Christmas: the best festive events happening near you

Hogwarts in the Snow  

Harry Potter fans will feel like they're experience a real Hogwarts Christmas thanks to the studio tour's festive makeover this season.  Wander through the Great Hall which will be decorated in wreaths and Christmas trees, or check out the Gryffindor common room which will be decked out with dazzling decorations.

Even the iconic Hogwarts castle model has been dressed up for the occasion, with a blanket of filmmaking snow that's sure to have you feeling like you're in a winter wonderland!

A must-visit for any fans of the wizarding world, the studio tour has the original sets and costumes from the films, whether you want to wander down Diagon Alley or meet Buckbeak. Check out the Weasley's home or see what it was like to have a potions class with Snape - you can even ride a broomstick (in front of a green screen of course) or try a butterbeer.

wbstudiotour.co.uk 

La Soirée at Christmas in Leicester Square  

If you're after a festive night out with a twist, this mesmerising cabaret could be just what you're after.

This incredible show is jam-packed with everything from daring acrobatics and thrilling performances that are guaranteed to have jaws dropping to the floor, while the laugh-out-loud comedy acts and unusual twists are sure to make for an unforgettable evening.

Snack on popcorn or enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the acts – and for a truly special night out, you can even book into one of their VIP areas and enjoy delectable cuisine!

la-soiree.com 

Southbank's Winter Festival

The Winter Festival has returned to Southbank, promising all things festive. A circus, a majestic Norwegian Christmas tree, bustling wooden chalets and of course the New Year's Eve party are all back and bigger than ever!

There's entertainment to suit all ages, from the West End hit musical Million Dollar Quartet to the family-friendly Poggle.

BUMP Rollerdisco has rolled into town for another year, with guest DJs and club nights on weekends. Free events include the Big Band Christmas Karaoke.

The Rekorderlig Cider Lodge and the Hoplocker Bar are sure to warm the cockles, while food can be bought from the several alpine chalets at the Winter Market.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/winter-festival

Mr Popper's Penguins

Based on the family favourite novel, Mr Popper's Penguins is making its West End debut in mid December.

The new child-friendly musical follows the story of Mr Popper, a painter and decorator by day who dreams of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep, out of which waddles a penguin!

The musical will open at London's Criterion Theatre for a magical Christmas season from the 15 December to 31 December, ahead of which it will be performed in Chichester.

www.mrpopperspenguinslive.com

Christmas at Lucky Voice

Whether you're booking a festive girls' night out or after something fun for a big group to do, Lucky Voice has created the ultimate Christmas party package. Start the evening with a Winter Sangria before embarking on a masterclass in festive cocktails, whilst snacking on Christmas pies and canapés.

The fun only just begins – you and your friends can then head to a private karaoke booth where fancy dress awaits (think Santa beards, elf hats and Rudolph noses), and you can belt out your favourite Christmas tunes to your heart's content. We're also loving that each group receives a Polaroid photo at the end so you can take home the memories!

luckyvoice.com 

Skye Halla

This winter Queen of Hoxton's rooftop in London has been reincarnated into a Viking stronghold, complete with long boat, feasting hall and cosy WigWam.

Fire pits, driftwood sculptures and plenty of drinking horns deck the rooftop, making it the perfect spot to rest and recharge after your Christmas shopping. Hot flowing mead, foraged cocktails and mulled wine are all on the menu, to be enjoyed by the crackling fire pits.

queenofhoxton.com/rooftop/winter

Notes to the North Pole

Located just five minutes from Marble Arch, Connaught Village has launched a magical - and free - installation for children, Notes to the North Pole.

Youngsters are invited to present wish list letters and poems to Father Christmas. There will also be face painters, a dressing-up box and a space for creating art to get their creative juices flowing!

Entry is free, but donations to children's charity Cosmic are welcome.

www.connaught-village.co.uk

Haché

Finally, a turkey burger we can get down with! Haché has introduced its Christmas burger for the month of December, fulfilling all of your Christmas wishes!

