Things To Do
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Festive things to do after Christmas
Celebrating late this year? Here are the festive activities you can still catch after Christmas Day has come and gone
The Christmas period can often feel like a bit of a whirlwind. Carving out time for family, friends, present shopping and your seventeenth rewatch of Love, Actually is a difficult juggling act, and there will always be things you regret not getting around to. Do away with regret – plenty of London’s best festive activities carry on after Christmas Day is over, and there’s no rule to say that you can’t enjoy a Christmas ballet or an ice skating date well into early January. Here are the best festive things to do after Christmas has passed.
A Christmas Carol
Playing at The Old Vic until 10 Jan
The smash-hit production helmed by director Matthew Warchus returns to the Old Vic this festive season, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). With its unique immersive staging and infectious festive spirit, there’s a reason Warchus’ version is the longest running adaptation of Dickens’ classic in London. You can catch this one all the way until 10 January, making it the perfect slow goodbye to the festive season.
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Playing at the Apollo Theatre until 25 Jan
For a slightly more chaotic take on the classic Christmas ghost story, the multi award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong bring you their version, complete with miscommunications, missing actors and delays to production. Nothing will prevent them from battling through though – even when it probably should… Catch this festive catastrophe until 25 January.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Until 4 Jan
There’s no better Christmas ice skating experience than Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station, and if you don’t manage to sneak it in before Christmas, there’s still time to grab your skates and hit the ice. You can glide around this magical rink, set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, until 4 January. If you want to make your experience extra special, you can book one of their cosy igloos to warm your fingers and watch the skating afterwards.
Belle Livingstone’s 58th Street Country Club
Until 31 December
This one’s not strictly a Christmas experience, but we challenge you not to feel festive at this secret Jazz Age experience. Step back in time and experience the decadent world of 1930s New York as the infamous 58th Street Country Club comes to life in the middle of London. You’ll enjoy a six-course ‘Park Avenue’ feast and drinks from the Soda Fountain bar, serving up classic cocktails and a perfectly curated wine list. It’s the perfect bridge from Christmas into the New Year.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience
Until 31 Dec
Making childhood dreams come true, this immersive walkthrough experience in Manchester is worth the journey. You’ll pass through magical landscapes, meet iconic characters and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, following an immersive story all the way to the North Pole. And even if you choose to visit after Christmas, Santa will still be waiting…
Nutcracker: The English National Ballet
Playing at the London Coliseum until 11 January
The definitive festive ballet returns to London, brought to life by the English National Ballet with a company of over 100 dancers and musicians. On Christmas Eve in Edwardian London, Clara and her mother are shopping for festive treats when Clara meets the enchanted Nutcracker doll who will lead her on an unforgettable adventure. You can experience the magic for yourself at the London Coliseum until 11 January.
The Red Shoes
Playing at Sadler’s Wells until 18 January
The Red Shoes is not strictly a Christmas ballet, but this famous adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale makes the perfect festive treat all the same. A powerful tale of obsession and ambition, this double Olivier-winning production features the lush golden-age Hollywood score from composer Bernard Herrmann, and promises a completely transporting night of entertainment. Catch it at Sadler’s Wells until 18 January.
Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
31 Dec
There’s obviously no better post-Christmas event than watching the unforgettable firework display over the Thames to welcome in the New Year. Celebrate with the crowds as 2026 arrives and the London sky lights up for an expertly designed show. This one’s only on for one night. You might be able to guess which one.
