Ten Things to Do in London This Christmas...

Blogmas: Day Three

All pictures taken from here

I've always dreamt of spending Christmas in New York - perhaps my inner Elf fan is itching to be released. However, there's something about this joyful time in London that makes me proud to say that all of this is right on my doorstep. The city comes alive with Christmas cheer, magical lights, buzzing shoppers and with endless events happening all over. With an overwhelming abundance of things to do during the Christmas period in London, I've narrowed down just a few of my favourites, and things that I wish to do this year. So if you're coming over to London soon, or as a Londoner you're looking for stuff to do during the festive season, enjoy this list!

1. Go shopping down Oxford/ Regent/ Bond Street - You can't visit London at Christmas time without taking a waltz down these infamous streets. Although notorious for chaotic, backpack wearing, selfie-stick holding tourists, these streets are illuminated at night with beautiful glistening lights that hang above. The Christmas spirit down these roads is unmissable and will certainly be captured in the perfect Instagram shot!

2. Visit department stores like Liberty's, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods - Again, you can't quite experience the beauty of London unless you've visited one of the very famous department stores that make the city so special. My ultimate favourite is Liberty's for unique, specific and interesting items, although the opulence and luxury of Harrods or Fortnum & Mason is not to be missed. And if you're not one for shopping, be sure to at least check their expansive Christmas sections! Click below to see more!

3. Go ice-skating at Somerset House - I've always wanted to ice skate here and it's definitely on my to-do list for 2015. It just looks so magical, colourful and joyful - the perfect fun festive activity for all. Be sure to jazz up your evening by booking the special Fortnum and Mason dining package or one of the club nights. You can book all tickets here.

4. Visit Winter Wonderland - A festive fairground and market for all to enjoy. Sip on delicious mulled wine, munch on German bratwurst or sweet, sugary candy canes and dare to ride one of the thrilling rides on offer. Winter Wonderland surely is a non-stop miss, especially as it's free entry. Be sure to to check out the breathtaking Magical Ice Kingdom, book tickets for Zippos Circus or hit the skates on the ice rink! However, I'm rather taking a fancy to the delicious hot chocolate and mince pies available - care to join me?

5. See a spectacular show - Christmas, wherever you may be in the world, is not the same without seeing a show in some shape or form. This year, I'm going to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, however there are plenty of others on offer too. See the English National Ballet perform an elegant and inspiring version of The Nutcracker, or perhaps the childhood favourite The Snowman or even a West-End classic such as Billy Elliot. You can book most theatre tickets here.

6. Visit the Christmas Charles Dickens Museum - The Charles Dickens Museum has an obvious right to go fully festive come December, and this year they'll be marking the season with near-daily special events and an exhibition themed around 'A Christmas Carol'. The house will be decorated especially for the festive season and guests can book for costumed tours and candlelit evening visits. Performances and readings of 'A Christmas Carol' are also available to book. The museum's annual Christmas Eve event offers carol singing, theatrical performances, Christmas pudding-making, readings and lots of mulled cider - what more can you ask for!

7.  Eat a set Christmas dinner menu somewhere fancy - The range of delicious restaurants on offer in London is rather insane, however why not take things up a notch by wining and dining yourself some place extra fancy? Check out The Mayfair Hotel, The Savoy or even The Ritz for beautifully mouth-watering menus.

8. Visit Christmas markets - Looking for gift inspiration? Look no further than London's Christmas markets and fairs. Among a raft of special festive events you'll find foodie gifts, hand-crafted pressies and usually a bit of glühwein to help you get into that merry spirit. I highly recommend the Belgravia market or the Tate Modern one but don't forget Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland too, as I previously mentioned.

9. Midnight Apothecary - This regular takeover of the Brunel Museum's rooftop garden gets a most atmospheric makeover come winter, when the monthly sessions include campfires, toasted marshmallows and the odd sing-a-long. As well as sipping cocktails made from a plethora of ingredients, guests will get the chance to venture into the Brunel tunnel, a giant subterranean concert hall. Doesn't this sound perfect? Book tickets here.

10. Pillow Cinema - After all that Christmas shopping, you're going to need somewhere to kick back and relax (or Netflix and chill shall I say?). The Pillow Cinema is perfect for just that, and with a range of Christmas classic films on offer such as Elf, Home Alone or Miracle on 34th Street, there's something suitable for everyone to enjoy. The new setting is the beautiful Sutton House in Hackney, and as before, seating is bean bag-based for extra cosy kicking back points. Take a look here for more information.

What fun things do you like to do during Christmas time?