The festive season has arrived and London is lit up in twinkling lights, ready for some much-needed merriment. Christmas in the capital will certainly look different this year, but there’s still a lot to get excited about with plenty of events and new openings to enjoy safely.
Here are some of the top picks to add to your list…
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than wrapping up for a stroll around a Christmas market with mulled wine in one hand and warm gingerbread or a pretzel in the other? Luckily Oxford’s Street’s iconic department store has teamed up with Street Feast founder Dominic Cools-Lartigue to host the Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews.
Set across Edwards Mews, just behind Selfridges, this open-air market brings all the festive feels with retro fairground rides, stalls sellings decorations and winter accessories, creative wreaths by Your London Florist and even Christmas trees and seasonal flowers by Moyses Stevens.
Of course, the cherry on top of the Christmas cake is the nine food and drink trucks curated by Street Feast. Pop Dogs Official is grilling up traditional German bratwurst, while the most Instagrammable pasta – made in a giant wheel of Grana Padano – comes courtesy of Cheese Wheel. You can also expect gourmet burgers and BBQ by Tramshed Project, arepas from Pabellon, north Indian street food by Gully and wood-fired delights by Fundi Pizza. For a touch of sugar and spice, there’s also the Selfridges Collection of seasonal treats including Christmas pudding, panettone and stollen.
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews runs daily until 3rd January.
Accidentally Wes Anderson pop-up
The Old Bank Vault on Hackney Road is set to become a pastel-hued curiosity shop with a dazzling Accidentally Wes Anderson in-store and digital pop-up, in celebration of Wally Koval’s recently launched book.
Koval’s popular community-led Instagram feed is a beautifully-curated collection of real-life places around the world, submitted by eagle-eyed contributors. These whimsical, carefully-chosen landscapes and architectural gems perfectly capture the symmetry and quirkiness found in Anderson’s cult films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
This fully-immersive visual adventure brings the Instagram feed to life, offering the chance to see and buy these glorious pieces. The Old Bank Vault is also the only UK gallery to retail the book, merchandise and prints, so it’s worth queuing to nab a rare Christmas present for the cinema buff in your life.
Accidentally Wes Anderson x The Old Bank Vault runs from 4th December until 21st December
Spiritland at JOY
Crowded warehouse parties may be off the agenda this Christmas, but you can now get your music fix served up with a plate of pasta at Spiritland’s new residency at JOY. Restaurateur Stevie Parle and designer Tom Dixon launched their co-operative, multi-purpose warehouse venue at Portobello Dock this summer as a response to the current climate and for the month of December, Spiritland is taking charge of the drinks and music programme.
Simply book a table and enjoy a feast of Burrata, 30 egg-yolk tagliolini and Tiramisu by Pastaio and House of Suntory cocktails, with DJ sets from the likes of Jeremy Deller and Rory Crichton, Mafalda and Horse Meat Disco’s Severino. Jonny Woo’s Christmas Show rounds off a dreary 2020 with fabulous live music, laughs and a touch of glamour.
JOY is also a destination itself, featuring the much-praised Flora restaurant with indoor and heated outdoor seating and shops including a farm-to-fork grocery and a deli offering Kentish cheeses, Cobble Lane charcuterie, fresh truffles, hand-made pasta from Pastaio and take-away food. There’s also a bottle shop selling natural wines and craft beers, plus jewellery by Goddess Charms and plants and flowers from Canterbury-based The Goods Shed.
Spiritland at JOY runs throughout December
Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace
Gliding around London’s prettiest ice rinks at Christmas may seem like wishful thinking, however skating at Hampton Court Palace is very much going ahead. Situated in the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home, this open-air ice rink is a real treat, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater perfecting those spins.
At the end of your session, you and your household can warm up and take in the après-skate atmosphere over a baked Camembert and mulled wine in the cosy Ice Rink Cafe. A number of measures have been taken to make this family-friendly event Covid-secure, so be sure to plan your visit and make all of the necessary bookings.
Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace runs from 5th December until 17th January – pre-booking is essential.
Christmas decoration spotting
Central London may be just emerging from hibernation, but its Christmas decoration game is still strong. To see them in all their splendor, start at King’s Cross and marvel at the striking Electric Nemeton Tree at Granary Square, Coal Drop Yards’ sustainable Terranium Tree by Botanic Boys and EL&N Cafe’s pink Tree of Hope featuring quotes from London NHS staff at St Pancras.
Then, head to Covent Garden to see the Piazza’s 60-foot tall Christmas tree and walk along to Carnaby Street with its heartwarming ‘Choose Love’ theme and finish in Mayfair where Annabel’s, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and The Churchill Arms all have stunning festive facades.
Which London Christmas events are on your list? Are you planning a trip into town to get into the Christmas spirit?
