Yuletide spirit in London

It’s that time of the year and should you find yourself in London, or plan to go there, here are some tips on where to go and what to do. Rishad Saam Mehta provides the map

All those in London humming “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” have had their dreams come prematurely true. The run-up to Christmas has seen London receive generous snowfall, leaving the city looking like a giant plate of vanilla ice-cream. London is a jolly good place to be in from mid-December right to the first week of January. Should you find yourself in London around Christmas, here’s a word map to guide you through some of what London has to offer during what is undoubtedly the city’s happiest and most festive time of the year.

Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square

This is the place to be for the traditional carol-singing programme, which will take place in the evenings this year, generally from 5 pm to 9 pm till Wednesday, December 22. Different groups sing Christmas carols at the Square, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. All are welcome to come and listen — and even join in. The Christmas tree has been given to the people of London by the people of Norway as a token of gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners and visitors to London, the Christmas tree and carol singing at Trafalgar Square signals the countdown to Christmas.

Christmas Lights

Switching on the famous Christmas lights in various areas of London has become something of an event with celebrities ceremoniously pushing the button to turn on Christmas lights around town. While the switching on ceremony is already done, you can have a look at some of the imaginative and decorative Christmas lights at Regent Street, Covent Garden, Marylebone, South Moulton Street and Brook Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street.

An entertaining and informative way to see all the lights is to go on a guided walk. These start at 7 pm in Trafalgar Square every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in December and cost £15 per person. As these are quite popular it is essential to book in advance (http://londonarchitecturewalks.com).

The lights are on display till January 5.

Ice skating

Putting on ice skates (available on hire) and taking a graceful spin or clodding about gingerly is a much-loved London Christmas activity and there are plenty of ice rinks all over London town where you can have your moment on ice.

• Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Hyde Park: This family-friendly ice rink is part of the Winter Wonderland which features a giant ferris wheel, rides and other attractions. There are also food stalls of crepes and sausages. On till January 4.
  (Tube stop: Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch) 
   
• Canary Wharf Ice Rink: Surrounded by tall corporate offices, skaters glide across a 720 sq mt ice rink and can also down a dram from a rinkside bar or just watch other skaters from a viewing gallery. On till February 20.
  (Tube stop: Canary Wharf) 
   
• Natural History Museum Ice Rink: This 1,000 sq mt ice rink has a splendid setting in front of the Natural History Museum. There is a smaller rink for children and spectators can take in the scene with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the balcony café/bar overlooking the ice and the trees are decked with thousands of fairy lights to add to the festive atmosphere. On till January 9.
  (Tube stop: South Kensington) 
   
• The other ice rinks around London are at Somerset House, Hampton Court, Tower of London, London Eye and the Westfield Shopping Center (this is brand new).

Christmas Pantomimes
Another London speciality are the Christmas Pantomimes that are great family fun. Here are a few to check out:

• Dick Whittington at the Lyric Hammersmith on till January 8.
  (Tube stop: Hammersmith) 
   
• Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire on till January 9.
  (Tube stop: Hackney Central) 
   
• Red Riding Hood at the Theatre Royal Stratford East on till January 22.
  (Tube stop: Stratford)

Room at the inn

For a special place to stay, the suggestion is the famously restored and newly-opened Savoy Hotel on the Strand. From today (December 11) to January 2, they will serve festive afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer which is the heart of the hotel and the perfect venue for light, informal dining. On the weekend of December 18 and 19, they will serve Christmas Carol Afternoon Tea, which includes Afternoon Tea and Champagne Tea.

For some authentic British dining, head to Simpsons-on-the-Strand a few steps from the Savoy. Sherlock Holmes ate here in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Case of the Dying Detective.

Christmas markets

Heaps of frankfurters sizzling on a grate over a bed of coals, mulled wine or hot chocolate laced with Bailey’s Irish Cream or brandy and stalls with inspirational ideas for Christmas gifts — these are the characteristics of a typical Christmas market and they are really fun to explore. Here are some that I recommend:

• The Cologne Christmas Market along Queen’s Walk from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye has quaint stalls selling a wide range of hand crafted artefacts and German delicacies such as Glühwein (mulled wine) and bratwursts. This is on till December 22.
  (Tube stop: Embankment or Waterloo) 
   
• Evening Christmas Shopping at Columbia Road deep in the East End of London is a different shopping experience than the opulent big store window West End. This neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and independent businesses has vintage fashions, quirky artworks, quality homewares and irresistible deli goods. This area was created 150 years ago as a Victorian shopping arcade and still retains that air. On till December 22.
  (Columbia Road, London E2 7RG; Tube Stop: Hoxton)

(Rishad Saam Mehta is a Mumbai-based freelance writer)