Christmas is a magical time of the year to be visiting London. Beautiful decorations all around the place and people are specially in the mood of festivity. Christmas is all about celebrating the feeling of unity, family time, sharing love, food, and happiness. Spending this season is worth the experience as they are a lot of things to do and places to see. Celebrating Christmas in London have tons of surprises for everyone, irrespective of age and gender.
- ICE SKATING
A Christmas trip to London is totally an incomplete experience without indulging in this activity. This activity is very popular during special seasons like Christmas. And you do not even have to be professionally experienced to partake in this activity as ice rinks will provide help. On the other hand, there is a café for those who prefer to just watch and enjoy the view. You can find some temporary ice-skating rinks at:
- Canary Wharf
- Tower of London
- Somerset House
- National History Museum
- CHRISTMAS LIGHT
What’s Christmas without Christmas lights? This illumination adds beauty to every corner and streets in London, adding to the festivity in the air.
Kew Gardens, a botanical garden is one of the places in London with an enchanting light trail. Fortunately, it gets bigger and even more popular every year, so it gets better. This location is a favorite for London families as they get to bond over the beautiful lights. Walking through the lights can lift your mood and cheering everyone up.
Another place in London with impressive lights is Oxford Street. The only downside is that it can get quite busy during festive seasons like Christmas. Other options to explore are Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Kingston, Enchanted Woodland and Sloane Square.
- SHOPPING
This season in London is one of the best times for overseas visitors to shop as there are usually a lot of Christmas sales. And this sale mostly happens immediately has finished. And to make your findings and shopping easily, there are stores for adults and kids.
For Adults
- Seven Dials
- Burlington Arcade
- Duke of York Square
For Children
- Hamleys- popularly known as the best toy shop in the world. If you are confused about what to get your kids, cousins, nephews, or nieces for Christmas, this is the best place to come to.
- Lego Store- every child loves Lego; therefore, you should check this store out.
- Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop- this is one of the oldest toy shops located in London. Despite this, it still houses some of the best things you could find around.
- CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The Christmas markets here in London need no introduction as they are elegant, bubbling, and extravagant. They make a statement for themselves by the way they bring life and beauty to the whole city. You can find anything you need for the season in the Christmas season. From gorgeous decorations to Christmas trees, to presents for families and friends, to antique gifts. Some of the best London Christmas markets are Southbank Center, Winter Wonderland, Tate Modern Market and London Bridge City Christmas Market.
- LONDON WEATHER
The weather of London during Christmas is aligned to the atmosphere that is needed for the celebrations and merriment. December happens to be one of the coldest months in London as everywhere is filled with snow. Sometimes, however, you may find that the weather can be a bit unpredictable. One minute the sun will be shining, the next the floor is filled with snow. Of course, this can mean that it can be difficult to know what to wear or what to do, but if you had a weather station (find out here for more), you would be able to prepare much better because it will send data directly to you. This is fantastic if you want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, however, if you want to experience the London weather for what it is, then leave it to chance! The weather is ideal for the season, which is why so many people from around the world travel to enjoy it.
- CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Carol concerts in London are one of the highlights of the Christmas season. The one that happens at Royal Albert Hall is one of the best Christmas events in London. The ambience of the hall changes to a lively and energetic one with the carol concert during the Christmas season. Great artists like Justin Timberlake and Adele have performed at this grand hall and being in here is purely magical.
- CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Christmas is about spreading love, happiness and this can be done by giving gifts to those you love and receiving from them. Santa Claus and his gifts is a feature a lot of people await in London. He spreads joy and warmth all over his city with his majestic presence. Another way to enjoy your Christmas trip is by meeting the popular Santa Claus also referred to as Father Christmas. You can find many of them at the famous Santo Grottos in London. Also, ensure to collect your Christmas gift from them as they came with plenty goodies.
You came on a trip, and you would need a place to stay. To enjoy the charm and magical feeling of the season, you cannot afford to just lodge at any place. One needs to enjoy that the stay is comfortable and cozy enough. Also, you need a place with a Christmas feel and some of them are;
- The Goring, Belgravia
- Claridge’s Mayfair
- Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard
- The Zetter Townhouse, Clerkenwell
- Andaz Hotel, Liverpool Street.
- Claridge’s
- Covent Garden Hotel
- ME London
- The Hoxton Holborn
On the other hand, some of the best restaurants to feast in during the Christmas season In London are;
- Coppa Club, Tower Bridge
- Monsieur Le Duck
- Julie’s
- Mac & Wild, Fitzrovia
- Aqua Shard, London Bridge
- Duck and Waffle, Heron Tower.
Just in case you are coming to London for the first time to celebrate Christmas, there are some important things to note
- Pack enough thick clothing’s to keep you warm as it gets cold in December here in London. The weather can be quite harsh on your skin.
- Make use of discounts and sales to shop for your favorite things in this huge city
- Book your flight tickets well ahead of time as it can get very expensive as Christmas becomes closer
- While exploring London, be sure to carry extra cash in your bags, wallets, or pockets.
- Explore the food, most especially the local dishes.