Make the most of your December weekend with these top things to do around the city.
RIDE THE SLIDE
See all of London from the UK’s tallest sculpture, dare to ride on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide, or just taking in the stunning views of London’s skyline. Created by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, the magnificent looping structure of the ArcelorMittal Orbit is an iconic symbol of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the London 2012 Games.
DIVE AND SWIM
Make a splash at the London Aquatics Centre., home of the 2012 London Olympics Legacy. Visit the venue to experience the magic for yourself. Whether you’re a novice swimmer or an experienced athlete, the London Aquatics Centre provides ways for you to get in on the action at this outstanding facility.
SELFRIDGES CHRISTMAS MARKET STROLLS
Enjoy some of London’s best street food and family-friendly fairground rides as a host of stalls, showcasing a number of small independent brands, offer the ideal Christmas market experience, with real Christmas trees, wreaths, decorations and hand-picked gifts and toys to choose from. Food trucks and stalls line Edward Mews offering seasonal food and drink, from mulled wine and buttered rum to the Christmas market staple bratwurst hot dogs by Pop Dogs. Open daily throughout December from 4pm-9pm on weekdays and 12pm-9pm at weekends
WAVEY GARMS XXXMAS POP-UP
Peckham-based vintage streetwear dealers, Wavey Garms have taken over Walkers Court in Soho for a fortnight-long pop-up, hosting more than 20 vintage sports and streetwear sellers, alongside DJs like Oneman and Sweet Lemonade Sisters, art exhibitions, fashion designers, a pop-up from Deptford’s Discworld, and live music streams to support Centrepoint. Wavey Garms will also present an exhibition from Tottenham bootleggers, Sports Banger, and an art installation featuring a teenage raver’s bedroom, where you can listen to records from the bed with walls covered in rave artwork from the legendary Pez. The pop-up runs up to 24 December, from 11am until 10pm.
WINTER HEIGHTS
With spectacular panoramic 360° views of the London skyline, rooftops don’t come more magical than this one. A brand-new alfresco rooftop bar in the heart of London Bridge sitting right next to the Shard. Enjoy breathtaking sights of London both day and night plus hot cocktails, live DJs, Ginger Pig hot dogs and cheese fondues!
LION COFFEE RECORDS
The brainchild of husband-and-wife uber team Mairead and Chris Hayden, Lion Coffee + Records is L is an intimate Record shop, bar and live music venue in Clapton. The perfect weekend pitstop for music lovers in London.
A BREAD REVOLUTION
Located in the heart of London Fields, The Bread Station offer natural Danish baking to the London wholesale market, and a unique on-site experience, featuring a menu of nutritious, artisan products, Climpson & Sons coffee, breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch to customers.
DIDDY’S CAFE
An independent café, bar, shop on Mare Street in Hackney, Diddy’s Café has recently opened their DiddyMart. If you are stuck for Secret Santa, Christmas party drinks or Christmas ‘Chrampers’, this is the place to go.
WALK THE LINE
The Line is London’s first dedicated public art walk. Its outdoor exhibition program illuminates an inspiring landscape where everyone can explore art, nature and heritage for free. The route runs between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, following the waterways and the line of the Greenwich Meridian.
HACKEY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bohemia Place’s regular market is a must visit for seasonal treats and London gifts. Sample vegan street food, pick up zero-waste Christmas decorations and sip on festive mulled wine as you browse.
