9 Of Our Favourite Things To Do In London Between Christmas & New Year

English National Ballet is bringing everyone’s favourite Christmas show back to the London Coliseum. This year, Wayne Eagling's choreography brings Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life with dancing snowflakes, battling toy soldiers and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy's Kingdom of Sweets. The grand Victorian Coliseum is the perfect place to watch Clara's Christmas Eve dream unfold across two acts that will enchant every generation of the family.

Visit LondonColiseum.org

For a 28th year, a stage production of Raymond Briggs’ wonderful picture book returns to Sadler's Wells. At the Peacock Theatre, this year’s family friendly show combines live orchestra, dance and sublime stagecraft to tell the story of a boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. We’re counting on some overhead theatrics for the Walking in the Air sequence too.

Visit SadlersWells.com

The Royal Opera House is always a hive of festive activity. This year, Sir Paul Smith has designed its must-see tree, and there are not just performances of The Nutcracker – there are behind-the-scenes tours for adults and children’s Adventure tours exploring the same enchanted world. But this is also the first Christmas of the Italian restaurant now on the building’s fifth floor. It’s run by the great Angela Hartnett of Murano fame. For Cicoria, she has once again taken inspiration from her Italian grandmother to create some classic seasonal menus – think seabass with Umbrian lentils and salsa verde or lobster linguini with lemon, parsley and chilli.

Visit RBO.org.uk

With the Burberry Christmas tree guarding its entrance, Claridge's Foyer & Reading Room is one of London's most glamorous settings for afternoon tea. To musical accompaniment, servers present guests with tiered stands of finger sandwiches, warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and an array of French pastries. A special festive tea elevates this timeless ritual with some delicate seasonal touches – think a roasted Norfolk turkey sandwich on granary bread with stuffing, cranberry and baby-gem lettuce, and Christmas pudding with brandy anglaise. 

Visit Claridges.co.uk

The Christmas ghost story is a tradition that stretches back to at least Dickens. On show now at the National Gallery, the paintings of Joseph Wright of Derby are more gothic than ghostly, but they conjure that same spookily cocooning atmosphere. Inspired by the Italian master Caravaggio, he painted dramatic, darkened scenes in which candles and the moon are the only light sources. This is a rare chance to acquaint yourself with the works of a great British talent who has remained in the shadows for too long.

Visit NationalGallery.org.uk 

Anyone looking to truly escape the season should head for the sprawling subterranean spa beneath the Corinthia hotel. Across its four floors, ESPA Life hides a swimming pool, vitality pool, ice fountain, heated marble loungers and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms. This year’s special festive packages are inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. Using Augustinus Bader's science-led skincare and ESPA's aromatherapy blends, treatment options run from warming body rituals to replenishing facials for winter skin. Sign off with a champagne lunch in the spa's private restaurant.

Visit Corinthia.com 

Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor palace provides the backdrop for one of London's most atmospheric ice rinks. As dusk falls over its tall chimneys, skating – or just spectating – here remains an evocative experience. The 10am ‘Quiet & Calm’ sessions each morning might also appeal. Later on, the mulled wine and hot toddies served rink-side come into their own.

Visit HamptonCourtPalaceIceRink.co.uk

Bob Dylan. Willy Wonka. A new messiah in Dune. Timothée Chalamet isn’t afraid to take on a big character. Next up for the planet’s hottest young Hollywood star is Marty Reisman, a ping-pong champion in 1950s New York – and this could well be the role that finally lands Chalamet that much-coveted Oscar statuette. Also featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Marty Supreme promises to be a transportive period piece, which might be just the thing you're looking for when it’s released on Boxing Day.

Visit EverymanCinema.com

Chelsea’s intimate Cadogan Hall becomes a candlelit Viennese salon on 30th December for an evening of waltzes and operetta. London Concertante will perform Strauss's Blue Danube and Die Fledermaus alongside Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and Sleeping Beauty Waltz, while soprano Claire Wild delivers some show-stopping arias.

Visit CadoganHall.com