Things to do in London at Christmas 2012
Unusual Things to do at Christmas in London 2012
Every year there are some great events in London at Christmas that don't quite fit into another category. These events range from the unusual (Serpentine Swimming) to the silly (Santa Run) to the charitable (Crisis Christmas). You can join in many of them, so why not do something a little different for once?
A quirky christmas
Santas On The Run - Walk or run through London for charity... dressed as Santa. They provide the costume! One of the many great things to do at Christmas in London.
5K Santa Run - Sunday 4th December 2011 (10am) in Greenwich Park, London. 1000s of entrants, and a free Santa suit for all runners!
Serpentine Swimming - join the morning swim in Hyde Park's Serpentine on Christmas Day - or just go along to wonder at the insanity of London at Christmas...
The Great Christmas Pudding Race - Covent Garden, 3rd December 2011. This is the 31st year of this amazing event, where teams of 6, wearing fancy dress, take on an obstacle course while trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a tray. Anyone can watch, but the most fun is had if you sign up and take part.
Syon Park Enchanted Woodland - Friday 18th November to Sunday 4th December 2011. Take a magical walk through Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland and be amazed at the beauty lit by more than 1000 Christmas lights. Really good for families.
The Great Christmas Pudding Race - Held on 3rd December 2011, teams will run a relay race in London's Covent Garden Market carrying a pudding on a tray whilst negotiating a number of obstacles along the way.
'London at Christmas' Walks - 3rd December 2011 at 7pm and on every following Mon, Weds and Sat in December, (except for Christmas Day). Walks start from Trafalgar Square.
Crisis Christmas - need 6,500 volunteers to help their Christmas centres. Based in London, from 23 - 30 December, it supports over 2000 homeless and vulnerable people. A very worthwhile charity.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony TBC December 2011 - Each year since 1947 the people of Norway have given a 50-60 year old Christmas tree to the people of London in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. The people of Oslo refer to the tree as 'the Queen of the Forest'.
Erith Christmas Tree Festival
1TBC 2011. 80 real
Christmas Trees sponsored by local groups, societies, businesses, and
individuals decorate the grade 2 listed building in Erith, South East
London.
Christmas Cards-Printmaking Workshops
Saatchi Gallery, London. Every Sunday between 27th November 2011 and 18th December (inclusive). Just for Christmas the Education room at the Saatchi Gallery becomes a print-making studio where you can make your own stamp and card, between 11am and 4pm. Suitable for kids aged 5 and above, but younger siblings also welcome.
If you know of other unusual events or things to do at Christmas, please submit the event.
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