10 alternative things to do at Christmas

Family, presents, pudding, turkey, tree, crackers, TV – yawn. Christmas can certainly be samey, but it really doesn’t have to be. Try one of these alternative Christmas activities and break free of festive clichés.

1. Christmas afternoon tea, London

Quintessentially English and ever so refined. Indulge in a little elegance and some choice culinary delights with Christmas afternoon tea at one of London’s finest hotels. The Ritz is the first name on everyone’s lips, though with 12 weeks advance booking required, you might want to try somewhere else. The Dorchester, Claridge’s, and Brown’s all offer exceptional experiences, many with additional festive touches like carol singing included. Incidentally, Claridge’s is the twice winner of ‘The Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea’ award, if that helps you decide.

2. Boxing Day sky dive, Nottinghamshire

From Mum’s roast turkey to throwing yourself out of an aeroplane: it’s quite a leap (pun intended). Langar Airfield in Nottingham is home to the British Parachute School, and it’s open every day of the year except Christmas Day. A sky dive will really get your heart racing, and you can turn some heads at the inevitable “how was your Christmas” routine back at work. It’s definitely better than board games.

3. Samuel Pepys walk, London

Kick off Christmas Day with a frosty morning walk through London. You’ll see the city like you’ve never seen it before: all but empty of people, the shops closed, and its churches ringing their bells for Christmas Day services. Famous 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys certainly loved London’s atmosphere, and you can walk in his footsteps on this festive tour through the city’s age-old secrets. Walks leave Trafalgar Square at 11am and 2pm.

4. Christmas Burlesque, Bath

Angels, elves, snowmen: it’s all a bit too cute isn’t it? At the Komedia in Bath, Christmas is given a markedly different flavour at the Ministry of Burlesque’s seasonal special. All the joys of cabaret are on offer, from costume to comedy, showgirls to songs and a healthy dose of double entendre. It’s the bare underbelly of Victoriana at its best, and an excellent alternative Christmas night out (23 December), with the option of a three-course Christmas meal also available.

5. Enchanted Christmas forest walks, Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

A natural wonderland all year round, Westonbirt Arboretum at Christmas is an enchanted haven of festive goodies and fun. From late November to mid December, when it gets dark, trails through the Grade I-listed woodland are illuminated with atmospheric lighting, transforming them into magical Christmas scenes. You’ll meet Father Christmas, learn about the history of trees at Christmas, and hear Christmas choirs echoing between the branches.

6. Christmas retreat, Suffolk

If the stress and materialism of Christmas is getting to you, head off to a Buddhist retreat this Christmas and spend some time in quiet meditation. The London Buddhist Centre offers group retreats throughout the year. Christmas retreats take place in Suffolk. You can also book one of its solitary retreat huts to get away from it all and reconnect with the cosmos. Other centres offer retreats in Sussex, Shropshire and Norfolk.

7. Medieval Christmas banquets, Warwick Castle

Experience Christmas like the kings of old. A medieval Christmas banquet in one of England’s favourite castles. Every December, Warwick Castle throws open the doors of its Great Hall and hosts sumptuous medieval feasts, complete with medieval music, dancing, entertainers and cuisine.

8. Christmas surfing, Cornwall 

Surf’s up Santa! Make a Christmas splash and take to the waves with a spot of seasonal surfing. You’ll find plenty of operators open at this time of year, and December conditions are often exactly right for a great day’s wave-riding. Chilly? Well yes it is. Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay offers special Christmas breaks, complete with seasonal menus, top lodging and free surf lessons. Or just grab your own board and run into the sea at your leisure. Up to you.

9. The Greenwich Christmas Cycle Ride 

Another great English tradition. Get out in the brisk December air and join a gang of fellow cyclists on The Greenwich Christmas cycle ride. The ride kicks off at 10am on Christmas Day. From London’s landmark ship  the Cutty Sark, the routes winds through a remarkably quiet central London. You’ll pass along the South Bank, through Battersea Park and finish on Edgware Road for a bite to eat. You earned it!

10. Christmas Day dip in Brighton

A 19th-century club is to blame for this drastic act. Today’s members of the Brighton Swimming Club, established in 1860, get together on Christmas morning to take a dip in the sea by Brighton Pier. While participant numbers are relatively low, the event has a growing spectator following and makes for great morning’s fun. Join in yourself if you dare, or watch, laugh, and then saunter home, warm and dry.