How to have an alternative Christmas: London traditions that shun the norm

Feast your eyes and stomach on Chinatown’s delights

Chinatown is a treasure trove waiting to be explored and a popular alternative destination at Christmas for those who can’t face a traditional plate of roast turkey and spuds. If you’re not feeling especially festive, why not swap the nearby strings of fairy lights for Chinatown’s red and yellow lanterns, and see off John Lewis’s Excitable Edgar with the more colourful, vibrant dragons that fly through these quarters? As for which restaurant to hedge your bets on, half the fun is in taking a punt on somewhere busy with a gaggle crowding around the menu outside. Us? We’ve enjoyed Sichuanese noodles and dumplings from Baozilnn, expertly marinated meats from Four Seasons, and the chance to sauce, dip or fry our own dishes at Shu Xiangge.

Connect with others through The Grief Network

Christmas can be particularly hard if someone you loved and used to spend the holiday with is no longer around. When Rachel Wilson lost her mum at just 25 years old, she searched for a network of other young people who had experienced something similar. Finding none, she wrote to culture and lifestyle podcast The High Low and, after her letter was read out on the show, received an overwhelming number of replies from others who had also lost a close relative.

Wilson has since gone on to set up The Grief Network, a London-based community for bereaved young people who meet up once a month to share stories of love, loss and everything in between. On Sunday 15 December, the network is hosting its ‘Shitmas Party’, where ‘fully-fledged grief humbuggery is welcome’. Expect a crafty workshop, comedy from Jack Rocke, DJ sets and plenty of time for dancing.

Take a bracing dip… or cheer on brave swimmers

For some, Christmas is all about lounging guilt-free in pyjamas in front of the telly – but not for those competing in the Serpentine Swimming Club’s Peter Pan Cup: an annual Christmas Day race that sees brave swimmers jump straight into the chilly waters of the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. The 100-yard race, which starts at 9am sharp on Christmas morning, has been held every year since 1864 – with author J M Barrie becoming a supporter and cup presenter in 1903 (hence its name).

While the race itself is open only to members of the club deemed hardy enough to take the leap, spectators are welcome to cheer the swimmers on. If you’re looking for something refreshing to do this Christmas, why not turn up and show your support? You’ll walk away with a new-found appreciation for your winter woollies.

Quieten the mind through a meditative retreat

Whether you’re fighting the desire to spend the day burrowed under the covers, or are hoping to use your solo Christmas to quietly reflect on what you’re thankful for, you might find you need a bit of help silencing the mind. The London Buddhist Centre is hosting a Christmas Day Retreat: a communal day of meditation, reflection and ritual. No former experience of Buddhism required – the centre is welcoming of all – and while much of the day will be spent in silence, attendees are encouraged to bring a vegan lunch to share with the group. The retreat is free to attend, with a suggested donation of £30 per person.

Make cocktails in care homes

Fancy making cocktails for a good cause? Arts charity Magic Me runs monthly events that sees cocktail enthusiasts host parties in care homes throughout the city. Yes… you read that right. Cocktails in Care Homes is an initiative that injects some fun into care-home visits, presumably benefiting the volunteers as much as the residents.

Volunteers can decide whether they want to be Party Go-ers or Party Managers. The former is a flexible role through which volunteers can attend a cocktail party of their choosing, socialising with residents and helping them engage with the entertainment. The latter involves committing three hours per month to one particular party: planning, setting up and ensuring it all runs smoothly. Follow the link below to find out about parties taking place this December.

Dine in good company at The Alexandra pub

If you’re spending Christmas alone this year but are still craving a steaming plate of turkey with all the trimmings, reserve your pew at The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon. Here, a free roast dinner is offered to anyone spending Christmas alone. Landlords Mick and Sarah Dore have been running the event for five years now, with the support of neighbouring shops and residents looking to share in the goodwill. Not only will you eat your fill of seasonal favourites, you’ll also get to share festive cheer with other Londoners.

Volunteer to make Christmas happen for others

Not everyone gets to sit down to Christmas dinner or even spend the holidays with a roof over their head. The festive period is as much about being thankful for what you have, and charitable towards those less fortunate, as it is about indulging in food, gifts and good company. If you’re not planning on celebrating yourself, why not volunteer with a charity this Christmas? From helping The Basket Brigade deliver hampers to lending a hand in a community kitchen or an overnight shelter, there are plenty of organisations across the city that could use your support. Follow the link below to find out more.