Words by Chanelle Goddard
Lockdown is over and the tier system has returned – but that doesn’t mean Christmas in the capital is cancelled.
December has hit, and Christmas this year is going to be a little different than normal – but the show must go on. It’s important to be aware of the festive events and activities that are still open for you to enjoy this 2020. We’ve compiled a list of the best of them to end the year with a bang.
The Nutcracker – English National Ballet
Every year since 1950, the English National Ballet has performed an amazing 75-minute version of The Nutcracker live on the London Coliseum stage, and this year the tradition lives on despite the global pandemic. From 17th December to 3rd January, you can watch the some of the world’s best professional dancers grace the stage and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. From snowflake scenes to iconic dance ensembles, The Nutcracker live is one you can’t miss this festive season. So, head to the English National Ballet website and secure your tickets before they’re all sold out.
Skylight Christmas at Tobacco Dock
This yearly winter pop-up is one of the capital’s hidden gems. Located at Tobacco Dock, Skylight provides an award-winning rooftop food and cocktail service and an amazing ice skating rink (subject to the latest COVID restrictions) available for you to enjoy from December 4rd to January 3rd. Igloos, ski lodges, an indoor cocktail cinema and cosy, Christmassy lounge areas are all festive elements you can expect to see when you visit. This year, guidelines and special measures have been put in place to make your Skylight visit as safe and fun as possible whilst abiding by Tier 2 rules. So, if you want to escape reality and enter a hidden Christmas wonderland, head over to the Tobacco Dock Skylight London website and book your tickets now – it’s bound to get you in the Christmas spirit!
The Queen’s House Ice Skating Rink
Whizz around South London’s only outdoor ice skating rink (and one of the few open in the city this year) and enjoy the best scenic views that the UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. This year, Queen’s House Ice Skating rink will be bigger and better than ever before (with even more space to accommodate social distancing!). As you take to the ice and skate around, you can expect to enjoy views of the River Thames and Greenwich Royal Park. The rink will be open from 5th December to 24th January, giving you plenty of time to book your tickets and enjoy London’s most beautiful ice skating rink – perfect for some Christmas fun and a post-lockdown treat.
Selfridges Christmas Market
In 2020, Selfridges is still bringing their signature festive magic to the streets of London. This year will see the opening of the company’s first open-air Christmas market, which will begin towards the back entrance of their Oxford Street store. You can expect to find food trucks selling delicious treats such as festive pastries, pizzas, cheese wheels, hotdogs and much more! The Selfridges Christmas Market will be open for you to visit from Wednesday 2nd December until December 31st, 4pm–9pm on weekdays and noon–9pm at weekends. It’d be rude to miss out on the best street food London has to offer.
Winter Bar Bus
The Winter Bar Bus is a perfect way to fully indulge in the Christmassy spirit. Immerse yourself in London’s most dazzling Christmas lights, sip delicious drinks and avoid the seasonal shopping crowds. The Winter Bar Bus is London’s only rooftop bar bus (yes, views and drinks combined!) and it’s an experience sure to end your 2020 on a high. Taking you to some of London’s most iconic landmarks and providing tasty drinks and excellent customer service along the way, the Winter Bar Bus is open for trips from December 4th to 23rd. So, make sure you head over to The Original Tour website and book your seat on London’s favourite festive bus.
Still prefer to stay indoors than brave the outside this Winter? We’ve detailed some of the best ways to stay positive when you’re stuck inside.