Christmas in London is buzzing. Events include carols at Trafalgar Square, mulled wine and music in Covent Garden, The Snowman and Christmas dinner on the River Thames.

London is brimming with excitement most of the time but at Christmas the city steps up a gear and puts on a real show.

Covent Garden Piazza

It may be 4°C out but that won’t deter the crowds; this is one area of London that is always packed. Street artists and carollers perform every day of the week in the run-up to the yuletide season. Order a glass of mulled wine downstairs in the covered pit area of the square and listen to students from the Royal College of Music entertaining the crowds with live concerto music and opera.

Ice Skating

There are a number of rinks dotted around the city, the two most popular being within Somerset House and The National History Museum. They can be booked out early so try the Ice Disco in the O2 Arena which caters for up to 250 people. It might get a little crowded but ducking and diving, or rather, falling, is half the fun. Get tickets at www.viewlondon.co.uk.

Christmas Window Displays

If you can get through the crowds, take the kids to see the various window displays around London. The best are at Selfridges and Hamleys toy store – the children will be entertained for hours and you won’t have to spend a penny.

The English National Ballet (ENO) at London Coliseum

Synonymous with Christmas, the ENO’s version of theNutcrackerhas been danced every year for over 50 years during the festive season. Tchaikovsky takes us on a journey with Clara through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets with her toy Nutcracker that's come to life on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Carols at Trafalgar Square

The yearly event draws singing groups from all over the UK to sing their jolly hearts out under the mammoth tree traditionally given to London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for during WWII. The free event raises money for various charitable organisations and encourages budding carollers to join in.

London’s Southbank

If you’re ever stuck for a plan in London head to the Southbank, which is the stretch of embankment on the Thames running from County Hall to Tower Bridge. This year there are oodles of free events to choose from. Yes free; in London.

The Ballroom in the recently refurbished Royal Festival Hall will host free gigs and performances including tea dances and salsa. Outside, the city’s first Slow Food Market will offer fresh and preserved produce on over 20 stalls from 20-23 December. And, further down the Southbank, opposite the London Eye, you can join the Dickensian Carol Singers while the children are entertained by Christmas fairies on roller skates and a balloon modelling stilt walker.

There’s also the European Christmas Market with stalls packed with decorations, jewellery, handicrafts and toys at County Hall.

The Snowman Screening

Raymond Briggs’ Christmas classic continues to delight audiences at The Peacock Theatre, Holborn. The story of a young boy’s snowman brought to life on Christmas Eve is accompanied by a live orchestra and is now in its 10th year. Suitable for ages two and above. Call 0870 737 0337 to book.

Christmas Dinner Cruise on the Thames

Cruise down the River Thames aboard Bateux London and enjoy a relaxing three-course Christmas dinner. Listen to live entertainment while viewing London’s sights and landmarks from an altogether different angle. And if the kids are really good Santa might find some way of delivering the presents; there’s one for every child.

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