Stuck for ideas on how to get into the festive spirit this Christmas ?
Here's a guide on what Kensington and the surrounding areas has to offer over December.
1. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Visit London’s most spectacular Christmas destination in the heart of London – Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland .
There are few places that offer a more festive atmosphere with its own Christmas Market made up of 2000 Bavarian-style chalets.
Also within the spectacular destination is the magical Santa Land, Zippos Circus and an ice skating rink.
Open every day except Christmas Day until January 3, entry is free, with varying prices for the main attractions.
2. Swarovski Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum
At one of the most magical places to be this winter, why not skate against the backdrop of the Natural History Museum .
Surrounded by fairy lights on frost-covered trees and with the smell of toasted marshmallows filling the air, the rink is open every day (except Christmas Day) until January 3.
Tickets are available for £12.65 for adults and £8.80 for children.
3. Silent Films with Live Music at the Royal Albert Hall
Cosy up with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine on Sunday December 6 and watch silent films at the Royal Albert Hall .
Accompanied by Neil Brand, the world class silent film pianist and host, films include Laurel and Hardy’s ‘Big Business’ and a 1901 adaption of Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Tickets are available for £16.
4.Festive Afternoon Tea at the Royal Garden Hotel
This December, treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at the five-star Royal Garden Hotel .
Served from the stylish Park Terrace Lounge, overlooking Kensington Palace, the tea will include mini mince pies, chocolate truffle Christmas pudding and chestnut cheesecake, with an impressive selection of 15 fine loose leaf teas.
Festive afternoon tea available December 1-24.
Prices from £26.
5. A Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace
Immerse yourself in the smell, sounds and tastes of a traditional Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace .
With beautiful seasonal decorations covering both the Palace and Gardens, join in with special tours, sample seasonal foods and drinks, and carol singing in the evenings.
Open every weekend during December and every day from December 27 - January 3, with tickets from £15.40 for adults and free for children.
6. Spiced Up at the Royal Garden Hotel
Warm yourself up with the hotel’s cocktail of the month ‘Spiced Up’. The festive cocktail is a blend of Scotch whisky, apple, lemon, honey, elderflower, cinnamon and ginger.
Available from December 1–30 for £12.
7. Father Christmas at the Hall
A magical experience awaits at the Royal Albert Hall with Victorian-themed stories and activities.
The journey begins with a children’s tour of the beautiful building, followed by card and decoration making, and finishes with a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto where children receive a special gift.
From Monday December 7 to Christmas Eve tickets are £26.50 per child with children younger than two going free.
8.Christmas Carol Singalong at The Royal Albert Hall
Sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas carols and pop hits at the Royal Albert Hall .
Led by British pianist Jonathan Cohen and with special guest, the West End’s Wicked star Louise Dearman, this is sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Tickets are available from £17.80.
9. V&A Christmas Tree Installation
Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the anticipation of the V&A’s designer tree for the Grand Entrance, for all visitors to enjoy as they enter the world eading museum.
Last year Gareth Pugh was commissioned to create nine golden pyramids – watch this space for this year’s designer and display date.
V&A entrance is free.
10. Christmas walk in the park with Victoria and Albert
Join the education centre in Kensington with the Royal Parks Foundation for a stroll exploring the traditions and feasts that have illuminated London over Christmas in the past.
Learn about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert along the way as you take a walk through Kensington Gardens.
It takes place on December 12 at midday.
