Christmas Eve is a funny one. There aren't too many one-off events happening in London, but if you've got all your shopping done and find yourself with a few hours to spare, there are still plenty of festive things to do. Just bear in mind, places may close earlier than normal.
ICE SKATING: What better way to Christmas Eve than at one of London's seasonal ice skating rinks? Take to the ice in festive surroundings — Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, Battersea Power Station... the list goes on. Most rinks have a café or bar nearby, where less adventurous family members can tuck into a hot chocolate or mulled wine and watch the action.
SANTA'S GROTTO: As you might expect, the man in red is rather busy on Christmas Eve, so slots to see him at various grottos across town on 24 December sell out fast. Here's our pick of the best Santa's grottos in London this year — if tickets are still available, you'll be very popular with your kids!
CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA: Nothing says 'special occasion' like a fancy afternoon tea, and London is packed with festive/Christmas versions right now. You'll need to book ahead for a Christmas Eve slot — choose from our pick of fantastically festive afternoon teas in London this year, including one themed on Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, and another with views over the Thames.
PANTOMIME: It's Christmas Eve... oh no it isn't... oh yes it is, etc, etc. Panto season is in full swing by now, so whether you fancy taking the kids along to a classic version of Jack and the Beanstalk, seeing Cinderella with a sassy twist — or braving a show that's strictly adults-only, brush up on where to see pantomime in London this year, and get booking for those coveted Christmas Eve tickets (note that most performances on 24 December tend to be matinee, or even morning, rather than evening).
THE GINGERBREAD CITY: Spend a tasty Christmas Eve at the Gingerbread City in King's Cross. A miniature city made from gingerbread has been built by teams of engineers and architects, and whimsically decorated using icing and sweets. 9am-3.30pm
SEEK OUT SNOOPY: The free Snoopy sculpture trail in the Fleet Street Quarter has 12 versions of the cartoon character snoozing on top of his kennel, each decorated by a different artist. Download the map, or let the kids hunt them out for themselves — a great way to burn off a bit off energy and help them sleep well better tonight!
MEAT AUCTION: The traditional Christmas Eve meat auction takes place at Smithfield Market, with traders selling off their surplus stock before closing for the Christmas break. Head down there to bag yourself a bargain hunk of meat, or just to watch the quirky London ritual. With the news that Smithfield Market is to close down permanently, this is a tradition which may not last much longer — at least not here. 10am
WINTER WONDERLAND: Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is business as usual on Christmas Eve. The outdoor festival has a Christmas market where you can do your last bits of shopping, plus food and drink stalls, funfair rides, an ice skating rink and a circus. Just remember that you still need to prebook entry this year, and Christmas Eve tickets are likely to be snapped up fast. 10am-9.30pm
DICKENSIAN LONDON: Join Footprints of London guide David Charnick for a guided walk through the London of Charles Dickens, explored through the author's own words. Visit sites Dickens would have been familiar with, and hear his urban insights as you go. 11am-1pm
CHRISTMAS FILMS: Leicester Square's legendary Prince Charles Cinema has a few festive offerings on the bill today. Choose between The Muppet Christmas Carol — singalong style (12pm/3pm), Love Actually (2.20pm), Die Hard (5.45pm) and It's A Wonderful Life (6pm).
DANCE SESSION: Southbank Centre offers a free afternoon of dancing in partnership with Five Go Jiving. All ages and abilities are welcome, and the event starts with a free dance lesson, so you can learn the steps before getting into the free dance portion of the day. Expect plenty of festive tunes courtesy of band leader John Bayley and a talented line-up of musicians. FREE, 1.30pm
MOTOWN CHRISTMAS: Camden's Jazz Cafe hosts Atlantic Soul Orchestra for Christmas Eve show A Motown Christmas. Groove the evening away to soul classics from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Etta James. 5pm-10pm
MIDNIGHT EUCHARIST: While tickets for midnight mass at Westminster Abbey are now all gone, St Paul's Cathedral hosts a free, unticketed Midnight Eucharist (11.30pm-1.30am). Just make sure you're able to get home. If you'd rather stick closer to home, chances are there'll be a church near you hosting one of these late night Christmas services too.
LIGHTS TRAILS: Several of London's winter light trails are open on the evening of Christmas Eve, including Christmas at Kew, Neverland at Kenwood, and Winter Lights at Southbank Centre. As you'd expect, Christmas Eve is very popular for these sorts of shenanigans, so book ahead for ticketed events.
SEE THE LIGHTS: Once it starts getting dark, why not take the opportunity to see London's many fantastic Christmas light displays — if you can face the central London crowds, that is. Wander through London, gazing up at angels, stars, and crowns — twinkling in the urban heavens above you. Or hop on a bus to get a closer gawk. If you're planning a hot chocolate or mulled wine pitstop, bear in mind that cafes and bars may close earlier than usual tonight.
It's worth checking venue opening hours before you travel, as lots of places will close early on Christmas Eve — and don't miss your last train home!
