Ho ho ho! But then it really kicked off. Then slide over to Savile Road and get the men in your life monogrammed handkerchiefs. Covent Garden, the popular piazza in London, is just spectacular an absolute must on your itinerary if you are planning to visit London at Christmas. The smell of mulled wine fills the air, happy revellers fill their bellies with tasty Christmas treats and stall-holders sell their trinkets to delighted Christmas shoppers. Its incredibly difficult for me to describe the evening and do it justice, but Ill try. How to spend an incredible Christmas weekend in London. Subscribe, and every fortnight you'll receive inspiration for gorgeous city-breaks, UK travels and offbeat experiences, alongside my own musings and tips on travelling with a full time job. LIFE*SPIN. But dont worry because there are so many other things you can do on Christmas Day in London. Immersive decor + festive booze + banging soundtrack = a winner. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Well take five Scrooge Sours, please and thank you. This quirky event sees hundreds of people dressed in a Father Christmas outfit running through Victoria Park, and we have to say it is one of the funniest events in London at Christmas. First, quickly check if you can Reclaim Tesco Vouchers online. There's no shortage of festive entertainment during London's Christmas season. This makes the Natural History Museum one of the most scenic spots to skate in London. Youll find almost everything you need in these famous London stores but if a spot of outdoor shopping appeals to you, check out one ofLondons quaint Christmas markets. Contestants must carry a spoon in their mouths with a Christmas Pudding (a sweet British traditional cake) and race with it. Ive travelled to other countries at Christmas time, often to partake in all of the above but in a new setting I love European Christmas markets as they just go really big at this time of year. Christmas isnt about bad feels so make sure you book tickets for some of the more popular pantos and events (cough Christmas in Kew cough) well in advance to avoid disappointment. The museum is easily one of the most underrated in the capital and is helping visitors get in the festive season in 2022.
The mood is set by carols and the beautiful backdrop of the London Eye and Big Ben in the background. Last year my table centrepiece lasted well into January, so its a lovely way to brighten up your home too. Head to Trafalgar Square to see a massive spruce all decked out in lights, an annual gift from Norway given every year since 1947. Winter Wonderland Hyde Park by Garry Knight.. One of the most popular holiday attractions in London is the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.Running until January 5 (but closed on Christmas Day), the fair boasts an ice rink, observation wheel (think The Eye, but a smidge smaller), Santa Land, and an ice sculpture garden. Some attractions normally close, such as The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, so I would double check opening times for these attractions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Type above and press Enter to search. Youre spoilt for choice regarding sweet treats with so much cotton candy and churros with chocolate. Its a well-known truth that nowhere does afternoon teas quite like London but in the run up to Christmas, they really step it up a notch. Add to that the excuse to drink Christmas cocktails (for the record, these are like normal cocktails but better and come with zero guilt because: Christmas), eat festive afternoon teas, dress up in ugly jumpers, and youre onto a winner. Perhaps the most iconic ice skating rink in all of London is hidden off the main thoroughfare. Something else you should probably have in mind during your visit to London at Christmas are the famous Christmas sales! Dont skip the toffee pudding on Sundays at the Michelin-starred restaurant or chips (fries) and a martini at their more casual restaurant, the Barn. Much as a carol concert is Christmassier than eating mince pies and dancing badly in ugly jumpers, theres a whole world more to explore when it comes to festive music. My family . If theres one thing the folks over at Backyard Cinema are the kings of, its beautiful settings so expect twinkling lights, huge trees, and enough festive tipples to warm you right up. Canary Wharfs is another popular option and, if youre willing to hop on the train, Hampton Court Palace is magical. Another London landmark stuns as it lights up for the Christmas season.
