Top 5 Things To Do In London This Christmas
Let’s face it: holiday traditions vary from person to person, and we all have our favourite cities and towns to visit. It cannot be denied, however, that London is one of the world’s most enchanting cities during the holiday season. Seeing London decked out for the holidays so early and bustling with festive markets only reinforces our undying affection for England’s capital.
Actually, there are far more Christmas markets than you could reasonably explore, so you’ll just have to go with the seasonal flow. There’s a lot to see in London, but this guide will show you the highlights, including the perfect Christmassy activities and the most festive spots for you and your family to enjoy.
Top Christmas Activities To Do In London
Here’s what you need to know about the best things to do in London throughout the holiday season, including information on the many festivals, ice skating areas, and traditional markets that will help you get into the holiday spirit.
Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
If you’re looking for the best Christmassy experience conceivable in London, go no further than Winter Wonderland. Even if you have visited it a few years back, you cannot miss going there now because each year the fun seems to get bigger and bigger – with fairground rides, ice sculptures, traditional Christmas market, enticing food halls, fun fair rides, Christmas decorations, shows and more.
You’ll find something to enjoy, and the Christmas spirit will be in the air! Midway through the month of November is when Winter Wonderland typically opens to the public, and it stays open until early January.
Even more people will show up this year. So if you wish to skip the crowds, the best time to attend is in the early afternoon on a weekday. That way, you’ll have time to relax and take it all in before the lights come up in the evening.
The Mesmerizing London Christmas Lights
Ah, there’s a special connection between London and Christmas lights. One of the best ways to kick off your first London Christmas is by taking in the city’s illuminated streets. London’s Christmas decorations are always stunning and distinctive. After all, the streets and historical buildings provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas decorations.
Countless major streets feature lavish holiday window dressing. While some celebrate the holiday with a new theme each year, others like to keep it traditional with the same decorations year after year. There are guided excursions available for those who would rather not walk.
Oxford Street, Bond Street, Seven Dials Christmas, Carnaby Street, Marylebone, and Regent Street have the finest decorations in London. All of them are found in the heart of London, with the majority being close to the city’s most popular shopping districts.
Explore London’s Christmas Markets
You’d be so wrong to assume that the fun of visiting London’s Christmas markets end at Winter Wonderland. Many of London’s Christmas fairs and markets are free to enter, so there’s no reason not to check them out.
Visiting the Winter Market at Southbank Centre is a must if you’re looking for a fun family outing. The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market can be found right beneath the London Eye and along the river. You can watch the sun go down over Westminster while indulging at some of the most delectable foods and beverages.
We’d recommend taking a stroll along the London Bridge and spend some time at Greenwich Market. Or you can visit Leicester Square, too. At the Real Food Christmas Market in King’s Cross, you will feel completely at home if you are a person who has a passion for food.
Christmas At Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London due to captivating Christmassy vibe and extensive plant and fungi collections. Walk along a mile-long path illuminated by more than a million lights in the botanical gardens.
For families celebrating the holiday season in London, this is a must-do. The plants on either side of you are bathed in a rainbow of colours. Beautiful holiday light displays line the path, making for an enchanted evening stroll. You can also enjoy hot food, tasty Christmas treats, and winter drinks. In addition to the decorations, there are also traditional carnival rides and, of course, Santa and his elves!
Overall, Christmas at Kew is the place to go if you want to see beautiful lights and illuminations outside in the winter. Please remember to purchase tickets in advance because you don’t want to miss out on the endless fun and the seasonal music.
Go Ice Skating
In December, London is the ideal place to go ice skating. The city of London has a plethora of options for ice skating in front of well-known or historic locations, such as the Natural History Museum.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, Somerset House, Canary Wharf, the Ice Rink at Westfield London, the Glide at Battersea Power Station, Shepherd’s Bush, and even the Tower of London are some of the top places for ice skating in London during the holiday season.
Even well after Christmas, several of these establishments remain open. It is best to do your initial price comparison online.
Other Things To Do In London This Christmas (2022)
- Shop at Covent Garden (one of London’s part that is popular throughout the year)
- Take an afternoon tea bus tour or a festive city cruise
- Watch a Film at London’s Christmas Winter Cinemas (e.g. The Luna Winter Cinema, Curzon at One Aldwych, or the Prince Charles Cinema)
- Watch a Christmas Classic at Luna Drive-in Winter Cinema
- Visit Hogwarts in The Snow (because why not?)
- Enjoy a Christmas concert at The Royal Albert Hall
- Christmas carols at St Pauls
- Eat At 34 Mayfair (one of London’s quirkiest places to eat)
