We have Christmas all wrapped up for you. From ice-skating in central London and dog-sledding in the Scottish Highlands, to making the perfect canapés, mince pies and Christmas wreaths, get into the Christmas spirit with our festive highlights:

1. Glide into a winter oasis – enjoy the magic of skating at one of London’s most beautiful ice rinks

Tower of London Ice Rink

Head to the Tower of London Ice Rink, where you can glide to the lights, set against the fortress wall, adding to the dramatic jaw dropping views of the fortress beside the River Thames. (16 November to 11 January) ► toweroflondonicerink.co.uk

Skate at Somerset House

  • Photographer: www.lukedyson.com

Enjoy Fortnum & Mason shopping followed by ice-skating at London’s Somerset House (13 November to 5 January) as the historic venue’s elegant West Wing gets transformed into a Christmas Arcade. ► somersethouse.org.uk

2. Bark the herald angels sing – learn how to harness dogs to your sleigh

Dog Sledding at Eagle Brae
Imagine whizzing through the beautiful Scottish Highlands on a crisp winter’s day pulled along by eight dogs, experiencing the thrill of dog-sledding at exhilarating speeds over a three mile long championship course! Available to log cabin guests. ► eaglebrae.co.uk

3. Meet a reindeer make a furry friend or two

  • Reindeer rests on a hillside in the Cairngorm Mountains. The Cairngorms National Park, Highlands, Scotland.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Visit the UK’s only wild reindeer herd in the Glenmore Forest Park with an experienced herder and pet and befriend the cute and cuddly reindeer- this unique experience will get you feeling festive in no time. ► cairngormreindeer.co.uk

4. Movie nights home alone for the holidays

  • Picture by Gareth Jones: Luna Winter Cinema Liverpool

The Luna Winter Cinema
The Luna Winter Cinema returns this Christmas with a selection of classic Christmas films on the big screen at two special historic venues, Kensington Palace in London and Liverpool’s St George’s Hall. Settle back in comfy seats and enjoy festive favourites such as Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life. Premium tickets at Kensington Palace events offer film fans a luxury sofa for two and butler service throughout (15 to 23 December). ► thelunacinema.com

5. Husky Christmas to you create truly unforgettable memories with the children

The Husky Cave at Drusillas Park
Visit real husky dogs in an ice cave at Drusillas Park zoo in East Sussex. Children will love meeting – and being photographed with – these cuddly canines (weekends from 17 Nov, daily from 13 December). ► drusillas.co.uk

6. Stay for Christmas at Haddon Hall candlelight tours, festive food, drink and music

A Christmas Candlelight Tour
Discover Haddon Hall in Derbyshire by candlelight. Throughout December, the stately home hosts candlelight tours of its atmospheric halls and chambers under a myriad of candles. The early evening tours begin with mulled wine and warm mince pies. ► haddonhall.co.uk

7. Walk out to winter a festive welcome awaits in Edinburgh

Winter Windows Exhibition
Head to Edinburgh for Winter Windows, a collection of colourful stained-glass window designs on show across the city. This year’s displays, the work of Edinburgh school pupils, focus on ‘A Festive Welcome’ theme (16 November to 26 December).
► edinburghschristmas.com/whats-on

8. Historic houses joy to the world in Kent

  • Christmas at Ightham Mote, Kent. Ightham Mote is a medieval, moated manor house.

A National Trust Favourite
Welcome in the festive season with Christmas carols in the outdoor medieval courtyard of National Trust property, Ightham Mote. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, and a sing-a-long with the choir (13 & 20 December, 7pm).
► nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

9. Take a masterclass perfect Christmas in Norfolk

  • Hales Hall

Become a Master at Festive Entertaining
Learn how to temper chocolate and make chocolate praline rum truffles, and perfect festive canapés like smoked salmon lemon blinis, palmiers and mince pies with almond toppings (29 November to 1 December 2019) at the Hales Hall & The Great Barn Hotel. ► haleshall.com

10. Romantic dining spend Christmas on the water

Dine in the Glass Room restaurant
Step onboard this beautiful restaurant and sail away for Christmas. With chic nautical interiors and an all-glass exterior offering magnificent views of the city. On Christmas Day there’s a five-course set menu, wine, bubbles, a festive band and Christmas present from Bateaux London themselves. But no matter which day you choose to cruise you will be treated to the exceptional views of iconic London landmarks including London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Tower of London. Sip on delicious drinks whilst being serenaded by peaceful live music, watching London unfold around you. Indulge in beautifully created traditional dishes, packed with flavour as busy city life drifts away. With set menus centred around ‘in-season’ ingredients – it’s British cooking at its finest. Sail from Embankment Pier for lunch or dinner
(29 November-30 December). Prices from £49 per person. ► bateauxlondon.com

And one for luck… Make Your Own Christmas Wreath 

Take your Christmas decorations to another level this year by creating a bespoke wreath. The 15th century country estate Ellenborough Park in The Cotswolds is running wreath-making masterclasses in late November and early December. Local florist Donna Beaver will help you create a wonderful wreath to display proudly at home (8 December). ellenboroughpark.com

Words | Max Wooldridge

Lead image credit: Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum Mason © David Jensen