As Prince Albert and Queen Victoria are credited with popularising Christmas in the UK, it makes sense to go hang out with them at Kensington Palace this year. From December 1 to 24 the palace (pictured) will be turned into a ‘living advent calendar’. The ‘young queen’ will read from her Christmas diaries every day at 2pm (okay, it’s not really her), before opening one of the 24 specially-designed large silver baubles to reveal that day’s Christmas surprise.

Admission to the palace is £14.50 for adults, children go free. For more information and details of other festive events at the palace, including a carol concert, festive ball and eerie evening tour, visit the website.

After the Christmas reveal, head down the road to Piccadilly for Christmas afternoon tea at the Park Lane hotel. Drape yourself on a sofa in the lovely 1920's Palm Court Lounge surrounded by Christmas trees - and tickle your festive tastebuds with seasonal delicacies like turkey quiche, spiced gingerbread and blue cheese, cinnamon scones with a selection of Christmas preserves including St Clements curd, and cranberry jam, and to finish apple strudel and an egg nog brulee featuring Santa Claus designs! Available until December 26, it costs £45 per person including a glass of Rose Champagne, for bookings phone 0207 290 7328 or visit www.palmcourtlondon.co.uk. And there's a fantastic harpist - we strongly recommend this one.

Finish up the day with a spot of ice-skating. There are plenty of options on offer but my two favourites are the rinks at Somerset House and the National Portrait Gallery. Mainly due to their seriously impressive architectural backdrops and number of sparkly lights. (I don’t actually skate – too scary.) If you’re making a night of it, the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia is close by and offering a Skate & Stay package (from £240 per room per night) including a pair of skating tickets, overnight accommodation and full English breakfast.

Or, if you’re just staying around for dinner, then the Bedford & Strand bistro off the Strand is only minutes away from Somerset House and has a full festive menu on offer every day.

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