We bid farewell to autumn and welcome the Festive Season as London transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland. From indi pop-up shops to charming Christmas markets and festive bus tours, the city presents an exciting array of experiences perfect for group outings, work colleagues, family, and friends. We’ve put together a lineup of Christmas experiences we think you’ll love!
Winter Pop-ups
raye the store
In the lead-up to Christmas, raye the store is back in London’s West End at Quadrant Arcade, Regent Street, until December 1st, and at Coal Drops Yard (raye Christmas Special) 5th – 20th December. This pop-up space combines retail, events, and education for conscious consumers, showcasing over 100 new brands and 300 unique products curated by founder Nicole Compen.
For unique Christmas gifts, Discovery Boxes are available online, featuring products from the store, making it an ideal wellness gift for those unable to visit in person.
Discovery boxes can be found here: www.weareraye.com
IND!E
With Oxford Street’s Christmas lights now illuminating the city, pop-up shops are adding to the festive spirit, offering shoppers a unique alternative to traditional high-street stores. Matt Hopkins, founder of IND!E, has launched a series of pop-ups in major department stores across the UK, including a special Christmas pop-up at John Lewis on Oxford Street. These pop-ups provide a platform for independent brands and local makers, helping them reach new audiences at the height of the Christmas shopping season.
LDC Lone Design Club
London’s festive season attracts millions of visitors, with popular markets like Winter Wonderland and Southbank drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees throughout the festive period. Today’s consumers crave more than just physical shopping — they’re seeking deeper connections and meaningful experiences.
From multi-sensory engagements to innovative technology integrations, discover how brands that making impact in this evolving retail landscape at LDC pop-ups.
Christmas Markets
Central London transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with vibrant Christmas markets that captivate the senses. Leicester Square‘s market entices visitors with its charming wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts and delicious seasonal treats. Just a stone’s throw away, Trafalgar Square features a stunning Christmas tree gifted from Norway, surrounded by stalls brimming with festive goodies. Covent Garden, with its enchanting decorations and lively atmosphere, showcases artisanal crafts and mouthwatering food options, making it a must-visit. Meanwhile, the South Bank market offers a picturesque riverside experience, filled with delightful attractions, warming mulled wine, and twinkling lights, creating an unforgettable celebration of the season.
Christmas Lights
Start your Christmas lights tour in Soho, where you’ll be smitten by the creativity of young designers from Soho Parish School through the imaginative Soho Kids Xmas Lights. The magical atmosphere continues with the iconic illuminations along Carnaby Street, known for its trendy flair, while Regent Street dazzles with its classic elegance of angels looming above. Oxford Street, a shopping haven, sparkles with a Starry theme, and New Bond Street showcases luxurious Chanel lights, adding a touch of opulence to the holiday celebrations. Together, these displays, all within walking distance, transform the streets of London’s West End into a winter wonderland, captivating locals and visitors alike.
Christmas Experiences
Action for Children’s Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto
Action for Children is launching the UK’s first Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto on 29th – 30th November 2024. This unique experience encourages children to give gifts to help vulnerable children. Parents make donations while children choose gifts like toys or warm clothing. Upon arrival, friendly elves introduce the giving concept, and children present their gifts to Santa.
Donation items range from £5 for a teddy bear to £65 for warm clothing. Donations support Action for Children, with Nationwide Building Society matching up to £100,000 until 3 December. This initiative promotes generosity during the festive season.
Date & Timings:
- 29th November: 12.30pm to 7pm, 30th November: 10am to 7pm
Price:
Free entry with a £5 deposit for booking, refundable under certain conditions. Donations for vulnerable children are encouraged at the grotto. Each ticket accommodates a family of up to five people. Booking Link: Book here
Address:
15 Bateman Street, Soho, London W1D 3AQ
Tootbus Festive Bar Bus
Experience London this winter on the city’s unique rooftop bar bus, the most festive rooftop bar in London. Enjoy Christmas drinks while sightseeing on a cosy winter night, wrapped in warm blankets as you view landmarks like the Regent Street angels and Oxford Street Christmas lights. Perfect for various occasions, the double-decker bus features festive decor and favourite Christmas tunes.
Operating from November 23rd, the Bar Bus runs on Saturdays in November and Fridays and Saturdays in December until December 21st, with the final ride on December 28th. Tickets start at £48, including the festive bus ride and two drinks. More information is available at TOOTBus.
North Pole Express by TopView
All aboard the North Pole Express by TopView – a festive double-decker bus tour in London – for a unique holiday experience through the city’s illuminated streets. Ideal for families and friends, this 1 hour and 10-minute adventure features carol sing-alongs, enchanting stories from elves, and a visit from Santa. The route includes iconic sights like Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and the London Eye. Adult tickets from £55, children from £39.
WHEN: Tours are available from 13th November 2024 to 5th January 2025. WHERE: Departure from Bay 3 Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SZ, across from Victoria Station.
Boom Battle Bar
Get in the festive era with Boom Battle Bar! Crank up your game night with cocktails decked out with candy canes that might just put Santa’s mixology skills to shame, and dive into mouthwatering street food like the legendary glazed pigs in blankets—because why have a basic sausage when it can wear a shiny coat? And let’s not forget those fully loaded fries that are basically a food tower begging for a selfie! So don your festive best and sprint over to your nearest battle ground at Boom, or risk missing out! www.boombattlebar.com
Humbug Immersive Christmas Dive Bar
The Humbug festivities are officially in full swing with more cheer than you can pull from a Christmas cracker! The snow-stopping opening night set the bar higher than Buddy the Elf on a candy cane sugar rush. And when they say they kicked off the season with more oomph than Mariah Carey hitting the high note… they mean it!
Tickets are melting away faster than the “snow” in London, so don’t get left out in the cold! Grab yours before they’re gone. Book here: www.humbugchristmas.co.uk
A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS
A Very Naughty Christmas is a Christmas cabaret that combines stand-up comedy, burlesque, and musical theatre, making its London debut at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 28th November to 11th January. This adults-only show features a mix of parodied Christmas classics, skits, dancing, and live performances, boasting a cast of 8 and Australia’s original “Bad Santa,” Stephen Hirst. Produced by Woodward Productions and executive produced by Glass Half Full Productions, it has enjoyed sell-out success in Australia, with over 40,000 tickets sold. Tickets start at £24, available here: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Whether you’re on the hunt for indulge in festive treats, unique gifts, or seeking memorable experiences with family and friends, this winter brings a lineup of delightful events and attractions for you to enjoy!
Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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