A Guide To Celebrating Christmas In London

When the Christmas lights switch on, every shop window suddenly looks like the North Pole and the air smells like chocolate and wine, the festive cheer of London is nothing if not contagious. Arguably one the best places in the world to enjoy a jubilant city break, the city is always bursting with winter and attractions and activities to indulge. However, I do admit, with so much to do and so little time, it can get a little overwhelming. Should you watch a show in the warmth of a lavish theatre? Sip festive drinks at a lively bar? Embrace the cold in a pair of ice skates? The opportunities to bring magic to your life are almost endless.

Therefore here is the perfect guide to enjoying London during the season of giving – with a list of everything you can experience to fully immerse in the joyful celebrations.

Travel and Accommodation In London 

London is one of the most well connected cities in the world on a local level, so whether you stay in central London or as far as zone 5 on the tube, you will be no more than a 30 minutes ride from these magical light displays.

However, if you would like to be as close to all the Christmas activity as possible, here are three incredible accommodation options in Central London:

• Luxury: Fitzrovia Hotel and Henrietta Hotel
• Mid-Range: Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

The Eight Best Activities To Celebrate Christmas In London

Go Ice Skating 

I know, what a surprise that I’d put this at the top of the list right? Ice skating is a must do winter activity because gliding (or falling) across the ice is one of the best ways to appreciate festive décor while staying active with a group of strangers. There are also so many rinks around the city, that visiting a few can genuinely take you all around London’s Christmassy hot spots. 

Some of the best ice rinks include:

• Winter Wonderland, Hype Park
• Somerset House
• Hampton Court Palace

Be Amused At Winter Wonderland 

Established in 2007, this classic Christmas event sees over two million visitors a year and boasts delicious food, fun games and thrilling rides all in one magical location – Hyde Park. It draws in crowds of all age because there is truly something for everyone to relish, but it is particularly beloved for a family day (or night) out.

Some of the best things to do include:

• Ice Skating: to keep you active and warm
• The Ice Slide: for a few seconds of sheer childlike thrill
• Magical Ice Kingdom: to admire the artistry of ice sculpting
• Carnival Games: to win giant stuffed toys (or likely, waste your money)
• Explore the Food Scene: there is a great variety of chalet stalls serving cuisine from around the world alongside more traditionally Christmas treats like mulled wine and minced pies.

Wander Through The Southbank Christmas Market

The Southbank Christmas Market transforms its surroundings into a seasonal heaven, bringing so much warmth (and mulled wine!) to the cold and wintry nights. While it is not much different from other markets around London, this one is particularly special because of its views of the River Thames and the London Eye.

Listen To Christmas Carols 

Most of the time, Christmas activities focus on a lot on what you see rather than what you hear but visiting Trafalgar Square completely changes that by ringing in the festive season through lovely music. What makes this even better is that the carol groups sing to raise funds for charitable organisations, so dropping a couple of pounds to support them gives back to the wider community!

Admire The Lights

Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Bond Street all offer their individual flare of twinkling lights that everyone loves – but there are also so many other areas of London that offer incredible displays to adore. You could easily spend hours walking around Central London as you soak up the well-lit atmosphere.

Drink Up At The Miracle Bar

Boasting some of the best décor and drinks, Miracle at Henrietta Hotel is a 1970’s style bar that literally decks the halls and forces you to love Christmas even if you really don’t want to. Maybe this is what Santa’s house looks like – who knows?

Watch A Show

Escape the cold and into the warmth of London’s stunning theatre’s and be mesmerised by the talent and beauty of a Christmas show. Some the most popular season shows include:

• A Christmas Carol
• The Nutcracker 
• The Snowman

Visit Hogwarts In The Snow

The Warner Brothers Studio in Watford transforms its sets and exhibitions into an even more enchanting place than it already is with wreaths, garlands, trees, and magical creatures, and makes you feel like you are part of the movies.

Be aware that pre-booking is required and sometimes tickets sell out months in advance. I would recommend buying your tickets as early as September.

Practical Information About London

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland