What’s on in London – December 2023

December 2023 in London is a magical symphony of Yuletide delights. The air is filled with Christmas cheer as the city dons its holiday best. Enjoy heartwarming plays, enchanting musicals, and soul-stirring concerts that echo the season’s joy. Glide across ice-skating rinks beneath a twinkling sky, or witness the brave hearts at the famous Peter Pan Cup plunge into icy waters at Hyde Park.

Shopaholics, rejoice! Mega discounts and year-end sales await at top stores. Brace yourself for a wild New Year’s Eve as central London transforms into a party haven with the iconic fireworks over the Thames, ensuring an explosive entrance into 2024!

Dive into a world of creativity at the Turning Earth Highgate Winter Ceramics Market’s 10th edition on Summersby Road. Over 110 masterful ceramic makers will showcase their wares during the first weekend of December, transforming your Christmas shopping into a vibrant adventure.

Wander through a cornucopia of unique ceramics, each piece a testament to craftsmanship and creativity. As you explore, let the lively tunes of The Turbans, the international musical collective, serenade you. For those eager to peek behind the pottery scenes, expert teachers will unravel the art of ceramics through wheel-throwing demonstrations. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, music, and festive joy!

Embark on a fantastical journey at Bubble Planet, an immersive experience like no other! Throughout December, Fulton Road in Wembley transforms into a world of vibrant bubbles, offering an enchanting VR adventure for both kids and adults.

Explore over ten themed rooms, soar through the skies in a hot air bubble-balloon flight simulator, and discover fantastical landscapes bursting with colour – all engaging your senses to the fullest. Jump from one immersive space to the next, creating unforgettable moments with family and friends. Don’t miss this chance to get all bubbly and make December a month of magical memories for all the family.

Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Windsor Castle, where the State Apartments undergo a magical transformation with magnificent Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive garlands. Stroll through St George’s Hall and be captivated by a towering 20-foot-high Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments sourced from Windsor Great Park.

Explore the Semi-State Rooms, decorated with a spectacular tree in the Crimson Drawing Room, once private apartments for George IV and now used for royal entertainment. Venture into St George’s Chapel, a sacred space where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip rest. The Undercroft Cafe completes the festive journey with a delightful seasonal menu. A royal Christmas awaits!

Step into a world of pure joy at Dopamine Land, an immersive multisensory experience at Brompton Road, South Kensington. Open until December 30th, this interactive museum weaves together media, technology, and play into a kaleidoscope of happiness-inducing sensory delights.

Dive into vibrant installations that bring the boundless imagination of your inner child to life. It’s a break from the ordinary, a chance to play, snap photos, and supercharge your happy emotions. Don’t miss the opportunity to turn reality into a technicolour playground of delight at Dopamine Land – where every moment is a celebration of pure, unadulterated joy.

Embark on a heartwarming adventure with Unseen Tours this Christmas, an initiative that empowers formerly homeless individuals to guide you through the vibrant tapestry of London’s unique neighbourhoods. Your ticket not only supports these resilient guides but also allows you to experience the city through their eyes.

Wander the historic streets of Brick Lane, London Bridge, Soho, Covent Garden, or Kings Cross as they unveil personal stories and rich local history. More than a tour, it’s a chance to challenge perceptions about homelessness, generate awareness for social change, and spread the joy of the season through shared experiences and understanding. Join the journey that gives back this Christmas!

Step into a winter wonderland at historic Kenwood, where the enchanting grounds of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath come alive with a dazzling display of Christmas lights. This year’s trail is a grand spectacle, bigger and better than ever, with all-new installations that promise to captivate your senses.

Wander along the hour-long trail, surrounded by mesmerising lights, lanterns, and enchanting illuminations, all set against the backdrop of festive food and drinks to warm your spirits. Capture picture-perfect moments as you make memories with family and friends at this seasonal classic with a contemporary twist.

Witness a Christmas tradition like no other at the Peter Pan Cup! Since 1864, brave souls have gathered on Christmas morning for a frosty dip in Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake. The 100-yard race, starting at 9 am, has been dubbed the Peter Pan Cup since 1904 when JM Barrie himself presented the trophy. While participation requires club membership, the race is a spectacle for all.

Bundle up and join the cheering crowd along the south bank, witnessing the stamina of these holiday heroes. It’s a chilly yet heartwarming celebration of camaraderie, a festive tradition that defies the winter chill.

Ring in the New Year with an explosive celebration at the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks! On December 31st, the iconic Victoria Embankment transforms into a dazzling spectacle, centred around the London Eye and harmonised with the midnight chimes of Big Ben.

Secure your spot for this ticketed event in advance and be at the heart of London’s electric countdown. As the sky erupts with a symphony of colours, join the revelry, feel the pulse of the city, and embrace the promise of a new beginning in the most spectacular fashion. This is your ticket to an unforgettable start to 2024!