As December rolls around, we inevitably start to tire of the endless plates of turkey with the trimmings. By Christmas day, it can be very easy to not want to look at a gravy boat or a roast spud again. Thankfully we live in one of the greatest cities in the world, and Christmas festivities need not involve a rotating array of dried meats. Discovery and booking platform DesignMyNight is very aware of this, and wants to encourage you to branch out this December, swapping turkey for high tea and Brussels sprouts for brunch – you can thank us later. 

Try out a Christmas brunch

Tequila Mockingbird bottomless brunch

What's better than Christmas? Erm... Christmas and Cowboys? That's the theory behind this new festive brunch at Tequila Mockingbird, anyway. Bringing all the hoedown fun with a festive twist to the Covent Garden location, this boozy brunch will be a hoot. 

From £49; designmynight.com

Barrio Angel bad Santa bottomless brunch

If there's a naughty Christmas joke to be had, you'll probably find it at Barrio Angel during their rambunctious bad Santa bottomless brunch that promises to be boozy and good fun. 

From £39; designmynight.com

Indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea

Chesterfield Mayfair winter wonderland afternoon tea

Get in the Christmas spirit in proper British fashion with this festive afternoon tea.

From £75; designmynight.com

Lucy Wong Christmas afternoon tea

Eschewing the traditional sandwiches and scones in favour of dim sum, this Christmas afternoon tea is the perfect alternative to classic festive fair. 

From £45; designmynight.com

Joia winter afternoon tea

Refuel after your Battersea Power Station Christmas shopping in the best way at Joia's afternoon tea, with expansive views across the river. 

From £55; designmynight.com

Jump into a Christmas-themed experience

Winter gin garden at Hamyard Hotel

The iconic Soho hotel has transformed its oasis of a roof terrace into a festive winter wonderland, with fairy lights and warming gin cocktails galore. 

From £20; designmynight.com

The immersive Christmas dive bar

Lean into the night-before-Christmas spirit with this yuletide dive bar in the Truman Brewery which promises dance parties, beverages and bucketloads of festive fun. 

From £35; designmynight.com

The ultimate Christmas house party at Little Scarlet Door

Designed to feel like your coolest friend's apartment, Little Scarlet Door is a house party hideaway in Soho, which has been bedecked in festive splendour this Christmas season. Just don't forget your tinsel. 

From £35; designmynight.com

Alternative Christmas menus

Colonel Saab

Trade the classic roast for Indian favourites like murgh malai tikka and malai kofta curry this Christmas season – no sad, overcooked turkey in sight. 

designmynight.com

Ollie's House

Get some Boxing Day leftover inspiration at Ollie's House with their epic turkey fried rice – or simply make the most of a fresh take on Christmas cooking. 

designmynight.com

Ditch the oven this Christmas Day

Joia Battersea

Toast with your loved ones with one of the best views in the city across the Thames and beyond and an Iberian menu of vibrant dishes. 

From £270; designmynight.com

The Library

Celebrate Christmas in The Library's glamorous oak-panelled dining room with a classic festive menu with all the trimmings. 

From £390; designmynight.com

Ayllu

Bring Japanese and Peruvian flavours to your Christmas day feast at Ayllu for a different approach to yuletide celebrations. 

From £75; designmynight.com