Christmas Eve in London

Many of our guests staying at The Apartments often ask us, what there is for them to do on Christmas Eve in London, to help get in the festive mood. There is so much to do, and here are some of our suggestions.

There is ice skating at many of London?s beautiful landmarks, like Somerset House and the Natural History Museum, to name just two. There are wonderful Christmas markets dotted around the city (see below), and numerous places you can take to the children to see Santa?s Grotto, and London?s glorious Christmas lights.

However, if you looking for something more cultural, you might want to consider taking in a Christmas show or pantomime, or attending one of the city?s many Christmas eve carol concerts.

The Clergy of St Martin-in-the-Fields present a candlelit service of words, music and reflection on the Christmas story with the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. This is a wonderful way to spend the night before Christmas, and is one of our favourites. Check out the internet for one near you, but others we love, are at Westminster Abbey, St Paul?s, and the Actor?s church in Convent Garden. The London Military Wives Choir hold a service by candlelight in Smithfield, and there are numerous carole services that raise money for different charities. There is the festive fundraiser for the NSPCC Childline, with celebrity readers in Spitalfields, and the Westminster Cathedral charity concert in Victoria (which is very close to our Chelsea serviced apartments). In fact, also close to us in Chelsea is the Kids for Kids candlelit concert in St Peters in Belgravia. And if animals are your thing, then there is the Carols for Animals concert with special guests in St Stephen?s Walbrook, Bank.

This link ? http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/christmas-shows-in-london ? to Time Out magazine, will you give you all the up to date information on London?s shows, including pantomimes, and Christmas theatre for toddlers, children and families.

And, if you?ve got older children, who need something a little more active, there is also Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It?s within easy reach of both our Chelsea and Marylebone apartments, and has many rides and attractions including the ice rink, the Magical Ice Kingdom, Circus Shows and the Giant Wheel. Check out their website for more information ? http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com