Staying over for Christmas?
Four years ago, I moved to London to embark on my new adventure at Birkbeck, where I'd realised that it was also the first time in my life where I would be spending Christmas away from my family. So for our international students who are facing a similar situation in London this winter break, here are a few tips on what you can do during this festive season!
One of my fondest epsiodes of Mr Bean is Merry Christmas, Mr Bean, where Mr Bean goes Christmas shopping at Harrods. Whether you want to shop or just merely browse around at Harrods, it is an enjoyable occasion to celebrate the festive season at Knightsbridge. While it's too late to book your chance to see the fantastic Christmas Grotto - that can make anyone more excited! - immerse yourself in a departmental winter wonderland.
Not too far from Harrods is Hyde Park, where the Winter Wonderland is! There is a wide range of activities, from Christmas food market to many rides and attractions! Your holiday night out with friends, sorted! You can lose yourself in this holiday splendor! From mulled wine to chocolate crepes, rides or games, it's a fun occassion and you'll be sure to have a few good photos of yourself on some of the rides!
The Great Christmas Bake Off and The Great Festive Bake Off
If you like The Great British Bake Off, then you will certaintly enjoy their two-part Christmas special. It airs on Monday 25th December at 7.40pm and Monday 1st January at 7.40pm both on Channel 4. Whether you're a talented star baker quality, or just consistently getting soggy bottoms, you'll enjoy this special where the bakers will have to make three yummy yuletide challenges!
Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2017
If you're paying attention to Netflix's, The Crown, you'll realise that the Queen's Christmas Message will be broadcasted on television on Christmas Day at 3pm on BBC One, ITV, Sky 1, and Sky News. This is an annual broadcast to the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom. An interesting fact about the Christmas Message is that the Queen writes her own speech without the advice of her governments, so the content will be kept closely under wraps, but chances are that it will feature a Prince Harry and Megan Markle's engagement.
Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House
Covent Garden sparkles has a wonder display of Christmas lights and decorations, so this might be a picture perfect moment for those who enjoy photography. with over a hundred thousand pea lights and and decorations around the piazza. The Royal Opera House have a few perfomances this season, withc Christmas classic like The Nutcracker or the not-so-festive opera of Cavalleria rusticana.
Ice Skating
Personally, I love ice skating at Somerset House. Not only are you able to ice skate in one of the most beautiful neoclassical structures in central London, but there is also a Fortnum and Mason just located next to the ice rink inside Somerset House. So after a series of falls and slips, perhaps venture into Fortnum's Lodge and enjoy their mulled wine. F&M has an impressive range of goodies and decorations in their restaurant and bar. It's also not a busy location so you'll be able to ice skate with some confidence that nobody will notice you slip! You can get tickets online here and get your student discount by showing your student card (or NUS Extra Card).
Live Jazz Music at Waitrose, Granary Square
Who doesn't like Jazz music!? Well, if you're a fan of jazz, especially when it's free, then Waitrose at Granary Square is the answer! Every Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, there is a live jazz performance from talented local musicians and groups performing live music at Waitrose. It's free to attend and listen, with a bar that serves food as well. It's a good solid fun and you'll definitely enjoy being around Granary Square, where they have many festive activities in the area. Please note the opening hours.
Southbank Wintertime
The Southbank Centre has a great Christmas market with many fun activites going on at their Winter Market. A few interesting things going on is the Finnish rooftop sauna at the Southbank Centre. Similar to Winter Wonderland, but less crowded.
New Year's Eve fireworks
Don't sweat if you have no tickets - there are some many places for you to choose to celebrate the New Year! So why not choose Primrose Hill to overlook the New Year's Eve fireworks display in London? It's a great way to spend with friends looking over London and watching fireworks across the greatest city in the world! Please note that Primrose Hill is on a hill and it can get really chilly at night, so make sure you wear something really warm. The tubes will be running a free but reduce service on New Year's Eve until 4.30pm!
New Year's Day Parade
If you're able to wakeup on the very first day of the new year, then why not celebrate 2018 by heading down to central London and watch thousands of performers and colourful floats! Catch the festivities along the parade route, which runs from Green Park Tube station at 12pm, to Parliament Square at around 3.30pm, via Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
International Students House Christmas Day
If you're still not convinced about how to spend Christmas Day, then International Students House invites you to spend their Christmas Day with a range of activites and a Christmas lunch.
I hope this gives you an inspiration if you wish to share your suggestions, drop me an email!
