12 Things To Do For A Festive-Filled Weekend
We’re on the final countdown to Christmas and where better to experience the best of the festivities than in London of course. Whether you’re after wreath-making workshops, cosy rooftops to visit or fancy seeing Elf in concert at the Royal Albert Hall, we’ve got you covered with our wintry weekend guide.
Things To Do This Weekend, From Elf In Concert To Wreath-Making
Visit this new luxury neighbourhood this winter
There’s a new hidden gem along the River Thames that’s set to redefine your winter experience in the city. Set on the doorstep of the City of London and Canary Wharf, London Dock by St George is a new thriving community allowing you to experience the very best of Zone One Living. Whether you’re looking to try out new independent restaurants and boutique cafes or want to explore wintry tranquil gardens and festive markets, this London neighbourhood is quickly becoming the capital’s coolest, cosmopolitan destination to live, work and explore.
A Christmas gem to visit, there are many reasons to visit this winter, from exploring magical festive markets to trying your hand at ice skating at Skylight on Tobacco Dock’s rooftop, located just a stone’s throw away. Refuel with exciting foodie experiences, from warming bowls of noodles at Slurp Noodles to glasses of French fizz at Champagne Route.
It’s not far from iconic London landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, so grab a coffee from Urban Baristas and stroll along the river to explore the local area.
Find out more about why we love this cool new destination here or head down this weekend to see for yourself.
Where: London Dock, London, E1W 2AA
Website: www.berkeleygroup.co.uk
Explore this new interactive light maze
Wembley Park has been transformed this winter thanks to the arrival of a new light-based interactive maze. Perfect for all the family, embark on your journey through cutting-edge neon installations and a specially curated soundscape.
Expect to discover mesmerising displays, including the stunning Hourglass, an audio-visual sculpture designed to delight with animations and audio.
When: until 02.01.2024
Where: Samovar Space, Olympic Park, Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FR
Website: www.wembleypark.com
Try your hand at wreath-making
Fancy putting your own spin on your door-hanging decorations this Christmas? Now’s your chance to book into one of London’s best wreath-making workshops to pimp your front door with.
This weekend various leading florists across the city will be hosting wreath-making workshops, allowing you to put your creativity to the test and create the perfect display in no time. From John Lewis’ festive classes to Rebel Rebel’s legendary experiences, click the link below to find the best ones to try.
Head to a carol concert
St Paul’s magical Christmas performances have returned for another year. This Friday sees Sankta Lucia, the famous Swedish Christmas service, commence, complete with a candlelit procession of St Lucy.
Gaze in awe as you soak up the beautiful surroundings and listen to the music performed by the Cathedral Choir and the Choir of the Swedish Church in London.
When: 08.12.2023
Where: St Paul’s Cathedral, EC4M 8AD
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk
Cosy up at a winter rooftop
You might think a rooftop bar is a sunny seasonal affair but winter is really where they come into their own in London. As the festive season continues, it’s time to head to one of London’s top winter rooftop bars, and there’s one for every occasion. From cosy cinema screens to ice-skating with a view, we’ve rounded up the best winter rooftops everyone needs to visit this weekend.
Catch the new Wes Anderson pop-up
Love everything Wes Anderson does? You’ll want to book tickets to the new exhibition from the Anderson-inspired Instagram page, Accidentally Wes Anderson.
Visitors will be taken on a visual journey through the world of photography, exploring over 200 real-life images that incorporate the charm and eccentric aesthetic of Anderson’s films. Displayed across seven distinctly themed rooms, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the pastel-hues, idyllic landscapes and grandeur that the film director is inspired by.
WHEN: FROM 08.12.2023
WHERE: 85 OLD BROMPTON ROAD, SOUTH KENSINGTON, SW7 3LD
WEBSITE: WWW.FEVERUP.COM
Join a (fictional) courtroom trial
London’s longest-running site-specific theatre production, Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution has extended its stay at London’s County Hall.
Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth, and the theatre puts you right at the heart of the courtroom action to find out the verdict. Will he be able to convince the jury of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?
The twists and turns of the case are played out in a spectacular setting inside the atmospheric London County Hall as the prosecution battles the defence and witnesses take the stand to give their shocking testimonies.
Where: London County Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 7PB
Website: www.witnesscountyhall.com
Lose yourself in the Christmas spirit at Southwark Quarter
Is it really Christmas if you haven’t found a new corner of the city to explore? This weekend, head to Southwark Quarter to experience the area’s festive magic. The space has been transformed into the ultimate Christmas hotspot, filled with the cosiest of spots to nuzzle into when it gets too cold out.
Pitch up at Audrey’s for a delicious three-course festive feast and cocktails or stop by Horto – the latest opening from the Tap & Bottle team – for a wood-fried meal with mulled wine. Once you’ve fuelled up, try your hand at Beavertown’s epic Flat Iron Square pop-up advent calendar, which’ll see you have the chance to take home treats, from £100 bar tabs to carol karaoke.
Where: Southwark Quarter, Southwark Street, SE1 1RU
Website: www.southwarkquarter.co.uk
See Elf in concert
No December is complete with an obligatory viewing of Elf. Royal Albert Hall is levelling up the tradition this Christmas with its special Elf in Concert, a festive screening with the score played live by the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Fall back in love with the Will Ferrell starring film as you follow Buddy on his journey through New York City in search of his real dad.
When: 09.12.2023
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Website: www.royalalberthall.com
3 Events Worth Travelling To
Head to Beyoncé-inspired pop-up
Whether you’re planning to see Beyoncé’s Renaissance this weekend or you’ve already seen it, but want more Queen Bey, Flannels has created an epic one-of-a-kind shopping experience that’ll throw you into the world of Renaissance.
Following last week’s film release, Flannels will be giving Beyoncé fans what they want with an all-new immersive experience. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and have your photo taken alongside the iconic mirror-ball horse fresh from the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, as well as a multimedia showcase celebrating Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé.
Alongside the theatrics, fans can shop a 16-piece collection, including two Flannels-only exclusives.
When: Select dates until 23.12.2023
Where: Flannels Oxford Street, Sheffield Flagship (Meadowhall), Liverpool Flagship & Belfast
Website: www.flannels.com
Explore Eden Project’s festivities
From waltzing around an ice rink to meet and greets with the man in red, the Eden Project’s festivities are sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face this winter.
The Cornish botanical garden has undergone a festive transformation, with the space twinkling into December in style. There’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family, whether you’re after a wreath workshop, a festive zip wire experience or a day exploring the celebrated eco attraction.
When: Until 30.12.2023
Where: Eden Prokect, Boldeva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Website:www.edenproject.com
Experience Thursford’s enchanting Christmas Spectacular
Look forward to an evening filled with non-stop singing, dancing, music and laughter when you book in for Thursford’s legendary Christmas Spectacular.
This immersive show will bring together a whole host of performers for a special winter experience. Expect elaborate costumes, dazzling lights and to be grinning from ear to ear throughout the whole show.
When: 08.12.2023 – 23.12.2023
Where: Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0AS
Website: www.thursford.com
