Christmas Activities / 2 December, 2021 / My Baba
Christmas in London is mighty special, and we’ve all seen how romantic it can be in the movies. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do during Christmas in London in December at the Royal Parks. Prepare yourself for the return of our whimsical Winter Wonderland, scenic Shire Horse Carriage rides, fabulous wreath-making workshops and the magical experience of picking your own Christmas tree and decorations.
Here are 10 of the best things you can do in The Royal Parks this festive season.
Winter Wonderland is synonymous with Christmas in London. One of the UK’s most festive events will be making its grand return this Christmas. After a one-year hiatus and a difficult Christmas for many in 2020, friends and family can finally get together and enjoy the magic that the Winter Wonderland has to offer.
Expect a number of wondrous attractions, including the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, new Magical Ice Kingdom and Bar Ice experiences, a new Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk shows, the Giant Wheel, and more besides.
WHEN: Friday 19th November 2021 – Monday 3rd January 2022
TICKETS: To buy tickets and receive further information, click here.
The Royal Parks are delighted to bring you a series of live stories to snuggle up to, inspiring discussions and, best of all, conversations that will bring a little light, community and learning to you during those long, cold winter nights!
Join one of their live talks and explore a variety of topics with some of The Royal Park’s greatest minds as they discuss a range of fascinating subjects, from the secret parts of the parks to the stunning wildlife found within.
WHEN: November 2021 – March 2022
TICKETS: Book your place here.
5 Fun & Festive Recipes To Make With The Kids This Christmas
How To Make Traditional Christmas Mince Pies
Brighten up your home with a handmade Christmas wreath infused with warm colours and natural flourishes that your friends and neighbours will love.
Discover the historic origins of some of the Royal Park’s favourite festive traditions while crafting your very own seasonal wreath using natural materials collected from within the Royal Parks. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with lush greenery and mixed foliage with seasonal toppers such as orange slices and cinnamon sticks. A Christmas in London wouldn’t be completely without a scrumptious afternoon tea, all while you’re admire your newly made creation.
WHEN: Sunday 5th December 2021
TICKETS: Buy your ticket here.
When it comes to Christmas in London, what could be more magical than a horse-drawn carriage ride in beautiful Richmond and Bushy Parks?
Enjoy the sounds of hoofs and bells, revel in the crisp air and watch the wildlife up close while you snuggle under a blanket sipping sloe gin or mulled wine and indulging in festive delicacies.
The experience will also include a unique behind-the-scenes visit to the working stables, and all proceeds will fund sustainable conservation initiatives with the shire horses in the Royal Parks.
WHEN: Saturday 27th November 2021 – Sunday 2nd January 2022
TICKETS: Richmond Park, Bushy Park
Give back this holiday season and join the Santa Fun Run in Bushy Park.
Dress up as Father Christmas and run 5K to raise money for the Princess Alice Hospice. The annual run is suitable for all ages and abilities, and you can complete the course however you want – walk, jog or run. A Santa suit is included in the price of a ticket, and under 12’s receive an elf hat.
If a 10K is more your speed, or you are looking for something in south-east London, then the Greenwich Meridian race is for you. Take in stunning views of the capital as you run in one of London’s most iconic Royal Parks.
WHEN: 5th, 11th and 12th December 2021
TICKETS: Book your spot today: Santa Fun Run, Greenwich Meridian 5k and 10k
This Christmas, discover what makes each of London’s historic green spaces so special on a guided walking tour that lets you delve into the hidden history and nature of the Royal Parks. Unearth fascinating facts about underground rivers, native bats and secret pet cemeteries.
Whether you join us and go behind the railings of the Albert Memorial or explore the folklore and mythology of trees, you will experience the parks from a whole new perspective.
TICKETS: Book an upcoming walking tour here.
Visit Bushy, Greenwich or Richmond Park to take your pick from a variety of non-drop Christmas trees, including Nordman, Noble and Fraser Fir. The stalls will be a one-stop-shop for all of your festive needs, with baubles and fairy lights for sale, as well as wreaths and garlands.
Each tree is hand-selected to ensure that it is of the highest quality and comes with a care label and a unique code, so you can check the origin of your tree online.
Proceeds from the sales will go towards maintaining and managing our 5,000 acres of historic parkland in London.
Christmas trees will be available for purchase from the following Royal Parks from 20th November to 24th December. Find more information here.
Swimmers have been taking to the water in Hyde Park since 1864 to race against each other in an icy 100-yard swimming race before going home to tuck into their Christmas dinner. Author J M Barrie became associated with the Christmas Day race in 1903 and continued to present the Peter Pan Cup until 1932.
The race is only open to members of the Serpentine Swimming Club, but members of the public can watch for free.
WHEN: 25th December, 9 am
For more information visit the Serpentine Swimming Club website.
Spoil your loved ones with an array of calendars, cards, decorations, books, puzzles, tea towels and even honey collected by bees situated within Richmond Park!
Each gift provides a snapshot of what makes these two parks so special, and every image has been sourced by local photographers and artists. All proceeds will go towards maintaining and managing our 5,000 acres of historic parkland in London.
Find out more from the Friends of Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
Did you know that there are around 205,000 people buried in the cemetery – including Sir Henry Cole, who is believed to have invented the Christmas card?
Whether you would like a guided tour of this historic setting, or you simply fancy some festive treats and a latte with a view, why not pay a visit to beautiful Brompton Cemetery?
Find out more from the Friends of Brompton Cemetery.
Pick Your Own Christmas Tree In London And Beyond
10+ Tips For A Very Merry And Bright (AND Stress-Free) Christmas
Heelys, the original two-in-one wheely shoe launched in 2000, is preparing for the upcoming Easter holidays with its new spring collection. Ideal for encouraging an active, healthy lifestyle, the stylish designs will ensure kids (big and small) will roll through the holidays with ease.
The collection consists of 19 designs, including three brand new Heelys shapes: Reserve Ex, Reserve Low and Pro 20 Half Flood. The Reserve Ex has a basketball shoe style, while the Reserve Low and Pro 20 Half Flood tap into the current Y2K trend for an extra chunky sole.
Match your Heelys to your mood, with designs split across two main aesthetics – a darker colour scheme vs. a lighter, spring-inspired palette. Think camouflage print, graffiti text and paint drips contrasting with pastel colours, tie-dye, metallic laces, foil and rainbow print.
Available in the UK and Europe on the Heelys website and retailers, the collection is available in sizes C12-7 across single or two-wheeled styles. RRPs range from £49.99 to £69.99.
Kids' Fashion / 20 March, 2023