Buying presents is just a small part of the big festive spend, with money also spent on socialising (let's be honest, mostly drinking), food for the big day and decorations - not least the all-important tree. And if you want to party the night away, make sure you look into all the best places to go dancing in the New Year in one of the hottest spots in the city. Dont mind if we do at Corinthia Londons Whitehall Penthouse. New Years Eve in London is celebrated in style, and the main attraction is the fireworks over the London Eye. It is a memorable respite from fish and chips. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Where to eat nearby:Sink into Italian comforts while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous atCecconi's Mayfair. It will be hard to miss Claridge'sChristmas tree: This year's 19-footer is actually a sculpture designed by Christian Louboutin, accompanied by a romantic train carriage titled 'The Loubi Express' in the designer's trademark red. Not only is it excellent value, but the cheeky quips, festive atmosphere and frenetic pace make it one of the quirkier things to do in London at Christmas. Weve really tried to keep the Christmas Eve auction at Smithfield Meat Market a secret as its such a cool little festive London event and were not quite ready for it to be ruined Oh fine, well share.
Things to Do in London At Christmas Time - Town & Country Magazine Make your way through the twinkling and impressive lights and take in all the Christmas spirit. Westfield is giving Winter Wonderland a run for its money this year when it comes to festivities the two locations (Stratford and White City) will be a hub for all things Xmas in London. Highlights include Selfridges and Marks and Spencer department stores. The tree has a storied tradition, after all: Every year since 1947, the city of Oslo has donated a tree to London to show lasting gratitude for the the support Britain provided during World War II. Feast on their signature biscuits (complete with Christmas decorations obviously) and a selection of other sweet treats 48 per adult. Christmas inLondonhas a certain kind of timeless appeal.
Santacon, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, shopping, warm cider and visiting parks might be the best idea.
15 Best Things to Do in London at Christmas [2023] - Faraway Lucy Theyre interesting enough the rest of the year round but many take Christmas as their time to shine (literally there are often a LOT of fairy lights involved). And whilst that doesnt sound great, the truth is far from it, as you can enjoy the Christmas lights in London and soak up the festive atmosphere.
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Spending my first Christmas alone in London : r/london - Reddit 16 things to do in London on Christmas Day - visitlondon.com Obviously. Christmas Day is one of the hardest days to fill (mainly because you need your own transport, London shuts down) but if you live locally to one of the centres/hotels, that can work out well. My family . Ready to take on the role of a Dickensian detective and put your sleuthing skills to the test? I thoroughly recommend Crisis - I've volunteered with them for years, and it always makes my Decembers feel less shitty. Seeing the lights, spying out the Christmas trees, Christmas carol concerts so many of these things are free, meaning you can save your pennies for pressies and Christmas cocktails instead. Locations include Harrods, Hamleys, Winter Wonderland, ZSL London Zoo, Selfridges, Kew Gardens and more. Oh ho ho no (sorry, couldnt resist) there are gorgeous trees dotted all over the city. ibis hotel rooms are soundproof and air-conditioned and it isnt an exaggeration to say that the bed was the best Ive ever slept in (they call it their Sweet Bed). Where to eat (and drink) nearby:You've earned a break by now: Have a drink or dinner at Michelin-starred restaurantSketch Galleryin Mayfair. Where it is:Steps away from the Oxford Circus tube stop. Make the most of the capital's jolly festivities and add some sparkle to your trip with 101 of the best things to do in London during Christmas .
