CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
What's on this Christmas.
Have a cracking Christmas in London
London is a city worth visiting at any time of the year, but people who decide to see the English capital during the festive season will realise that there is something particularly special about Christmas in London.
There will be all sorts of events and entertainment on offer across the city over the coming months, from seasonal markets and festivals to new West End productions and good old British pantomimes.
Winter Wonderland festival in Hyde Park
One of the highlights of London's festive offering this year are the Winter Wonderland festival at Hyde Park. Guests at Claridge's will be able to head to the park until 3rd January to experience this event, which is free to enter. Celebrating its third outing, Winter Wonderland will be doubled in size this year, creating space for 200 rides, a German-style Christmas market and an observation wheel offering impressive views over the city.
There will be plenty to entertain younger visitors in Hyde Park, including Zippo's Christmas Circus, Santa's village and a giant outdoor ice skating rink.
Christmas Lights
Another location not to be missed during a festive break in London is Regent Street. Guests at Claridge's will be able to visit the famous thoroughfare to see its stunning Christmas lights. It is the first time that the lights on Regent Street and Oxford Street are illuminated simultaneously. Both areas will be themed around the new Disney film adaptation of A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey.
Regent Street also provides plenty of opportunities to do some Christmas shopping, boasting hundreds of high-end stores and boutiques for visitors to browse in. Brands ranging from Calvin Klein and Swarovski to Apple and Bose are represented on Regent Street, which also offers plenty of cafes and restaurants where shoppers can sit down for a rest.
Visitors who would like to see even more festive illuminations after visiting Regent Street and Oxford Street can head to nearby Bond Street.
A Christmas Carol
Guests at Claridge's who are planning to enjoy some evenings at the theatre over the coming months will be spoilt for choice. One of the biggest shows opening in the near future is A Christmas Carol, a new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' seasonal classic starring Gareth Hale, who found fame as one half of comedy duo Hale and Pace, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The actor will be joined by Simon Lipkin, Rebecca Thornhill and Michael Matus in the cast and between them the performers will play over 30 characters. A Christmas Carol will open at the Arts Theatre on 11th November and is taking bookings until 10th January.
Aladdin, British Pantomime
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the old-fashioned British pantomime and there will be plenty of shouts of 'he's behind you!' and 'oh, yes it is!' across the capital this season. One of the biggest productions opening this year is Aladdin, which will feature Pamela Anderson, Paul O'Grady, Ruby Wax and other performers playing the Genie of the Lamp. Theatre legend Brian Blessed will be the target of the audience's boos as the evil villain Abanazar. The show will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 4th December.
Opera and theatre
London visitors looking for more sophisticated entertainment may fancy a night at the opera this Christmas. Giacomo Puccini's La Boheme will be performed at the Royal Opera House from 19th December to 11th January.
There will also be some weighty plays to enjoy in the capital, such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Novello Theatre from 1st December and The Misanthrope, which will see Keira Knightley making her West End debut, at the Comedy Theatre from 17th December.
Christmas dining in London
In addition to the Christmas markets, crowd-pleasing events and festive entertainment, the seasonal experience in London offers plenty of opportunities to try some excellent food and drink. Claridge's offers a special afternoon tea option including sandwiches, apple and raisin scones and Christmas pastries, served with a glass of champagne and a choice of tea or coffee. Helene Darroze at the Connaught will be offering a choice of two gourmet menus this year, while Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley will serve up a long lunch on Christmas Day featuring a seven-course tasting menu.
After a good meal, guests can pay a visit to venues such as St Martin in the Fields, the 18th century church in Trafalgar Square, or the Royal Albert Hall to attend some festive concerts.
From ice skating in Hyde Park to watching a show in the West End, shopping on Regent Street to enjoying afternoon tea at Claridge's, the range of experiences on offer to London visitors this season ensures that Christmas will be fun, festive and unforgettable.