16 Fun & Festive Things To Do Between Christmas & New Year
We’ve got your back with our guide to the very best things to do in that awkward bit between Christmas and New Year, when you’re searching for things to do. From exploring Hogwarts in the Snow to ice skating and the ultimate brunch hangover cure, here’s our guide on fun things to do this week:
Book a festive meal at The Ivy Asia
The Ivy Asia locations across London serve their festive menus till 31st December. The menu includes wagyu beef tataki with black winter truffle, ponzu and chives, bold and fiery Kung Pao Monkfish with toasted cashew nuts, chilli and green onions, lobster Rendang, an Indonesian curry with lychees, water chestnuts and curry leaves, served with steamed jasmine rice and a Festive Origami dessert.
where: across London
website: www.theivyasia.com
Head to The Adam Handling Chocolate Shop
For a sweet way to spend a day, head to The Adam Handling Chocolate Shop in Covent Garden, where the shop is filled with handcrafted chocolates inspired by Christmas classics – think Apple Crumble, Spiced Pear, Toasted Cinnamon, Sea Buckthorn, Christmas Pudding, Mince Pie, Mulled Wine, Gingerbread Spice, and Candy Cane. You can mix and match your favourites in store into boxes of 4, 12, or 24, or choose one of the set Christmas selections available online.
where: 17 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NL
website: www.adamhandlingchocolate.co.uk
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Head to Shangri-La The Shard, London, for some rest and relaxation after a busy Christmas Day. The ELEMIS treatment rooms provide a peaceful escape above the city, offering a curated menu of rejuvenating facials and massages
designed to restore, renew and deeply relax. Each treatment is tailored with care, blending expert techniques with award-winning ELEMIS formulas that promise a peaceful way to end the year.
where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
website: ww.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila
Go ice skating at Watergate Bay Hotel
Head to Cornwall’s Watergate Bay Hotel for a gorgeous ice-skating experience. They have a 360-square-metre real ice rink for the very first time that’s set against the Atlantic with stunning sea views and festive lights, making it an incredible spot to skate by the sea. Plus, if you’re looking for a last-minute stay over the Christmas holidays, this is a great place to spend a weekend. With lovely sea view rooms, there are family suites that are lovely if you’re travelling with the kids (and the dog).
where: Watergate Bay, Cornwall TR8 4AA
website: www.watergatebay.co.uk
Sign up for cooking classes at Gordon Ramsay Academy
Whether you’re eager to learn how to make the perfect Beef Wellington or you’d love to master the art of pad thai, the Gordon Ramsay Academy has regular classes where experts share Gordon’s passion for fantastic food with hands-on cooking classes. All the classes are relaxed and designed around you – whether you’ve got a whole day to spend at the academy or just an evening to drop in.
where: woking and 22 Bishopsgate
website: www.gordonramsayacademy.com
Enjoy aperitivo hour at Sanderson London
Escape the post-Christmas lull and slip into Aperitivo Hour at Long Bar at the lovely Sanderson London. Think sparkling cocktails, seasonal bites, and the perfect atmosphere to catch up, slow down, and savour the final days of the year.
Where: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG
website: www.morgansoriginals.com
Take part in this treasure hunt
Della Vite is turning the festive fizz run into a nationwide treasure hunt, hiding five special bottles of Della Vite DOCG Superiore in Sainsbury’s stores from 10th December, each containing a limited-edition pink cork. Led by sisters Poppy and Chloe, the Della Vite team is offering one winner an all-expenses-paid Italian getaway for two to Valdobbiadene, including a two-night luxury hotel stay, winery tour and private tasting, plus a three-course lunch with paired wines overlooking the vineyards, while four runners-up will receive a year’s supply of Prosecco (DOCG, Rosé, Zero or a mix). Winners must declare their pink corks by 5th January 2026 by sending them to Della Vite HQ with proof of purchase.
website: www.dellavite.com
Visit Hogwarts In The Snow
From flaming Christmas puddings to glittering Christmas trees, prepare to dive headfirst into a Christmas wonderland as the Harry Potter studio is transformed into Hogwarts in the Snow. Whizz over on your Nimbus 2000 and fall in love with the epic Hogwarts castle model that’s been covered in a dusting of snow, before making your way through the Gryffindor common room and Boys’ dormitory. It’ll be as if Harry and his friends are still living in the space, with original props including handmade Christmas cards on display. John Richardson and the SFX team have used their expertise to create fireplaces that flicker and appear lifelike. The Forbidden Forest will be given a festive makeover draped in layers of snow. Even the cobbled stone walkway and shop fronts of Diagon Alley will be adorned with filmmaking snow, for the first time ever. It’s so realistic that you’ll even hear a crunch underfoot and snowflakes floating around you.
