Margaret Dener

Fancy a festive hot dog and a warm drink? Of course you do. We all do. London Bridge Winter Rooftop's heated outdoor bar is all decked out for Christmas with festive lights, covered seating and of course a holiday menu. You can try the ‘Ginger Pig’ pork, apple and cider sausage, with sage and onion stuffing and cranberry sauce. There will be cocktails-a-plenty as well, DJs everyday and brunch available on Saturday from 11am and Sunday from 12pm.

Feeling a bit lonely? The Self Space Feelings Library pop-up is focusing on mental health to help connect Londoners during the challenging pandemic times. Enter into a sustainable skip-turned-library filled with journaling prompts from a therapist that you can answer on your own, and read other's responses. This event is a collaboration between Self Space therapy service, Skip gallery and Caukin Studio architects. 

Gaze upon the night sky and learn about what stars and planets to look out for. Morning Stars is a planetarium show designed specifically for children with autism. Families are welcome.

Kick off 2022 at a rave (of sorts). The New Year's Day Sober Rave is a family-friendly event with music, performances, food and plenty of clear-eyed, intoxicant-free raving. There will also be art workshops for all ages and immersive theatrics. The dress code is ‘Mother Nature and Planet Earth’, so wear lots of green or something. Headphones will be provided for kids.

Tiësto is back in London for the first time in three years. Hear the Grammy-winning DJ and producer at his ‘One Night in London’ show, bringing his own blend of dance music with him. Tiesto is platinum-certified (he's sold a lot of music) and has performed around the world's music festival scene. This gig will bring you up close to the music.

Celebrate David Bowie, by seeing him on the big screen. The BFI is hosting Bowie: The Starman and the Silver Screen, a month-long event with showings of feature films, television and documentaries that show Bowie in a variety of roles. Films include ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ and ‘Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence’, with ‘Bowie at Glastonbury 2000’ and ‘Ziggy Stardust & the Spider from Mars’. Also being shown are movies that influenced the singer, and ‘BUG Special: David Bowie’ created by comedian and Bowie aficionado Adam Buxton on January 6 and 7. Find dates and times of all events on the BFI website.

With all the naff joke presents, endless wrapping paper and mountains of leftovers, Christmas usually isn’t all that great for the planet. Make it a little bit more eco-friendly by shopping for gifts at ethical fashion brand Birdsong’s festive pop-up in Dalston, where you can meet the creators, try on pieces from the brand’s winter collection and browse with a complimentary drink in hand. Not only do Birdsong make their pieces to order using sustainably sourced natural fabrics and waste textiles, they also employ women from marginalised local communities to make their clothes, and pay them a living wage. So even if you only end up buying things for yourself, you can still feel great about it.

This is your chance to cha-cha with the Royal Opera House Dance Band. Attend a tea dance to show off your tango, waltz and quickstep. Of course there will be tea, as well as biscuits and coffee, in the elegant surroundings of Paul Hamlyn Hall.

Can you listen to rap music while practicing yoga? This YO!GA class says ‘yes’. Try a variety of styles set to hip hop tracks to establish intention during different poses.  With instructor Veronica Youdell (who also works as a lyrics mentor and a mindfulness teacher) you could reduce stress, build strength and flexibility. YO!GA was created to connect young people with yoga, but all levels ages 14 and up are welcome. 

Take a holiday... at Selfridges' newest Corner Shop addition, ‘A Dream Getaway’. This pop-up collection takes inspiration from travel destinations LA and St. Moritz, and you can find everything from Californian wines to gingerbread houses. Wander through the Sunset Tower Hotel to see a new collection from Sporty & Rich and other Hollywood gifts. Meanwhile, in the Swiss chalet, pick up sustainable, wintry items from the concept store Super Mountain Market. Shop while sipping on a glass of champagne? Sounds good to us.

Celebrate Christmas with live jazz. Festive Jazz Club features singer Nick Pritchard who will perform classics as well as holiday songs. While you’re listening, treat yourself to seasonal street food and a mulled wine or two. Hey! Free (ticketed) jazz? Who wouldn’t want a bit of that?

End 2021 on a funny note. Comedymania: Whole Box ‘O’ Laughs Christmas Special will feature some exceptionally good comedians including Aurie Styla and Slim. There will also be a Christmas giveaway, games and DJs. 

