Things to do in London this Christmas
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and you won't want to miss out on these festively fantastic Christmas activities in London this year. Scroll down and check them out!
Date published: 7th Dec 2022
Why wait until the snow is falling all around you to book your Christmas events this year? By that time, they may have all sold out! So, whilst some of you may already have the tree up, the rest of you will want to know all the best things to do in London this Christmas. Don't worry, Skiddle has you covered, as no one wants to get to boxing day and realise they've spent the whole time indoors sipping eggnog now do they?
We've got so much for you to choose from that you won't need to go anywhere else for your Christmas events, there are huge late-night raves from some of the biggest names in the Biz, festive plays for the whole family to indulge ins some pure Christmas spirit, and even a huge manor estate that's been transformed into a winter wonderland of mesmeric light displays for you and your friends and family to explore and marvel at.
So, whilst we understand that you'll want to stay in on Christmas Eve so as not to disturb Santa, you've got no excuses for the rest of the Christmas activities in London, and we want to see you down at the front, boogying off the Winter chill with us. So get scrolling, secure your tickets, and make this Christmas one to remember!
Hedkandi London: The Xmas Reunion
When: Saturday 10th December 2022
Make this Christmas one that's full of the groove by attending this festive reunion of the tech masters at Hedkandi. All of the favourite Team Kandi DJs, performers & vocalists will be attending the production company's only Xmas party in the big smoke, one which they say will be their most extravagant and exclusive XMAS party ever.
Plus, the historic grounds of Bush Hall, a former 1900s dance hall, turned wartime soup kitchen, turned modern music venue, will make for an incredible venue. When this is paired with an L Acoustics sound system and some truly stunning production, it is going to make this one of their best parties ever.
Tickets for Hedkandi London: The Xmas Reunion
When: Saturday 19th November - Saturday 31st December 2022
Where: Peacock Theatre in London
Featuring colourful sets and extravagant costumes, exuberant dancing and a heart-warming story, this very special edition of The Snowman has enchanted audiences of all ages at the Peacock Theatre for decades, and is returning for a very special 25th year.
This magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs will leave you and your kids with a sense of wonder and joy as you will be transported to the wintery wonderland of a snowman who comes to life, and the boy who befriends him.
It’s the ideal day out with the family, especially if your little uns are particularly little, and will provide you all with an essential injection of Christmas spirit.
Find tickets for, and more info on, The Snowman - HERE
When: Friday 9th December 2022
Where: Q Shoreditch in London
Taking the roof off and giving Santas reindeer a job to do, the team at Space are back for a very special one-off Christmas party with Sam Supplier and Seb Fontaine keeping both dancefloors grooving, and you two stepping into the festive season! Supported by resident DJs from 6pm, this takeover of Q Shoreditch will be one that every house head in the capital will want to be at. So, make your wish come true, because all you should want for Christmas is a boogie at this huge do!!
Tickets for Space Christmas Party
When: Sunday 18th December 2022
Where: Colours Hoxton in London
Now if you haven't heard of Fun DMC, then both you, and the kids, are missing out. The regular London event, held in Colours Hoxton during half term and summer holidays, is the rave you never knew they wanted to attend, and the kids will always want to go back to.
Parents can enjoy dancing to their favourite party anthems from the 70s until now, with a drink in one hand and their kid's hand in the other! There are family dance competitions, a soft play area for the smaller kids, face painting, colouring in and loads more so everyone from outgoing theatre school kids to the shyest wall flower are all kept entertained.
Plus, this special Christmas jumper edition means you can all sport your finest ugly jumpers for the show. It’s one that you will all have so much fun at and may provide something a bit different for you all this holiday season.
Tickets for FUN DMC - Xmas Jumper Special
When: Friday 16th December 2022
Where: The Sindercombe Social in London
The endlessly innovative team at BIMM university have produced some incredible talent over the years across their branches in London, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, and Dublin. Whether it be George Ezra, Fontaines D.C., Ella Mai, or Mimi Webb the Music University has produced some top talent over the years, and this year, you can get the chance to see some of their next wave of exports out of the London branch, at their Christmas Showcase at The Sindercombe Social.
