Christmas at London it is truly a magical event. From the twinkling lights adorning the streets, to the lively Christmas markets, to the spectacular light displays, there is so much to see and do in this city during the festive season. Here is a list of the best things to do at Christmas in London.
1. Admire the spectacular Christmas lights
New Bond Street
One of the first things to do a Christmas in London is definitely admiring the spectacular Christmas lights. There New Bond Street, known for its luxury shops, transforms into a true paradise of lights during the Christmas period. The lighting is provided by well-known brands such as Cartier, which amazes every year with its luminous facade.
Regent Street
The famous Regent Street, with its beautiful twinkling angels, is another must-have for anyone who loves Christmas lights. This main street, known for its trendy shops, lights up with a multitude of lights during the holidays, creating a magical atmosphere.
Carnaby Street
La Carnaby Street, famous for its creative window displays, is another unmissable destination for those who love Christmas lights. Every year, this street lights up with a series of light installations that celebrate Christmas in a unique and original way.
2. Visit the Christmas markets
Winter Wonderland
The "Winter Wonderland” in Hyde Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous Christmas markets in London. This large amusement park offers a variety of attractions, including rides, games fair, a Bavarian village and beautiful Christmas houses. Despite the entrance fee, it is worth visiting at least once to experience the Christmas atmosphere to the fullest.
Christmas by the River
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the Christmas marketChristmas by the River“, located along the Thames, is ideal. Here you'll find a variety of food and gift stalls, as well as several covered areas to keep warm.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Located opposite the famous National Gallery, the Christmas market of Trafalgar Square it's a little Christmas gem with a handful of stalls and a dedicated area to enjoy festive food and drink.
3. Attend a Christmas concert
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
Il Royal Albert Hall, one of the most distinctive buildings in the UK, hosts a series of exciting live events every year. Among these, the “Carols at Royal Albert Hall” represent a highlight of the Christmas season. In a spectacular setting, you will be able to enjoy one of the most moving Christmas carol concerts in the city.
Carols by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields
St Martin in the Fields is a neoclassical church located in Trafalgar Square. Attending a concert in this church during the Christmas period is a truly enchanting experience London. The highlight is definitely “Carols by Candlelight“, an event that envelops the entire church in a magical atmosphere.
4. Enjoy a Christmas show at the theatre
The Nutcracker
You don't have to be a ballet enthusiast to enjoy it."The Nutcracker“. Exquisite sets in a snowy Edwardian London, ethereal choreography and the iconic music of Tchaikovsky they are just as fascinating to newbies as they are to regulars.
The Clique at Spiegeltent
"The Clique” is a nightly spectacle of incredible performances. It features breathtaking circus skills, exceptional cabaret performances and award-winning entertainment. This show takes place in Spiegeltent, a large traveling show tent, located in the Christmas market of Leicester Square.
5. Visit famous department stores
Harrods
Harrods, with over 300 departments, offers a wide range of rare items, luxury fashion, homewares and technology. Its Christmas food hall and Christmas shop are a more accessible alternative to the long line of designer names in the building.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is a department store with old-world charm that has been serving customers since 1707. Its elegant retail space is filled with luxury items. Their Christmas hampers are a highly sought after gift.
Selfridges
Selfridges, one of London's most exclusive department stores, offers a bright, modern atmosphere and high-end designer brands. After doing some shopping, you can relax in their in-house cinema.
6. Ice skating
Queen's House Ice Rink
Ice skating at Queen's House it's a staple of the London Christmas calendar. The ice rink is considered the best in London, offering views of Greenwich Park to the south and the twinkling lights of Canary Wharf to the north.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Also Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park's huge amusement park, offers an ice skating rink during the Christmas period. You can enjoy skating among the twinkling lights and Christmas stalls.
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7. Savor delicious Christmas desserts
London knows how to celebrate, and as soon as November arrives, the city is invaded by an array of Christmas food specials. So, another must-do at Christmas in London is to sample some of the culinary delights the city has to offer.
Chestnut Bakery
La Chestnut Bakery offers the most incredible pastries, with a new specialty every month, including Christmas flavors in December.
Donut Time
If you love donuts, Donut Time it's the right place for you. This shop offers the cutest Christmas donuts.
The Black Pig
The Black Pig is famous for its Christmas sandwich, a real Christmas meal wrapped in a sandwich.
8. Visit a stately home decorated for Christmas
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor it's a fantastic place to visit all year round, but at Christmas it takes on an extra touch of splendor. Explore the decorated rooms in the east wing, enjoy access to the Christmas fair, and walk the garden path illuminated with mesmerizing projections.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, transforms into a real enchanted forest during the Christmas period. As you move through the gardens, a spectacular light and sound show brings the festive season to life in a whole new way.
9. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
If you're looking for something extra special to mark the holidays, a horse-drawn carriage ride through Richmond Park it might be ideal for you. A 60-minute journey through London's great park, accompanied by apple pies and mulled wine, and finished with a visit to the stables: this is romantic London at its best.
10. Enjoy a Christmas afternoon tea
B Bakery
B Bakery offers a Christmas themed afternoon tea… ON A DOUBLE DECKER BUS! You can enjoy Christmas-themed sweets and savories while enjoying the beauty of the capital from a Routemaster bus.
Park Room
Il Park Room offers a festive afternoon tea with themed desserts. The experience is absolutely luxurious and special.
Ting
Ting offers a “Skyline Afternoon Tea” festive with stunning views, as it is located in the Shard. You could save the £32 entry from the Shard and put it towards this one instead, as you get sweets and the same view!
11. Visit a Christmas-themed bar or restaurant
In addition to tasty treats, another thing that London does spectacularly is conviviality. Then, be sure to treat yourself to another classic London Christmas activity: eating and drinking in a festive atmosphere!
Miracle at Henrietta
Miracle at Henrietta, near Covent Garden, is a Christmas bar that offers a festive atmosphere and a large selection of Christmas cocktails.
Daphne's in Chelsea
Daphne's in Chelsea is a festive restaurant offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a Christmas meal.
12. Admire the Christmas decorations
Harrods
Harrods, one of London's most famous department stores, is completely decorated with dazzling Christmas displays. Typically, Harrods steals the show each year, with its exterior adorned with over 12.000 light bulbs.
Selfridges
Also Selfridges, one of the city's largest department stores, dresses up with Christmas displays. As well as a glitzy Christmas shop on the top floor, each year it features a new theme for its windows and interiors.
These are just some of the best things to do at Christmas in London. There are many other activities and places to explore in this city during the festive season. So, put on your most festive Christmas jumper, fill up on the Christmas spirit and get ready for an unforgettable Christmas in London!
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