Who doesn’t love a little magical snowfall? Londoners get excited whenever it snows. A white Christmas is a longed-for rare treat, but snow adds picturesque views and cosy winter vibes to a normal day. Here is a new way to get your snow fix any time, even if the only thing falling from the sky is rain: Hoxton Mini Press is releasing a photo book called ‘London in the Snow’, which features 100-plus pages of the capital’s best snowy scenes.  Photo: ‘London in the Snow’, published by Hoxton Mini Press The black-and-white photos, which span the past century, show many familiar corners of the city, like Trafalgar Square and Hampstead Heath, but these spots look a little bit different covered in the white stuff. The Londoners depicted seem to be just as thrilled about the snowfall as we would be if we awoke to a glistening blanket of snow tomorrow. Photo: ‘London in the Snow’, published by Hoxton Mini Press ‘London in the Snow’ is the tenth book in the Vintage Britain series, which includes other photography collections spotlighting areas such as Hackney and the Isle of Dogs, as well as the London Underground. 'London in the Snow’ (Book 10: Vintage Great Britain), introduction by Lucy Davies, Hoxton Mini Press. How to have fun outside in London. Takeaway mulled wine is available at these pubs.

A new, edible kind of Christmas tree has made its way to London. And no, this one is not getting mocked on social media. Dessert specialists Chin Chin have created an extremely festive new menu item: Christmas tree baked Alaska. It's a green, limited-edition ice cream and cake treat, and makes for a good Instagram picture. It might even be more photogenic than your actual Christmas tree. From December 11, head over to the Soho ice cream spot to try this self-described ‘over-the-top’ dessert. The dish is filled with nougat glacé hazelnut ice cream, as well as chocolate cake. Then it’s all encased in sour cherry meringue. And just in case you needed just one more edible element, the tree also features chow-able decorations. The Christmas Tree Baked Alaska is £8.95 and it is available just on weekends. You only have the weeks leading up to Christmas to try it, so don’t wait around. We are pretty confident this tree will not need to be replaced. Chin Chin, 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS Try the new Aldi champagne bar E-scooters set to be banned from all London public transport 

The streets of London are full of Christmas spirit. The West End held the largest Christmas lights switch-on in the world (what an accomplishment), and it definitely did not disappoint. But all over London, streets have decked their halls to the extreme, with classic white lights, rainbows, twinkling angels and more.  Here are some of the brightest London streets to take a stroll along this Christmas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @chictravel2020 View this post on Instagram A post shared by @kerrielou23 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walsh House (@walsh.house) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tracy Ladlow (@tracyladlow) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicholas Weber (@nicholas_weber2015) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mia Zapanta (@miazapanta) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranjit ਰਣਜੀਤ ランジット (@ranj82) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisa Huang (@lisahuang0811) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abi Jones (@ihatecandy) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kira Thomas and

Panettone people, it's your time. A brand-new riff on the sweet bread has come to London, courtesy of Notting Hill brunch spot Eggbreak and OTT Italian delivery service Napoli Gang. Try the panettone n’ pear toast during your next trip to their restaurant, but be warned: there is no time to dilly-dally. This is an exclusive panettone, meaning there will only be 15 served a day. So if you are just really craving a pear dessert, there is no time to waste.  This special is made with Napoli Gang’s chocolate-chip brioche panettone, which is allegedly from a recipe they created with the best pastry chef in the Campania region of Italy. It’s toasted and layered with poached pear compote and Nutella. Then the panettone is topped with even more compote, creamy mascarpone, toasted hazelnuts and homemade chocolate sauce. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EGGBREAK (@eggbreak_ldn) The panettone will be available at Eggbreak and for order on Deliveroo until December 26. What spreads Christmas cheer more than limited edition menu items? Probably nothing. Eggbreak, 30 Uxbridge St, W8 7TA London's first Christmas sandwich festival is happening this weekend Three great wine-and-cheese events this month  

This might be the fanciest gingerbread house of all time. One of London’s most iconic private members’ clubs has decked its halls to the extreme. How have they done this? They’ve only gone and transformed it, with a giant Christmas facade. Annabel’s and Swarovski teamed up to turn the Berkeley Square building into one of the most festive and brightest (literally, its dusted with crystals) spots this year. It looks gingerbread! I’ve actually seen it with my own eyes (at night) and it was quite the sight. Word of warning: the facade is definitely not an edible design. Millions of toffee-coloured crystals make up the gingerbread house, plus hand-sculpted fiberglass icing lines the roof. Emeralds are used to frame the entrance way, and you can catch a glimpse of humbug sweets in the windows. Keep an eye out for the Swarovski swans and even Santa himself. The festiveness continues inside, where there are even more crystals, and six-foot-tall candy canes. Christmas cocktails, you’ll be thrilled to hear, will be available. Members and guests at the club can enjoy five different restaurants on-site. Rumour has it Annabel's also has the largest collection of Dom Perignon and Sassicaia. This extreme Christmas makeover will last until January 3.  Annabel’s, 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT. See the internet react to the Trafalgar Square tree  This historic Fitzrovia pub is reopening

