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With exactly one week until the big day itself, it’s time to spread some festive cheer and what better way to spend a Christmas day out than in London? If you’ve got a day off or are planning one final weekend visit to London before Christmas Day itself, we’ve planned the perfect day filled of festive things to do in London.

London is a fantastic city but with so much going on, it can be overwhelming to map out a plan of things to do – especially at such a busy time of the year. With spots to hit on your solo festive date or with friends, family and the kids, we’ve certainly narrowed down a fun day out.

From wandering around streets adorned with some pretty spectacular Christmas decorations to enjoying a festive meal (be it at your favourite restaurant or bringing that restaurant home with you), we’ve got you and your family covered. Whether you’re looking forward to festive food and drink or being pampered for your final Christmas party, one thing is for certain: you’ll certainly be getting into the holiday spirit while following the itinerary we’ve carved out for you below.

Christmas coffee with Benugo

festive things to do in London
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive coffee or hot chocolate

Take a stroll around London and take in the festivities of the city when crowds are (possibly) a little less intense. Grab a Christmas coffee from your nearest Benugo and wander around the city’s hotspots for Christmas lights, such as New Bond Street, the Regent Street angels, Carnaby Street, Trafalgar Square and many more areas. Our heads were definitely turned by the apple crumble latte but a winter spiced hot chocolate also never fails.

London pamper day at Christmas

festive hair duck dry london salon party updo
Achieve fuss-free festive chic with your hair, courtesy of Duck and Dry

Why not stop by Duck and Dry for a festive blowout or a new set of nails? Whether you want a bouncy blow-dry to match your mood or are looking for either a sparkly seasonal or cute candy cane manicure, this central London salon has you covered.

If you’re looking to get ready for party season with a stylish updo, you’ll be glad to know that the hairstyle is no longer just for weddings and more serious occasions, with them being a solid choice if you’re looking to show off some backless dress design – or, indeed, brave the glorious winter weather we’re graced with in the UK. At Duck and Dry, you can choose from the Top Kot, Ooh La La or Ducktail to add some festive glamour to your look – whenever the party may be.

duckanddry.com

Christmas lunch at Sushisamba

sushisamba things festive london lunch restaurant
Enjoy a festive feast at Sushisamba for lunch in London

Christmas has arrived at both the Heron Tower and Covent Garden locations of Sushisamba in London, with guests able to immerse themselves in what the restaurant has coined Sambazonia – a spectacularly festive experience. Whether you’re opting to sample the Festive Taste of Samba menu, which features a selection of seasonal specials – from arroz de lagosta (with a whole lobster) to a Samba Kaiseki platter – miso-ginger cured salmon, seared yellowtail with truffle and more – and Japanese wagyu maki. Of course, Sushisamba’s winter terrace is open for aperitif or digestif cocktails in the heart of the Covent Garden piazza, too.

sushisamba.com

Christmas at Winter Wonderland

winter wonderland christmas london festive fun
A visit to Winter Wonderland is only custom at Christmas

Yes, yes, we know it’s nothing new but if you’re heading to London for Christmas, a trip to Hyde park’s magical winterland is a classic choice. If you go in the daytime, you’ll find less crowds – plus, if you’re going to have a wander around with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, there’s probably not much more of a festive spot to do so. An off-peak ticket will cost you just £5, which isn’t too bad as far as activities go in the city – but be mindful that certain attractions (including ice rinks, the circus and a giant wheel) inside will require their own booking and come at an additional cost.

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Christmas Dinner with Côte

cote home christmas feast new years eve steak turkey lobster
Sack off busy London reservations in favour of a festive feast at home with Côte

Making a reservation for dinner during the festive period can be more headache than it’s worth – so why not invite a few close pals over for a dinner party at yours? While Côte’s festive feast boxes are no longer bookable for Christmas, there are the New Year’s Eve menus still available so you can cook up a storm that will bring about full smiles and tummies across the board.

We thoroughly enjoyed the classic Christmas turkey, indulgent chateaubriand and vegetarian butternut squash and goat’s cheese pithivier with all the trimmings included, too. Proving that there is a good feeling to be had about the New Year’s Eve offerings, these include the likes of beef wellington, côte de boeuf, lobster and much more.

coteathome.co.uk

With Christmas around the corner, everyone is on the look out for the best bottle of bubbles to pop on Christmas day. The House of Coco team have tried and tested some of the finest English Wine to bring home this festive season. Hattingley Valley offers a delicious Blanc de Blanc that is a complete crowd please this yuletide, stunning Rosé wines which can be incorporated into a luxury gift set and a Classic Reserve NV Anniversary Magnum which is not to be missed.


Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015 (£44) – The ideal festive fizz

Hattingley Valley specialises in premium, award-winning sparkling and still English wines made in Hampshire, using grapes grown on site and from vineyards across the South of England. If you are heading home for Christmas and want to impress the family with some bubbles, look no further than the Blanc de Blancs 2015 (£44). Pale gold in colour, the Blanc de Blancs 2015 is made from the finest Chardonnay grapes and boasts wonderfully bold, crisp acid flavours and a creamy finish. This bottle is a delicious accompaniment to any Christmas cheeseboard, an ideal festive fizz. All wines are available by the bottle, case and can be presented in a beautiful gift box, making the perfect Christmas present too.

www.hattingleyvalley.com/collections/the-hattingley-shop

Hattingley Valley Luxury Gift Set – The perfect gift for the wine connoisseur

Hattingley Valley’s Luxury Gift Sets come in one, two and three-bottle options and are beautifully packaged in elegant navy boxes with gold detailing. Choose from the award-winning Classic Reserve NV, Rosé 2019, Blanc de Blancs 2015 or the Kings Cuvée 2015. The single bottle gift including two elegant champagne tulip glasses, a Hattingley Valley bottle stopper and a waiter’s friend corkscrew. Gift boxes start from £65 for the single bottle; the duo from £90; and the trio from £125. Standard single box sets are also available from £40 with all gift sets having the option for personalisation with a handwritten note for that extra special touch this Christmas.

www.hattingleyvalley.com/collections/luxury-wine-gift-sets

Limited Edition Anniversary Magnum Release – A New Year’s Eve Must Have

Having planted their first vines in 2008, Hattingley Valley has recently released a unique, limited-edition Classic Reserve NV Anniversary Magnum (£95) marking the release of its first ever vintage in 2013 – perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations and to see in 2024. Looking back on a decade of award-winning vintages, innovation and excellence and to honour the significant milestone, this exclusive 10-year anniversary NV magnum has been crafted from the 2016 harvest, an excellent but limited vintage that demands to be tasted. This limited-edition Classic Reserve NV is a true crowd pleaser and perfectly encapsulates the brand’s signature style.

The Classic Reserve NV Anniversary Magnum has an elegant bronze gold colour with delicate aromas of nougat, orange peel and citrus. Biscuit, pears and green apple notes on the palate with a hint of nuts are followed by a juicy bright acidity and a complex long finish. The bottle is adorned with the signature silver-washed signature Fritillary Butterfly in the shape of its label – a nod to the Hattingley’s commitment to maintaining biodiversity and conscious land management in its vineyards.

Limited to around 100 bottles, this special release is the perfect purchase for collectors and connoisseurs, or those seeking to celebrate in style. Grab a magnificent magnum for New Year’s eve and toast to the best English Wine when the clock strikes midnight.

www.hattingleyvalley.com/products/limited-edition-10-year-anniversary-magnum