Best Things To Do in London During the Christmas Holidays - Eating Europe The 25 metre-tall tree sits in the middle of the square, festooned with lights and looking ever so Christmassy. All the shops are normally open on this day with plenty of bargains. Unfortunately the ice skating rink at the Natural History Museum will no longer take place, as they are transforming this space to be something greater soon. Choristers at St. Pauls rehearse for their Christmas carol service. Find the best places to stay in London in our guide to the. theyre going to need it. Take advantage of London's quiet streets on a tour of the city's top landmarks, celebrate Christmas with Londoners in cosy restaurants and pubs, wander streets adorned with glittering Christmas lights or take in the festive atmosphere as you wander through the royal parks . Looking for part-time travel, but full time fun? As well as the famous West-End London musicals that are available throughout the year, for a few weeks over the festive holidays, London is home to numerous Christmas-themed plays, musicals, pantomimes and ice-skating shows. There really are so many London Christmas lights that its best to put on a warm winter coat and walk to as many as possible once it gets dark (who are we kidding, its winter, its pretty much always dark). PlanTripLondon.com is a travel blog about London where you are going to find the most important things that you need to know to plan a trip to London. With beautifulNordic-inspired wooden chalets lining the Southbank, with a huge range of tasty street food options, Christmas gifts and crafts and cheeky treats an afternoon spent wandering the stalls and nursing a warm drink is a well spent afternoon indeed. All tube stations will be closed, there will be no trains or buses. Filled with overpriced drinks, huge queues, and the sounds of crying children in the air, we understand that its very much a Marmite situation, but theres also nowhere as iconic to spend an evening. The ice-skating rinks often have specific areas for the littlest of skaters, and they can use colourful guards to help stop them from falling. Fortnum's is also a destination for its window decorations, and this year, the display is dedicated to one of things the department store does best: tea, of course. Its all slightly ethereal and rather wonderful. By Lale Arikoglu and.
8 Must do Things when spending Christmas in London Or, how about the Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise that treats you to mince pies and mulled wine as you spot Londons most famous attractions? From mid-November 2022 to early January 2022, people flock to the south bank of the River Thames, next to the London Eye, for the Southbank Winter Festival. Read our guide for a full run-down of recommended activities. For the second year in a row, I headed to Villandry near Great Portland Street for some festive flower arranging fun with incredible florists Moyses Stevens. Where to eat nearby:Hungry? London at Christmas is already magical but imagine seeing Hogwarts at Christmas! The newly renovated North Lodge at Coworth Park for those staying with friends and family. You either love or hate ice skating here at London x London were not too keen, but you should definitely visit one of Londons pop up rinks if youre feeling brave enough. The Nutcracker at the London Colisseum in Piccadilly is one of the most popular Christmas events, but we do love a Christmas pantomime, Disney On Ice at the O2 or Circus 1903. Children can have a chat with him and receive a little gift if theyve been good! Youre missing out. Hit up Oxford Street, Regents Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Seven Dials and Bond Street for starters, then trek out to Kew, where the Christmas lights are something else. Alexandra Palaces rink is beautiful, the Queens House rink in Greenwich is a stunner too, as is the iconic skating rink at Somerset House. The Great Hall is decorated for the Yule Ball from Goblet of Fire (you know, the one in the Triwizard Tournament when Hermione turns up with Viktor Krum and shizz goes down big time). Situated in Crystal Palace Park, winding trails of mesmerising light sculptures decorate the area it truly encapsulates the magic of Christmas. 21 November 2019 - 5 January 2020 It is the biggest Christmas Market in London. The best way to explore London is on foot the central attractions are in a surprisingly small area and easily walkable.
