As the holiday season approaches, London transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a palpable air of merriment.
From enchanting markets to dazzling light displays, the capital offers an array of delightful experiences to make your Christmas truly special. In this curated list, we present the cream of the crop, showcasing the best Christmas events in London.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these enchanting festivities promise to captivate your heart and create cherished memories. So, wrap up warm, grab a hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the seasonal splendour that London has to offer!
Here is a list of the best things to do in London for Christmas:
- Best Christmas Light Trail in London
- Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens
- Christmas at Kenwood
- Christmas at Eltham Palace
- Indulge in the best Christmas themed events
- Step inside Gingerbread City and make a gingerbread house to take home
- Make Christmas Ornaments at Fortnum & Mason
- Learn how to ice biscuits with expert icers at Biscuiteers
- Visit the Christmas markets. London has several Christmas markets, each with its own unique atmosphere. Some of the most popular markets include:
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: This is the largest Christmas market in the UK, with over 200 stalls selling food, drinks, gifts, and more. There’s also an ice rink, a roller coaster, and other rides and attractions.
- Christmas by the River at Southbank: This market has a more laid-back atmosphere, with food stalls, mulled wine stalls, and live music. There’s also a great view of the River Thames and the city skyline.
- Spitalfields Christmas Market: This market is known for its high-quality gifts and crafts. There’s also a food hall and a variety of bars and restaurants.
- King’s Cross Christmas Market: This market is located in the heart of King’s Cross and features a variety of stalls selling food, drinks, gifts, and more. There’s also a street food market and a variety of bars and restaurants.
- See a Christmas show. London has a wide variety of Christmas shows to choose from, including pantomimes, musicals, and ballets. Some of the most popular shows include:
- The Nutcracker at the Royal Ballet
- The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
- Cinderella: The Pantomine at The Lyric Hammersmith
- Hansel and Gretel at Shakespeare’s Globe
- The Gruffalo’s Child at the Garrick Theatre
- Go ice skating. There are several ice rinks in London, including:
- Somerset House Ice Rink
- Glide at Battersea Power Station
- Tower of London Ice Rink
- The Queen’s House Greenwich Ice Rink
- Canary Wharf Ice Rink
- Underbelly’s Skate West End at Hanover Square
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
- Kingdom of Winter Ice Rink
- Visit the Christmas lights. London is transformed into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, with festive lights and decorations on display all over the city. Some of the best places to see the Christmas lights include:
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Carnaby Street
- Trafalgar Square
- Meet Santa Claus. Santa Claus makes several appearances in London throughout the Christmas season. You can meet him at Winter Wonderland, at Covent Garden, and at other locations around the city.
- Enjoy a Christmas feast. London has a wide variety of restaurants serving Christmas menus. You can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner at a pub or restaurant, or you can try something more unique, such as a Christmas afternoon tea or a Christmas boat cruise.
No matter what you’re looking for in a Christmas experience, you’re sure to find it in London. With its festive markets, shows, activities, and food, London is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season.
The Ellie Project 