The ultimate guide of things to do this festive season in London’s home of entertainment

Looking to make memories with your bubble this Christmas?

For those looking for a wonderful ways to celebrate the festive season with your loved ones, make the most of the reopening restaurants and entertainment venues surrounding Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

From magical movies returning to the big screen throughout December, stage-show sensations now on in the heart of theatre land and mouth-watering food and drink menus to get stuck into, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in London’s home of entertainment.

Here’s our quick guide to what’s on this season so you can have a cracking Christmas.

Want to immerse yourself in festive films?

Rediscover magical Christmas movies as they return to Vue West End and ODEON Luxe Leicester Square throughout December.

The likes of Home Alone, Elf, the Grinch are now showing at ODEON. And, Frozen, The Muppet’s Christmas Carol, Home Alone and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will all be screening in at Vue West End, reopening from 11^th December 2020.

See what’s on at Vue West End.

See what’s on at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square.

Death-drop at the Garrick Theatre

Discover Drag Queens slaying on stage at the Garrick Theatre, and celebrate the festive season in style with what is possibly the West End’s first drag murder mystery theatre show, starring RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Courtney Act and Monét X Change.

Its rampant, raucous, ridiculous romp of a murder mystery has gallons of gags, and more twists and turns than a drag queens wig. On until 17^th January 2021, with tickets from as little as £20 per person, this brand-new theatre comedy is a hilarious murder mystery like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Learn more and book tickets.

Love Letters at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket

Immerse yourself in the tender, tragi-comic story of a play that’s perfectly fitting for the Covid-era with Love Letters at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket.

Explore the bittersweet tale of two people physically separated yet brought together by candid communication, starring Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove. Running until 7^th February 2021, it’s a must-see show this season with tickets from as little at £22 per person.

Learn more and book tickets.

SIX The Musical at the Lyric Theatre

Prepare to lose your head as one of the most empowering pieces of modern British musical theatre takes centre stage at London’s Lyric Theatre.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Running until 18^th April 2021, the sell-out intoxicating Tudor take-off offers an incredibly strong and powerful message to onlookers, with tickets from £24.95.

Learn more and book tickets.

Potted Panto at the Garrick Theatre

Who said pantos are just for kids?

Don’t miss Potted Panto as it returns for the tenth time this Christmas with a socially distanced run at the Garrick Theatre.

See seven iconic pantomime productions packed into one 70-minute show, brought to you by double Olivier nominees Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner. In a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from the wonderful world of pantomime, the dastardly double act dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London and making sure that Cinderella gets to the Ball.

It’s all unmissable fun, whether you’re six or 106, with tickets from £20 per person. Plus, make the most of group bookings with unmissable discounts too.

Learn more and book tickets.

Pop-up panto Cinderella at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square

Looking for a spellbinding pantomime show?

Get ready for the live pantomime performance of Cinderella, starring Michelle Heaton, as it takes to the stage of the ODEON Luxe in Leicester Square.

Offering only one live performance on Sunday 3^rd January 2021 at the ODEON, the show will be the grande finale of the panto tour making it a must-see this festive season. The 75-minute show will bring to life the beloved tale of the humble kitchen maid, who’s life is made unbearable by her ghastly stepmother and ugly stepsisters. Tickets from £15.

Plus, for those who can’t wait until January, see the show at ODEON in Wimbledon, running from 29^th December 2020 – 2^nd January 2021.

Learn more and book tickets.

Outdoor terrace and mouth-watering Mexican/Peruvian menus at Leicester Square Kitchen

Exploring all that entertainment, arts and culture can be hungry work. So, refuel with a bite to eat at Leicester Square Kitchen.

Now open in the heart of Leicester Square, offering festive menus, Christmas Day bookings and the all-new Las Posadas, a new vibrant winter outdoor heated terrace. Get ready to be transported to the winter fiestas of Mexico and Peru with a selection of contemporary dishes and signature cocktails.

Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 7666 0902

E: reservations@leicestersquarekitchen.co.uk

Outdoor heated terrace and date night ideas at the Hippodrome Casino

Looking for a rooftop bar in Leicester Square?

Discover the Hippodrome Casino‘s all-new heated outdoor terrace – running over 3 floors of this gigantic venue and open til 11pm every night. Serving a substantial menu alongside a fully fledged drinks selection, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Hippodrome.

Plus, don’t miss the raft of entertainment on this festive season in the Hippodrome’s theatre. Usually home to Magic Mike’s live shows, this December you’ll find the likes of The Girls From Oz, Matt Cardle and Shappi Khorsandi all taking to the stage to bring you wonderful wintery shows to enjoy. See what’s on.

