Are you planning a trip to London soon? Despite the cold and damp weather, London remains one of the most popular cities at the end of the year with MCC members, and with tourists around the world, as the holiday lights are turned on and the city comes to life with countless events and special experiences.
Beyond the usual museums, galleries and West End shows, here is a shortlist of new and trending happenings that are coming to London this Winter.
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, Opens 21st November
Now the cornerstone of London in the holiday season, Winter Wonderland gets bigger and grander every year, and has to to accommodate the popularity of this must-see festival/carnival experience. From shows and rollercoaster rides to Christmas markets and countless food and drink outlets, it’s something for all the family and caters to all tastes. We recommend booking in advance and if you prefer quieter times, we recommend daytimes during the week.
Frameless London
Marble Arch, Opens October 2024
London's first permanent digital immersive arts experience has opened, bringing art to life in a way you have never seen before. Digital interpretations from the greatest artists such as Monet, Rembrandt and Klimt in four spectacular, interactive galleries with distinct themes: ‘Beyond Reality’, ‘Colour In Motion’, ‘The World Around Us’ and ‘The Art Of Abstraction’.
Bustronome Fine Dining
Departs Victora Embankment, daily
Perhaps no Fine Dining opportunity is more ‘London’ than Bustronome, with a modern double-decker bus transformed into a moving restaurant with the iconic sights of London as your backdrop to this unique gastronomic experience.
London Jazz Festival
15-24th November
One of the most decorated musial events in the world of Jazz takes place every November in London across a multitude of iconic venues from the Barbican and the Royal Festival Hall to the legendary Ronnie Scott’s. The biggest names in live music take part and we recommend taking a look at the full line up, but Jazz has a storied history in London’s music scene and this is a hot ticket every year.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Departs Coventry Street (West End), daily
A non-stop sightseeing tour atop a double-decker bus (so wrap up warm!) that winds through the busy streets of central London, that will be glistening and sparkling from the various parades of festive lights in November and December.
Hogwarts In The Snow At Warner Bros Studio Tour
Watford, 16th Nov - 19th Jan
The Harry Potter Tour at Warner Bros Studios is a year round must-see experience in itself, but it takes on an extra layer of magic and surprise in the Winter as the tour is transformed to represent the iconic Christmas and winter scenes from the books and films.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Class at Biscuiteers
Notting Hill & Belgravia
A fun an interactive class for kids of all ages (including adults!) that teaches special baking tips such as Gingerbread House Icing and School Of Icing. You can book group or private sessions.
Winterland at Neverland
Wandsworth Bridge
A year round experience that takes on a special relevance in the winter months, this Alpine-themed bar and restaurant offers general entry to walk around and a place at a lodge table to enjoy some hot cosy drinks, or you can book a private lodge or chalet for group events.
The Nutcracker
London Coliseum, Covent Garden, from 12th December
Of the many West End shows that are particularly popular at Christmas, the legendary Nutracker ballet remains the most acclaimed and popular. Brought to the stage by the English National Ballet and the English National Ballet Philharmonic Orchestra.
Out Of Town Christmas Markets
Various locations
If you fancy a trip outside of London during your stay, there are many iconic English towns that have their own markets, transforming their historic cobbled streets into their own local Winter Wonderland. Beautiful cities like Salisbury and Windsor each have their own Christmas Markets, providing an extra magical backdrop to a stunning day out. And remember, MCC can help organise transportation for these special trips.
Christmas At Kew
Kew Gardens, 13th November to 5th January
One of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, it’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Requires a specific timed entry to control the crowds and ensure everyone is able to enjoy the experience.
Whether it's your flights to London, your hotels or your transportation, tickets to events, shopping ideas and personal shopping support, salons, spas and gyms and anything else you need to make your London trip - or any trip - memorable, contact the bookings team for tips, recommendations, bookings, reservations and everything else. Safe travels!
