Countdown to Christmas dates for your diary

Sam Wylie-Harris counts down to Christmas with a look at just a few of the fun, festive activities being lined up...

REGENT STREET LIGHTS
NOV 9
Make a beeline for Hamleys (which this year is celebrating its 250th anniversary) and watch Regent Street light up for Christmas. While the celebrity switch-flicker is secret, shoppers are promised a glowing night out as dozens of shops get into the festive spirit with window displays, carols and treats.
Regent Street, W1. Visit viewlondon.co.uk

WESTFIELD LONDON ICE RINK
NOV 13-JAN 2
This shoppers' paradise is welcoming style-seekers onto the ice for a unique skating experience. The Atrium will transform into an ice rink for up to 150 skaters. Expect a bumper night of exhilarating fun, all under Westfield's stunning glass ceilings. Other highlights include a Christmas grotto where Rocket the Reindeer appears.
Ariel Way, W12. Tickets: TBC. Visit westfield.com

CANARY WHARF SPARKLES
NOV 13-FEB 20
With luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co and a Christmas shopping extravaganza throughout the malls, Canary Wharf has all your festive needs wrapped up. Santa's Arrival Weekend (Dec 4 to 5) will showcase Santa's magical grotto, with skating and carols beneath the iconic towers. There's even a London Ice Sculpting Festival (Jan 15 to 16) with artists sculpting magical creations.
Canada Square, E14. For details visit mycanarywharf.com

WINTER WONDERLAND IN HYDE PARK
NOV 19-JAN 4
Boasting food stalls galore, London's largest ice rink, a giant observation wheel, Santa Land and Live Big Top shows such as Cirque D'Hiver and Zippo's Circus, Winter Wonderland is a one-stop shop for the entire family's Christmas entertainment. Entry is free and tokens for all the rides can be purchased on the day.
Hyde Park, W1. Visit hydeparkwinter
wonderland.com

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE SOUTH BANK
NOV 19-DEC 23
The Cologne Christmas Market returns to the riverfront Queen's Walk this year. Traditional German handicrafts sit alongside local delicacies like bratwurst sausage and the spicy festive tipple glühwein. Within the labyrinth of wooden chalets, there's even a jolly Santa Klaus.

DEC 3-5
Stroll through the culinary treats on offer at The Real Food Christmas Market, and you might need Santa's little helpers to carry these goodies home. Laden with Christmassy favourites like mince pies and mulled wine, delicacies include cheeses, zesty chutneys and pickles, hams and charcuterie and chocolates.
South Bank, SE1. Visit southbanklondon.com

CINDERELLA AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
NOV 20-DEC 31
Watch the Royal Ballet bring this fairytale to life in Frederick Ashton's
full-length version where classical ballet meets English pantomime, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Royal Opera House. The Christmas season also includes the opera Hansel and Gretel.
Covent Garden, WC2. Tickets: £5-£100.
Visit roh.org.uk

LONDON EYE
NOV 20-JAN 5
Get your skates on and head to the London Eye which boasts an open air ice rink for the first time this Christmas. After taking in the capital's famous sights from the world's highest observation wheel, skaters can enjoy a 45-minute whizz around the rink. Ice-skating is part of packages combined with flights on the Eye.
South Bank, SE1. Tickets: from £10.50 for skating.
Visit londoneye.com

TASTE OF CHRISTMAS
DEC 3-5
Foodies rejoice. Taste of London is returning to Excel London. Gourmets and wine lovers can rub shoulders with big name chefs and sommeliers, sip and stroll through the boutique wine and food markets, check out new products, and indulge their taste buds with seasonal menus from 12 of London's top restaurants.
Excel London, E16. Advance tickets: £19, VIP £45, children £10, under-10s free. Visit tasteofchristmas.com