15
Dec
2009

Al Fresco Festo

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15 Dec 2009

It might be cold outside but Christmas in London is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the fresh, bracing air. And if you’re stuck for ideas check out our top festive outdoor activities:

The best market
It’s not the biggest, but it’s got the best view. South Bank German market is my favourite festive market this year, and it wins because of its gorgeous carousel and the stunning scenes across the water to the Houses of Parliament. Eat hot Frankfurters, glug gluhwein, drink strong German beer and treat yourself to pancakes. Yeah!

The best Christmas tree
My mother reckons it’s the posh one in Claridges, decorated and designed by John Galliano for Dior. But, personally, nothing beats the gigantic tree in Trafalgar Square, a stunning Norwegian Spruce donated by the Norwegian government each year since 1947 in recognition of Britain’s support for Norway during World War II.

The best lights
Carnaby Street, without question, boasts the best street lights this year, beating Oxford and Regent Streets’ Disney Sponsored lights hands down. See pink inflatable reindeer, big love hearts and giant peace and joy clouds: a psychedelic treat.

The best ice skating
It has to be at the Natural History Museum; a stunning venue with the added bonus of a smaller rink for little skaters and a great bar selling drinks and food that has lovely views of the museum.

The best outdoor carol service
In Trafalgar Square, in front of the National Gallery, with carol singing every evening until 22 December, 5 to 9pm. Different groups perform Christmas carols in the square, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. Go and sing your heart out!

Have a very charitable Christmas
Do something good this Christmas and volunteer for Crisis, who provide food and shelter for the homeless. Or, raise money for Shelter by singing Christmas Carols. Or you can also help the Red Cross by buying your presents at their Guildhall market featuring 80 stalls selling Fairtrade and ethical presents, bargain or nearly new designer goods, and international foods.

Image by Gary Bembridge courtesy of Flickr

About Post Author

Emma Mills

Emma quit her full-time, safety-net salaried job as a magazine editor in February of this year to take a terrifying leap in freelance journalism and actually write about something she was interested in. Bored of 9-5 and doing the same old thing every day, she wanted to live to work, not work to live. It was a risky move, but one that paid off and she now works for a number of national and London-based magazines, writing about food, travel, culture, theatre, women's health and education. She can usually be found in North London, because it's way better than 'sarf' London, either working from home or pottering about looking for a cafe with wireless (why aren't there more?). Work distractions include tinkering with her fantasy football team, making banana cake and watching re-runs of The OC.

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