Alternative things to do in London at Christmas

Most people love to do Christmassy things at Christmas, but sometimes you can suffer from tinsel overload – even in December! If you’re looking for something to do along The Thames this month that isn’t related to shopping or even feeling festive, here are a few suggestions:

Doggy style

This event is probably not what you’re thinking! Doggy Style is an occasional market for dogs that’ll help you create a stylish look for your favourite hound! Whether you want to give your pooch a beauty treatment, the latest foodie treats, or buy a present for your pampered pet, head down to Waterloo on Sunday 9th December. (Nearest pier: Westminster.)

Dinner in an igloo

You can’t escape the fact that it is winter. But we all long for those hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer when we could sit on the banks of the river and watch the world go by. So, if you like al fresco dining, but also want to stay warm and dry, head over to Jimmy’s Winter Igloos. These glass pods on the South Bank (nearest pier: Festival) overlook the River Thames – so give us a wave whenever you see a Circular Cruises boat pass by!

5K street art running tour

Yup, you can now combine your early morning jog with a tour of some of London’s best street art. Beginning at 6.30am every Wednesday, Secret London Runs will combine education with keep fit; your guide will stop by one of the murals along the route of the run to tell you about the works of art that adorn the buildings in Whitechapel and Shoreditch. (Nearest pier: Tower Bridge Quay.)

Scare yourself silly

The London Dungeon has been scaring up a Fright Before Christmas attraction. Much more scary than festive, this fun Victorian ghost experience is being run on limited days. Book online in advance to save money on the day.

An alternative to panto (oh yes it is!)

If you prefer serious theatre to anything with a Twanky in it, have a look at the productions being staged by the National Theatre this month (nearest pier: Festival). At the Lyttelton Theatre, the whole family will love the very moving and innovative play War Horse which is on until 5th January 2019. At the Olivier Theatre, Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra is on until 19th January 2019.

Showbiz tales

After more than 30 years in show business, the latest star on the Corrie cobbles, actress Maureen Lipman, has an almost limitless number of anecdotes. She’s put them together in an evening of sketches, music, monologues and jokes. A sell out at the Edinburgh Fringe, catch An Evening with Maureen Lipman between 17th December and 6th January.

Sightseeing cruises

If you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of Christmas for a while, slow the pace down – a lot! – on one of our sightseeing cruises. Running between Westminster and Tower Bridge, you can relax as you watch the world go by from the comfort of a warm lounge. And for the first time this year, we’re running a limited service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. NB There will be no services running on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Click here to book your tickets.