8 Awesome Things to do in London this Christmas

With snow falling across the UK over the last few days, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. With less than two weeks to go, there are so many amazing festive activities and events across London. Grab yourself a mulled wine and make the most of Christmas in the capital! Here are 8 places you definitely need to head before the big day.

1. Go ice skating

Winter ice skating is always really popular in London. Ice rinks pop up each year at the Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf, Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace. For many it's a Christmas tradition to ice skate in the courtyard at Somerset House, centred around a stunning Christmas tree. However this year, how about something a little different? A former carpark at Skylight, has turned into a rooftop ice skating playground in Tobacco Dock. Visitors are also able to try ice hockey shooting, whilst sampling street food, fondue and festive drinks tucked up under a blanket. skylightlondon.com

2. See the Christmas lights at Kew

As soon as it turns dark, a twinkling light trail winds through Kew Gardens. As well as the incredible lights, there are food stalls and Victorian funfair rides. Definitely worth wrapping up warm and visiting before Christmas! kew.org

3. Watch a Christmas film

Even though it is nice to get cosy at home with your favourite Christmas film, how about heading out with your friends after work to a pop up cinema? Pop Up Screens are at Hackney Showroom, with films like Bad Santa, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Love Actually and The Grinch playing before Christmas! popupscreens.co.uk

4. Eat lots of cheese

Who doesn’t like eating more cheese at Christmas? There’s a great festive event at The Treehouse in Clapham. London’s first Raclette Bar is by Alpine street food favourites Le Rac Shack. Cosy surrounds and lots of melted cheese, it's the perfect way to warm up on a cold Christmas night. theraclettebar.com

5. Watch some festive live music

There are loads of amazing bands playing Christmas numbers all over London getting you in the party mood. If you fancy a night out dancing full of festive cheer then you need to see the Old Dirty Brassards. This brilliant brass band are playing at some epic live music venues for a great Christmas knees-up. Find them on Tuesday 19th December at Omeara, in the arches of London Bridge, or at at Shoreditch Blues Kitchen on Friday 22nd December. olddirtybrasstards.co.uk/gigs

6. Cosy up in an igloo

The perfect place to take your other half, your mates or even a festive first date! These igloos are the ideal venue to share a few merry drinks. The Sipping Room in West India Quay has six pop-up 'igloos'. Each one seats eight and contain electric heaters, hot water bottles, sheepskin throws and jumpers! Make sure you book first. drakeandmorgan.co.uk/igloos

7. Listen to carols by the Christmas tree

It wouldn’t be Christmas in London without visiting the world-famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree (an annual gift from Norway since 1947). Whilst it is nice to try something more quirky, you can’t beat a bit of holiday tradition! You can hear festive songs ring out across the square from 40 carol groups, each singing for an hour. These free Christmas carol concerts in Trafalgar Square help raise funds for voluntary and charitable organisations. Check out london.gov.uk for more information.

8. Travel back to Victorian times

If you like to keep things traditional, you can experience Christmas as it would have been in Victorian times with a host of 19th century decorations and activities to enjoy at Kensington Palace. They have a 25ft high Christmas tree decorated in Victorian style. Great for family fun, but also if you just like a bit of British history and culture. hrp.org.uk

Enjoy all the festive Christmas fun in London!