Top 10 Quirky Christmas Events In London

1. Belgravia Christmas Sunday 

Experience this one-day Christmas market in the prestigious London district of Belgravia. See Elizabeth Street glowing with festive lights and packed with traditional arts and crafts stalls before taking a stroll down to Pimlico Road where you’ll find jugglers, trumpeters and stalls selling roast chestnuts and toffee apples. Santa and his reindeer will also be making a star appearance. 7 Dec

2. Alfies Christmas Shopping Party

Browse for one-off gifts from more than 75 independent antique and vintage dealers at this after-hours Christmas shopping event. From vintage tableware to Scandinavian design pieces, there are presents to suit all budgets. 4 Dec

3. Christmas Fair at Chelsea Physic Garden

This unique two-day Christmas fair is held at London’s oldest botanic garden. Browse 90 stalls within heated marquees for seasonal gifts, including garden plants, jewellery, cashmere, ceramics and chocolates. 29-30 Nov

4. Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

The fairy tale setting of Syon House is transformed into a glittering enchanted woodland in this illuminated trail. Taking a stroll through this scenic wonderland is the perfect way to experience the striking London home of the Duke of Northumberland. 21 Nov-7 Dec (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Entry from 5-8pm).

5. Santa & His Huskies at the London Wetland Centre

Snuggle up with huskies and let them take you on a sleigh ride before visiting Santa in his cosy Christmas grotto in the northern pine forest. 6-7 Dec

6. Christmas Past: 400 Years of Seasonal Traditions in English Homes at the Geffrye Museum

Every year, the Geffrye Museum’s period rooms are transformed with authentic festive decorations and music, so that you can take a peek into how Christmas has been celebrated in English middle-class homes over the past 400 years. 25 Nov-4 Jan

7. Winterville at Victoria Park

An alternative to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, this new East London festival promises Christmas classics with a contemporary twist. As well as a covered outdoor ice rink, there will be a roller disco, Santa’s grotto, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Ferris wheel, and fairground rides. Petrolheads can watch daredevil riders on vintage motorcycles perform hair-raising stunts on the Wall of Death. 2-31 Dec

8. The Great Christmas Pudding Race

Cheer on festively-dressed teams as they race around an obstacle course in Covent Garden while trying not to drop their puddings. This fun day out raises cash for Cancer Research UK. 6 Dec

9. The Hidden House at Westfield Stratford City

Delve inside The Hidden House during this immersive family-friendly experience, which offers a dark take on Grimms’ Fairy Tales. 19 Nov-4 Jan

10. Taste of London Winter at Tobacco Dock

Tuck into some warming food and drink at this foodie wonderland, which is set within the Victorian splendour of the dock. Packed with food stalls, demonstrations, talks and tastings, food lovers can expect wintry twists on classic dishes and foodie gift ideas. 20-23 Nov