We just got back from the most amazing trip to London! You can read my full travel guide here.
To be completely honest, I was a little nervous booking our flights for December. Ticket prices were lower and my husband was already traveling to Europe for work, so I figured now was the time to go and we would just make it work… cold weather and all. But the more research I did (because I am an OCD planner), the more I realized what an amazing place London is to visit at Christmas time. From holiday markets to over-the-top decorations, London far exceeded my expectations! I keep describing it to my mom like Disneyland at Christmas, but the entire city! There are so many festive activities that I thought it deserved it’s own post from the travel guide. Here are all the best things to do in London to get into the holiday spirit!
Decor
One of my favorite things was just walking around and looking at all the storefront decor. Almost every shop, cafe, and hotel had extravagant wreaths and garlands. Ranging in styles, colors, and moods, the whole city is covered in holiday cheer! Some of the best are the winter wonderland street windows of Selfridge’s and the traditional gold and red at The Ritz Hotel. Another favorite is the most Christmassy pub in London, The Churchill Arms, that contains roughly 80 Christmas trees with a whopping 22,000 lights covering the exterior. But honestly, decor of all sizes make me so happy!
(image courtesy of visitlondon.com)
Winter Wonderland
This seasonal fair is at the top of my list for the ultimate Christmas experience! Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park turns into a huge Christmas themed fair filled with rides, ice skating, markets, family shows, food vendors, live music and more. We grabbed a cup of mulled wine and strolled around for a few hours. There are two large Christmas markets within Winter Wonderland: The German Market with over 200 charming chalets overflowing with festive goods and The Angels Market with over 150 chalets selling unusual and unique gifts, arts and crafts, trinkets, jewelry and decorations. The best part, it’s completely free to enter and open daily!
More Christmas Markets
In addition to Winter Wonderland, there are many smaller markets all over the city. Christmas by the River at London Bridge features a variety of stalls, set against iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and The Shard. The Southbank Centre’s Christmas market is perfect for unique Christmas gifts and festive food and drink.
Lights
It gets dark pretty early in London, around 4pm. So once the sun sets, seek out some of London’s best festive lights. Start with Carnaby Street, which always has some of the coolest Christmas lights in town, before venturing to the famous Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street (pictured above), or the charming streets of Seven Dials and St Christopher’s Place. Nearby South Molton Street and Jermyn Street are also worth checking out for sparkling displays.
(image courtesy of Coppa Club)
More Activities
Ice Skating – Natural History Museum fills the grounds of the beautiful museum with wintry fun, Somerset House offers late-night sessions with rink-side DJs, and The Tower Of London’s ice rink is illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights.
Christmas Shows – Everything from Christmas pantomimes and festive ballet, to spectacular Christmas theatre productions and the latest West End shows. My bucket list shows include: English National Ballet’s Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol.
Christmas Afternoon Tea – Many places offering afternoon tea have a special, festive menu during this season. I recommend the Sugar Plum Fairy Afternoon Tea at Waldorf Hilton London, Sketch’s Christmas afternoon tea, and Festive Afternoon Tea at The Landmark London.
Coppa Club Igloos – Dine off a preset Christmas menu in an igloo/globe along the Thames River. Book in advance!
Christmas At Kew – Located at the Royal Botanical Gardens, offers a mile-long trail through the famous botanic gardens, lit up with more than one million lights.
Christmas time in London is truly magical! Please tag me on Instagram if you happen to visit London during Christmas time so I can see. It’s only been three days and I am already missing it! My little Charlie Brown tree at home just isn’t cutting it.
Happy Holidays!