This festive season, two extraordinary new experiences are inviting Londoners and visitors alike to not just celebrate Christmas – but to immerse themselves in its sights, sounds and spirit.
For families with little ones, the Wundrful World of Christmas (8 Nov-24 Dec) transforms Borough Yards into a snowy, sparkly North Pole dream. Designed especially for three to eight-year-olds and their grown-ups, this interactive mixed-reality walk-through adventure is packed with storybook charm, festive play and sensory fun.
The magic begins the moment you step inside the Wundr Lift and soar into a snow-covered world guided by your elf pilot. Wander through a twinkling Enchanted Forest, take part in an elf training session and help toy-making elves in Santa’s busy workshop. Along the way, you’ll meet animated characters, friendly performers and even Mrs Claus offering up treats.
The adventure ends in a cosy cottage, where little ones can get a special photo with Santa Claus himself – with prints, goodies and letters to Santa available in the North Pole Post Office gift shop. Plan for about an hour of wundrful festive fun, then head into nearby foodie’s paradise Borough Market, which will likely have Christmas-themed events, seasonal delicacies and buskers singing jolly tunes.
Adults, meanwhile, can indulge in a more decadent kind of holiday experience at The Lost Estate’s The Great Christmas Feast in West Kensington (14 Nov-4 Jan), a multi-sensory journey into the heart of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Set on Christmas Eve, 1843, you’re invited to dine in Dickens’ candlelit ‘home’ near Regent’s Park – but this is no ordinary meal. As ghost stories swirl and snow gently falls outside, the writer himself weaves his legendary tale around you. Spellbinding performances unfold in real time, with live musicians, theatrical illusions and plenty of showstopping moments of magic.
Between chapters, a lavish three-course banquet faithful to Victorian recipes is served: think potted rare-breed beef or smoked salmon to start, followed by confit duck or a mushroom pithivier with all the trimmings. Finish with traditional Christmas pudding, crème anglaise and a generous helping of festive wonder.
With shared, private and VIP dining options available – including Champagne on arrival and exclusive seating – this feast has fast become one of London’s most sought-after annual immersive experiences.
