A Ripper’s Christmas Carol

As scary as the tale of Jack the Ripper may be, it is just as beloved at Christmas and New Year as it is during Halloween and the summer holidays.

If you are after a Jack the Ripper themed gift or experience this festive season, there are plenty of things to keep you busy and help you make a day – or even a weekend – out of your Ripper Christmas Carol.

Read on to see what you can do, where you can eat and what gifts you can buy to bring joy to the Ripperologist in your life.

What to Do

The Victorian era that gave us the great mystery of Jack the Ripper also brought us Christmas as we know it. So if you are looking for something to do ahead of your Jack the Ripper tour, why not explore the iconic Victorian landmarks of London?

During the festive season, they will be dolled up with bright lights, bells and whistles; ideal for creating an even starker contrast between the West End’s Victorian Christmas spirit, and the dark and dingy backstreets of Whitechapel, much like the city the Ripper called home.

Stroll down swanky Bond Street and Regent Street to see their world-famous Christmas lights, or wander around Covent Garden for a quirkier look at Victorian London. If you prefer something even more Christmas-y, check out the many Christmas markets and carol concerts (St Paul’s is a stunning carol service, free of charge and right in the heart of the city).

Where to Eat

London has no shortage of diverse and delicious food to offer. If you want to stay clear of clichés and chains, though, why not go for something a little more London? Wander the streets of Belgravia and treat yourself to a drink or snack one of Kensington and Chelsea’s many upscale bars, cafes and eateries.

If you would prefer a more authentic London dining experience, one closer to the people of Whitechapel, why not book yourself onto a Jack the Ripper Pub Tour? Here you will be able to enjoy proper British pub drinks and snacks, discovering the Ripper’s tale whilst seeing the inns in which his victims worked and he frequented.

For a more leisurely bite to eat in an establishment synonymous with Jack himself, why not stop off at the Ten Bells pub before (and after) your tour?

What to Get

For those of you wondering what to get your favourite Jack the Ripper enthusiast this Christmas, here are a few ideas of what you can pick up in our shop, to keep your season running smoothly.

• The bookworm will love to learn all about the Ripper, his victims, and the investigation work or theories collate so far. Robert House uses criminal profiling to focus on the Kosminski line of enquiry in ‘Jack the Ripper and the Case for Scotland Yard’s Prime Suspect’ and Trevor Marriott’s ‘Jack the Ripper: The 21st Century Investigation’ is great for myth-busting and fact-finding
• The fashionista could not be more on-trend (certainly at Ripperology Conferences!) in a Ripper inspired t-shirt; go subtle with a Barnaby & Burgho patch or all out with our Ripper Playing Card design
• The sightseer will enjoy a close-up of Jack the Ripper’s London as discovered on one of our tours. For extra special occasions, why not go for the VIP experience and really make the most of delving into history with a Ripperologist to hand
• The movie buff is easy to please, especially with so many intriguing screen adaptations. Follow a dramatic telling of Detective Abberline’s tale in ‘From Hell’ or indulge in comprehensive documentaries like ‘Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story’
• The hard to please Ripper fan is catered for too, with our Gift Voucher available in the shop

If you’re dreaming of a Whitechapel Christmas this year, be sure to let the team at the Jack the Ripper Tour help. Get in touch or book now!