TRAVEL SPECIAL .....Merry GO AROUND

 Merry GO AROUND

From traditional markets and theatricals to ice skating and carol singing, here’s everything you can do in London between Christmas and New Year

With cute fairy-lit huts, umpteen stalls selling everything from mince pies to mulled wine, and loads of festive entertainment including orchestra sessions, carol singing and a whole host of theatre and art performances and events, Christmas markets of London are your one-stop destination for all the festive frolic. Head to the Southbank Centre Wintertime Market by the London Eye to stock up on delicious treats, tipple and last-minute gifts for loved ones, stroll along chalets by the riverside at London Bridge or spend time at the Leicester Square market for cabaret, burlesque and comedy shows. Sitting within a World Heritage Site, Greenwich Market boasts of 150 stalls selling crafts, jewellery, fashion, beauty, antiques, art and more. To devour good food, look no further than Maltby Street Christmas Night Market set under Victorian railway arches, Ally Pally Christmas Carnival and Christmas Canopy Market at King’s Cross.

SIGHT TO BEHOLD

Trafalgar Square is not only known for its magical atmosphere but also for it magnificent Christmas tree. A 25-metre giant Norwegian spruce, it has been an annual gift to London from Norway since 1947, as a mark of gratitude for Britain’s support during the World War II. The spruce is selected from the forests around Oslo and is transported to the UK by sea. The tree usually remains here until the Twelfth Night of Christmas — January 5 — when it is taken down and recycled.

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

During the Christmas season, traditional Afternoon Tea at London’s top cafes and restaurants gets a festive twist. Indulge in a lavish spread of Christmassy pastries, mouth-watering cakes, seasonal fruits, savoury delicacies and scones alongside a glass of champagne in an enchanting space decorated with rich red, gold and green trimmings. A tuneful welcome by carol-singers surely gets you in the mood!

GET YOUR SKATES ON

December to February is the best season to gracefully glide around London. During the festive season, pop-up rinks are set up outside iconic landmarks, like Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace and the Natural History Museum where there’s everything from food and drink to live music and DJs. The ice rink at Winter Wonderland, though a bit busy, is a must visit. Claimed to be the largest open air ice rink in the UK, it is usually set around the Victorian bandstand, with a fairy light canopy, and acoustic musicians playing Christmas melodies during evening sessions. Get your skates on and laugh as you and your mates fall over sheets of ice, or simply stand on the sidelines and watch the fun.

ZOOTOPIA

For the first time, London Zoo is having a winter lights festival, across the zoo after the animals have gone to bed and featuring light sculptures depicting some of the creatures. This will be open until Jan 2019.

Lastly, sign off on a sweet note by marveling at a fully-lit, edible gingerbread miniature town at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Yes, the idea of a city being sustainable and tasty seems unbelievable but ace architects have managed to swap traditional building materials with sugar and spice.

Shikha.Shah@timesgroup.com

TL23DEC18