Nothing says Christmas like your food being redesigned into something festive. Cantonese restaurant Bun House (who have previous for this kind of thing) is dying its buns green and then shaping them into little Christmas trees. You can preorder this holiday version of the steamed snack now and then pick it up later this month right from Chinatown. And, judging by Bun House’s track record, these things are probably going to be every bit as tasty as they are festive. The bun features multiple layers, each with a different filling. Start with the base of gingerbread caramel, then follow with a festive layer of white chocolate chestnut cream and finish with dark chocolate and orange. A bun for every sort of sweet-lover. This is not your average-sized bun either, they are bigger than the usual. And each Christmas tree is decorated with holiday baubles of course, to achieve peak festiveness. The Christmas tree buns are available for pick up December 15 to 17, so you can bring more exciting greens to dinner. Each is £8. Make sure to preorder so you can get your hands and mouth on one. Who says your buns can’t be festive?  Bun House, 26-27 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BA A mead bar pop-up is coming to Peckham Look here for deliverable gifts that are actually good

Pie and doughnut lovers, unite. An extremely unique holiday dessert is coming back to London this year, by popular demand. The iconic Gunpowder mince pie has made its return just in time for Christmas. What’s even better is you could get your hands on one for free. Head to one of the Indian restaurant’s three locations to try one of these seasonal treats, dropping December 1.  This is no ordinary mince pie, of course. This is their notorious mince-pie doughnut. You might well be asking yourself ‘what in the blue hell is a mince-pie doughnut’? We’ll tell you. The fresh dough is fried until it's golden, then rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with sweet creme patisserie. Topped with homemade mincemeat and then served warm, the dessert also gets a little fancier with flakes of gold leaf sprinkled onto each one. A mutant blend of two exceptional snacks, this mince pie-doughnut hybrid could be yours for free. Simply be one of the first 100 customers at Gunpowder’s Soho location on December 1, and you’ll be able to try one for zero cost.  Gunpowder Restaurants, Various Locations, London Langan’s Brasserie is back This theatre is giving away post-show pizza

In what is a fairly competitive field, Tobacco Dock in Wapping might have this Christmas’ best festive rooftop. The space has been transformed by the power of Santa into not one but four holiday spaces, from igloos to a ski lodge with seasonal drinks too. And, arguably the main event, ice skating is back. Allegedly the only rooftop rink in all of Europe, Tobacco Dock’s skating experience is open for the first time since 2019. This is a unique Christmas event for sure, as you skate around with the London skyline as your backdrop. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro either, there are gliders to help. Sounds like the perfect Instagram opportunity.  Photo: Haydon Perrior Warming up after skating won’t pose a challenge either. Head over to a heated igloo, designed for peak-cosiness with warmers and blankets (the views of London are’t half bad either). Then get your holiday movie fix in the Christmas Cocktail Cinema, complete with themed drinks and popcorn. Festive movies featured this year are favourites like ‘Home Alone’ (one and two) and ‘Love Actually’, as well as maybe a more controversial choice, ‘Die Hard’.  Also on the Tobacco Dock roof is a secret speakeasy, so if you’re looking to get crafty, you can book a mixology session here. An aprés ski lodge has also opened as well, with a menu of Alpine and Bavarian dishes like schnitzels and bratwurst. Basically you will not run out of things to do here. And who doesn't enjoy a mulled wine to end an ice skating session? Tobacco Doc

