Christmas in London: A guide to festivities

Ice-skating in the picturesque Somerset House. Photo: Wiki Will/ Flickr

Maybe it’s because the ticket for a flight back home is too expensive. Or perhaps you’re one of the many stranded snow exiles. Maybe it’s because of an internship opportunity that has come up. Or maybe it’s just because you want to experience the Christmas festivities abroad.

Whatever the reason, if you are an international and you are spending Christmas in London this year, there are plenty of activities and events to keep you busy during the holiday period.

Here are some of The First Pint’s recommendations:

SWEDISH CHRISTMAS CONCERT:

This event at Wigmore Hall on 23 December celebrates Christmas through some of the most traditional Swedish carols, along with some classics such as Gounod’s Jewel Song from the Faust, and Bach’s and Liszt’s pieces. Among the performers, soprano Susanna Andersson, pianist Bengt Forsberg and cellist Mats Lidström, who is also premiering his composition The Stamp King for piano, cello and narrator. Swedish mulled wine and gingerbread will be served during the interval. Tickets from £12.

CHRISTMAS AT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HOUSE:

A place where internationals can feel at home, the ISH is organising a traditional British Christmas party that lasts all day. The celebrations start at 12pm with a drink, followed by a three-course English Christmas meal, the Queen’s speech, a walk in Regent park and then a party with drinks and nibbles and a movie marathon till 9 pm. Tickets cost £10 for students, £30 for alumni and £35 for guests, and can be booked by calling ISH on 0207 323 7233.

The Helter Skelter at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Photo: BitchBuzz / Flckr

Until 4 January, Hyde Park has been transformed into a real wonderland, with an open-air skating rink, an observation wheel and a winter circus. There are also several places to eat, like the Spiegel Saloon, which offers comfort food like burgers and sausages, and bars – from the traditional Star Tavern to the clubby E:Cube, with DJs and cocktails. There are also several rides (prices start from £2), Santa’s Grotto for kids, and a Christmas market where you can buy gifts and food. Entry is free, but some of the attractions must be booked in advance andpaid for (tickets for the ice-skating cost £10, the wheel starts from £7.50 per adult). Winter Wonderland is opened from 10 am to 10 pm, and will close on 25 December only. 

SOMERSET HOUSE ICE RINK:

Famous for its art, design and fashion events, Somerset House is hosting a glamourous ice-rink sponsored by Tiffany until the 23 of January 2011 . It is open until 11.30 pm and on selected Fridays and Saturdays, Djs will play till late. Not very confident about skating on the ice? Then the skate school is for you, with classes taking place on selected dates. Tickets for the ice-rink start from £10.50 and can be booked on somersethouse.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 1520.

MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS AT TOWER OF LONDON:

 Between the 27 of December and the 31, in addition to the traditional tour of the Tower of London, visitors can enjoy the experience of a truly medieval Christmas celebration. In the restored Medieval Palace, you can step back to 1284 and see how festivities looked at the court of King Edward I, with a table laid out with a thirteen century feast, fools, entertainers and musicians performing. Tickets are included in the standard ticket price.

CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES:

Pantomimes are a part of the British Christmas traditon and one of the funnest ways to enjoy the holidays. Pantos showing across London this Christmas  include, Sleeping Beauty ( 11 December – 2 January at Beck Theatre), The Snowman (1 December – 9 January at Peacock Theatre), Puss in Boots (18 December – 9 January at Arts Theatre) and Snow White (13 December – 3 January at Shaw Theatre).