London in the winter is one of the most beautiful places: the buildings glow white against the cold white clouds and the crisp chill in the air means we have the perfect excuse to wrap up all snuggly, wandering the city in awe of the lights and attractions.
Christmas is an incredibly romantic time, so what’s better than having a hot mulled wine and perfect festive date (or 8) to warm the cockles of your heart…
Top 8 Christmas London Date Ideas:
Perfect excuse to wrap up warm with Kew Gardens this festive period
A romantic winter’s walk around Christmas at Kew, you can enjoy the beautiful illuminations which light up the buildings and plants. The mile-long, twinkling trail leads visitors past singing trees, a flickering Fire Garden, kaleidoscopic projections and giant flora-inspired lights.
But it’s not all about walking, aspiring or fully-fledged couples can take advantage of the festive shopping, seasonal snacks and warming mulled wine too…
The picturesque backdrop and special events help make a trip to this outdoor rink one of the capital’s most festive outings, and a perfect Christmas date spot
Fancy something to test your trust and have a laugh? Get your skates on. Somerset House’s grand 18th-century courtyard is the stunning setting for an ice rink again this winter. No matter how unimpressive your skating skills a trip to this 900-square-metre outdoor rink will be the very definition of festive dating fun. There are lots of tempting extras too: the Fortnum’s Lodge offers champagne, mulled wine and winter dining; and Skate Lates will feature Peckham-based radio station Balamii, Field Day founders Eat Your Own Ears and Supa Dupa Fly.
Plus the Fortnum’s Lodge menu features winter classics like raclette, cheese fondue, smoked salmon and mince pies. Mmmm…!
Probably the most obvious Christmas date place, wander over to Hyde Park and check out the sparkly lights, festive markets and Christmas-themed rides!
Hyde Park’s massive tribute to festive fun is back for an eleventh year in 2017. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free, and a wander past the fairground rides, huge ice rink or through the Christmas markets is a real treat for anyone feeling the spirit of the season, as long as you’re ready to hear plenty of Christmas tunes as you potter.
A good alternative for those who prefer to stay on solid ground are the selection of themed bars with real fires, except for the Ice Bar (for obvious structural reasons) where even the glasses you drink from are made of ice.
Fancy a wander around something smaller than Winter Wonderland? Well, Winterville is back, swapping Victoria Park for Clapham Common this year, and featuring more dancing, eating, laughing, drinking and skating than you can shake a snow globe at.
Perfect place to sip mulled wine and gorge on street food, snuggle up at Backyard Cinema, unlease your competitive side at Plonk Golf and get those last minute gifts at the Wasted Chic Christmas Market.
Entry is free except on Friday and Saturday nights.
Take in the beautiful lights, whether it be Southbank, Leicester Square, London Bridge City market, Greenwich Christmas Festival… the choices are endless!
You’ll find foodie treats, creative crafts, arty offerings and everything else you’ll need to enjoy a romantic date…
Fancy something a bit different? Pop along to former carpark at Skylight, a rooftop playground in Tobacco Dock.
Skylight is going festive for the winter season. The Wapping rooftop will be home to London’s first rooptop ice rink. Visitors will also be able to try their hand at ice hockey shooting, or sample street food, fondue and festive tipples with a blanket and a view of the city skyline
Thursday December 7 2017 – Sunday January 14 2018.
Based in Elephant and Castle, cuddle up in front of your favourite film this Christmas…
Venture into a hidden ice castle for Backyard Cinema’s Snow Kingdom, a film season of Christmas classics, screened in an ‘enchanted castle hidden in the snowy mountains’. Settle down to watch everything from family-friendly hits, super hero block busters to festive faves that’ll warm your chilly heart.
Covent Garden is beautiful at the best of times, but there is something heart-warming and special at Chrismas.
Enjoy mulled wine and shopping, watch the street performers and gaze at the ginormous tree! It’s a beautiful place with picturesque decorations, perfect for the festive season.
So wander, drink, eat and enjoy the festive cheer when dating this Christmas, in some of the most beautiful places in London. I hope you feel inspired by these Christmas London date ideas…!