Get some Christmas goodies, while supporting an important winter mission. The Gift for Good Charity Auction features a variety of items and experiences that will make great gifts, for friends or maybe just yourself. This event raises money for Only a Pavement Away, a charity that helps people struggling to find work. There are some very exciting restaurant experiences (dinner in a VIP Christmas dome, anyone?) and a KSI-autographed armchair up for grabs. All funds raised go towards Only a Pavement Away’s Winter Warmth project, which donates warm clothes to shelters and people experiencing homelessness across London. Prizes include designer items such as a Tiffany & Co cashmere blanket, a personal-shopping appointment at Paul Smith and a Mulberry bag. Also featured at the auction are gift vouchers for dinners and drinks, and even afternoon tea. If you're looking for a night away from home, you don't have to look very far. You can bid on a night in one of London's nicest hotels. Organised by Covent Garden charity Gift for Good, last year’s auction raised £15,000. There are more than 50 items to bid on at this year’s one-weekend-only event. Who wouldn’t want a year of complimentary Martinis? 2021 Gift for Good, until Sun Nov 28 at 9pm. This pub is offering free dinner if you’re alone on Christmas. Pop-up theatre comes to Covent Garden.

London's greatest cultural institutions are showering us with edifying bargains this Black Friday. We’ve rounded up some of the best discounts, helping you enjoy a night (or day) out, without breaking the bank, from classic plays to festive music. Theatre deals include £25 tickets to ‘Night Mother’ November 25 and 26. There are also multiple comedy discounts, including £5 tickets to the West End Comedy Club and the show ‘Funny Women’. Immersive theatre lovers, enjoy 20 percent off seeing ‘The Hunt for the Smoking Caterpillar’, a mystery experience. And enjoy a Christmas panto, with bottomless drinks and three courses, for only £49.  Other deals for Black Friday include 40 percent off a new or renewed Picturehouse Cinemas membership and a TimeOut offer of 28 percent off Christmas Baroque by Candlelight. And then treat yourself to a Christmas Feast inside a Covent Garden dome, while saving £60.  Check back throughout the week, and we’ll add the best cultural deals as they’re announced. Theatre and comedy £28 tickets to 'Crooks 1926' at The Colab Tavern in Elephant and Castle.  Mrs. Riot’s Christmas Balls Panto, plus three courses, cocktails and meet-and-greet the cast for £49. Enjoy West End Comedy Club for just £5. See comedy group Funny Women for £5. Immersive theatre experience for 20% off, ‘The Hunt for the Smoking Caterpillar’. And there's loads more Black Friday discounts on West End shows up for grabs: you can get tickets to 'Wicked', '& Juliet', 'Come From Away' and mor

Not all Christmas meals are designed for humans. The Hilton hotel chain has created what looks to be an incredibly posh three-course offering, just for the city’s canine inhabitants. The festive options include turkey howliday (funny) roast and steak bites infused with herbs. Of course, dessert will be served, so your dog can stuff his or her snout with christ-mutt (also funny) pudding. And you don’t need to fret about your pooch’s cholesterol level: this menu is a collaboration with DogFriendly, the veterinary nutrition experts. Which means it’s a healthy meal. And your four-legged friends can top the experience off with a festive non-alcoholic single mutt whisk(er)y. Plus, the menu was given a celebrity endorsement by Insta-famous Golden Retrievers Darcy, Boris and Lily, who rated it ‘big paws up’.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᨏ Lily, Boris & Darcy 🇬🇧 (@darcy_boris_lily) Your pup will be able to enjoy a bed-and-bowl at one of the 29 pet-friendly Hiltons across Britain from December 3 until December 31. One small note: you do need to book a room at the hotel to be eligible. A small price to pay for an unforgettable dog meal.  Book your doggie Christmas meal at the Hilton right here. These are the places to celebrate this New Year's Eve Eco-friendly containers to use now   

The halls have been thoroughly decked this year. Flat Iron Square has transformed for Christmas, with over 40 pine trees and loads of lights and an aprés lodge. You are highly encouraged to show up in your best Christmas jumper. All your favourite drinks from the venue have been winterized, so take a sip of a salted caramel espresso martini or enjoy a gingerbread old fashioned. Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete Christmas cocktail menu without mulled wine and hot spiced cider.  Photo: Leo Cackett / Flat Iron Square In terms of entertainment, this will definitely be the place to get festive. Flex your own music skills for hip-hop karaoke or just enjoy DJs and live performance. Sit in a Christmassy booth to stay warm, or check out the Cîrcoc Chalet with a special cocktail menu. There will even be a fire for all the ski lodge vibes. Get cozy, or get down during an Alpine disco. You may even win some prizes…. Flat Iron Square, 53b Southwark St, London SE1 1RU Meet a mum on a Christmas mission New Years Eve comes to Trafalgar Square