We are firmly in the eye of the twinkling, bauble-filled whirlwind known as Christmas, but for some of you it might be the last thing you want to think about. If the idea of ice skating brings up embarrassing memories, and the familiar chorus of ‘he’s behind you’ has you shrinking into your seat, then you might be interested in what we have to say. We’ve rounded up our fave non-Christmassy things to do in London this season that will make you forget all about the holly jolly time of year…
1. Go for a walk in stunning Richmond Park
Kicking of our recommendations of non-Christmassy things to do in London is an old favourite. Swap the well-trodden high streets and dazzling Christmas lights for a peaceful wander bathed in the amber glow of sunrise. A chance to de-stress and hopefully forget about the endless mental checklist in your head can be a valuable thing and the sprawling expanse of Richmond Park is a picturesque reminder that there are things that exist outside the Christmas bubble. You’ll encounter trees not draped in tinsel and deer without a red nose or sleigh in sight. Santa, who?
2. Turn your world upside down at an optical illusions museum
If shopping for Christmas gifts at Harrods sounds too festive for you, head across the road to Paradox Museum instead. This interactive museum in Knightsbridge is filled with over 50 optical illusions; some you step inside yourself, while others you admire from afar.
Suitable for all ages, Paradox Museum includes a room that will make you appear tiny or humongous, depending on where you stand, while another offers a kaleidoscope where you’ll see your companion’s face reflected at you seemingly hundreds of times.
3. Grab your Robin and head to the Batman Unmasked Exhibition
Another guy, like Santa, who works under the cover of darkness is Batman – and there’s a whole exhibition dedicated to the character, comics, films, and more in London until December 30. Batman Unmasked Exhibition in Covent Garden offers a multitude of themed rooms, featuring a collection of original props, costumes, weapons and much more. Fans will delight in seeing the Batmobile (The Batman, 2022) and Batpod (The Dark Knight).
Elsewhere at the exhibition, there’s even a free-flow gaming and comic room, and you get the chance to step onto the streets of Gotham City and immerse yourself in the DC hero’s world.
4. Take a brave dip in an outdoor pool
In the bitter chill of winter, the last thing on your mind is probably going for a swim outdoors, but it could be just the thing you need to refresh your mind and body. You can forget all about wrapping presents and cooking a grand roast turkey dinner, as you glide through the waters. One of our faves is Hampton Pool. It’s open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day itself, and you can be sure you won’t come across tangled fairy lights when diving into the watery depths.
5. Browse famous artworks, like original Picassos and Warhols
Earlier this year, Moco Museum – a global museum from Amsterdam and Barcelona – opened its flagship location in London’s Marble Arch. Moco, so named as it features modern and contemporary art, is home to works from some of the world’s most recognisable artists. Here, you can see original pieces from the likes of Picasso, Damien Hirst, Banksy, and Andy Warhol.
The top floor of the museum is reserved for exciting new artworks and collaborations, and at the moment, features artwork by none other than singer Robbie Williams. Be sure to check it out while it’s around.
6. Get to grips with some of London’s history
London is chock-full of history. After all, this is the spot that was founded all the way back in 47-50 CE by the Romans, so there’s plenty more to find out than just which wife King Henry VIII beheaded (clue, there were two of them). Why not see some of the capital’s spookiest sites or visit some of the English capital’s oldest pubs for a pint or two.
7. Hop aboard a theatrical dining experience set on a train
All aboard, anti-festive fiends! Forgo the pantomime for a fun-filled murder mystery set aboard a 1920s-style train. Starting your journey at Pedley Street station (a fictional stop, located close to the real Bethnal Green station), The Murdér Express will take you on a two-hour, theatrical dining experience. As you feast on a fine dining three-course meal, you’ll watch the storyline play out – and sometimes become part of the story yourself. Signature cocktails also await, both on board the train and at the Seven Sins Platform Bar.
8. Sip otherworldly cocktails at Avora
Who needs workshops and grottos of the North Pole when you’ve got a bioluminescent paradise? At Avora: A New World Cocktail Experience in Hoxton, you can slip on purpose-built jumpsuits to embark on a mission to lush new lands sprouting with unearthly plant life.
You’ll be able to indulge in three cocktails along the way, each with its own magical twist, and see the wondrous woodland burst into glowing life when night falls. Fans of Avatar will especially be in their element.
9. Head to the Wild West
Alternatively, the team behind Avora (and the famed Alcatraz cocktail experience, for that matter) offer a knee-slapping, yee-hawing cocktail adventure over in Aldgate that is another of our great non-Christmassy thing to do in London. Swap that Santa hat for a cowboy hat at Moonshine Saloon, smuggle in your booze of choice (it’s BYOB), and try and evade the watchful eye of the Sheriff.
The bartenders will transform your booze into four personalised cocktails, and you’ll be able to interact with the live actors, who take on the guise of cowboys and cowgirls, ramblers and gamblers. It’s time to round up your pals for a holly jolly rootin’-tootin’ time.
10. Eat your way around the world in the city’s markets
London has its fair share of markets, and there’s nothing better than ambling around one of the many that are here and tucking into some tasty grub. Borough Market is one of our favourites, and there’s plenty on offer to tuck into here. Neal’s Yard Dairy are local royalty and they offer over 70 different varieties of cheese from the UK and Ireland, and mighty meaty offerings come from Cannon & Cannon‘s charcuterie stand and best-selling butcher Ginger Pig – who serve a much-hyped hot sausage roll to hungry punters.
Nearby Maltby Street Market is also packed full of foodie spots offering treats from all over the globe, and let’s not forget Portobello Road, Model Market and Hackney gem Broadway Market either.
Words by Chloe Byrne and Tamsin Salfrais.