When: Until 18th January
Where: Studio Tour Driver, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Website: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Try this afternoon tea
Retreat to the warmth of The Den for the Tea & Tales Afternoon Tea, a story-inspired twist on a classic tradition, filled with seasonal flavours, delicate pastries and cosy indulgence. It’s the ideal way to slow down, reconnect and savour the magic of the festive week.
where: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
website: www.morgansoriginals.com
Enjoy a pre-theatre meal at CERU
If theatre is on your agenda this week, make an evening of it with a pre- or post-show dinner at CERU Farringdon or CERU Hyde Park—perfectly placed near the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall, respectively. The menu is inspired by dishes from the Levant in the Eastern Mediterranean, which are bursting with flavours and ingredients. From roasted aubergine to slow-cooked lamb, CERU is a great spot to head to for a lovely meal with the family.
where: hyde park & farringdon
website: www.cerurestaurants.com
Relax at this winter terrace
Step into a world of wonder at The Jurema Winter Garden, which has a one-of-a-kind glass structure designed to give you a cosy spot to spend a chilly evening. Wrap yourself in faux-fur blankets, and find yourself surrounded by the gentle twinkle of fairy lights. And don’t forget to look up – the transparent glass roof offers an uninterrupted look at Jurema’s hanging garden.
where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
website: www.themandrake.com
Have a Sunday roast
Keep the festivities going with a sumptuous Sunday roast, crafted cocktails or a quick mini break at the Richmond Hill Hotel for some R&R after the madness of Christmas day. The Sunday roast menu includes highlights like the dry-aged grass-fed beef striploin, garlic and herb half roast chicken, Middlewhite pork bellyand the nutty root vegetable pie.
where: 144-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW10 6RW
website: www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk
Drink festive cocktails at Bocconcino
Embrace the festive spirit at Bocconcino this Christmas with their special selection of holiday cocktails, available at both their Mayfair and Soho locations. From warming spiced flavours to sparkling festive creations, it’s a great way to keep the festive spirit flowing even after Christmas.
where: mayfair & soho
website: www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk
Shop at Motcomb Street
From elegant jewellery from Carolina Bucci to party heels from René Caovilla, lingerie from Coco de Mer and luxury fashion from Tissa Fontaneda, you’ll be spoilt for choice. After a day of shopping, set your bags down and treat yourself to a delicious meal at Amélie, Sachi or Petrus.
After a day of shopping, set your bags down and treat yourself to a delicious meal at Amélie, Sachi or Petrus.
where: Belgravia, London SW1
website: www.belgraviavillage.com
Attend a dazzling light show
London is famous for its twinkling holiday light show. If you haven’t seen one already this holiday season, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to do so. Grab your tickets now for the most enchanting light installation at Kew Gardens and expect glittery spiral trees, wow-worthy laser projections and endless tunnels of fun. The kids can dive into buckets of moreish churros and hot chocolates while the parents enjoy a glass of mulled wine or two.
when: till 5th january
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, W9 3JR
Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens
Skate at Somerset House
Grab your skates and whizz on over to Somerset House to experience the capital’s most magical Christmassy experience. Perfect for budding ice skaters or for just making a fool out of yourself, the ice rink is arguably the best in London and is complete with a giant 40ft Christmas tree. You’ll find food and drink offerings waiting for you at the finish line too, helping to warm you up with comforting favourites.
When: Until 14th January
Where: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Watch a performance of The Nutcracker
The stunning production of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. The ballet includes some wonderful, instantly recognisable tunes, like the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and you can expect plenty of sugar and sparkle in this magnificent performance that people return to year after year.
where: The ROYAL ALBERT HALL
website: www.rbo.org.uk
