Dating ideas for London this Winter...

With so much to do in London this Christmas, take a look at our top suggestions for a festive outing in the capital with someone special...

The Absolut Ice Bar
Heddon Street
W1B 4BN

Yes, London has its very own permanent ice bar! Kept at minus five degrees all year round, everything inside this bar is made out of the crystal clear ice all the way from the Torne River in Sweden. The walls, bar, tables and even your own glass holding a vodka cocktail are made of ice. You’re even issued with a warm thermal cape on arrival, which will keep the shivering at bay throughout your 40 minutes in the bar.

Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park

Set between Hyde Park Corner and the Serpentine, this 24,000 square metre site features London’s largest outdoor ice rink, a toboggan slide, a traditional German Christmas Market, numerous cafes and bars, an incredible 50m giant observation wheel offering magnificent views, a carousel, a helter-skelter and carol concerts. Winter Wonderland is open 10am to 10pm daily until January 6.

Christmas Ice Skating
Assorted venues, London

From Hampton Court to Canary Wharf, Somerset House to Kew Gardens, yet again London is dotted with an array of outdoor ice rinks – all open for a season of skating. Tickets should be bought in advance for your allocated hour, and be sure to follow your twirl on the ice with a glass of mulled wine.

Rock Star Karaoke at The Loop
Dering Street
W1S 1AH

Be a rock star any given Thursday at The Loop and try out some karaoke with a difference. This place supplies a full live backing band, complete with bass, drums and lead guitar, and you can even choose from around 200 songs in advance online. Situated between Oxford Street and Hanover Square, this bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, some funky decor and enthusiastic staff. They also serve a great selection of winter comfort food, including scrumptious platters – perfect for two.

Tower Bridge European Christmas Market
Potter’s Field

Christmas Markets are a tradition throughout continental Europe and this year, Potters Field on the south side of London’s Tower Bridge hosts London’s very own, which runs until December 22. The Tower Bridge European Christmas Market will feature traders – in traditional wooden market huts – from across Europe selling arts, crafts, food, drink and bundles of Christmas gifts and decorations. Entertainment on offer includes Santa in his grotto, a wooden carousel, acoustic musicians and Christmas choirs. Open daily from 10am to 8pm. For details on more Christmas markets across London, click here

The Zeta Bar
Hilton Hotel
Hertford Street
W1J 7SD

Named in the top twenty of the ‘Coolest Bars in London’ by the Evening Standard, the very stylish Zeta Bar nestles in the heart of Mayfair and offers divine fresh fruit and champagne cocktails. Food comes in the form of oriental nibbles and snacks, and many of the UKs top DJs are said to appear here on a regular basis.

The Great Christmas Pudding Race
Covent Garden

Every year on a cold December morning, over one hundred participants don their best fancy dress and dash around Covent Garden trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate, and attempting to avoid obstacles, such as flour balloons. It’s a hilarious day out with plenty of entertainment... and it’s sprinkled with celebrities galore. Plus it all raises funds for a good cause – Cancer Research UK. The 27th Great Christmas Pudding Race takes place on December 8 at 11.30am in Covent Garden Market.

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Above, Absolut Ice Bar; Heddon Street

Sacha Markin, MyVillage, 10th December