Winter Wonderland 2015

The Christmas lights are well and truly on, lighting up our streets and capturing the feeling of Christmas. Along with the presents, turkey and Christmas crackers that make the festive season what it is, there are some fantastic events taking place in the capital.

Last year we featured a collection of The Cool, The Cultured, The Slippery and The Sentimental things to do at Christmas. We’ve updated it for our 2015 edition, adding in a few London rental properties that are certain to bring some Christmas cheer.

The Cool

Anything to do with the hit TV show, Breaking Bad, probably isn’t at the top of your list when it comes to Christmas-themed events. However, Shout About London and SecretPartyTT have created ‘Breaking Mad’, a Christmas party influenced by the show. Taking place at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, the event costs £44 and promises to cook up a series of thematic adventures that descend into debauchery. Oh, and you get two free cocktails!

Brick Lane is fast becoming the go-to area for all things fun in London. This one-bedroom apartment on Allie Street, Aldgate, is less than a 15-minute walk to Brick Lane, offering a professional or young couple the chance to live just moments from the action. It even has underfloor heating throughout, meaning you don’t have to worry about cold feet on a frosty Christmas morning.

Breaking Mad, The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane. 1^st-11^th December, tickets £44

The Cultured

These days, people seem to be more interested in the latest Christmas market than they are to see what new pressie Santa has brought them on Christmas morning. Head to the affluent area of Belgravia, where you’ll find a handful of festive events taking place between Pimlico Road and Elizabeth Street. There’s an extended Farmers’ Market with Christmas goodies on December 5th, while Sunday 6^th December sees Elizabeth Street bursting with boutique stalls and a grotto photo booth.

Keeping with the Christmas spirit, this impressive Grade II listed five-bedroom house in Belgravia looks like it was made for a family Christmas movie, with everyone gathered round the fireplace, enjoying the magic of Christmas.

Christmas in Belgravia Farmers’ Market, Pimlico Road and Elizabeth Street, December 5^th and 6^th

The Slippery

Unfortunately, us Londoners (and we count everyone that lives in this fantastic city as an authentic Londoner) hardly ever get to experience a white Christmas. That doesn’t mean however that we can’t enjoy a festive outdoor ice rink, lit up with plenty of Christmas lights. We recommend the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, where you can skate the night away against the stunning backdrop of Canary Wharf’s imposing skyscraper backdrop. There’s even a heated outdoor viewing terrace, just in case you’d rather watch people falling over on the ice than do it yourself.

If you fancy living in one of the many spectacular skyscrapers in Canary Wharf, take a look at this two-bedroom apartment at the Pan Peninsula development. Set on the 33^rd floor, it offers sweeping views over the London skyline.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Montgomery Street, E14

The Sentimental

Every year there are lots of new events taking place, offering a fresh take on Christmas. We love them all, but if you’re a traditionalist, nothing beats a visit to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. You’ll find two circuses, an observation wheel, a huge ice rink, themed bars, for the adults, of course, and the Magical Ice Kingdom. Even Scrooge would find it hard not to enjoy this. Other features include a Santa’s grotto, exciting rides and a Christmas market, helping to make this winter wonderland an iconic fixture in London at Christmas.

This two bedroom apartment in Mayfair is located nearby Hyde Park and offers London living at its finest. A recent refurbishment means it has been finished to a high level, featuring skirting lights in the bedroom, Miele appliances in the kitchen and access to a private patio. Santa might not have a chimney to come down, but that probably isn’t a bad thing – one look at this apartment and he won’t want to leave.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, 20^th November – 3^rd January 2016

Happy Christmas

Everyone here at Benham and Reeves Estate Agents would like to wish you a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. If you have any queries regarding our rental properties, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also subscribe to our Tenants Newsletter to keep up with all the latest property news and London events.