The Christmas break officially kicks off this Thursday for Roehampton students and as so many students are staying on campus, I’ve put together a little guide of things you can do this winter break!
Winter Wonderland
My first suggestion is the very wonderful Winter Wonderland which takes place annually in London’s Hyde Park. Winter Wonderland is free and non-ticketed, meaning you can just turn up anytime. We recently had a blog post all about Winter Wonderland and how to attend, so check it out here!
Christmas Markets
There are so many Christmas markets in London other than Winter Wonderland and they’re always so fun to check out, so here’s a list of a few of the other Christmas markets around London this year:
- Kingston Christmas Market
- Greenwich Christmas Market
- Leicester Square Christmas Market
- Southbank Centre Winter Festival and Christmas Market
- Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
- Camden Market’s Christmas Take Over
We recommend heading down before Christmas and making it a part of your Christmas shopping as there are so many great stalls with handmade gifts for everyone!
West End
The West End is a huge part of London culture and there are plenty of shows on in London at the moment, many of which are ending in January. So there’s no better time than this Christmas break to try and bag yourself some tickets to the shows before they go!
Check out some of the reviews of West End shows over on the University of Roehampton blog:
Shopping
Shopping is another great way of spending your free time this Christmas, even if it’s just window shopping! There are winter sales in loads of shops at the moment and more to come when Boxing Day comes around. There’s a long list of places to shop in around the area, but here are a few of my favourites:
- Oxford Street
- Westfield Shopping Centre
- Camden Market
- Harrods
- Covent Garden
- Brixton Market
- Canary wharf
- Portobello Road Market
NYE Fireworks
An annual tradition here in London is the New Year’s Eve fireworks display which is also broadcast on TV, but why not have the true London experience and go to see them in person? There are plenty of places nearby to watch the display for free, or you can buy a ticket to get yourself a spot on Victoria Embankment to ensure you have the best view – these have to be booked in advance. Here’s a quick look at last year’s display!
Christmas Events on Campus
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little closer to home, there are so many events going on right on campus for Roehampton students to attend.
Friday 21 December
This Friday, there will be a Movie Night at The Base (located on the ground floor of Erasmus House, Digby Stuart College) for all students and staff. There will be film, popcorn and hot drinks so feel free to head down anytime from 6:30pm – no need to sign up!
Monday 24 December
On Christmas Eve there will be a Chaplaincy Christmas Lunch for all students staying on campus at 1:30pm at Whitelands College Chaplaincy. If you would like to attend, all you have to do is email paul.coward@roehampton.ac.uk by 4pm on Friday 21 December!
Tuesday 25 December
On Christmas Day there will be ukulele carols by candle light in Digby Stuart Chapel at 6pm, followed by a traditional Christmas tea in The Base at 6:45pm. To come along, email ginny.jordan-arthur@roehampton.ac.uk.
Wednesday 26 December
On Boxing Day, you can attend a trip to Westfield shopping centre. Simply meet outside the Library at 10am where everyone will take the 72 bus to Westfield from there. To sign up, email sabiha.iqbal@roehampton.ac.uk.
Monday 31 December
On New Year’s Eve, there will be a New Year’s Pizza Party at The Reef (Southlands College), gathering from 10pm. There will be plenty of food and games to welcome you into the New Year, so be sure not to miss out!
Those are all of our suggestions for things to do this Christmas if you’re staying in London. We would love to see what you get up to over the break so tweet @RoehamptonUni on Twitter with your pictures!