London's winter wonderland

GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE
A hundred and fifty fancy-dress contestants run around Covent Garden while trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate and avoiding obstacles, such as balloons full of flour. This charity event to raise money for Cancer Research will include parades, practice races and other live entertainment. Free to watch or £500 to enter a team of six.
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2, from 11am, 8 Dec (www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk) free.

PAGANS, PARASITES AND PRESENTS: THE NATURAL HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS
Look beyond the high street for the true meaning of the yuletide season. The Natural History Museum talk explores the real history behind Christmas traditions to see how our pagan ancestors worshipped the natural world at this time of year. And crucially, it will explain the real reason for Rudolph's red nose.
Natural History Museum, SW7, 12.30pm and
2.30pm, 21 Dec (020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk) free.

CHRISTMAS FOR COUPLES

ABSOLUT ICEBAR'S WINTER WONDERLAND
The first permanent icebar in the UK is kept at minus five degrees, with everything inside made out of crystal clear ice from Sweden - walls, bar, tables and even your glass. Warm up with a vodka cocktail while wearing their thermal cloaks.
Absolut Icebar, 31-33 Heddon Street, W1 (020 7478 8910, www.belowzerolondon.com) entrance fee £12-£15, including a free drink.

TOWER TWILIGHT TOURS
Led by Yeoman Warders, these after-hours tours offer a less tourist-ridden experience of the Tower and the Royal intrigue associated with it.
Tower of London, EC3, until 27 Feb (0870 950 2255, www.hrp.org.uk) £25

LONDON EYE
The Eye gets festive with offers such as Mistletoe Cupid's Capsule. Couples can take in the panoramic views in a private capsule, while sipping champagne and munching truffles.
London Eye, SE1 (0870 5000 600, www.londoneye.com) from £299.

CHRISTMAS ON ICE
More ice-rinks than ever dot the capital this year. Hyde Park (see above), Kew Gardens, Somerset House and the Natural History Museum host the big ones. All have cafés where you can warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Or head to the O2 Arena for its undercover ice rink and disco, with special themed nights.
Kew Gardens Ice Rink, TW9, until 6 Jan (0870 4000 797, www.kewgardensicerink.com).
Somerset House, The Strand, WC2, until 27 Jan (0844 847 1520, www.somersethouse.org.uk) £7-£15.
National History Museum Ice Rink & Christmas Fair, Cromwell Road, SW7, until 20 Jan (0844 847 1576, www.nhm.ac.uk) £7.50-£11.
O2 Ice Disco, SE10, until 9 March (0870 534 444, www.theo2co.uk) £7.50-£11.

HIGH STREET RETREATS

New restaurant The Wallace is a modern French brasserie set in a courtyard complete with camelia trees and glass roof located just behind Selfridges. Mince pies and fairy cakes in this elegant dining roomprovide shelter from the Oxford Street massif.
The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, W1 (020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org) open daily from 10am.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA
Champagne tea is accompanied by a jazz duo to help you unwind. On 22 December, children of those who book for afternoon tea will be whisked next door and given cookie dough to make biscuits. Once decorated, the cookies will be baked and the children and goods delivered back to their parents. A relaxing break for fraught families.
Four Seasons Hotel, Hamilton Place, W1, Champagne tea from 1 Dec (020 7499 0888, www.fourseasons.com) from £39.

SEE THE LIGHTS

CARNABY STREET
The edgy thoroughfare is decked with oversized metal "paper chains" with a holographic green finish.
Carnaby Street, W11, until 1 Jan (www.carnaby.co.uk) free.

REGENT STREET
Entitled "Unity", this year's Regent Street illuminations have 14 light clusters automatically turned on by pedestrians passing beneath them from the north and south ends. The lights also respond to wind speed, lighting levels and crowd density to create an ever-changing display.
Regent Street, W1, until 6 Jan (www.regentstreetonline.com) free.

BURLINGTON ARCADE
Wander along Britain's oldest shopping parade - twinkling with subtle white lights. Upmarket shops offer the perfect present shopping or stocking filler opportunity.
Burlington Arcade, W1, until 6 Jan (www.burlington-arcade.co.uk) free.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE TREE LIGHTING
The enormous tree has been presented as Norway's token of gratitude for Britain's assistance during the Second World War since 1947. Decorated with 500 lights, it's one of London's great Christmas traditions.
Trafalgar Square, WC2, 6 Dec, 6.30pm, (www.london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare) free.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

TRAFALGAR SQUARE CAROLS
Wrap up warm and join a variety of London choirs here on December evenings for a rousing sing-song, by the glow of festive lights.
Trafalgar Square, WC2, 10-23 Dec, 5pm-9pm (excluding 11 Dec) free.

CRISIS CAROL SERVICE
Sing along with the Thames Philharmonic Choir, with mince pies and mulled wine afterwards. And all on behalf of Crisis, the charity that fights homelessness.
Southwark Cathedral, SE1, 6.30pm, 8 Dec 020 7426 3853) free but tickets must be booked in advance.

FAMILY CAROL SERVICE
At 45 minutes, St Paul's Christingle service is a family-friendly length. Children are especially welcome, and will be doled out Christingles with fruits and sweets.
St Paul's Cathedral, EC4, 1pm, 22 Dec (020 7236 4128, www.stpauls.co.uk) free.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
London's classic carol concerts take place annually at the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets sell like hot mince pies, so book now carols plus readings from Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol and music by Handel, Mozart and Bach.
Royal Albert Hall, SW7. Concerts from 22 until 24 Dec, times vary (020 7589 8212, www.royalalberthall.com) £11-£39.50.