Belle’s Essential Guide to Christmas 2018 in London
There’s no denying that Christmas time in London is magical, and each year there are more and more Christmas experiences popping up all over the city. Belle About Town brings you our pick of the best Christmas experiences in London this December.
The Snowman Experience at Winter Wonderland
The most famous Christmas experience in town, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the UK’s biggest festive pop-up. Hold onto your woolly hats this year as you experience The Snowman™ like never before. Feel like you’re flying with The Snowman himself as you’re fully immersed in scenes from the magical film and take a journey through real life sets and encounter beloved characters. This incredible experiential show transports audiences into the magical world of Christmas classic The Snowman™. Spread out over 5,000 sq ft and nestled within Winter Wonderland, Backyard Cinema pushes the boundaries of traditional screenings. One of the multiple rooms sees a section of the winter classic playing out on a giant 10-metre-wide curved, LED screen. The experience is completed with the Snowman himself making an appearance, in what is undoubtedly Backyard Cinema’s biggest and most festive experience to date.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is open until 6th January 2019 from 10am – 10pm daily. Shows run every 20 minutes throughout the day from 10am. £9.95 Child / £12.95 Adult tickets available here. Watch the trailer here.
Luna Cinema at Kensington Palace
Open air cinema experts Luna show iconic films in iconic locations. This Christmas they are running winter cinemas in three stunning indoor spaces which will be transformed into cinematic winter wonderlands while they screen the finest Christmas movie classics.
The Luna Winter Cinema will run from 17th-23rd December in three stunning indoor, heated venues including the Pavilion of Kensington Palace in West London, the former Art Deco cinema, now reimagined as EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney) in East London and the beautiful St. George’s Hall in Liverpool. With films ranging from “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Elf” to “Home Alone” and “Love Actually” there is something for all ages. Luna will serve mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate and those still wanting their Christmas tipple will be pleased to know there is also a full bar. At Kensington Palace a VIP ticket means you can cosy up on a luxury sofa with a complimentary drink, as well as a butler service making you truly feel like you are getting the ‘royal’ treatment.
Tickets start at £8.50 and can be booked at www.thelunacinema.com
The Winter Forest at Broadgate Circle
The city is always so much quieter during the weekend, so escape to Broadgate Circle for its very own winter forest. From 6 November-24 December, 300 snow-covered pine trees, twinkling lights and wood cabins have transformed Broadgate Circle’s buzzing restaurants and bars into The Winter Forest. There are live Christmas carols every Wednesday evening, Christmas craft classes for kids every Saturday and technicolour artwork with Artist Kevin Killen who has created ‘Senses of Light’, a free exhibition showcasing a visual interpretation of Broadgate’s vibrant energy designed to light up the winter months.
Fall down the festive rabbit hole at the ‘Alice in Winterland Lantern Festival’.
Southwark Park has been turned into a magical festive storyland, with an Alice in Winterland festival. Over 160 giant lanterns are turning the timeless story into an interactive experience, with some lanterns measuring over 6 meters high. Visitors will venture through 29 interactive scenes recreated through lanterns such as the chess game from ‘Through the Looking Glass’ and meet well-known characters including the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee along the way. You have to book tickets but its well worth experiencing this unique the Alice in Wonderland tale told through thousands of twinkling lights. Advance tickets start from £15 for adults and £9 for 4-16 years, with children 3 and under granted free entry. To book your tickets and keep updated on the latest news, visit: www.aliceinwinterland.co.uk.
Narnia in the Sky
Travel up 12 floors at the Tower Hill’s Double Tree by Hilton and you open out in a true Narnia style into Savage Garden’s Narnia terrace. The White Forest is in collaboration with Absolut Elyx Vodka and will transport you into a magical world with enchanting views, complete with lamp post, fairy lights and copper lanterns. You can enjoy delicious cocktails, a twisted ‘Afternoon Tea’ and there is a resident DJ on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Bloomsbury hotel The Montague on the Gardens has been transformed into London’s hottest après ski destination, The Montague Ski Lodge, adorned with pine trees, snowmen, ski racks, piste maps and strings of fairy lights. Homemade flavoured schnapps and vodkas, including candy cane, butterscotch and toffee, will be served alongside classic winter tipples like mulled wine and spiced cider. For those with a sweet tooth the decadent ‘hot choctails’ are a must. A selection of tasty seasonally-inspired foods like turkey schnitzel, bratwurst and deep fried camembert are also on offer. Visitors can purchase a ‘Ski Pass’ on weekends for £38 per person which includes a selection of delicious comfort foods, a choice from the menu of festive drinks and access to the Ski Lodge for one hour. The space is also available for large party bookings with private party packages starting from £99 per person.
For more information call 0207 637 1001 or visit www.montaguehotel.com.
