Food
First rule for a calm Christmas, eat well. Taking on the crowds in London while hungry is setting yourself up for a serious existential crisis as well as a guaranteed massive fall out with whoever is closest to you. To keep the peace try a Sunday roast at one of London’s many pubs. Remember to book in advance to avoid any disappointment. Alternatively go for afternoon tea at one of London’s many hotels and restaurants. If you, like me, don’t have the biggest sweet tooth try the not so traditional YO! Sushi Christmas afternoon tea at Selfridges. Sushi and prosecco, then christmas shopping at Selfridges? Sign me up!
Activities
With all the good food at Christmas it’s nice to move around a bit and get active. You know, before you eat some more delicious pigs in blankets! Ice skating is fun for all ages and all experience levels. Personally I was Bambi on ice for the first ten minutes, doing my best not to fall, but then I got into it and wish I could go on Dancing On Ice to learn it properly. London has plenty of ice rinks, so these are just some suggestions. Try the ice rinks at Natural History Museum, Somerset House, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Tower of London and Queen’s House.
If a ski holiday in the Swiss Alps is both a little too far away and expensive, or you want to gain some new skills before you hit the Swiss Alps, try the indoor slopes at Chel-Ski in London. Here you can book classes with an instructor who will teach you some new tricks before you enjoy some well deserved treats in their Alpine Bar. Aprés ski anyone?
Shopping
Even if all you want for Christmas is your “baby standing right outside my door”, there are some pretty good second best options in one of London’s many Christmas markets, department stores and high streets. Wander around Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or the Winter Market at Southbank Centre for beautifully unique presents. Get lost on the wonderful Christmas floor in Liberty, and while you stare in awe at the Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Carnaby Street you can pop in to your favourite shops.
Museums
For a festive day out, maybe after your Sunday roast or in combination with ice skating, visit some of London’s many museums. My favourite any time of the year is the V&A Museum. Visit their Victorian Christmas party to learn more about Christmas traditions from the Victorian era. A favourite story this time of year is for many A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Visit his house in London to see the Christmas decorated home of the beloved author. If you like architecture or in general like to be mesmerised by skill and creativity take a look at the gingerbread city at the Museum of Architecture.
What’s on your hit list for Christmas? Let me know in the comments!
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