If you're the one in your group that's constantly sending your pal's new bands to listen to and love the hunt for the next big thing, then this is the perfect Christmas night out for you. Even better, the event is completely free! The artists, from bands to singer-songwriters, will be performing originals, covers and some Christmas songs as well, so whilst discovering something new, you can also get into the festive spirit!
Find tickets for, and more info on, the BIMM Christmas Showcase - HERE
Illuminature at the London Wetland Centre
When: Friday 25th November - Friday 9th December 2022
Where: WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes
The stage for one of London's most unique light trails has once again been set, and is returning with new displays and so much more for you and the family to take in. Hot chocolate in hand, you can follow the twinkling lights and wander along an immersive light trail of glowing sculptures and installations that emulate and celebrate the natural world.
This is one that the kids will love, as this year you can also enjoy glimpses of real animal magic through night vision goggles, spotting birds and plant life going about their after-dark activities, as well as visit the resident family of otters tucked up in bed, while also learning about phases of the moon and how they impact our environment.
It’s a day out both filled with festive wonder, and a valuable lesson for your children, what more can you ask for?
Find tickets for, and more info on, Illuminature at the London Wetland Centre - HERE
UKG Brunch - Christmas Special
When: Saturday 17th December 2022
Where: The Steel Yard in London
Bottomless brunches with UKG Brunch transform any grey London day into an unforgettable mix of finger-licking scran, the biggest tunes from the best UKG DJs & MCs, and rum punch to wash it all down. However, this time, it's going to have a festive twist, so come donned in a Santa hat, or maybe even dress up if your feeling that way inclined. All you need to do is make sure that your outfit is fit to groove in, as the garage emitted from these speakers will have the whole room in the groove.
Tickets for UKG Brunch - Christmas Special
When: Monday 14th November - Saturday 7th January 2023
Where: Dominion Theatre in London
We should all know who Buddy is by now. Will Ferrell's portrayal of the overgrown Elf has gone down in Christmas movie folklore and there are very few families who don't give it an annual watch this time of the year. However, why not one up yourselves this year, and go and see the joyous theatre adaptation of the beloved story?
Whilst Mr Ferrel, unfortunately, doesn't make an appearance, the tale of the misfit Elf who, when Santa tells him of his true nature (a human), heads to New York to find his real father, causes merry mayhem, falls in love, and eventually saves Christmas, is an awe to watch unfold on stage, and will have you all in tears with laughter.
It’s fun for everyone involved and is one that the whole family will love. Who knows, it may even save your Christmas too!
Find tickets for, and more info on, Elf The Musical - HERE
Bass Face - Christmas Special!
When: Friday 16th December 2022
Where: Fire And Lightbox in London
The Bass Face London residency continues into the festive season at one of London’s most exceptional production event spaces and world-leading sound system, Fire & Lightbox. Following on from their string of sol-out shows throughout the year, this Christmas special in the big smoke has been promised to be one of their best ever.
The lineup is still to be released but they promise it's gonna be packed full of the best in DnB, Techno, and UKG across three rooms, each dedicated to one of the genres. So, if you prefer your Christmas in the Capital tinged with some skanking, then look no further than Bass Face for your Yuletide boogie.
Tickets for Bass Face - Christmas Special!
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
When: Monday 18th July - Sunday 8th January 2023
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre in London
Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. You and the family can join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion, and the coldest, cruellest White Witch.
Whilst the show has been running for a few months now, we think the tale C.S. Lewis’s tale has an inherently Christmassy tone, and if there was any time to go and see this classic, it's during the winter period.
So if your kids love the movie adaptations, or you're just after a day out to see them retold, it's a great day out for everyone involved!
Find tickets for, and more info on, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - HERE
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