31 things to do on Christmas Eve in London - visitlondon.com One of the enchanting things to do during Christmas in London is to visit Hogwarts Castle in the snow. Chiswick House will be hosting Christmas market weekends where you can wend your way through the 18th-century stately home gardens and scoff mince pies as the Rock Choir sings. Dine on classic sandwiches (choose from caviar, smoked salmon, and cream cheese fillings), scones, and pastries just like we like to think Jackie Onassis did, and consult one of the on-hand tea connoisseurs to get your pairing just right. There's plenty of festivities taking place inside the historic house, too, and this year everything is themed to the 1760sthe decade when Kenwood House was first built. Where it is:Take the tube to Hampstead Station, then follow Well Walk to Hampstead Heath. All the attractions will be closed including the Christmas markets and Winter Wonderland. Here's our complete guide to the best Christmas markets in London. Tickets are 15 per person, book yours here. Christmas aid programs provide food for Christmas dinner and toys for children. But what if I told you that you could combine cabaret vibes, Christmas spirit and gorgeous food? Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective), visitors cant partake in the festivities, but its almost more fun to bundle up and watch the event. PwC Canada expects Canadians to drop over $1,500 on . Olivia Hosken is the deputy managing editor of House Beautiful, where she oversees operations across the brand's print and digital platforms. A visit to London Transport Museum might not be at the top of your Christmas list this year, but bear with us. And we cant quite think of a better way to marvel at them than during an immersive scavenger hunt. Where to Eat (and drink) nearby:After visiting Hatchard's, we love to duck insideGordon's Wine Bar, London's oldest wine bar, dating back to 1890. Christmas Aid. We hate to be the voice of reason here but this is Xmas in London. I opted to stay at ibis London Blackfriarswhich is such a perfectly located hotel for festive fun in London. I love getting into the festive spirit as early as possible, playing Christmas tunes and watching Love Actually at least 10 times before the day itself. 1 10 best Christmas activities to do in London 1.1 Visit Winter Wonderland 1.2 Go ice skating at the Natural History Museum 1.3 See the Christmas decorations in & around Oxford Street 1.4 Visit Southbank Christmas Market 1.5 Pair ice-skating at South Bank with a visit to the London Eye! Whether you're a local or one of the millions of tourists who visit every year, there are always a few Christmas traditions that even the most jaded Londoner will indulge in: say,yesto ice skating at Somerset House, visiting the towering tree in Trafalgar Square, and snapping pics of thedepartment store windowsand no to visiting Oxford Street. Trafalgar Square is home to the capitals biggest and best Christmas tree, donated to Londoners from the people of Oslo. A wander around one of London's many Christmas markets is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in London this Christmas. Established in 1819, it's only on Piccadilly because the then-owner of Burlington House (now theRoyal Academy), Lord George Cavendish, was so irked byLondoners slurping oysters and scattering the empty shellsoutside that he decided to build the luxury shopping arcade to shield his house from the pesky trash. The famous Ritz Palm Court is festooned with decorations, transforming it into a winter wonderland plus the tea itself is pimped by the addition of mince pies, festive cakes and a glass of bubbly. London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open: If you love seeing Central London Christmas lights but want to avoid the crowds, I highly suggest doing an open-top bus tour. Tickets for adults start at 21,50 and those for children start at 14 (if you have planned a family trip to London, ask for a family ticket, they start at 65). First of all: King's Cross ' Alpine Wonderland will be taking over the area from the 9th of November, bringing with it 8 Christmas markets over 6 weeks, Club Curling, and an Apres-Ski bar serving hot toddies to warm you right up. We could not be more excited for this festive event: The Nightmare Before Christmas Live, featuring Danny Elfmans ghostly vocals IRL. Other returnees include Christmas by the River at London Bridge and Pexmas in Peckham' s Copeland Park. December 26th: Boxing Day is when the amazing Christmas sales start. But this isnt the only benefit of this hotel. An alternative to panto, you ask? This year hasnt exactly been the easiestAnd if that isnt an excuse to scoff mince pies and down Baileys hot chocolate, we dont know what is.
