Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Christmas in London
Christmas in London is simply enchanted.
There are twinkling lights and festive markets; traditional holiday performances and delicious seasonal treats; and the city becomes a wonderland capturing the holiday spirit like nowhere else you can find.
This guide walks through the highlights, everything to do, and tip-offs for a Christmas spent in London.
Reasons the Christmas Experience in London is an Unforgettable One
There’s something about Christmas in London that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a holiday film.
From the Christmas lights that adorn Oxford Street to the Christmas cheer at Covent Garden, the UK capital has no shortage of things to do, see and taste that will soundtrack the magic of the season.
Puedes be planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, London offers unique holiday experiences for everyone.
1. Experience the Famous Christmas Markets of London
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Set by the River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is particularly beloved by foodies and people who love quirky gifts.
Filled with wooden chalets selling made-in-shop items, mulled wine and cuisine from around the world, it’s an ideal place to roam on a crisp night.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Festivities include ice skating, rides at the fairground, live shows and a huge Christmas market.
It’s one of London’s largest holiday attractions, so be sure to plan ahead to maximize your time there this winter wonderland.
Covent Garden Christmas Village in London
Covent Garden goes big for Christmas. With beautiful decorations, a giant Christmas tree and seasonal stalls, it’s a great place to pick up gifts or have some hot cocoa.
Don’t miss the live shows from local artists and street performers that add even more festive feel.
2. Admire London’s Dazzling Christmas Lights
Oxford Street and Regent Street
The holiday lights on Oxford and Regent Streets keep the heart of London’s shopping world beating brighter.
Every year, these streets show off daytime spectacular light displays, strung with thousands of glittering bulbs.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street lights in recent years are themed, and support other causes.
Past years’ themes have included sustainable lights, ocean conservation themes and pop culture tributes.
Kew Gardens Light Trail
For a particularly glittery experience, stroll through the Kew Gardens Christmas Light Trail.
This trail is unique, bringing you colorful light installations that decorate the gardens in magical ways.
3. Skate at Iconic Ice Rinks
Somerset House Ice Rink
The Somerset House Ice Rink is as fancy as they come, situated in the courtyard of an 18th-century edifice with holiday music playing and fairy lights twinkling.
It’s one of London’s most popular rinks, and you should definitely be booking your tickets sooner rather than later.
Ice Rink, Natural History Museum
Skate beneath a beautifully illuminated Christmas tree outside the Natural History Museum.
These are surrounded by fairy-lit trees, making this a magical spot for families and couples alike.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
For a contemporary spin, Canary Wharf Ice Rink has neon lighting and a sheltered rink, so you can skate regardless of the elements.
It’s a less populated option with stunning views of the city’s skyline.
4. Visit Christmas at Hogwarts
The Warner Bros. Hogwarts in the Snow lights up for the Studio Tour.
Harry Potter fans can see the Great Hall decorated with Christmas trees, banquet settings and a snowy Hogwarts model. It’s a magical experience for fans big and small.
5. Take a Festive Afternoon Tea
Heard of an afternoon tea each day?London has an unbeatable reputation for its afternoon teas, and during Christmas, they take on an extra special touch.
Many luxury hotels and tearooms offer festive-themed teas with seasonal fare like mince pies, gingerbread and mulled wine.
The Ritz London
The Ritz has served traditional Christmas Afternoon Tea, featuring Christmas carols, holiday decorations and tasty seasonal pastries.
It’s luxury as well as festive spirit, the spirit of a London Christmas.
Claridge’s
One glorious thing about Claridge’s is its festive decor around the holidays, including a tree painstakingly decorated for the occasion.
Their Christmas Afternoon Tea is just as magical and features holiday-themed pastries, as well as teas to complement the season.
6. Go to a Christmas Carol Concert
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s has a stunning carol service that is open to the public. Take part in the traditional carols or you can just marvel at the stunning architecture and atmosphere of one of London’s most famous structures.
Westminster Abbey
Another not-to-be-missed offering is Westminster Abbey’s Christmas concerts.) The Abbey’s choir and musicians sing beloved Christmas carols, and the historic space shimmers with holiday cheer.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall has a selection of Christmas concerts and carols throughout December, from classic choral music to big-band Christmas hits.
7. Watch a Holiday Performance
The Royal Ballet’sThe Nutcracker
The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House is a holiday favorite.
With stunning costumes, set design and Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding score, it’s a fitting way to mark the season.
The Old Vic, London
Each year, the Old Vic Theater mounts a production of A Christmas Carol, a rendition of Charles Dickens’ story that leaps off the page through the heartwarming performance.
8. Get Warm with Traditional Holiday Treats
Mince Pies
Mince pies are a holiday staple in Britain, and London offers some of the best.
Keep an eye out for freshly baked mince pies at bakeries, markets and cafes around the city.
Mulled Wine
Get warmed up with a hot cup of mulled wine from one of London’s Christmas markets or pubs.
The holiday drink, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and oranges, has an ultimate cozy, festive flavor.
Christmas Pudding
What is Christmas pudding Background Christmas pudding is a traditional English dessert served on Christmas Day or during the holidays.
You could try it at one of London’s historic pubs or restaurants for a traditional taste of the holidays.
9. Experience Boxing Day Sales
Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the UK.
The massive discounts available at major shopping districts like Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden. Be sure to arrive early to get the best deals!
10. Take a Christmas Day Tour
If you find yourself in London on Christmas Day, take a holiday tour that will be hard to replicate.
Certain companies provide open-top bus tours during which you can take in iconic sites in London free from the usual crowds.
Boat cruises on the Thames River offer a lovely view of the city’s Christmas lights from the water.
How to Enjoy a Magical Christmas in London
Plan Ahead: Buy tickets in advance for popular events, like ice skating, afternoon teas and performances.
Dress for the Weather: It can be very cold in London in December, so dress to be comfortable!
Just Walk: The neighborhoods such as Covent Garden, Southbank and Oxford Street are beautiful with all the festive lights and the best way to see them is on foot.
Christmas In London Ultimate Guide Conclusion
Christmas in London is unforgettable with its mix of time-honored tradition, vibrant markets and glittering lights that reflect the spirit of the season.
Be it ice skating at Somerset house, shopping for unique gifts, or sipping mulled wine, a festive getaway in London is sure to be filled with magical moments and memories that’ll last forever.
