12 Days of Christmas – a suggested itinerary

12 Days of Christmas

With Christmas approaching at a gallop worthy of Prancer, it’s time to think not only about shopping for food and gifts, and sending out all those Christmas cards, but also about taking time to relax and enjoy all the many festive events taking place in our neighbourhood. If you’re lucky enough to be living in the St Margarets area, where our luxury serviced apartments enjoy a quiet sense of community alongside easy access to central London, here’s a suggested itinerary for the twelve days leading up to the sleigh passing overhead…

Friday 14 December

At Strawberry Hill House, the Gothic Revival home of Horace Walpole, enjoy a Christmas choir and carols with minced pies, mulled wine and a tour.

Saturday 15 December

After a festive horse-drawn carriage ride through Richmond Park, watch a rugby union match as Harlequins take on Benetton at Twickenham Stoop.

Sunday 16 December

Enjoy your birdwatching before a visit to Santa’s Grotto at the wonderful London Wetlands Centre, or join the other Santas for a fancy-dress fun run at Bushy Park in aid of Princess Alice Hospice.

Monday 17 December

Skate back in time with ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace.

Tuesday 18 December

There’s nothing quite like following the trail of lights at Kew Gardens.

Christmas at kew gardens — Christmas at kew

Wednesday 19 December

Get in the swing of Christmas at the Eel Pie Club, where the Christmas party features the Eel Pie All-Stars.

Thursday 20 December

Recreate the atmosphere of the seventeenth century with a candlelit Christmas at the National Trust’s Ham House.

Friday 21 December

Brace yourself for the festive season with a Moonlight Dip at Hampton Pool.

Saturday 22 December

For those missing gifts, there’s last-minute shopping at Kingston Christmas market.

Sunday 23 December

Christmas isn’t Christmas without pantomime, and there’s no better swashbuckler than Robert Lindsay playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Richmond Theatre. Tick-tock!