Brilliant things to do in London in December 2024

By content.manager1

# The Ultimate Festive Guide to Luxury Experiences in London: December 2024

As December approaches, London transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, offering a luxurious blend of festive events, culinary delights, and exclusive experiences. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the city’s seasonal offerings this year promise unforgettable moments. Here’s your guide to embracing London’s festive magic in style this holiday season.

### Shop, Celebrate, and Give Back at the House of Canary Wharf
In December, Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place Mall reimagines holiday shopping with its pop-up venue, the **House of Canary Wharf**. Styled as a cosy living room with glowing fireplaces and nostalgic decor, it’s a unique haven for retail enthusiasts and festive revelers alike. Visitors will find brands ranging from **Lululemon** to independent collectives like **Circle Collective**—perfect for gift shopping.

Beyond browsing, the space offers exclusive events, including complimentary Gift Guide Concierge consultations and acoustic music sessions. Mark your calendar for **7th December**, when Sarah Ellis and Phillipa Bloom, co-founders of **We Are Twinset**, provide personalized shopping advice for a modest fee of £10 per session. Proceeds support **The Felix Project**, a charity fighting hunger in London, adding a meaningful touch to your festive splurge.

### Indulge in Elegance at The Waldorf Hilton
Step inside one of London’s most iconic hotels, The Waldorf Hilton, for an experience steeped in tradition and luxury. On **8th December**, the Waldorf Tea Dance returns, offering an afternoon of live music, ballroom dancing, and an indulgent tea menu. Highlights include winterberry jam scones, pistachio and rose macarons, and chestnut-and-vanilla Mont Blanc shots, all served in the hotel’s historic ballroom.

If you’re welcoming the New Year in bespoke style, don’t miss The Waldorf’s **New Year’s Eve Ball**, featuring a gourmet menu of dishes like roast sirloin and pumpkin-filled gnocchi, all paired with flowing champagne at the exclusive Wild Monkey Bar.

### A Culinary Extravaganza at Pan Pacific London
Food lovers, rejoice—December at **Pan Pacific London** is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re savoring a four-course holiday meal at **Straits Kitchen** or enjoying festive cocktails like the Ginger Lily Festive Punch, each detail captures the essence of the season. Pastry lovers will be thrilled by holiday treats like the Bailey’s ‘bauble’ dessert and the after-dinner-inspired **After 8 Delice**, perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

For those after a cosy indulgence, the Pierre Marcolini gourmet hot chocolate cart is a must-visit, offering velvety handcrafted cocoa creations guaranteed to warm both the heart and spirit.

### Journey Through Time on the British Pullman Festive Train
The vintage **British Pullman train by Belmond** offers a one-of-a-kind festive experience. From its departure from London Victoria, the train transports guests back to the glamour of the Art Deco era. Decked out in seasonal decor, the journey through the Kent countryside features complimentary Veuve Clicquot champagne, festive crackers with keepsakes, and an exquisite menu that includes Norfolk turkey ballotine and Valrhona chocolate log.

At £485 for a table for two, this lavish experience is a splurge, but it’s undoubtedly a bucket-list addition for those craving seasonal nostalgia wrapped in indulgence.

### December’s Must-Try Culinary Openings
London’s vibrant culinary scene welcomes two new players this December. **Gallery at The Savoy**, inspired by legendary chef Escoffier, serves inventive dishes like sole tacos and Cornish tuna tataki in the city’s most historic setting. Meanwhile, seafood enthusiasts can look forward to **Osteria Del Mare**, a chic Italian coastal eatery on The Strand debuting **9th December**. Chef Matteo Massafra’s menu focuses on sophisticated, ocean-inspired dishes paired with fine European wines, making it a must-visit for foodies.

### Festive Culture: *Ballet Shoes* Takes the Stage
This December, the **Olivier Theatre** debuts a heartfelt adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s classic novel, *Ballet Shoes*. Premiering **2nd December**, the story of Pauline, Petrova, and Posy emphasizes themes of family, creativity, and resilience, brought to life by award-winning playwright **Kendall Feaver**. The production’s partnership with adoption charity **Coram** adds depth, celebrating belonging, courage, and determination—a perfect outing for the holiday season.

### Sip in Style at Festive Pop-Ups
For those who enjoy immersive seasonal pop-ups, London delivers with two standout destinations:
– The **Champagne Chalet** at King’s Cross offers luxury with Perrier-Jouët champagne and spiced cocktails amidst a lively DJ atmosphere.
– The **Covent Garden Chalet** pairs mulled wine and hot churros with a picture-perfect ski lift for your holiday snaps.

From elegant dining to nostalgic train journeys and cultural festivities, London’s December lineup is a luxurious celebration of the season. Whether you’re dancing in The Waldorf’s ballroom, savoring a Bailey’s-infused dessert, or toasting with a glass of champagne amidst festive lights, there’s a wealth of unique experiences awaiting you. This winter, indulge in everything London has to offer and make memories that last a lifetime.