What To Do This Weekend If You’re Already Excited About Christmas

Hop on board London’s floating igloos

If you’re looking for a seriously cool winter experience, this is it. Skuna Boats offers some of the best winter experiences in the city, and the igloo boats are the only ones of their kind in the world. This is a floating après-ski adventure in the heart of London, where you can enjoy decadent fondue and flowing drinks day or night, aboard a lovely floating igloo. It’s cosy, it’s cute, and it’s a London view you won’t forget. With up to 9 people in each boat and children of all ages welcome, it’s a fun activity for families, or even on a winter date night, and bookings are now open until 2026.

where: Canary Wharf, London
website: www.skunaboats.com

Shop this festive collection

Marylebone-based concept store KOIBIRD has partnered with British textile artist Kate Jenkins to launch a joyful collection of limited-edition festive jumpers, tree ornaments, and crocheted wreaths, ideal for gifting. Renowned for her witty and unique food-orientated knitwear pieces, Jenkins has created a Merry Fishmas exclusive collection for KOIBIRD, which includes eight jumpers featuring Jenkins’ trademark knitted and crocheted sequinned seafood, a specially designed Christmas card, a signed limited-edition tree art-piece and two unique crocheted wreaths, all launching exclusively at KOIBIRD.

where: 62 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PB
website: www.koibird.com

Photo by Alun Callender

Explore Portman Marylebone’s shops and galleries

If you’re looking for a seriously Christmassy spot in London, head to Portman Marylebone, a friendly neighbourhood with stunning Georgian backdrops that make for great photo ops. From festive events and exclusive in-store offerings to limited-run festive menus, this is a stunning winter spot in London. Have a cosy dinner at Trishna or London’s best steak at Zoilo, browse shops like Monocle, Oliver Spencer and Veranda Books or get a Christmassy cocktail at The Churchill Bar & Terrace. Plus, you can look forward to the Chiltern Street Christmas Shopping Day on 29th November, which promises plenty of festive cheer.

where: Portman Street, Marylebone
website: www.portmanmarylebone.com

Treat yourself to a winter staycation

Just a short 45-minute drive from London gets you to Coworth Park, a gorgeous hotel that’s a luxe escape into country life. If you’re looking for a stunning getaway, this is one of the best ones for a winter weekend. Set on a 240-acre estate with manicured gardens, polo fields and serene lakes, it offers pure tranquillity, and inside, suites blend modern luxury with classic charm, complete with copper bathtubs and super king beds. You can look forward to days spent unwinding in the world-class spa or wandering the grounds, and evenings are for unforgettable dining at the Michelin-starred Woven by Adam Smith or rustic comfort at The Barn.

where: Blacknest Rd, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 7SE
website: www.dorchestercollection.com

Head to Fulham Pier for a jazz night

In association with the EFG London Jazz Festival, Fulham Pier is hosting an evening with jazz vocalist, Katriona Taylor and her world-class band, The Three Queens of Jazz. The band will bring legends of jazz to life with a stunning blend of jazz, Latin, and soul. So if you’re looking for a Saturday night plan, this looks like the perfect spot to head to for live music on 15th November.

where: fulham pier, London, SW6 6HH
website: www.fulhampier.com

Enjoy some of London’s best hot chocolate

It’s that time of the year again when all you want to do is cosy up with a mug of hot chocolate. Rich, extra-thick and crafted with artisanal Pernigotti cocoa from Alessandria, Piedmont, the hot chocolate at Badiani is crafted in a custom-built machine that ensures every sip is delicious and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a cute winter date idea or you just want a spot to warm up, this is one of our go-to spots for indulgent hot chocolate.

Explore Buckingham Palace’s Christmas pop-up

For the first time, a Christmas pop-up shop will open at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, where a part of the 200-year-old stables will be transformed into a glittering festive boutique. The Royal Mews Christmas Shop will be open from 14th November to 5th January, and you can shop festive ranges of official royal gifts, as well as food and drink from the Royal Collection Trust. Plus, there will be plenty of seasonal drinks and nibbles to buy.

where: Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA
website: www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk

Visit this pretty winter garden

An oasis in the heart of the city, Corinthia’s winter garden is made for warm and comfortable alfresco dining. This season, The Garden’s outdoor terrace transforms into an Alpine escape, dressed in soft sheepskin throws, twinkling lights and golden foliage. Settle in beneath the heaters with a mulled cider and dine in this cosy garden.

Where: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
Website: www.corinthia.com

Watch Glen Powell’s new film

Starring Glen Powell, The Running Man is based on the novel by the best-selling author Stephen King, though unlike most of his famous works, it’s not horror but set in a dystopian future. The protagonist, Ben Richards (Powell), participates in a twisted reality show, which sees him chased by figures known as “Hunters”, bent on killing him. Doesn’t sound like your classic, cosy autumnal film, but it’s one of the big buzzy new releases of the month.

in theatres across london

Attend this charity concert

Phenomenal artists like Labrinth, James Blake, Jessie Ware, Mabel, Eaz Da Bully, House Gospel Choir, Jon Hopkins and Max Porter will get together for a concert that’s all about music, art and comunity to celebrate 10 years of the charity, Choose Love. Hosted by Jameela Jamil, 100% of profits will go to the organisation, a charity that provides life-changing support to displaced communities around the world.

where: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
website: www.royalalberthall.com

Sign up for The Traitors Live Experience

If you’ve been obsessed with The Traitors, you’ll love The Traitors: Live Experience, that have just announced the release of tickets from February to April 2026. This is an official live and playable experience in London’s Covent Garden that’s based on the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV show, The Traitors. For those not familiar with it, it’s the ultimate game of betrayal, plunging players into the heart of the drama and transporting them into the world of The Traitors, with an interior styled as the iconic castle that is the home of the UK TV series.

where: 60 Short’s Gardens, Covent Garden, WC2H 9AH
website: www.thetraitorslive.co.uk

Try this iconic afternoon tea

The InterContinental London Park Lane is marking its 50th anniversary with a gorgeous Christmas Golden afternoon tea that looks like the ideal weekend treat. Held at the Wellington Lounge, the menu celebrates Christmases and memorable bakes from the last half-century alongside champagne served from the Veuve Clicquot trolley. From smoked salmon, horseradish and golden beetroot blinis to scones with clotted cream, it’s a gorgeous spread.

where: One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY
website: www.parklane.intercontinental.com