Where to spend Christmas in London - crazysexyfuntraveler.com It might involve a hot drink at the oldest bar in the city, a spin around the ice rink at Somerset House, and yes, a mince pie. A train station might feel like an unlikely place to start your Christmas tree odyssey but there we are the tree at St Pancras is always on everyones lips when it comes to choosing their favourite. In particular, the English capital knows how to decorate a Christmas tree. There are numerous skating rinks scattered around the city in iconic places such asSomerset House and Hyde Park. Expect to see lots of people dressed up and having fun. In addition to the famous markets and street markets that are available all throughout the year, there are even more Christmas markets in London to get locals and tourists into the festive spirit. You'll visit Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, enjoy views from the Shard and Sky Garden, and stroll along the River Thames. Hamleys is the oldest and the largest toy shop in the world, so it makes sense that theyre going to put on quite a show for Christmas. The outdoor ice rinks at Christmas are beautiful and usually located in some of the most scenic and popular spots in London. Want to get in the festive spirit? One of the highlights whilst visiting London during Christmas is to admire the fantastic displays of Christmas lights and decorations. These traditional markets sell unique gifts and seasonal food and drink, and can be found at various locations throughout the city. In fact many of the sets are given a festive makeover and if youre quick, you can snap up tickets to have dinner in the great hall. How to Spend Christmas in London London Christmas For the first time ever, I'm going to stay in London for Christmas. For those traveling with a large family or who are planning to stay for several weeks (take advantage of remote work!) One of Londons most unique holiday rituals is the annual Peter Pan Cup, where members of the Serpentine Swimming Club jump into lake in Hyde Park for an icy Christmas Day race. And if you have never had a mulled wine or a traditional mince pie a Christmas market is one of the best places to try some of these! So excited and excited. York is another of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK. The workshops are delivered alongside a festive afternoon tea, and we opted to add a bottle of champagne to the proceedings, because what is a crafty festive afternoon without some bubbles?
How to send Christmas gifts at less than HALF the price of Royal Mail The famous bearded guy in red will set up shop at a number of locations for a limited period in the run up to Christmas. Some of the most famous shopping streets of London, such as Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Regent Street, celebrate the switching on of the lights with a huge event often accompanied by musical performances, a celebrity to switch them on, and sometimes, even fireworks. Why not enjoy a spin around the UKs largest open-air rink or the numerous bars, food stalls and traditional Christmas market. Need more shopping ideas? The Christmas decorations are always a highlight, with wreaths, trees, and ribbons adorning almost every open surface in the arcade. It was truly an incredible evening. Skating is also available at Hampton Court Palace and at the Natural History Museum. The switching on of the Christmas lights is one of the most highly anticipated events in November, as they mark the beginning of Christmas in London. We dont judge) all while enjoying the beautiful Christmas tree. Throughout the holiday season, trees stand silhouetted in the windows of Georgian townhouses; the pubs are cozy and . Celebrate the holidays in true British fashion. > Find out more: What to do on Christmas Eve in London. We would recommend numerous places to book dinner on New Years Eve in London places that we personally like a lot and do not usually feature on other guide books as well as a few more infamous restaurants. See instructions above. 72 Christmas things to do in London From glittering Christmas lights and ice skating to traditional markets and Christmas shows, London is a Christmas wonderland. This winter book a 45-minute curling session (which comes with its own Club Curling Bar for fuel), then stroll over to Coal Drops Yard for dinner at British designer Tom Dixons Coal Office, which offers up Mediterranean shared plates in a buzzy, yet relaxed setting created by Chef Assaf Granitmake sure to book in advance, it is a local favorite. Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. Here are my top picks for everything you should do for a magical Christmas in London. This is when the streets come to life in streams of fairy lights, so pretty that it often feels like you are inside a Christmas tree! A London Christmas trip is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. The second time I was there was shortly after Covid started, so I isolated myself in a hotel and didnt see much of London. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Ive had a great time at Winter Wonderland in the past, but this year I wanted to opt for a more traditional and slightly calmer Christmas vibe. As we though the night was drawing to a close, we were invited to limbo towards a new room (we thought it was the exit), and all of a sudden we found ourselves in some sort of Christmas speakeasy to continue the party. > More information:Warner Bros. studios. ), If youre looking for Christmas shortbread, jams, chocolates and anything sweet then head straight to the iconic Fortnum & Mason in St Jamess for a (very) Christmassy shopping experience (and one that will leave you with bags of goodies!). When you do the math, though, remember that gifts are only a portion of the overall Christmas spending - and not necessarily the largest one. My family . How to spend Christmas in London 1. Consider yourself a night owl? For a truly magical conclusion to your first festive day in London, join in the seasonal tradition and book tickets to see the Nutcracker.
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