A Guide To Celebrating Christmas In London

I must admit, London isn’t always my favourite city, but when the Christmas lights come on and every shop window you look through is elaborately decorated and festive cheer fills the air, I fall in love with it all over again. I don’t know anywhere else more perfect for celebrating Christmas that in London. Whether it’s the angels flying over Regent Street or snow over Covent Garden, something causes the dooms and glooms of London to disappear, and the city becomes a paradise of merriment.

However, I must 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 and lively bar? Embrace the cold in a pair of ice skates?

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

Travel and Accommodation In London 

London is one 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 40 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:

• Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
• Fitzrovia Hotel
• Cheshire Hotel Central London
• Henrietta Hotel

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 the beautiful lights and festive décor with a group of strangers. There are also so many rinks around the city, that visiting a few can geuninelly 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. Even though it has become quite expensive, Winter Wonderland remains one of the best places for celebrating Christmas in London, and it draws in all age ranges because there is truly something for everyone to relish.

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 artistic talent of ice sculptors
• Carnival games to win giant stuffed toys
• Explore the food scene at the great variety of chalet stalls

Keep in mind that it will take you a couple of hours to fully enjoy everything on offer, so try plan for a full day out!

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 Some 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 complete changes that by ringing in the festive season through lovely music. Even better is the fact that the carol groups sing to raise funds for charitable organisations! Besides, what’s the point of celebrating Christmas in London if you can’t give back to society in a small way?

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