It isn't like me to be serving Scrooge energy by December 1. Don't get me wrong, I'm no festive season superfan. You won't find me putting up the Christmas tree the second that Halloween is over, packing every corner of my calendar with festive markets and winter wonderlands. That's usually my friend Ellie. But by now, I'm normally more excited for silly season, a little more merry and bright, if you will. If you're feeling the same, fret not, as from p15 we're bringing you all the venues that have decked the halls and decorated the trees to put on a festive spectacular. Whether it's a Christmas Eve dinner, or a lavish spread on the big day, you'll find them all in these pages.
Perhaps my favourite day of the season so far was shooting the annual Christmas photo with my What's On colleagues in our matching Marks & Spencer pyjamas, the fabulously festive result you'll find below. It's these moments that really make this the most wonderful time of the year. The memory making and special times shared outweigh the stress that comes with Christmas get-togethers and ticking off every present on your shopping list. Speaking of presents, we all have that one, impossible-to-buy-for friend or family member. And with them in mind, we present the gift experiences to get for the person in your life that's got everything. Jingle All The Way to p26 for some gift guide inspo.
But there's more than just silly season to celebrate here in the capital right now. At a glittering gala unveiling last month, the Michelin Guide awarded a coveted Michelin Star to a trio of our finest restaurants, with a further four snapping up the impressive Bib Gourmands. Start making your reservations on p34.
However you find your festive season mojo, we wish you a Merry Christmas.
Enjoy the issue,
Alice Holtham Group Editor | 
