one of the capital’s most magical and celebrated venues, Tower Bridge or view beautifully illuminated silk installations at the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens. Get hands on at the Museum of the Order of St John, where guests big and small can help decorate the Christmas tree with their own unique Christmas designs or step in time and experience Christmas as it would have been in Victorian times at Kensington Palace.
Go ice skating
Whether your ice skating skills are jaw-droppingly magnificent or utterly non-existent, you'll still find London's ice rinks as enchanting as ever so wrap up warm and get your skates on at these magical rinks. Twirl around Somerset House's glorious 18th-century courtyard or enjoy magnificent views of Henry VIII's residence at the Hampton Court Palace rink. Glide around the Christmas tree at the Natural History Museum of skate in the shadow of the spectacular Tower of London. A steaming hot chocolate is the perfect way to wind down after showcasing your skills (or lack of!) on the ice so make sure you stop by the café at your chosen venue.
Explore the Christmas markets
Don your woolly hat and wrap up warm as you explore London’s magical winter markets. Whether you want to pick up a handmade gift or indulge in the seasonal food and drink, the markets offer hours of fun for all the family. The world heritage listed Old Royal Naval College will be transformed into a snowy wonderland for Greenwich Winter Time Festival, featuring contemporary craft and design stalls, an ice rink and an audience with Santa. Enjoy mulled wine, quality food and handmade crafts while taking in the sights and sounds of London at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market or visit the BBC Good Food Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace, where you'll find winter kitchen masterclasses and more than 50 artisan food and drink stalls.
Sing Christmas carols
An evening of Christmas carols is a sure-fire way to sprinkle some holiday spirit into the season. From grand affairs in majestic venues like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral to charity fundraisers, London's carol services are guaranteed to leave you with a warm glow. Sing by candlelight at the Southwark Cathedral or enjoy outstanding classical, world folk and jazz musicians under the gleaming hull of Cutty Sark. Make sure you check out the famous Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and while you’re in the area pop into St-Martin-in-the-Fields to enjoy their extensive programme of carols and concerts.
Meet Father Christmas
What could make Christmas more magical than meeting Father Christmas himself? His sleigh has descended on the capital and the man in red is set to be making appearances at venues across the city. At ZSL London Zoo, join in arts and crafts with Mrs Claus and chat with cheeky elves before heading into the grotto to receive an early Christmas gift. Help Santa’s elves prepare for the big day at the Elves Workshop at WWT London Wetland Centre. Travel back in time to Victorian London to meet Father Christmas at the Museum of London and Museum of London, Docklands or take part in interactive games and sing songs at Royal Albert Hall and work together to help Father Christmas set off in time for the big day.
See a Christmas show
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a show so make the season more magical with a trip to one of the city’s beautiful theatres. The Royal Opera House is staging an enchanting version of The Nutcracker, a breath taking classical ballet danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score and this winter, the National Theatre are bringing the much loved story of Pinocchio to life with a spectacular new production.