Eat in an igloo, delve into delicious street food or raise money for good causes. However you’re looking to spend your month, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of the most magical ways to enjoy December in London

1

Christmas Under the Chimneys

As part of their ongoing regeneration projects across the site, Battersea Power Station is gearing up for Christmas with a range of openings and activities to enjoy. The river walk market, open 28 November, will offer artisan gifts and edible goodies – whilst Birdies Crazy Golf Club also opens its doors ready for that wacky Christmas reunion with friends and family.

Market area free; times & prices for other experiences vary. More info

2 

Christmas Carol Concert for Clandon Park

Taking place in the beautiful setting of Holy Trinity Church, this popular event sees hymns and songs performed by the Oxford Singers in support of the re-development of the gardens at Clandon Park.

7.30pm-9.30pm; £12/£9. Clandon Park, Guildford. More info

3 

Kingston Christmas Market

Kingston’s annual festive market has returned for another season. Head down to the town’s Ancient Market Place to purchase stocking fillers from its traditional wooden chalets among the scent of street food and cinnamon-fragranced mulled wine. Family visits are best rounded off by toasting giant marshmallows by the fire pit from 4pm each afternoon.

Until 31 Dec; 10am-6pm; free. Ancient Market Place, Kingston. More info

4

Christmas in the Village

Wrap up warm and head down to Wimbledon Village this December as they put on activities and entertainment. Craft gift stalls and tasty food offerings will be available as the community raises funds for local charity Wimbledon Guild. Warm up between activities by perusing the boutique stores or grabbing lunch in one of the area’s delectable restaurants.

8 Dec; 10am-5pm; free. Wimbledon Village. More info

5 

The Big Fat Quiz of the Year

As we welcome in a new decade, test your knowledge of all things 2019. Get quizzing at this popular annual event as a £100 bar tab is up for offer. Music, nibbles and pop-up prizes will be on offer throughout the night.

8pm; from £5; The Dukes Head, Putney. More info

6 

Wimbledon Christmas Market

Love Wimbledon, set on ensuring locals are getting in the festive spirit, have supported the arrival of Christmas markets each weekend throughout December on the Wimbledon Piazza. Expect artisan gifts, warming drinks and delicious street food – a brilliant way to spend December in London.

Weekends fri-Sun until 22 Dec; free. Wimbledon Piazza. More info

7 

Hampton Court Ice Rink

The annual arrival of this south London ice-rink is a highlight of both the Royal Palace group and local families’ calendars. Get your skates on and glide in the shadow of the iconic Tudor palace, or be a spectator and warm up with a hot drink and sweet treat.

Until 5 Jan; from £11.70. Hampton Court Palace. More info

8 

Busaba Igloos

What could signal the start of Christmas than warming Thai cuisine in a glass igloo in Kingston? Head down to Busaba this December to sample their tamarind duck breast or signature pad thai. Minimum spends do apply but rallying the troops will make this experience cheaper than you’d expect!

Available for lunch and dinner sittings; £150 lunch minimum spend, £250 dinner. Busaba, Kingston. More info

9

Chelsea Christmas Grotto

London’s most interactive grotto arrives in Chelsea this season with renowned children’s entertainers Sharky & George transporting visitors to the North Pole. Craft activities on offer include bauble decoration and gingerbread icing.

Until 23 Dec; from £27.50. Duke of York Square, Chelsea. More info

10

Cinderella, New Wimbledon Theatre

Frequently hailed as the home of British Panto, the New Wimbledon Theatre this year hosts a classic production of Cinderella. With a stellar cast including Samantha Womack and Leslie Garrett, expect big laughs as you gear up for an evening of ‘she’s behind you!’.

7 Dec – 5 Jan; from £13. New Wimbledon Theatre. More info

11

Christmas Carols & Festive Shopping

Enjoy an evening of musical and culinary festivities as Petersham Nurseries launch their Christmas collections. A night of carolling in their beautiful environs will be accompanied by mince pies and mulled wine – what else!

4 Dec; 6pm-9pm; free, booking required. Petersham Nurseries, Richmond. More info

Looking for an alternative Christmas this year? Let someone else do all the hard work this year and embark on a festive staycation.