Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 7 best things to do in London at Christmas. London is a magical place to be during the Christmas season as the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations and plenty of holiday cheer.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of things to do in London at Christmas that will get you in the holiday spirit. From the iconic lights on Oxford Street to the festive displays in Covent Garden and Carnaby Street, there are plenty of places to see the lights and take in the holiday spirit.
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Best Things to Do in London at Christmas
So, let’s check out the best things to do in London should you find yourself there at Christmas time:
1. Christmas Markets
London is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world. From traditional wooden chalets to giant Ferris wheels, these markets offer everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in London that you should definitely check out:
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest Christmas markets in London and is located in Hyde Park. This market is a must-visit during the festive season where with over 100 wooden cabins, you can find everything from handmade crafts to beautiful pieces of jewelry. You can also enjoy the giant Ferris wheel, ice skating rink and a variety of food and drink stalls as well.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is another popular destination for Christmas shopping. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this market offers a range of unique gifts, craft, and food and you can also enjoy live music, festive performances and stunning views of the river.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square Christmas Market is a traditional Christmas market with a modern twist where you can find over 25 stalls selling unique gifts, festive decorations and delicious food and drink. The market also features a vintage Spiegeltent where you can enjoy a variety of shows and performances too.
2. Holiday Lights and Decorations
London is known for its stunning holiday lights and decorations that light up the city during the festive season. Here are some of the best places to see the holiday lights and decorations in London.
Regent Street Christmas Lights
Regent Street is one of the most popular places to see the Christmas lights in London. The tradition of hanging Christmas lights on Regent Street started in 1954 and it has been a popular attraction ever since. Known for their grandeur and creativity, they are usually switched on in mid-November and stay up until early January and are a must-see during the holiday season.
Covent Garden Christmas Decorations
Covent Garden is another popular destination for holiday lights and decorations. The area is known for its beautiful Christmas tree, which is usually located in the central piazza, and adorned with thousands of lights and decorations, making it a sight to behold. In addition to the tree, Covent Garden is also home to several other holiday decorations including giant mistletoe, Christmas wreaths and more.
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights
Kew Gardens is a botanical garden located in southwest London where during the holiday season, it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The gardens are decorated with over a million twinkling lights creating a magical atmosphere where visitors can take a stroll through the gardens and admire the light displays which include a laser garden, a tunnel of lights and a fire garden.
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
3. Festive Shows
London is famous for its festive shows and there are plenty of options to choose from during the Christmas season. Here are two of the best shows to see in London this Christmas:
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet is a classic Christmas show that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. This ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The doll comes to life and takes Clara on a journey through a magical world filled with dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and more.
The Nutcracker Ballet is performed by the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum and runs from December 13th to January 5th, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is another classic Christmas show that is a must-see in London. This play tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The ghosts show Scrooge the error of his ways and teach him the true meaning of Christmas.
A Christmas Carol is performed at the Old Vic Theatre in London and runs from November 23rd to January 14th, so there are plenty of opportunities to see it. The play stars Rhys Ifans as Ebenezer Scrooge, and is directed by Matthew Warchus.
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4. Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity that you can enjoy in London during the Christmas season. Here are some of the best places to go ice skating in London:
Somerset House
Skate at Somerset House is one of the most popular ice rinks in London during Christmas. The rink is set in the beautiful courtyard of Somerset House, a historic building in the heart of London surrounded by stunning architecture and twinkling lights, making it a magical experience.
Skate at Somerset House usually opens in November and runs until January.
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
The Natural History Museum Ice Rink is another popular spot for ice skating during the Christmas season. The rink is set in the gardens of the Natural History Museum, providing a beautiful backdrop for your skating experience.
The rink is open from November to January and there are plenty of food and drink options available nearby.
Tower of London Ice Rink
The Tower of London Ice Rink is a unique ice skating experience that you won’t want to miss. The rink is set in the moat of the Tower of London, providing a stunning view of the historic castle while you skate.
It is open from November to January, and there are plenty of food and drink options available nearby.
5. Festive Dining
London is a city that knows how to celebrate Christma, and one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by indulging in some delicious food and drink. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas dinner or something a little more unconventional, London has plenty of options to choose from. Here are two of the best:
Christmas Afternoon Tea
If you’re looking for a festive twist on a classic British tradition, then Christmas afternoon tea is the perfect option. Many of London’s top hotels and restaurants offer a special Christmas-themed afternoon tea during the holiday season, complete with mince pies, Christmas cakes and mulled wine.
One of the best places to enjoy Christmas afternoon tea is at The Ritz. Their festive afternoon tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam and a range of Christmas-themed pastries and cakes. All of this is served in the hotel’s stunning Palm Court, which is beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
Festive Pub Dinner
For a more relaxed and informal dining experience, head to one of London’s many pubs for a festive meal. Many pubs offer special Christmas menus during the holiday season featuring traditional British dishes such as roast turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and mulled wine.
One of the best pubs for a festive meal is The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill. This historic pub is famous for its beautiful flower displays, which are even more impressive during the holiday season. The pub’s Christmas menu includes dishes such as roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, Christmas ham with honey and mustard glaze and sticky toffee pudding with brandy sauce.
6. Christmas Shopping
London is one of the best places to do your Christmas shopping. The city is filled with iconic shopping destinations from the famous Oxford Street to the luxury boutiques of Bond Street. Here are some of the best places to shop for Christmas gifts in London.
Harrods
Harrods is one of the most famous department stores in the world and it’s the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. The store is known for its luxurious products and you’ll find everything from designer clothing to high-end beauty products. Harrods also has a fantastic selection of Christmas decorations, including ornaments, wreaths and trees.
Selfridges
Selfridges is another iconic department store in London and it’s a great place to shop for Christmas gifts. The store has a wide selection of products including clothing, accessories and beauty products. Selfridges also has a fantastic food hall where you can find everything from gourmet chocolates to traditional Christmas puddings.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is a luxury department store that’s been around since 1707. The store is known for its high-quality food and drink products including tea, biscuits and Christmas hampers. Fortnum & Mason also has a fantastic selection of Christmas decorations including ornaments and wreaths as well.
Book your Christmas trip to London here!
7. Christmas Day Activities
If you’re spending Christmas Day in London, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
Christmas Day Swim
If you’re feeling brave, you can take part in the annual Christmas Day Swim at Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake. The tradition dates back to 1864 and participants will be raising money for charity. The swim starts at 9 am and you can register in advance or on the day.
Christmas Day Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral
If you prefer a more traditional Christmas activity, you can attend the Christmas Day service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The service starts at 11 am and is free to attend, but you’ll need to arrive early to secure a seat.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 7 best things to do in London at Christmas. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
