Festive drinks, Picasso prints, and Moomin hijinks
Sip underneath 1,000 sparkling baubles.
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December festivities at London’s floral rooftop oasis
Forget lopsided Christmas trees and lukewarm mulled wine — here’s a destination that’ll seriously elevate your festive get-togethers (in more ways than one!)
Located on the 11th floor of Canopy by Hilton London City, Florattica is a rooftop bar that doesn’t skimp on wow factor. It’s got great food and drink. It’s got breathtaking City views (peep St Paul’s Cathedral in the photo above). Best of all, it’s got one of the most beautiful ceilings we’ve ever seen — a glorious canopy of flowers, made even more spectacular for the festive season with the addition of one thousand (1,000!) sparkling baubles. Your Instagram grid will thank you.
Feeling peckish? Choose between small plates like prawn and lobster mini sliders, and roast beef with artichoke and sun-dried tomatoes; a festive set menu; and a three-course weekend brunch, with options like whipped ricotta on sourdough, eggs royale, and Belgian waffles. The drinks are extra special — highlights of Florattica’s new cocktail menu include the rum and coffee-based Tonka Dates, and the zesty, vodka-laced Shiso Yuzu. We recommend taking yours out to the venue’s terrace to sip as you soak up spectacular views (there’s outdoor heating and blankets to keep you toasty!)
If all that sounds right up your street, you should also know that Florattica is hosting one heck of a New Year’s Eve party. See out 2024 in style with live entertainment, luxury dining and lashings of champagne. There are three ticket packages to choose from, all of which include a welcome drink and canapés. Book yours here, or click below to find out more about Florattica’s offering.
A festive adventure in Moominvalley
Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomins turn 80 this year, and Jacksons Lane is marking the anniversary in spectacular style. A specially-commissioned adaptation of The Fir Tree opens at the north London culture hub on 6 December (psst, that’s this week!) With circus magic, stunning visuals, and nostalgia galore, Christmas Comes to Moominvalley promises to delight young and old alike.
See prints by Picasso
You’re probably familiar with a least a few paintings by Pablo Picasso, but did you know that the great artist also made over 2,400 prints during his career? Discover how he brought his influential talents to the medium at the British Museum’s Picasso: printmaker exhibition. See prints from the early 1900s to the 1960s, including etchings, lithographs, and linocuts.
A clothbound Christmas classic
While it’s true that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have an aesthetically pleasing one. Penguin ‘s exquisite Clothbound Classics are up there with the best — and there’s no better choice for the season than Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It’s available now via our Bookshop.org storefront.
Winter at The Waldorf
It's the most wonderful time of year at The Waldorf Hilton! The glamorous West End hotel has loads going on over the festive season, including a Christmas Tea Dance, seasonal menus, and a New Year’s Eve knees-up.
Festive family fun at Ally Pally
The Horrible Histories gang are getting festive with a spirit-lifting (and hair-raising) stage show that’s stuffed with all sorts of trivia about Christmases of yore. Along the way, you’ll encounter the likes of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and even St Nicholas. Book by 5 December via the link below for tickets from £15.