What to Do This Christmas in London
‘Tis the season to celebrate Christmas, and if you’re looking for some festive things to do this holiday season then London is the perfect place to be. With its cobbled streets and traditional quaintness, London is renowned for putting on some of the best Christmas celebrations in the world. From festive street markets to traditional winter fun, there is no denying that London knows how to put on a merry show over the festive period.
We have put together this list of the best things to do in London this Christmas, so that you can ensure you make the most of your time in the capital.
Visit a Festive Market
A festive market is top of the list for things to do in London during the Christmas period. There are several markets in London that you can visit, with the most famous being the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Winter Wonderland has been open for over a decade now and is a magical place full of delicious food stalls, live entertainment, and bustling Christmas gifts stores. It’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit! Other markets in London worth visiting include the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, Columbia Road Christmas Market, and Camden Market for a Taste of Christmas.
Take in a Christmas Show
London is home to some of the world’s best performing arts venues, and the festive season is the perfect time to visit one. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, ballets or stand-up comedy, London has something to offer everyone. Some of the most popular Christmas shows in London include The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum and White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre. These shows are a fantastic way to spend an evening in the capital and get you into the festive spirit.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
Somerset House is one of the most popular attractions in London over the Christmas period, thanks to its awe-inspiring architecture and open-air ice rink. With real snow and festive music, Somerset House proudly host one of the best and biggest skating rinks in the city. Make sure to book tickets in advance, as it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Experience the London Illumination
The London Illumination is an iconic event of lights put on display across the capital’s streets by local artisans. Every year thousands of locals and tourist flock the streets, eager to get a glimpse of the colourful and festive displays. The Illumination usually takes place throughout December and is free to attend, making it the perfect way to get into the festive spirit without breaking the bank.
Visit the London Christmas Light Trail
The London Christmas Light Trail is a wonderful event that takes place from November to January every year. Stretching from Marble Arch to East London’s Canary Wharf, the trail showcases some of the most stunning festive lights in the city. With festive light installations that take inspiration from stories and legends, the Light Trail is an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Enchanted Eltham Palace
The Enchanted Eltham Palace is another must-visit attraction in London over the Christmas period. As one of London’s oldest country estates, this palace has been stunningly decorated with hundreds of festive lights, trees and garlands. You can take part in festive activities, set off on a festive trail and visit Santa’s Grotto here too.
Go Shopping at the Christmas Department Stores
Harrods and Selfridges are two of the most iconic department stores in London and they both get into the festive spirit with their fabulous decorations. As well as their stunning decorations, the stores also offer plenty of festive sales, making them the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done. Selfridges also hosts a magical Christmas exhibition every year, so definitely make sure you don’t miss that!
Catch a Christmas Movie
During the festive period, cinemas across London often host special screenings of Christmas movies. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies like Love Actually or classic animations such as Elf, there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s taste. It’s an excellent way to get into the spirit of Christmas, regardless of the cold weather!
Go to a Carol Concert
Carol concerts are extremely popular in London during the festive season, with venues across the city hosting choirs, service and music events to mark the season. Whether you’re looking for a traditional carol service or something a bit funky and modern, London has something to offer everyone.
Visit the Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square
Every year Christmas comes to Trafalgar Square with the famous Christmas tree. A tradition that has spanned more than 60 years, the tree is a regal Nordic fir from Scotland and is covered in thousands of lights. Every year the Norwegian government gives the tree as a token of thanks for the support the UK showed Norway during World War II and it is a fantastic sight to behold.
London knows how to put on a good show when it comes to the festive season, that is for sure! We hope that this list of festive things to do in London will help make your Christmas experience in the capital truly magical. Make sure to book tickets and plan your activities in advanc, as many of the events over the Christmas period are extremely popular and can get sold out quickly.
