London Met’s Student Blog will be sharing different Christmas ideas for you to explore, read, eat and wear for the next 12 days to put you in the right mood.
Quirky Christmas experiences
If you’ve already done all the musts that are required from you this holiday season - Christmas markets, ice skating, festive films - then here are some suggestions for quirkier Christmas experiences.
Christmas at Kew – See Kew Gardens lit up with more than 60,000 lights, including colour-changing reeds and a glittering crystal tree, when you walk the mile-long festive trail. Little ones can catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves preparing for Christmas in the North Pole village, and enjoy a ride on the Victorian Carousel. Christmas at Kew is happening until 2 January.
Vauxhall Winter Village – If you want to feel like you’re on a mountain holiday then Vauxhall Winter Village, a pop-up ski village in South London, is the place to be. Feast on fondue and street food, enjoy some festive cocktails and relax in an alpine cabin booth. The Village is open until mid-January.
Elizabethan Christmas – Be transported back to Elizabethan times at Hampton Court Palace this Christmas, with plenty of festive fun under the watchful eye of Queen Elizabeth I. The magnificent palace is decorated for Christmas as it would have been in 1592, with live drama and musical performances throughout the evening. Plus, you can go behind the scenes in the Tudor Kitchens to watch the queen’s cooks prepare your festive feast.
Sail with Santa – Why not glide down the Thames alongside Santa Claus? Santa comes bearing gifts for every child, as well as edible treats and entertainment for all the family. During the one-hour cruise, children can enjoy a soft drink and cookie and parents can warm up with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. You will be cruising past London’s iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and the Royal Palace of Greenwich. Sail with Santa is happening until 24 December.
Yule Jog – Get into the Christmas spirit with this treat of a guided running tour. Your guide will play Christmas tunes as you run through London's famous Christmas lights, trees and markets. And we'll briefly stop at a few places that reveal festive tales. You can choose between 6k and 12k and every ticket comes with a festive gear: a Santa hat.
Eis Haus – This bar at the Tower of London Ice Rink, is sure to chill you out. There's a whole lot of frozen fun with a real ice bar, ice sculptures, ice cave and ice throne in the mix. The temperature is -5°C but don’t worry, warm coats are provided and sessions last only 25 minutes. With your ticket, you’ll get a signature shot alpine drink, served in a real ice glass. Ice artists will create a real time sculptures in front of your eyes. The bar also offers film screens and every Thursday and Friday there is a DJ. The bar is open until 3 January.
