Is it truly Christmas without a good old panto? Starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary as Robin Hood, this show also sees the return of favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp and Rob Madge alongside West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud, who make their Palladium panto debut.

Dates: 7 December until 12 January 2025

Experience a very ‘Harry Christmas’ at Hogwarts In The Snow, where the iconic Harry Potter sets are dressed for the festive season in a blanket of filmmaking snow. You can expect a Christmas-inspired banquet in the Great Hall, festive holly, mistletoe and wreaths adorning the sets, and the Forbidden Forest covered in snow.

Dates: 16 November until 19 January 2025

This festive season, The Biltmore in Mayfair will greet guests with a magical transformation as the hotel embraces the spirit of the Nutcracker, unveiling a whimsical ‘Land of Sweets’ theme.

Inspired by the beloved Christmas ballet, The Biltmore will delight guests with festive cocktails like the sugar plum fizz, a Christmas Day brunch featuring 10 indulgent desserts, creative welcome treats and sugar-themed displays with beautiful decor.

Dates: 25 November until 25 December 

If you’ve already experienced the story of Cinderella in film or on stage, why not indulge in this fairytale story through the magic of ballet? A beautiful and theatrical experience for all the family.

Dates: 3 December until 16 January 2025

This beloved festive favourite features composer John Williams’s charming Home Alone film score performed live to picture by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus.

Date: 7 December 

Embrace your crafty side with this new workshop, where you’re invited to create your own festive cards, prints, gifts and wrapping paper all in one workshop. And all that creating is tiring work so there will also be mulled wine and mince pies.

Dates: selected dates until 21 December 

A night out like no other. Sing your heart out to all your favourite Christmas classics, including Mariah Carey, The Pogues, Slade and Wizzard, as well as a bunch of hairbrush anthems from across the decades.

Dates: selected dates until 20 December

The Chalet, the Alpine-inspired restaurant, returns to Somerset House at the end of this month. Presented by pop-up legend Jimmy Garcia, The Chalet embraces the taste of the Alps and is a charming experience to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Dates: 5, 13 and 19 December 

In collaboration with St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Balthazar is hosting a festive special where guests can enjoy a special set menu with two or three courses, including the show-stopping Nutcracker dessert: a crackable chocolate sphere filled with hazelnut mousse.

Alongside this festive feast, you can also find St-Germain cocktails like the Hugo Spritz and warm Elderflower Mulled Wine.

If your Christmas isn’t quite complete without a carol or two, head down to Smith Square Hall on 12 December for an evening of carols from Sinfonia Smith Square and National Youth Voices.

Dates: 12 December 

Join Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) in the guise of his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr Swallow, alongside a star-studded cast for an all-singing, all-dancing comedy retelling of Dickens’s festive classic.

Dates: selected dates until 31 December

As night draws in, Charles leads you and your fellow guests through a critically acclaimed immersive production of A Christmas Carol, accompanied by cinematic live music and a Dickensian feasting menu. 

Dates: selected dates available until 12 January 2025

Having relocated to the Truman Brewery and popping up for a limited time only is Humbug, a secret, hidden and very magical Christmas dive bar. Revellers are invited to step inside Santa’s cherished watering hole, where an unbelievable world of live performances, sing-a-longs, festivities and storytelling awaits.

Dates: 14 November until 31 December 2024  

Skating is a year-round activity, but it feels particularly merry at Alexandra Palace and gives you an opportunity for a full-on festive day out.

Christmas at Kenwood will see the grounds transformed into a spectacular winter haven, featuring Christmas installations and jaw-dropping displays, food and drink that will make it the place to be in the capital this Christmas.

The Christmas afternoon tea is served in the traditional setting of the Old Kitchen at Kenwood and includes savoury tarts, pigs in blankets, canapés and sweet treats – all served with tea or coffee. Or you can add prosecco for a touch of luxury.

Dates: 1 December until 23 December

Blenheim Palace is providing nothing but festive cheer this year, including its anticipated illuminated trail.

There will also be a Christmas market, with many designers and craft traders selling a distinctive range of artisan products that will make perfect treats and gifts this Christmas.

Dates: 15 November until 1 January 2025

One of the most popular Christmas events in the capital has returned and is sure to bring out millions this season. From the ice bar and endless food stalls to festive rides and an Alpine-themed pop-up restaurant, Winter Wonderland is a must-visit.

Dates: 21 November until 5 January 2025

Christmas at Kew Gardens is a truly botanical world filled with seasonal cheer for all to enjoy.

Visitors can wander beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in sparkle, futuristic neon trees and branches illuminated with stars as you enter a botanical world filled with seasonal cheer.

Dates: 13 November until 5 January 2025

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without watching Hugh Grant dance his way through Downing Street and sobbing in solidarity with Emma Thompson as the gentle strains of Joni Mitchell play in the background. 

Love Actually In Concert brings Richard Curtis’s festive romcom to venues around the UK, with the added bonus of a live orchestra playing Craig Armstrong’s soaring score.

Dates: 15 December 

Ice skating at Somerset House has to be on your Christmas to-do list.

The magnificent ice rink transforms the courtyard into an essential winter destination, complete with a 40ft Christmas tree. From a selection of DJs playing the best contemporary music across all genres to decadent treats and activities, there’s no wonder why this is one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences.

Dates: 13 November until 12 January 2025

Want to take part in something immersive this festive season? Clays offers virtual clay shooting games alongside an array of delicious sharing dishes and decadent cocktails. Perfect for groups of friends or for office parties, its London and Birmingham venues have had a full makeover for Christmas.

Dates: Ongoing throughout December