London in December: Your Complete Exploration Guide

We’ve barely had time to return our Christmas trees to their cupboards, and already, awards season has arrived, heralding the first fashion spring of the year. The 82nd annual Golden Globes delivered a sartorial spectacle that will keep fashion commentators buzzing well into the Critics Choice Awards, Grammys, and Oscars. Tonight, the stars embraced a new era of Hollywood glamour—elegant, refined, and refreshingly modern. At the Beverly Hilton, nominees and attendees alike paraded a dazzling array of looks, offering a masterclass in red carpet dressing. Among the evening’s highlights, Cate Blanchett’s sartorial decision stood out. The celebrated actress revisited the shimmering gold Louis Vuitton gown she wore to the Cannes Film Festival last year, proving that true style transcends the need for novelty. Ariana Grande, ever the fashion darling, mined the archives as well, stepping onto the carpet in a buttery yellow Givenchy couture gown from 1966—a vision of vintage perfection. Zendaya, who continues to dominate red carpets with her fearless yet thoughtful choices, donned custom Louis Vuitton. Styled by Law Roach, the look was a tribute to Joyce Bryant, a groundbreaking nightclub chanteuse of the 1940s. The ensemble served as both a nod to history and a showcase of Zendaya’s ability to balance drama with grace—a testament to the power of dressing with intention. The men also brought their A-game. Colman Domingo, known for his impeccable red carpet style, chose a sleek Valentino tuxedo featuring a statement bow-wrapped neck tie—a flourish both bold and elegant. Timothée Chalamet’s slim Tom Ford suit, paired with a skinny tie, channeled the tailored aesthetic of Bob Dylan, whom he portrays in the upcoming film A Complete Unknown . But it was Jeremy Strong who truly broke the mold, strutting in a mint green suit accessorized with a matching bucket hat. Wacky? Sure. Memorable? Absolutely. This year’s Golden Globes showcased the artistry and thoughtfulness behind red carpet fashion. Celebrities leaned into stories and statements, embracing designs that spoke to more than just fleeting trends. Below, we’ve rounded up the night’s best dressed stars. Which look will reign supreme? Cast your votes and stay tuned for the results.

If the idea of visiting London in January conjures images of chilly walks and grey skies, think again. While the festive buzz of December has faded, the city in January exudes a serene charm that beckons the discerning traveller. Quiet streets, exclusive sales, and intimate cultural moments make this a perfect time to experience London with a touch of luxury and minimalist elegance. Why January in London is Underrated January is London's quietest month, offering a unique opportunity to explore its iconic landmarks, museums, and galleries without the usual crowds. The post-holiday lull also brings incredible deals—think discounted luxury accommodations and high-end shopping at dramatically reduced prices. Yes, you’ll need to wrap up, but this only makes the city’s cosy pubs, heated rooftop terraces, and winter-inspired menus all the more inviting. Unmissable January Events New Year’s Day Parade - Jan 1 Kick off 2025 with a vibrant procession featuring brass bands, colourful floats, and street performers. Hogwarts in the Snow Until Jan 19 Immerse yourself in the magic of the Wizarding World at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, complete with snowy sets and filmmaking secrets. Winter Wonderland Until Jan 5 End the festive season with fairground rides, ice skating, and mulled wine at Hyde Park's iconic winter attraction. Paddington Bear Celebration Snap a photo with the Paddington mural, join a themed walking tour, or visit the festive Paddington Bear Experience. Chelsea Physic Garden Workshops Escape to this tranquil Chelsea gem and try a botanical workshop in the heart of winter. British Library Talks and Tours Dive into the library’s rich history and unique collection through engaging talks and guided tours. Our recommendation : Medieval Women: In Their Own Words - On display is an extraordinary array of manuscripts, documents, early printed books, paintings, coins, textiles and objects associated with women from across medieval Europe. They feature unique items from the British Library's own collections, alongside major loans from the Louvre, the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and other institutions. London Short Film Festival Jan 17–26 Experience the best of short storytelling with screenings that span genres and emotions. Burns Night Jan 25 Raise a toast to Scotland's beloved poet Robert Burns with traditional haggis, bagpipes, and plenty of whisky. Bitesize Barbican Explore affordable and bite-sized cultural events, including music, dance, visual arts, and cinema. Theatre Highlights The Devil Wears Prada at Dominion Theatre Elton John’s score meets high-fashion drama in this Broadway hit. Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre The award-winning musical phenomenon returns to London. Mrs. Doubtfire at Shaftesbury Theatre A heart-warming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved film. Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre Enter the Kit Kat Club and experience 1930s Berlin through this award-winning production. Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre Dance and sing along to ABBA’s timeless hits. Matilda the Musical Roald Dahl’s iconic story comes alive with wit, music, and magic. Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz. Titanique (Until Mar 2) A comedic musical retelling of the Titanic story, running through the winter. Activities to Try Serpentine New Year’s Day 10K Race (Jan 1) Watch or join this annual race in Hyde Park. Tick Off London’s Icons See Big Ben, the London Eye, and other landmarks with fewer crowds. Royal Sightseeing Visit Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. Walking Tours Explore Sherlock Holmes’s London or discover hidden gems with a guided tour. Sporting Venue Tours Go behind the scenes at Twickenham’s World Rugby Museum or Chelsea Football Club. Afternoon Tea Bus Tour: Sip tea while enjoying panoramic views of London’s landmarks. Food Tours and Markets: Explore Borough Market or indulge in afternoon tea at luxury venues. Unusual Museums: Visit The Household Cavalry Museum or delve into history at the Jack the Ripper Museum. Kew Gardens Winter Walks: Take in exotic plants and serene landscapes. IFS Cloud Cable Car: Enjoy breath-taking views of London from above. Day Trips: Venture out to Bath, Stonehenge, or Oxford. British Museum Tours: Experience highlights of its extensive collection with a guide. Rainy Day Attractions: From SEA LIFE Aquarium to Madame Tussauds, there’s plenty to do indoors. Art and Exhibitions National Gallery Highlights Tour: Explore iconic artworks with expert guides. The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace: Marvel at seasonal exhibitions in this intimate setting. FRAMELESS: Experience famous paintings brought to life through immersive technology. Zanele Muholi at Tate Modern (Until Jan 26): Discover striking works by this acclaimed photographer. Energy: Sparks from the Collection at the V&A (Until May 18): A fascinating look at energy in photography. Royal Observatory Greenwich Planetarium Shows: Travel through space at this awe-inspiring attraction. Vogue: Inventing the Runway: Delve into Vogue’s archives and experience fashion history up close. London Art Fair (Jan 22–26): A celebration of modern and contemporary art for collectors and enthusiasts. Concerts and Music New Year’s Day Proms (Jan 1): A quintessential British music celebration at the Barbican. ABBA Voyage: Relive the golden age of pop at this immersive concert experience. Jazz Cafe Camden: Pair world-class jazz with a gourmet dinner. January Blues Festival: Soak up soulful tunes at venues across the city. Free Experiences Chinese New Year (Jan 29) Celebrate the Year of the Snake with parades, performances, and festivities. Winter Walks in Parks Enjoy serene strolls through Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and more. Battersea Power Station Lights (Until Jan 5) Be dazzled by epic light displays during winter evenings. National Army Museum Dive into military history with free exhibits and events. Top Free Museums and Galleries From the British Museum to Tate Modern, enjoy world-class culture without spending a penny.

