Winter Fun Finders

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter… which is when London comes into its sparkling, cosy best, with skate rinks, winter markets and lights galore. Here’s our pick of the top ten things to do and see:

1. Lights, camera, action

London is rightly famous for its Christmas lights, and you’ll see dazzling displays all over the city. We’re lucky to be in the thick of things, so step outside and you’ll be able to take in the show along Regent’s Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Carnaby Street, all within minutes of each other.

2. Pizza party

Festive feasting is the name of the game at Pizzeria Mozza, where we’ve added a range of delicious menus for you to choose from for a fun get together. Take your pick from scrumptious bites such as truffled cheese wrapped in prosciutto or peperonata and ricotta bruschetta, followed by a range of gourmet pizzas – including our seasonal choice featuring brussel sprouts, panna, guanciale and red onion. And top tip: we’re open on Boxing Day so you can join us for a treat after hitting the sales.

3. Twinkle, twinkle

Walk through an enchanting wonderworld of Christmas lights, illuminations and interactive installations at Kenwood, an English Heritage property set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath. Then warm up with festive food, wintry cocktails or hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows. 1st December – 1st January.

4. Bauble and bubbles

Try your hand at contemporary calligraphy and then test your craft on a ceramic Christmas bauble and cards. Expert Bee Davies will show you the ropes while you sip on a glass of Prosecco.

5. Thrills and spills

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland goes from strength to strength, with a huge range of fairground rides, ice skating, festive stalls, live music and the kiddie-friendly Santa Land. 17th November – 1st January.

6. Riverside rambles

Browse the Alpine stalls along the Thames at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, buying festive trinkets, street food and mulled wine beneath twinkling lights. 3rd November – 6th January

7. Cocktails and fireworks

Head up to The Nest for the ultimate New Year’s Eve party. There’ll be a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival, beats from DJ Max Menaged, freshly-mixed cocktails from our mixologists – and of course the best views of London’s fireworks from our top-floor vantage point.

8. Get your skates on

London has embraced the concept of the festive ice rink and now has a wide choice, from the famous courtyard at Somerset House (15th November – 14th January), to Battersea? Power Station (10th November – 2nd January), Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (17th November – 1st January) and, new for 2023, Skate West End at Hanover Square (3rd November – 2nd January), a quick walk from Treehouse London.

9. Brunch of kings

You’ve partied like it’s 1999 – now it’s time to recover, with a fortifying brunch in Madera. Tuck into coconut parfait, fajita bowls and cocktails (or mocktails, depending on that headache)...

10. New year, new you

Feeling burnt out after all that festive fun? We’re dialling down the vibe from January to introduce a range of relaxing, rejuvenating morning yoga sessions – as well as a range of mocktails to get you going for Dry January.

Photography - Winter Wonderland by Josh Atkin.