Babes Guide to London at Xmas

Check 5 (x 5) top activities and events for the festive season.

1. Lights, Carols, Action!

West End Christmas Lights, W1
Shop under the vibrant displays from Oxford St to Regent St and don’t miss the space age theme lights on Carnaby St (until Dec/Jan)

Merry Kissmas at Covent Garden, WC2
Smooch under the mistletoe to see the Christmas Tree installation light up. (until Jan)

Greenwich Market Christmas Lights, SE10
Watch the market sparkle with songs, seasonal treats and a lantern procession by local children, 4-7pm (Nov 24)

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree, WC2
See the tree from Norway lit up with decorations and carol singing in the annual festival. (Dec 2)

Local Pick
Brunswick Big Switch On, WC1
R&B star Lemar lights up the Brunswick Shopping Centre in Bloomsbury from 4pm (Nov 26)

2. Ice, Ice Baby!

EyeSkate at London Eye, SE1
Enjoy open-air skating and a spectacular 4D show of London. Adults £11.50, kids £8.50, 10am-9pm (Nov 20-Jan 5)

Somerset House Ice Rink, SE1
Stunning setting for popular skating with DJ nights, Breakfast with Tiffany and Penguin Club for skaters under 8. Adults £13 weekends, evenings/£10.50 weekdays. Kids £8.50/£7.50 (Nov 23-Jan 21)

Natural History Museum Ice Rink, SE1
Skate against the museum backdrop, with a junior rink for young ‘uns and bob skates for toddlers. Weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 8.45am-10 pm. Kids max £8.50, adults max £13 (ends Jan 9)

Westfield Ice Rink
The shopping centre atrium is transformed into a giant ice rink. Adults max £10.50, kids £7.50 (ends Jan 2)

Local Pick
Broadgate Ice Rink, EC2
No booking, just turn up and skate at this popular rink near Liverpool Street. Adults £9, kids £6 (until Jan 23)

3. Meet Santa & His Mates

Reindeer Petting at Covent Garden, WC2
Prancer, Dancer and their buddies wow the crowds in the Piazza. 12-5pm, free. Sats (until Dec 18 and Wed Dec 29)

Santa’s Secret Village at Southbank Centre, SE1
Catch up with Mr Claus and hear his stories in 30 minute shows (Nov 19-Dec 23)

Christmas at Hamleys, Regent Street, W1
Breakfast or tea with Santa (Dec 1-24, £45) and live reindeer (Nov 29-Dec 3, 5-7pm)

Santa Express at Selfridges, Oxford St, W1
Book ahead for this popular ride to Lapland and Santa’s Grotto at the department store. (Nov 20-Dec 24)

Local Pick
Enchanted House in Islington, N1
Gingerbread Kitchen, Busy Elves workshops, Santa’s Grotto and more magical activities at this one-of-a-kind event. Tickets £45 (Nov 27-Dec 17) or £62 (Dec 18-24), booking essential. (Nov 27-Dec 24)

4. All Wrapped Up

Cologne Christmas Market on Southbank, SE1
German style market with 60 chalets between Southbank Centre and London Eye. 11am-8pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat). (Nov 19-Dec 23)

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, W2
Zippo’s Circus, rides, ice rink, Bavarian Village and brand new Angel’s Market with 100 stalls. Free entry (tickets for special events). 10am-10pm (Nov 20-Jan 4)

Real Food Market in Covent Garden, WC2
Gastro gifts for serious foodies at this weekly market. Every Thu, 11am-7pm (until Dec 23)

Christmas at Borough Market, SE1
Stock up on seasonal treats at the popular foodie destination. Regular hours Thu-Sat, special opening hours Dec 15-31.

Local Pick
Eco-Design Christmas Fair Islington Town Hall, Upper St, N1
Shop for sustainable goods including furniture, fashion and baby items. 10am-5pm, Sat, 10am-4pm Sun £2/£1 concessions (Dec 4-5)

5. Make Christmas Crafts

Saturday Specials at Geffrye Museum, Hackney E8
Make an Ace Advent Calendar (Dec 4, 10am-12.30pm & 2-4pm) and a Creative Calendar for the New Year (Jan 8, 10am-12.30pm, 2-4pm), Free.

Mini Make Believe at Somerset House, WC2
First Sundays arts, craft & music for under 5s with Penguin Parade (Dec 5) and Ice Adventure (Jan 9). 11.30am-12.30pm, collect free tickets from 11am.

Christmas at Lauderdale House
Tree Dressing exhibition at Waterlow Park (Dec 4-13) and Midwinter Night Parade, make a beautiful lantern for a parade through the park to songs and music (Dec 20, 3-5pm). £4, ages 4+

Children’s Workshops in Covent Garden, WC2
Join in with free sessions of making decorations, gingerbread cookies, costumes, puppets and more. Every Sat, 11am-1pm (Nov 21-Dec 19)

Local Pick
Christmas Crafts at Islington Libraries, N1
Craft sessions for all age groups including Make a Glittery Hanging Gift of your Baby or Toddler’s Hand Print at West Library (Dec 21, 2.15.-4pm). All sessions Free, booking required (Dec 11-23, different locations)