Christmas activities

Fiona McKenzie-Johnston enlightens the holiday procrastinators and plan-averse among us as to how to pull together a last-minute Christmas… and who knows, it may just be your best one yet

From house-visiting wassailing to a curiously dangerous game of snapdragon – these are the classic British customs to try during the festive period

Our yuletide library comprises classic Christmas stories, comforting nostalgic reads and a handful of unexpected entries. Take note for your own reading list this year

Handmade gifts are definitely not just for children. Here, the experts show us how to do it with style

Florist and author Graeme Corbett of Bloom & Burn walks us through how he makes elegant table arrangements using seasonal local ingredients

What is more festive than a bit of crafting? Florist and author Graeme Corbett of Bloom & Burn walks us through how he makes his festive wreaths, using seasonal local ingredients.

From traditional services of lessons and carols to gospel and folk extravaganzas, there really is something for everyone to enjoy in London this December

Christmas light trails are always a fun family activity at this time of year – these are the ones we'd head for in London this year

The brand’s immersive holiday-themed pop-up promises festive workshops, from wreath-making to artisan cookie decorating, timeless gifting, and even giving back

From Bath to Edinburgh, York to Chatsworth House to Blenheim Palace, these are the best Christmas markets to visit in 2025, perfect for absorbing the atmosphere with a glass of mulled wine and finding unusual presents to delight your loved ones

From Covent Garden and Kings Cross to some lesser-known gems, these are our favourite Christmas markets to find rare and lovely presents

Easy to grow, versatile, and great for wildlife, ivy is one of the best garden climbers, and it makes a good houseplant too. Hazel Sillver looks at how to grow this festive evergreen. 

Become the life and soul of the party with these simple dinner party games

From Prague to Copenhagen, go further afield for your festive shopping this year by visiting one of the most magical Christmas markets that pop up in European squares

Lonely country houses, sudden snowstorms, cut telephone wires and plenty of unexplained death – just the thing for a cold winter's evening

Planning a Christmas quiz? This is how to structure it and the rounds to consider including

From Gin Rummy to Irish Snap, pick up the rules for these two-player card games in a flash

Discover who from our Top 100 loves a puzzle, who’s building a model railway, who cooks in wellies and who goes out looking for wild pigs by torch light…

Discover how the cool kids of Instagram are decking the halls this year…