London at Christmas is truly magical, with the city transforming into a festive wonderland of lights, markets, and seasonal attractions. Here are some of the best things to do in London this Christmas to capture the holiday spirit:
1. See the Christmas Lights
- Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden: These iconic streets are adorned with beautiful Christmas lights each year. Oxford Street and Regent Street have extravagant displays, while Covent Garden is famous for its giant Christmas tree, mistletoe chandeliers, and festive decor.
- Carnaby Street: Known for its quirky and themed Christmas light displays, Carnaby Street offers a unique twist on the traditional holiday decorations.
- Kew Gardens: Christmas at Kew: For something more immersive, the Christmas light trail at Kew Gardens is enchanting. It features tunnels of light, illuminated trees, and festive music in a breath taking setting.
2. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland is one of London’s largest Christmas events, featuring everything from carnival rides to an ice skating rink, a Christmas market, and a Bavarian village. The festive attractions include an ice kingdom, circus shows, food stalls, and endless games and rides. Entry is free, though you may need tickets for some activities, so it's best to book in advance.
3. Explore Christmas Markets
London’s Christmas markets offer everything from handcrafted gifts to festive treats:
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, and street food while browsing for unique gifts along the river.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market: Located in the heart of London, this market has cosy wooden chalets selling gifts and treats and often includes live performances.
- Greenwich Christmas Market: Known for its artisanal crafts, this market has a historical charm, with handmade gifts, local food, and live entertainment.
4. Go Ice Skating
Several pop-up ice skating rinks appear around London at Christmas, each offering a beautiful setting for a festive skate:
- Somerset House: Probably the most famous skating rink in London, with a stunning 40-foot Christmas tree and a backdrop of Somerset House’s grand architecture.
- Natural History Museum: Set against the museum's stunning facade, this rink is atmospheric and family-friendly, with a cafe and a carousel nearby.
- Hampton Court Palace: For a more historic experience, the rink at Hampton Court offers views of Henry VIII’s palace.
5. Catch a Christmas Show or Pantomime
Christmas in London wouldn’t be complete without a festive performance. The West End offers a variety of seasonal shows and pantomimes:
- The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum is a magical ballet, perfect for the Christmas season.
- A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic Theatre is a classic holiday story that captures the essence of Victorian London.
- Family-friendly pantomimes like Cinderella or Aladdin are also widely available across the city, filled with humour and audience interaction.
6. Indulge in Festive Afternoon Tea
Many of London’s hotels and restaurants offer themed afternoon teas during the holiday season, featuring seasonal treats like mince pies, mulled wine, and gingerbread.
- The Ritz and Claridge's offer luxurious afternoon teas in beautifully decorated settings.
- For a more unique experience, try the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea at One Aldwych, which has a whimsical twist inspired by the classic story.
7. Visit Santa’s Grotto
For families with young children, visiting Santa’s grotto is a special holiday activity:
- Selfridges and Harrods both host Santa’s grotto experiences where children can meet Santa, take photos, and even receive small gifts.
- Chelsea Christmas Grotto is another excellent option, with a magical atmosphere and a chance for little ones to make holiday memories.
8. Christmas Carolling at St. Paul’s Cathedral or Trafalgar Square
St. Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square both offer Christmas carol concerts throughout December, creating a festive, communal atmosphere.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral hosts several Christmas services and carol concerts, set in one of the city’s most iconic churches.
- Trafalgar Square has an impressive Christmas tree gifted by Norway each year and carol singers performing nightly, making it a great spot to stop by and join in the holiday cheer.
9. Enjoy a Festive Meal in a Cosy Pub
London’s pubs are perfect for warming up with mulled wine, hot cider, or a festive meal by the fireplace. Many pubs and restaurants serve special Christmas menus featuring holiday classics like roast turkey, Christmas pudding, and festive cocktails. Popular festive pubs include The Churchill Arms in Kensington, famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations, and The Flask in Highgate, known for its cosy, historical charm.
10. Visit the Christmas Decorations in Mayfair and Belgravia
Both Mayfair and Belgravia have beautifully decorated streets and storefronts, making them perfect areas for a festive walk. Elizabeth Street in Belgravia is particularly popular for its charming decorations, while Bond Street in Mayfair offers a luxurious shopping experience amidst beautiful Christmas lights.
In Summary
London has endless festive activities for visitors and locals alike during Christmas. From exploring Christmas markets and light displays to enjoying seasonal shows, ice skating, and cosy meals, there’s no shortage of holiday magic. Make sure to book any ticketed activities in advance, as these festive events are popular and can sell out quickly!