Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had many requests for festive activities and for suggestions of some unique local shops for all those special Christmas gifts. Therefore for my last Craig’s Corner of the year I thought I would compile a one stop shop of all things festive in the city.

Trees, Lights & Festive Walks

The city gets more festive by the day at this time of year and London’s most famous streets have been adorned with glistening lights.
Below I have designed a walk that highlights some of the most iconic lights and window displays.
(a more detailed printout is available from Reception)

1. Covent Garden

Covent Garden's iconic 60-foot British-grown handpicked Christmas tree is decorated with over 30,000 lights whilst mistletoe for cheeky kisses, mirror balls, and snowball-inspired baubles decorate the Market Building.
The appearance of snow from a snow machine on the hour from midday to 9pm completes the festive joy. 

2. Leicester Square

A delightful festive pop-up has materialized right in the centre of one of London’s most iconic spaces. A full-on Christmas market, festive lights, many eating and drinking options and entertainment, all curated by Underbelly. 

3.  Regent Street

The Spirit of Christmas scheme has returned to the capital, with the stunning Spirits soaring through the skies above the Regent Street and St James's neighbourhood’s. Displays will be switched on from 3pm to 11pm every day for a more sustainable display. 

4. Carnaby Street

This year, expect the unexpected - this one is not to be missed!
Celebrating a whopping 25 years of lights and installations, visit a mesmerizing medley of the most-loved pieces from the past. Throughout Carnaby, you will see an exciting element of historic installations incorporating 14 different themes. Features include neon lyrics from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, glittering Rolling Stones tongues, fan favourites such as oversized robins, a giant snowman, colourful palm trees from Carnaby Carnival as well as underwater scenes from the unforgettable Under the Sea. Festive overload! 

5. Oxford Circus Lights

These lights running the length of this famous shopping street are made with cost-friendly materials, including 300,000 LED light bulbs and recycled plastic, making them 75 percent more efficient than traditional bulbs. 

6. Selfridges’ Windows

Selfridges’ 15 windows take inspiration from the theme with surreal and spectacular interpretations of festive ‘foodie’ moments. 

7. Bond Street Lights

Making use of 93,652 LED’s the new display will feature four enormous crowns at key junctions on Bond Street, inspired by The Imperial State Crown. The crossings, meanwhile, will have shimmering lights and shapes mirroring the shimmering platinum, gold, diamond, and pearl necklaces. 

8. Fortnum & Mason

As every year, F&M have created simply wonderful window displays. I’m not giving too much away on this one…. they need to be seen to be appreciated. 

9. Trafalgar Square Tree

Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given the people of London a Christmas tree. This gift is in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II.

Christmas Carols

St Martin in the Fields
1^st December
To coincide with the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony, St Martin in the Fields hosts A Trafalgar Square Christmas, a candlelit evening of music by St Martin’s Voices and Strings.

Cadogan Hall
1^st – 28^th December
Chelsea's Cadogan Hall has a busy programme of Christmas events running throughout December. Highlights include Childline's Merry Little Christmas Concert, Christmas with Barts Choir, West End Does: Christmas, and Carols by Candlelight. https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/genres/christmas/

St Pauls, The Actors Church
It's no surprise that a venue dubbed 'the actor's church' kicks off its festive season with A Musical Theatre Christmas, bringing together cast members from West End musicals celebrating the season with a wonderful range of shows. https://actorschurch.org/whatson

St Paul's Cathedral Christmas Carol Services
Various dates
With a whole range of traditional services all throughout Advent and beyond you are sure to feel like it’s Christmas in this amazing space with the sound of the Cathedral Choir to lift your spirits.
https://www.stpauls.co.uk/whats-on

Shopping

I am determined not to leave my Christmas gift shopping to the last moment (again) this year, so if you want to get ahead like me here are a few unique Local shopping ideas.

St Martin-in-the-Fields Shop
They have a lovely range of Christmas cards and decorations, alongside a great range of jewellery, toys, CDs, china, cards and stationery.

Royal Opera House Shop
Housed inside this iconic Covent Garden venue there are gifts for all music and ballet lovers.

James Smith & Sons.
Based in the theatre district, this family-owned shop opened in 1867 and has handcrafted umbrellas and walking sticks and a wonderful range of traditional gifts.

Transport of Museum Shop
This wonderful shop on the corner of Covent Garden offers a range of gifts and books for all ages.

Pollocks Toy Shop
Selling toys and games to discerning adults and children alike for over 100 years

V&A Museum shop
Showcasing the best in contemporary design, making, and manufacturing,

Southbank Centre Shop
Inspiring products for all, with every penny supporting the arts.

Ice-Skating Rinks

Somerset House
Closest to the Club and now with a bigger skate space, the neoclassical courtyard is transformed, complete with a 40ft Christmas tree.

Battersea Power Station
An ice-skating experience like no other at the recently renovated Battersea Power Station.
They have a large outdoor ice rink outside the power station next to the Thames.

Canary Wharf
This rink is surrounded by skyscrapers. Also comes with a clear roof so can be skated on in poor weather.

Greenwich – Queen’s House
With views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north.

Family Activities

Christmas at the Tower of London
23^rd November 2022 – 3^rd January 2023
This Christmas, see the 12 Days of Christmas brought to life in unique Tower of London style, with the famous fortress transformed like never before with magical festive displays.

Gingerbread City Exhibition
The Museum of Architecture. 3^rd December 2022 – 2^nd January 2023
It’s just not Christmas without all those sweet treats The Museum of Architecture’s hugely popular, brilliantly festive, and mouth-wateringly edible Gingerbread City exhibition.  

Winter Wonderland
Embrace the Christmas spirit with Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park.
Featuring a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from ice skating and circus shows to a Christmas market and live music.


All that is left is for me to do is wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year and to thank you for all your support and lovely feedback this year.
I very much look forward to working with you next year to make some more memories and as always please let me know if I can come up with some ideas for your bespoke Festive visit.

Craig x
memexpmanager@thefarmersclub.com