Brace yourself... Dipped in buttermilk and coated in breadcrumbs, the burger is topped with rosemary and red onion confiturra alongside a pork sausage patty, and sits on a bed of brussels sprouts and bacon salad. Finally garnishes include cranberry and Sriracha ketchup, before its served on a toasted brioche. Oh la la!

www.hacheburgers.com

Christmas on Regent Street

Regent Street has a host of activities on offer to help make Christmas even more personal this year.

Shoppers are invited to the 'Customise your Christmas' hub where they can have their gifts professionally wrapped and their gift tags beautifully handwritten by expert calligraphers.

Families can take part in a bauble-decorating class and also pop in to have a big group photo at the Regent Street photobooth - just some of the festive fun on offer!

regentstreetonline.com/events

Nordic Yulefest

This Christmas, think Scandi!

An enchanted Nordic Yulefest is popping up in Shoreditch throughout the whole of December, inviting revellers into a candlelit cavern.

Sumptuous Scandinavian inspired food, divine cocktails, free-flowing gluehwein and more will be on the menu, while DJs and animators will provide the entertainment.

www.nordicyulefest.com

Aqua Shard

The Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor of the Shard, has put a modern twist on its Christmas tree.

Instead of a traditional fir tree, the restaurant and bar have asked Timothy Hatton Architects to create an eco-friendly, 3D printed tree in collaboration with Sir David Attenborough.

The nine-metre cascading installation, entitled Human Nature, has been made using recycled materials and takes over the restaurant's atrium. Ninety special leaves symbolise Sir David's 90th birthday this year.

Head up to the Shard to see the stunning installation for yourself!

humannatureinstallation.co.uk

Café Rouge Christmas menu

Sirloin steak, turkey fillet with sage and apricot stuffing and slow-cooked Brittany duck leg are just some of the delicious offerings on Café Rouge's Christmas party menu, available until 30 December.

For those who don't want to cook on Christmas Day, the French restaurant is also offering a special five-course menu - just double check if your local branch is open!

Café Rouge is also hosting an online Pass the Parcel competition where people can win prosecco brunches, 50% off food in January and a trip for two to Paris.

www.caferouge.com

Starry Night Candle Holders Workshop

Hand-making presents this year? Learn how to make your own candle holder from a tin can in a two-hour workshop, held at Patterns' enchanting winter pop-up Tales from Woodlandia in Brighton.

The workshop will take place on 10 December but for the rest of the month, shoppers can take a break from the Christmas shopping and settle down for a hot chocolate or hot buttered rum in the ground floor bar.

patternsbrighton.com/tales-from-woodlandia-patterns

A Very Murray Christmas Party

An event for the Bill Murray fans!

The actor has starred in some true Christmas classics like Scrooged, Ghostbusters and of course last year's Netflix smash A Very Murray Christmas.

To celebrate, Patterns club in Brighton will be throwing open their doors on the evening of Friday 23 December to host a Murray Christmas karaoke and film screenings of your favourite Christmas films, starring Bill Murray of course. DJs will be spinning Christmas and party tunes till late for the ultimate festive knees-up.

patternsbrighton.com/a-very-murray-christmas-party

Snow Days

It's been six years since the UK last saw a White Christmas. As a result, Merchant Square in Paddington have decided to take things into their own hands.

From Friday 2 December to Sunday 4 December, 15 cubic metres of real snow will fall in Merchant Square - cue the snowball fights and snowman building competition!

Clifton Nurseries will also be hosting a pop-up shop, giving consumers the opportunity to make and take away their own personalised wreaths.

Afterwards, refuel at the various canal-side restaurants; KuPP will be serving mulled cider, Pizza Express will be making snowball doughballs and Heist will be offering chocolate peanut pizza with raspberries and crème fraiche.

Free for all to attend.

www.merchantsquare.co.uk

London Designer Outlet

Christmas shopping can be stressful, you don't have to tell us! Thankfully, shoppers can head to Wembley's London Designer Outlet, the capital's only outlet where they'll find scores of boutiques all in one vicinity.

Lee Wrangler, Dr.Martens, Hamleys and Fiorelli are just some of the new stores that have opened, offering 70 per cent discounts all year round. And to get you into the festive spirit, an ice-skating rink has also popped up for the winter season!

Refuel at one of the 20 plus bars, restaurants and cafes after your Christmas shopping and skate.

londondesigneroutlet.com