Let’s be honest, we’d all like to be spending Christmas in London! The city takes on a festive charm as Christmas trees and lights appear all over the city, and there’s so much to see and do for all group sizes and preferences. If you’re stuck for choice, here are ten magical must-sees to enjoy during your trip to London this Christmas!
1. Enjoy a Christmas lights walk along Oxford Street
You can’t enjoy the Christmas season without seeing some lights! Walking around the city is one of the best ways to do this, particularly if you choose a route around Oxford Street, Regent Street or Covent Garden.Christmas in Oxford street, London.
2. Visit the Selfridges Christmas Shop
Located on the iconic department store’s fourth floor, the Christmas Shop sells over 1,000 different types of baubles, wreaths and Christmas trees! Also, Selfridges is also the perfect spot to do some Christmas shopping and take in some wonderful displays of exclusive, luxury and millionaire-worthy products.
3. See the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
Given every year by Norway as a gift to the people of London (as thanks for support in World War II), the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is a must-see! The lights are always a spectacle, and you can catch some carol singing by the tree from 9-22 December.
Christmas in Trafalgar Square, London
4. Spend a few hours in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park is transformed into Winter Wonderland during the Christmas season, and it’s free to enter and enjoy the festive atmosphere for yourself! You can wander around the park and take in over 200 wooden chalets selling festive goods and decorations, perhaps stopping off at one of the bars or cafes to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. There’s also a giant fire pit to huddle around with your loved ones!
5. Go ice skating at the Tower of London
The Tower of London ice rink is set within the magnificent fortress battlements, making for an unforgettable Christmas experience! What better way to take in one of London’s most iconic landmarks?
London ice skating
6. Wander through Kew Gardens and take in the festive spirit
Kew gardens have a festive makeover every year, and there are wonderful lighting installations created by UK artists to add to the enchanted winter landscape. A stroll through the gardens takes about 75 minutes, which makes it the perfect activity to schedule into a busy trip to London this Christmas.
7. Have a pub Christmas dinner (even if not on Christmas!)
If you’re in London, you must have a pub lunch! Most pubs will be;offering Christmas dinners for you to enjoy this year, especially in the lead-up to the day itself. There’ll be yorkshire puddings, brussel sprouts and gravy all round!
Christmas in Hyde Park, London
8. Pick up some presents at a Christmas market
If department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges aren’t your thing, why not seek out some of the city’s Christmas markets? Hyde Park and Kew Gardens both have wonderful markets at Christmas time, meaning that you can combine your market trip with tips 4 and 6 from the list!
9. Have an afternoon tea party with friends
Whether you go to Claridges for luxury treatment or a cosy teashop that’s further off the tourist track, an afternoon tea party is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas!
Christmas at London Eye
10. Take a ride in the London Eye
What better time to see the city of London from above than at Christmas? The London Eye never fails to get into the festive spirit, and each year it’s lit up in a memorable and eye-catching way. Take an evening trip on the Eye and truly enjoy the spectacle of London at Christmas – you’ll be able to see for miles!
