Rather than fall victim to depression due to the fact that it’s now dark when we leave in the mornings and dark on our way home, we may as well embrace the dark, cold evenings and do something fun!

Living near London, I think I really take it for granted sometimes, but it’s such a beautiful and eclectic place to be in the Winter months as there is so much to do. Here’s my top 10 picks of things to do in London this Winter 2018 to make the most of the season:

The Grinch

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I really haven’t seen this film advertised that much. To be honest, I actually only knew that they were remaking the Christmas classic into an animated movie because my friend told me a few months ago.

Nevertheless, the trailer looks great and it’s guaranteed to be a light-hearted, Christmassy watch. With Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch, Pharell Williams as the narrator and even Kenan from Kenan & Kel featuring in it, you know it’s going to be good. It will be out at a cinema near you on 9th November.

Get your tickets now

Roof East

I visited here last Winter as I was trying to get a booking at one of the igloos at Coppa Club. However, if you had a sudden moment of naiveness like me and tried to book an igloo here, you’ll know that it is near impossible. Therefore when I saw that Roof East had their own igloos, were half the price, AND had availability, I booked one straight away.

Unfortunately the igloos won’t be there this year as they will be overlooking the River Thames from Southbank (see below). Instead, Roof East will transform into the set of the film “Cool Runnings” and be renamed as “Curl Runnings”, as guests are invited to play a game of curling and then warm up with a BBQ from Jimmy’s Pop Up, or with a warm cocktail from the Winter Bar.

Get tickets here

Jimmy’s Lodge & Igloos

From the same people that provided the igloos at Roof East last year, and will still be serving delicious Winter burgers at their BBQ Club this year, Jimmy’s Lodge & Igloos will be at Southbank from 9th November up until the beginning of January.

Grab a group of 6-10 and get booking for some good food and drinks in a cosy igloo! If this isn’t quite your thing, then head over to the alpine two-story cabin next door.

Igloo Bookings – here

Lodge Bookings – here

Winterville

So I’m sure you are all sick of Winter Wonderland right? If so, Winterville in Clapham Common is your trendier, less family-orientated alternative. In addition to the typical Christmas market activities like ice skating and food stalls, Winterville’s unique attractions include mini golf from Plonk Golf , an enchanted forest themed cinema from Backyard Cinema, and a roller disco to name a few.

Check out what’s at Winterville here and get booking. I booked my ticket for Backyard Cinema earlier this month just to be safe!

The Greatest Snowman at Pedley Street Station

It was my birthday back in August and my boyfriend surprised me with an immersive murder mystery theatre experience with gourmet food. Sounds weird right? But it was actually so fun!

Pedley Street Station is a space in Bethnal Green which features a stationary train carriage and a bar on the platform, where guests can enjoy themed cocktails before being called onto the train carriage for their three course meal (prepared by chefs from TV programme Masterchef) and immersive theatre entertainment.

Get ready to board the North Pole Express for Pedley Street’s Christmas twist on musical “The Greatest Showman” for “The Greatest Snowman”. The first show begins on 15th November.

Get tickets here

Christmas at London Zoo

If you’ve ever been to ZSL London Zoo’s summer event “Zoo Nights”, you’ll instantly want to go to this. From 22nd November, a mile long illuminated pathway will wind its way through the zoo whilst the animals are tucked up in bed.

Wild animal sculptures will fill the sky whilst fountains dance and glow in the penguin pool. Who needs Kew Gardens?!

Get tickets here

Skylight

If you don’t fancy going to a busy Christmas market to go ice skating, then Skylight at Tobacco Dock is for you. Not only is it more intimate than the ice skating rinks at the likes of Winter Wonderland, it is set on a rooftop. In fact, it’s the only rooftop ice skating rink in Europe!

If skating with views over London isn’t enough, you can also cosy up in one of their igloos or the snug bar.

More info here

The Big Freeze at Tropicana Beach Club

This Winter, London’s favourite tropical themed late night restaurant and bar will undergo an enchanting icey makeover. From 8th November, you’ll be able to book beach huts covered with snow and icicles, and join in on snowball fights and curling competitions on the frozen lagoon pool.

They’ll also be hosting a festive line-up of ticketed events including brunch parties, a New Year’s Eve Snow Ball and weekly Christmas movie screenings from Neighbourhood Cinema, all complete with frozen daiquiris!

Get booking here

Christmas Martini Bottomless Brunch at Dirty Martini

Dirty Martini’s martini brunch will be given a Christmas makeover from 19th November. From just £35 per person, you can enjoy unlimited prosecco, beer or as the name implies, an array of martinis including their special “Grinch” inspired one.

Also included are some festive bites for you to nibble on with your unlimited serving of drinks, from pigs in blankets, to brie and cranberry and more.

Book now

The Gingerbread Cabin at the York & Albany

From 12th November, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant “York & Albany” will be invaded by gingerbread. OK not quite as dramatic as that, but guests will be able to enjoy festive savoury snacks and cocktails from a gingerbread cabin in the Camden restaurant.

Whether you want to sip on their take of an espresso martini (gingerbread latte-tini) or decorate your own giant gingerbread cookie, there is bound to be something for all to enjoy here.

Book online now