What’s more, tucked away at the top of the Casino, the Heliot Steak House is a must-visit for those looking to spoil loved ones silly. Rated as Bookatable’s Best London Steak House in 2018, dine in dreamy surrounds over-looking the casino floor below.

Book your table online. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 7769 8844

E: reservationist@hippodromecasino.com

Exceptional festive feasts at Farzi Café London

Dine at the exquisite modern spice bistro serving cutting edge, avant-garde Indian cuisine with a twist at Farzi Café.

Tuck-in to Farzi Cafe favourites with 20% off the a la carte and brunch menus, available Tuesday – Sunday (till 5pm on Fridays & Saturdays) throughout December. Or, tuck-in to a Christmas Menu, available till 24th December 2020.

Plus, enjoy a special Christmas Day set menu on 25th December with a complimentary glass of Mulled Wine at £55 per person, open from 12pm – 10pm on Christmas Day with last seating at 8pm, and Farzi will be open on Boxing Day too.

Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 3981 0090

E: restaurant@farzilondon.com

Fanny McGee’s fabulous festive treats at Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Expect no nonsense tipples and a jolly good knees up at Mr Fogg’s traditional Victorian-themed tavern in the heart of theatre land.

Revel in the joyous festivities serving special Christmas drinks with the likes of mulled wine, ales, bubbles, spirits and punches galore. Surrounded by an eccentric array of memorabilia from around the world, the Tavern forms the perfect backdrop for a cosy Christmassy evening.

Plus, tuck-in to a festive feast from Fanny McGee, serving two-courses for £26, three-courses for £32, or three-courses plus a welcome drink for £36. Enjoy a range of delectable dishes, including starters, mains and desserts. View menu here.

Book your table online here. Or, call using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 7581 3992

E: tavern@mr-foggs.com

Granaio’s Classic Italian Christmas Dining

Experience Italian dining at it’s finest at Granaio, in the heart of Piccadilly Circus and seconds away from Leicester Square. Serving an incredible four-course Christmas set menu for £45 per person, including a complimentary glass of Prosecco, it’s the must-have menu to tuck-in to this festive season.

Choose from a selection of stunning starters to start, from the likes of the Pumpkin cream soup with shitake crumb and fried sage, to the smoked salmon with sourdough and horseradish dish. Followed by a pasta or rice entrée selection and main course. If you’ve any space left for a dreamy dessert, dive into a traditional Italian pudding of panettone with mascarpone cream.

Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0) 207 9301 459

E: reservation@ristorantegranaio.co.uk

Drag me to brunch at The Lost Alhambra

Join drag idol winners Felix le Freak, Jimmy Lavender, and award-nominated drag Vamp Mynxie for an experience you’ll never forget at The Lost Alhambra.

Offering tickets from £55 per person, including a welcome cocktail on arrival, brunch and one-hour of unlimited Prosecco, beer or cocktails, don’t miss the West End’s number one Drag Brunch running every Saturday from 3-5.30pm in the heart of Leicester Square. The campery kicks off with a game of DRAG QUEEN BINGO – with musical clues and prizes to be won. Followed by an afternoon filled with music, comedy and games.

Plus, why not top-up to make your drinks last longer? Pick-up a premium ticket for £60 per person for two-hours of unlimited Prosecco, beer or cocktails and brunch. Or, go platinum for £65 per person for three-hours of unlimited Prosecco, beer or cocktails, alongside a brilliant brunch menu.

Book your tickets online here. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 8191 9144

E: bookings@thelostalhambra.co.uk

Frosé Royale Brunch at W London

Luxe up your post-lockdown life with Frosé Royale brunch experience at The Perception inside the W London.

Offering tickets for £45 per person, wrap your lips around 1 ½ hours of free-flowing flirty frosé topped with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fill-up on a bold brunch menu including delicious desserts. Running every Saturday and Sunday from 1-5:30pm, it’s a must-have bubbly brunch that’ll leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Plus, settle in for the afternoon and immerse yourself in the electric tunes of the W’s resident DJ while mingling with Soho’s hottest socially distanced crowd.

Book your tickets online here. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 7758 1060

E: theperception@whotels.com

Disco Brunch at Blame Gloria

Excite your senses to Blame Gloria’s lip-smacking Disco Brunch – back in all it’s glory!

Offering standard tickets from £35 per person for one hour of bottomless Prosecco, it’s the party we’ve been waiting a long time to rediscover. Plus, why not top-up for only £10 more to enjoy two hours of bottomless Prosecco?

Running every Saturday and Sunday from 12-6pm, you’ll be greeted with a Glitter Bomb Cocktail Reception, followed by bottomless Prosecco, a brunch meal, disco vocalist, DJ hosts, bingo, disco dance off and more.

Book your tickets online here. Or, call or email using the following details:

T: +44 (0)20 8191 7665

E: bookings@blamegloria.co.uk