Already in the mood for Christmas? 14 festive events to book now before they sell out

Written by Leah Sinclair

We’re just over one month away from Christmas which means there is a long list of events, festivals, markets and more to attend this season – and we’ve listed some of the best Christmas events to book now.

Christmas is now just under two months away – and that means its time that time of the year when we all scramble to get our calendars in order.

With family dinners, gatherings with friends and work parties to attend, the holiday period can be an extremely busy time – and with a slew of cultural events to add to the mix, it just got busier and merrier.

From illuminating light festivals to classic Christmas productions, we’ve listed some of the festive events to attend to get you in the Christmas spirit.

• Alexandra Palace ice rink

  Skating is a year-round activity at Alexandra Palace, but it feels particularly merry at Christmas time and gives an opportunity for a full-on festive day out. 

  Dates: 28 November – 8 January

  Book Alexandra Palace ice rink

  BOOK NOW

• Biscuiteers Christmas Afternoon Tea

  If you’re in the mood for an indulgant afternoon tea at Biscuiteers Biscuit Boutiques and Icing Cafes. Enjoy a luxurious selection of delicate sandwiches, patisseries and freskly baked scones – and their signature hand-iced bisuits of course.

  Book Biscuiteers Christmas Afternoon Tea 

  BOOK NOW

• Christmas by candlelight at the Freemasons’ Hall

  Enjoy the sweet sounds of your favourite Christmas carols at a series of concerts taking place at Freemasons’ Hall. The four concerts will run throughout the Christmas period and will see Christmas songs from Away in a Manger to Hark the Herald Angels Sing, sung while surrounded by flickering candlelight.

  Dates: various Saturdays & Sundays throughout the Christmas period 2022

  Book Christmas by candlelight at the Freemasons’ Hall

  BOOK NOW

• Christmas at Trentham

  From 2 December – 1 January 2023, Trentham’s much-loved gardens will come alive with an immersive Christmas trail featuring a multisensory experience of light and music promising to wow at every turn.

  Set in the heart of Staffordshire, Trentham has 725-acres of magnificent grounds, woodland, and landscaped gardens, making it the perfect place for friends and family to get into the Christmas spirit and showcase the stunning historic landscape at Trentham in a new light.

  Dates: 2 December – 1 January 2023

  Book Christmas at Trentham

  BOOK NOW

• Christmas Steam Express

  Journey across London in the Christmas Steam Express and celebrate the holiday season in style.

  Perfect for friends, family or colleagues, this festive steam train is beautifully decorated and will take you on a journey through West London for a magical night.

  Dates: 14 December 2022 – 21 December

  Book the Christmas Steam Express

  BOOK HERE

• Christmas at Kenwood, London

  Hampstead Heath will be awash with light this winter as an all-new outdoor event will take place at the iconic Kenwood House in time for the festive period.

  Christmas at Kenwood will see the grounds transformed into a spectacular winter haven, featuring Christmas installations and jaw-dropping displays, food, and drink, that will make it the place to be in the capital this Christmas.

  Dates: 2 December – 1 January 2023

  Book Christmas at Kenwood

  BOOK HERE

• Lightopia London

  London’s Crystal Palace Park will once again host the Lightopia Festival, bringing its incredible light show to London for the second year, and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.

  The ultimate neon winter wonderland experience will not only showcase immersive, multi-sensory interactive light and lantern installations but will also feature a spectacular festive water show, ready to transport you to a fantastical Christmas experience like no other.

  Other highlights will include a breathtaking light dragon who dramatically breathes ‘fire’, a magical forest and the ultimate Christmas installation featuring giant snowmen, baubles and sugar canes.

  Dates: 17 November to 2 January 2023

  Book Lightopia Festival

  BOOK HERE

• Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

  Blenheim Palace is providing nothing but festive cheer this year, including their anticipated illuminated trail, which will include a brand-new route that takes you across the South Lawn and into the woods beyond. 

  Guests will be able to explore the Palace rooms, each one exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises, from discovering the glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest and venture into the wintery Kingdom of Ice adorned with larger-than-life shimmering crystals.

  There will also be a Christmas market, with many designers and craft traders selling a distinctive range of artisan products that will make perfect treats and gifts this Christmas.

  Dates: 18 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

  Book Christmas at Blenheim Palace 

  BOOK NOW

• Winter Wonderland, London

  One of the most popular Christmas events in the capital has returned and is sure to bring out millions this season.

  From the -10C ice bar and endless food stalls to festive rides and an alpine-themed pop-up restaurant, visiting Winter Wonderland is a must-visit.

  Dates:  18 November – 2 January 2023

  Book Winter Wonderland

  BOOK HERE

• Christmas At Kew, London

  Christmas at Kew Gardens is a truly botanical world filled with seasonal cheer for all to enjoy.

  Visitors can wander beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in sparkle, futuristic neon trees and branches illuminated with stars as you enter a botanical world filled with seasonal cheer.

  Elsewhere, visitors can wander through thousands of twinkling lights in ArtAV’s magical Starry Night, featured at Kew Gardens for the first time. 

  Dates: 16 November 2022 – 8 January 2023

  Book Christmas At Kew

  BUY NOW

• Skate at Somerset House, London

  Ice-skating at Somerset House definitely has to be on your Christmas event list.

  The magnificent ice rink transforms the neoclassical courtyard into an essential winter destination, complete with a 40ft Christmas tree, with specially curated decorations from Moët & Chandon.

  From a selection of DJs playing the best contemporary music across all genres to decadent winter treats and activities from Hotel Chocolat, there’s no wonder why this is one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences.

  Dates: 16 November 2022 – 15 January 2023

  Book Skate at Somerset House

  BOOK NOW

• Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, London

  Nothing says Christmas like singing carols at the top of your lungs – and if there is anywhere to do it, the Royal Albert Hall is the place.

  Here you can sing until your heart’s content at one of London’s most iconic venues as visitors croon along to traditional carols and modern festive arrangements.

  Dates: 17 – 24 December 

  Book Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

  BOOK NOW

• The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House, London

  The Nutcracker has a history of mesmerising audiences and continues to decades later.

  The iconic story is a festive favourite that people can see this Christmas in a reworked version that follows the journey of Clara and her Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets. 

  Dates: 6 December – 14 January 2023

  Book The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House

  BOOK NOW

• A Christmas Carol at Old Vic Theatre, London

  Matthew Warchus’ smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ classic returns to The Old Vic, which is sure to be filled to the brim with music and merriment.

  Dates: 12 November – 7 January 2023

  Book A Christmas Carol at Old Vic Theatre

  BOOK NOW

Images: Getty; Lightopia; Blenheim Palace; Jeff Eden; Kew.org; Webbs; Getty; Somerset House; Royal Albert Hall; Royal Opera House;Old Vic Theat re

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