Top 10 Things to Do at Christmas in London

London lights up at Christmas - literally! Check out these photos of London's West End taken in the evening when it's really worth visiting the big stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street. And it won't cost you a penny!
When? The lights are switched on in mid-November.

• London Christmas Lights 2008
• London Christmas Lights 2007
• London Christmas Lights 2006

Every winter outdoor ice skating rinks appear all over London. Check out the details here for this year's ice skating opportunities in London. Most are open late in the evening and many have special events happening throughout the season. You'll find all the information you need under each picture.
When? Open from mid-November to mid-January.

Trafalgar Square benefits from a huge Christmas Tree each year as a present from Norway for the country's help during the Second World War. The tree is usually over 20 meters high and 50-60 years old. The tree usually stays till the Twelfth Night of Christmas, 6 January, when it is taken down to be chipped and composted.
When? The lights are switched on in the evening on the first Thursday in December.

More: Trafalgar Square Sights

Shopping is a national sport throughout December so join in by going to a Festive Fair. The Frost Fair is becoming more popular every year and the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is the perfect opportunity to get ready early for Christmas.

When?
• Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair: mid-November
• Spirit of Christmas Fair: 5-9 November 2008
• Bankside Winter Festival(Frost Fair): 12-21 December 2008
• Greenwich Christmas Market 3-24 Dec + 27-28 Dec 2008
• Somerset House Christmas Design Market: 19-21 December 2008

The English National Ballet Christmas season is a fabulous tradition which has included The Nutcracker for over 50 years.

This December, the Company returns to the London Coliseum with the muchloved Christmas favorite The Nutcracker, as well as The Sleeping Beauty and, in a new production for English National Ballet, the tragic love story Manon.
When? From mid-December to mid-January.

• English National Ballet The Nutcracker - Family Friendly Performance Review
• English National Ballet The Nutcracker Review
• English National Ballet Alice in Wonderland Review

We have a wonderful English tradition of family theater where men dress as fat ugly women and women star as the lead 'boy'. You'll find plenty of C and D list 'celebrities' from soap operas and the like, who enjoy making complete fools of themselves. Oh, how could you not enjoy this? There's great audience participation when we get to shout, "He's behind you!" when they can't see the baddies. I always try to catch the annual pantomime at Hackney Empire. Hilarious, and not just for the kids.
When? Throughout December and January.

• Hackney Empire Pantomime Review: Mother Goose (2008)
• Hackney Empire Pantomime Review: Dick Whittington and his Cat (2007)
• Hackney Empire Pantomime Review: Cinderella (2006)

On a Saturday morning in December, about 150 race contestants wear fancy dress and run around Covent Garden while trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate! Obstacles, such as balloons full of flour, are put in their way to make it even more fun to watch. It's a charity event to raise money for Cancer Research.
When? Saturday morning in mid-December.

More: Great Christmas Pudding Race Photos

Each year, the Geffrye Museum's twelve period rooms are decorated in authentic festive style, providing a magical glimpse into Christmases gone. Christmas Past explores the origins and meanings of some of our more common customs, from kissing under the mistletoe to decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.
When? Late November to early January.

• Christmas Past Exhibition Photos
• Geffrye Museum Information

Carol singers from around the country come to Trafalgar Square to sing and raise money for charity.
When? Two weeks in mid-December.

More Carols:

• Festive concerts and Carols at St. Paul's Cathedral.
• Advent and Christmas Services at Westminster Abbey.

And here's one more Christmas idea for the spirit of goodwill:

Absolut Ice Bar London

London has its own indoor permanent ice bar. You get issued with warm clothing when you arrive and have 40 minutes to shiver and enjoy. Thankfully they sell some strong alcohol to warm you up!
When? Open permanently - the entire bar is rebuilt every six months.