Ice Rink Canary Wharf
The River Thames might not have frozen over for centuries, but London still has plenty of skating spots in the winter, from Somerset House to Hampton Court. Canary Wharf’s ice rink is one of the newest and most innovative. Last year, LED lights under the ice made the rink extra magical. This year, the massive indoor ice rink is back, but we recommend you head straight to the outdoor skate path, which takes you on a winding ice route through the trees. Popular across the world skating, trails are a welcome break after getting dizzy skating circles on the main rink. For afters, warm up at the bar.
When? November – February (dates TBC)
Where? Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf (Jubilee line)
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Docklands Riverside in east London has views over the towers of Canary Wharf.
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Winterville
Winterville has returned to London after a year off. Billed as London’s alternative winter festival, it’s a supersized funfair, glowing with fairy lights and pink-faced patrons. Take the whole family along to enjoy the rides, crazy golf, a 250-seat immersive cinema, food stalls and entertainment on Clapham common. There are also two great ways to fall over – a roller disco and an ice rink. It’s smaller than Hyde Park’s massive Winter Wonderland but the food stalls have a hipster edge – they’re run by food truck magnates Street Feast. Book a show at the Spiegeltent for afters – the setlist is a stuffed stocking full of family shows, cabaret and comedy.
When? November – January (dates TBC)
Where? Clapham Common
Nearest Tube: Clapham Common, Clapham South
Where to stay: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is right by Waterloo Station, making it easy to hop on the Northern Line or the bus to Clapham. It’s a chic, contemporary hotel with an indoor pool and spa.
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Magical Lantern Festival
Don’t miss the chance to see the spectacular illuminated outdoor installations of the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens. Enjoying its third year in the capital, this year’s exhibition takes you on a journey through the night. With a Christmas theme, look out for an eccentric collection of life-sized animal lanterns, air-bound sleighs, and scale models of famous monuments. Make sure you sample the street food along the way, too, before taking little ones to see Santa wrapped up in his Christmas grotto. Take your coat and boots – this night time adventure through the gardens can get chilly.
When? November – January (dates TBC)
Where? Chiswick House and Gardens, W4 2RP
Nearest Tube: Turnham Green (District line)
Where to stay: The K&K George is set in a typical West London townhouse. Pretend you’ve lived on this columned street all your life.
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The Nutcracker
Londoners know that it’s not Christmas until you’ve seen at least one production of The Nutcracker, which is why there’s always more than a couple of rival productions on in the capital at once over winter. The Royal Ballet’s version, directed by Sir Peter Wright, is one of the most respected. The set design by Julia Trevalyan Oman is traditional and sparkling, perfect for the 1892 ballet, and Tchaikovsky's score twinkles with magic. Look out for the charming Christmas tree, which grows on stage before your very eyes. The little girl Clara is given a nutcracker shaped like a soldier who comes to life. After fighting off the Mouse King, together they go on an adventure through the Land of Sweets, where they finally meet the glorious sugar plum fairy.
When? 3 December 2018 – 15 January 2019
Where? Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Leicester Square (Bakerloo, Northern)
Where to stay: Waldorf Hilton, a grand affair that even has columns round the indoor pool. High tea is served in the Grand Palm Court.
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Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday 5 February so expect events that week end. There’s a parade of dancers and musicians through central London. Spot dragons with cow ears, the feet of tigers and the eyes of demons. Lucky red decorations adorn the streets, whilst firecrackers cause havoc. In 2019, it’s the year of the pig. Celebrate at the main stage in Trafalgar Square, but also follow the crowds to the Hong Kong Stage on Charing Cross Road and the Family Stage on Shaftesbury Avenue. For heaven’s sake, book a restaurant afterward, you won’t be the only one thinking that some dim sum in Chinatown is a good idea. A volley of fireworks round things off come evening.
When? New Year falls on 5 February 2019
Where? Trafalgar Square
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross
Where to stay: Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street is on Seven Dials in Covent Garden – a shopping hub not far from the delights of Chinatown.
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