Walking along the Strand to LSE campus, I am constantly amazed by the Christmas lights dangling above me. Christmas can be an emotional time of year for a lot of people, but one thing most of us can agree on is the joy of Christmas themed activities sprinkled around London. Trying to find a fun, budget friendly activity to distract yourself after class can be daunting, so I have collated a list of my top five Christmas activities to get you through the festive season.
1. Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival
From 1 November – 5 January, the Southbank Centre houses a wide range of Christmas themed courses, parties, shows and activities. Some highlights from their programme include: Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana where tickets start at £20; their free dance class on 13 December, the Mix & Move: Winter Special; and their free, family-friendly Christmas arts workshop on 14 December.
2. Winter Wonderland
This London Christmas classic is good fun for couples, families and friends! Unlike some of the more expensive Christmas markets, off-peak entry is free and, if you pre-book £25 worth of food and activities, you can get still secure free entry. If these offers don’t work for you then no need to worry, their standard entry tickets range from £5 to £7.50 per person! My favourite rides and activities include the Aeronaut Starflyer, the Real Ice Slide and ice skating before getting some mulled wine at one of the stalls. You can book here.
3. Festive plays at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Next on the list is the selection of festive plays at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There’s a wide range of plays including Hansel and Gretel, written by poet laureate Simon Armitage; Tim Key’s comedy special, Chrimbo Bimbo; and Chelsea Walker’s Globe directorial debut of All’s Well That Ends Well. This is great for all ages, and with tickets starting from £5, it’s a must-see for immersing yourself in the historic location and enjoying the theatre.
4. Skating at Somerset House
Just a stone’s throw away from LSE’s campus is Somerset House’s ice rink. Surrounded by the beautiful architecture of the museum, you can skate around the rink knowing that full-time students get a 20% discount with proof of a valid ID! It’s a perfect place to learn a new skill or perfect an old one.
5. Kingston Christmas Market
Located in south-west London, Kingston Christmas Market is a 25-minute train ride away from London Waterloo. The market features a wide variety of stalls, ice-skating, live music and even an open mic night every Tuesday from 6.00pm. With picturesque views along the river Thames, this is a more relaxed alternative to the busy central London Christmas markets.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as London, the festive season offers a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and an opportunity to explore new areas of the city. Whether you’re gliding across the ice at Somerset House, marvelling at the creative energy of the Southbank Centre, or savouring the charm of Kingston’s riverside market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These activities are also an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones, or even just a chance to have a moment of joy for yourself.
As you stroll along the Strand under those twinkling Christmas lights, let the season’s spirit inspire you to explore, connect, and embrace the magic around you.
Happy holidays!
