We all know that Christmas will look different this year. But while many of our usual sources for merrymaking might be off limits or cancelled, there are still plenty of things we can do outside to make us feel jolly. In fact, scientists suggest that al fresco activities are the way forward this festive season if we want to stay safe and keep the virus at bay.

Lockdown has meant we've already embraced walks with friends with a flask of coffee (or something stronger), but what else can we do to get into the festive spirit while minimising Covid risks? We round up a few ideas below:

Take a tour of London's Christmas lights on foot (or bike)

Covent Garden Christmas tree

Find proof that Christmas has most definitely not been cancelled by taking a tour of London's Christmas lights. Take a hot flask and start at Oxford Street, where 222,000 lights pay homage to NHS keyworkers, then move down to Regent Street, which is decorated in its usual angel garlands. Stop off at Carnaby Street on your way, which is currently bathed in pink neon light from a series of lightboxes, each of which illuminates a positive word, paying tribute to the strength, courage and kindness of Londoners. From there, wander trough the cobbled streets of Soho to Covent Garden to see its huge 60ft hand-picked Christmas tree glowing with 30,000 festive lights. A further 115,000 lights sparkle across the Piazza and its adjoining streets, creating a truly warming festive scene.

Partake in A Christmas Carol-themed walking tour

There are few stories that conjure the meaning of Christmas quite like A Christmas Carol. Join a seasoned guide, decked in Victorian attire, who will journey you through Dickensian London to see the sights and streets that inspired the famed author to create Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. Regardless of weather, you'll walk round the passages, alleys and courtyards that Dickens stomped along as he wrote the book that would change the way we celebrate Christmas.

To book or for information visit london-walking-tours.co.uk

Go foliage collecting and make some natural Christmas decorations

Head to your nearest park or woods armed with a big black sack and scissors to collect pieces of ivy, fir branches and holly to decorate your home with, or to transform into your own Christmas wreath. Spend a few hours foraging for Mother Nature's take on tinsel (nothing drapes as beautifully as ivy) and make your own garlands, to be hung over shelves, cupboards and pictures. Look out for pine cones, pine sprigs and mistletoe, all of which will add festive cheer into your home and will create a winter wonderland scent. If you feel so inclined, press ivy between a few books, wait a week and then turn them into Christmas cards to send to your loved ones.

Collecting sprigs of holly and ivy trails won't land you in any trouble, but remember not to pick flowers from any parks or communal gardens, not to uproot any wild plants and to avoid any endangered species. Dominic Price of wild plant protection charity Plantlife told the Guardian: "It is not normally an offence to pick the 'Four Fs' – fruit, foliage, fungi or flowers – if the plants are growing wild and it is for your personal use and not for sale."

Book an ice skating session

For many, ice skating is an essential part of the festive build-up. While many top ice skating spots are closed this year (Somerset House and Tower of London included), there are a few are still open, staggering sessions to ensure there are fewer people on the ice. The Queen's House ice rink in Greenwich will be bigger than ever, meaning more space for everyone, while Hampton Court Palace offers another regal solution in the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home, where capacity has been reduced by a third. Masks are essential on the rink.

Help the hungry by delivering food bank parcels

The country's food banks have been overrun this year, as many have struggled with the financial implications and job losses caused by Covid-19. The majority of food banks offer a delivery-only service to the hungry now, meaning there is a greater demand for delivery drivers. The Trussell Trust, which operates a huge network of food banks across the UK, hosts large-scale Christmas events every year, at which struggling members of society, from families to the elderly, collect festive food parcels so that they too can eat on Christmas Day. An increased number of volunteers and drivers are needed at this time, so if you can spare any time at all visit trusselltrust.org.

Join a social distanced carol service outside Southwark Cathedral

The pandemic may have thwarted Southwark Cathedral's annual Christmas market, but no global virus could stop its free outdoor Christmas carol event. Members of the Cathedral Merbecke choir, as well as other musicians and singers, will perform traditional festive carols between 12pm and 4pm on Saturday 5 December, ready for onlookers to enjoy. Festive food and drink will also be available to make the experience that bit merrier.

As a tribute to all those who can't be with their loved ones this festive season, Southwark Cathedral invites you to write a message to any absent relations or friends on a decoration, which will be placed on the Christmas Remembrance tree located in the churchyard.

Watch a Christmas film at a drive-in cinema

Summer gave rise to drive-in cinemas at which film fans would pull up in their car to watch a classic movie. The tradition continues this Christmas with The Drive-In, based in Edmonton, which will screen festive films such as Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually. The Luna Drive-In, with branches at Ascot and Copthall Stadium, wants to put you in the festive mood with more Christmas crowd-pleasers, including It's A Wonderful Life.

Invest in a firepit if you have outdoor space

Josper

We appreciate that not everyone is fortunate enough to have outdoor space to call their own, but if you do have a garden or balcony - or neighbours who don't mind you taking over a communal garden for an evening - then consider buying a firepit or chiminea. It might be freezing outside, but there is nothing more warming than sitting alongside your household with hot toddies and blankets while watching a fire crackle and splutter. Roast marshmallows or bring out warm mince pies for added festive cheer.

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