Have you decided to stay in London for the holidays? Then you will be spoiled for choice on events to attend! The UK capital is at the epicentre of social events all year round, but especially for the festive season. But, if this is your first year in London, or most of your friends are not on campus now, you might be looking for more than just a cool event: you’d want to experience London through a different lens and meet new people too!
It can feel daunting to go to new social spaces alone or to manage your time alone when your friends are not available. Social media often makes us feel pressured to have our schedules booked back-to-back. We want you to know that it’s perfectly OK not to! It’s absolutely valid to decide to stay in and enjoy your own company, to take a full rest before the next term.
However, if you occasionally desire to go out and experience a different environment with new people, here’s a list of community-based and budget-friendly events around London for Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
1. Social Walking Group
It can be difficult sometimes to feel the festive spirit without the urge to spend money. Popular media and digital advertisements often lead us to believe that Christmas cannot be enjoyed without huge parties and expensive gifts, but this is not true! This special time of year should be celebrated according to your needs and preferences, and not be dictated by any kind of peer pressure.
If your goal is to meet people organically, enjoy the Christmas spirit and not spend much money, then this London Social Walking Group is exactly what you’re looking for! The event attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, to take a stroll and see the Christmas decorations in Bond Street and then go out for a meal. This could be the perfect opportunity for you to make new friends and see London like you’ve never done before.
2. Pub Quiz
If you like to socialize in a cozy space, with an intimate setting that encourages conversation, and a game to bring you all together, pub quizzes are right up your alley! No prior knowledge is needed, just a passion for group games and willingness to do some teamwork. You can find many pub quiz events around different spots in London, with seasonal themes or pop culture topics.
If you’re looking for a place to start, this group is meeting on the last days of December in Canary Wharf, as well as other locations! You can get in touch with them through Eventbrite, where you’ll find many similar events happening during the winter break.
3. Watch the fireworks for free!
Let us de-influence you: you do not need to break the bank to enjoy your New Year’s Eve celebration. For instance, while watching the New Year’s fireworks in London is a ticketed event, there are plenty of spaces around the City to look up to the sky and enjoy the show for free. For a central spot, you can head to Cannon Street, which is incredibly close to the ticketed areas, so you’re bound to have a great view of the fireworks!
Make sure to get there early to secure a good spot. If you’re not looking forward to a huge crowd, you can venture to other zones for a scenic view of London at midnight. Some popular recommendations are Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill, where you can gather to watch the fireworks show from a distance!
We hope you have a great winter break, and that you use this time to relax, unwind, and replenish your energies for the next term!