At the end of December, the fashion world buzzed with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as John Galliano announced his departure from Maison Margiela after an impactful ten years as creative director. Taking to Instagram, the legendary designer penned a heartfelt post that hinted at dreams yet to come, while expressing gratitude for a decade spent redefining one of fashion’s most enigmatic houses. Galliano’s time at Margiela was nothing short of transformative. Appointed in 2014, he was tasked with balancing the Maison’s legacy of anonymity and avant-garde minimalism with his own penchant for drama, theatricality, and boundary-pushing storytelling. It was a pairing that, on paper, seemed unlikely. In practice, it resulted in some of the most memorable moments in contemporary fashion history. From the beginning, Galliano’s tenure at Margiela was about reinvention. He approached the brand’s artisanal collections—its answer to couture—as an opportunity to showcase his unparalleled ability to blend craftsmanship with narrative. Who can forget his Fall 2015 debut, where models strode down the runway adorned with fragmented mirrors, turning the act of wearing fashion into a meditation on identity and perception? It was a signal of things to come: collections that not only dressed the body but also engaged the mind. Galliano’s vision extended beyond clothing. His collaborations with makeup artist Pat McGrath resulted in iconic beauty moments that became as integral to the shows as the garments themselves. Glass-like skin that made models resemble porcelain dolls, exaggerated silhouettes that blurred the lines between human and sculpture, and runway performances that felt more like avant-garde theatre—Galliano made the Margiela runway a space for magic. Highlights of a Decade Spring 2015 Couture Galliano’s debut couture collection for Margiela was an experimental exploration of deconstruction and reconstruction. It featured dramatic silhouettes, unexpected materials, and a sense of rebellion against traditional couture norms, setting the tone for his transformative tenure at the Maison. Spring 2018 Couture A bold exploration of deconstruction, featuring garments that appeared mid-transformation—half-tailored suits, exposed inner workings, and layers of transparent tulle. It was Galliano at his most conceptual, taking the Maison’s ethos of unfinished beauty to new heights. Spring 2020 Ready-to-Wear A collection inspired by upcycling and sustainability, long before it became an industry buzzword. Galliano turned discarded materials into high fashion, blending elegance with a message of responsibility. Leon Dame’s Viral Walk for Spring 2020 Galliano’s ability to create unforgettable moments extended to casting and direction. Model Leon Dame’s exaggerated, almost militaristic strut down the runway became an instant internet sensation, embodying the rebellious spirit of the collection and showcasing Galliano’s talent for blending performance art with fashion. Spring 2024 Couture Galliano’s final collection for Margiela was a love letter to the golden age of fashion. Set under Paris’s Pont Alexandre III, the show featured 19th-century-inspired characters, live cabaret performances, and Gwendoline Christie in a latex corset. The models’ luminous, otherworldly skin cemented it as an era-defining moment. Looking back, it felt like Galliano’s swan song—a grand finale to a decade of storytelling. Rihanna’s 2018 Met Gala Look One of Galliano’s most memorable creations for Margiela was Rihanna’s papal-inspired ensemble for the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" Met Gala. The intricately beaded mitre and matching robe showcased Galliano’s mastery of blending cultural references with high fashion, making it one of the most talked-about looks of the evening. Spring/Summer 2017 Artisanal This artisanal collection relied heavily on deconstruction, with the first few all-black looks showcasing trench coats, hats, and dresses with panels cut away and inner linings exposed. While this is a Margiela signature, as the collection continued Galliano layered in his romantic narrative with tulle, chiffon, and lace—one of the most memorable looks being a silhouette of a woman’s face constructed from billowing tulle on the side of a white coat, which trailed behind the model as she walked. Zendaya in Custom Couture at the 2024 Met Gala Galliano’s flair for creating red carpet magic was on full display when Zendaya wore a custom Maison Margiela gown to the 2024 Met Gala. The look, inspired by celestial themes, featured a shimmering, layered tulle dress with intricate beading that captured the evening’s "Time and Space" theme. It was a testament to Galliano’s ability to merge fantasy with elegance, making it a standout moment in his final year at Margiela.