Christmas in London is great to experience. You can definitely get the real Christmas feeling in this UK city.
There are festive events and great Christmas markets in London. Furthermore, you can even see Father Christmas! Thus, it's a great idea to travel to the capital of the United Kingdom in winter!
This guide gives you all information for a magical Christmas with festive things to do!
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Things to do during Christmas in London
There are so many magical activities that will give you the Christmas feeling! For example, you will love Christmas at the London zoo for sure! There are lots of great activities in London. But here, you can find the 7 best things to do during Christmas in London!
1. Go ice skating at an ice rink
One of the most fun things to do during Christmas is ice skating. Whether you can do pirouettes on the rink or you're a beginner, it's a great winter activity!
There are several places for ice skating in London. But, by far the most popular one is the ice rink at the Natural History Museum.
This is a classic activity in London during Christmas. The ice rink is there every year and there's a giant Christmas tree in the center.
It's also very fun to go to the National History Museum afterward. It's one of the best museums in London! Furthermore, it's a great place to warm up.
And if you are on a budget, you are in luck! Going to a museum is one of the best free activities in London, as all museums in the city are free.
This also makes for a great thing to do alone in London.
But, if you're looking for another ice rink, there are plenty of choices! For example, there's a beautiful ice rink at Somerset House.
Furthermore, it's also very fun to go ice skating at the Tower of London. The view from this rink is amazing, as you can admire the Tower of London.
Looking for an even better view while ice skating? Then go to Skylight London! There's an ice rink on the rooftop and the views are breathtaking.
Moreover, ice skating at Trafalgar Square is great as well!
2. Drop by Hamley’s
Hamleys is an amazing toy store. But, this isn't an ordinary toy store. During Christmas, there are many activities and you can even meet Santa!
Furthermore, there are always people demonstrating the toys that they sell. On the outside, there are stunning Christmas decorations.
It's not only fun for children to go here, but also for adults! This is an amazing place to go for the ultimate Christmas feeling!
You should also go here if you're only one day in London. It's such a great experience!
3. Christmas shopping at Harrods
Harrods is a large department store that you should definitely go to! There are so many things that you can buy at Harrods. So, it's the perfect place for Christmas shopping in London!
Furthermore, the decorations at Harrods are beautiful as well. Both the inside and the outside are gorgeous during Christmas. Thus, it's a great place to visit in winter!
4. Visit Santa
There are several places in London where you can meet Father Christmas. This is a fun experience for the whole family!
Almost every Christmas market offers an opportunity to do so. Furthermore, there are many shops, museums, and other places to see Santa in real life!
5. See the Christmas Lights in the city
Throughout the whole city, you will find the most beautiful Christmas Lights. One of the best things to do in London during Christmas is to see the beautiful lights!
You can walk through the city, but you can also get inside one of the red buses and admire all lights. The decorations will definitely give you the best Christmas vibes!
6. London Zoo
London Zoo is an amazing place to visit. There are many festive things to do in London Zoo at Christmas. Especially for children, there are great activities.
For example, you can meet Santa here. You can even choose to have a VIP meeting with Santa! If you do that, you go to the Zoo very early and have breakfast. After that, you'll meet Father Christmas.
There's also a festive trail at London Zoo. It's definitely one of the best things to do in London during Christmas!
7. See Christmas Carol singers and a Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a very famous place in London. During Christmas, this is a lovely place to visit! There are Christmas Carol singers that sing Christmas songs.
Besides that, there's also a very beautiful Christmas tree. Thus, it's a great place to get the Christmas feeling!
8. See Christmas displays
Many stores in London change their display every season. During Christmas time, you can find the most beautiful Christmas displays! The displays are different every year, making them very fun to see.
For example, Peggy Porschen Cakes has a beautiful pink Christmas display. This is also one of the most colorful places in London.
You should also see the display of Annabel's, as it's always magnificent.
Furthermore, Maddox Gallery is beautiful as well! Maddox Gallery is also one of the best Instagram photo spots in London.
Events at Christmas in London
There are amazing events at Christmas in London. The shows at Christmas in London are magical as well. Here, you can find the 5 best events in London at Christmas!
1. Westminister Abbey during Christmas
Westminster Abbey is a great place to go to during Christmas. It is a very beautiful church. But, there are many church services where you can listen to Christmas carols.
Furthermore, you can also hear the Christmas story. You can attend music concerts too. These events happen during the days leading up to Christmas and are all free.
Furthermore, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there are even more things to see here! The Abbey Choir sings a lot of Christmas Carols and you can listen to other parts of the Christmas Story.
2. Royal Albert Hall Christmas Festival
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall offers some of the best events you can go to during Christmas in London. The hall is phenomenal and there are lots of festive events!
One of the best of these is 'Carols at the Royal Albert Hall'. During this event, you can listen to one of the best carol concerts there is. Listen along to your favorite Christmas carols! I'm sure this will give you the Christmas spirit!
3. A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol at the London Coliseum is a very fun musical based on the story of Charles Dickens!
There are more than 100 performers in this musical. Together, they tell the story of Scrooge's transformation.
Not only is the story and performance very good, but there is also beautiful music. Going to this event is a very magical experience.
4. English National Ballet’s Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet is a stunning show. Get ready for a beautiful take on the classic Christmas tale.
There are beautiful dances, there is great music, and the story is amazing. Furthermore, the press praised it a lot. So enjoy this magical night of entertainment!
5. White Christmas
Another one of the best events during Christmas in London is the musical White Christmas. It's at the Dominion Theatre. This is one of the best Christmas movies of all time.
You can now see it in live theatre! This Christmas story is lovely to see. Also, it is very fun to listen to all the Christmas songs!
Christmas Markets in London
Christmas markets in London are magical! The city has many amazing ones to offer. Thus, if you're in the city, you should definitely visit one of the Christmas festivals in London.
1. Winter Wonderland
Unfortunately, there won't be a Winter Wonderland in 2020. But, all other years this is a great event in Hyde Park. There are many attractions.
For example, there are rollercoasters and there's a giant Ferris wheel. It's one of the best events. So, Christmas in London at Hyde Park is amazing. Thus, if you're going back to London again you should definitely go here.
2. Southbank Centre Winter Market
For one of the best Christmas Markets in the city, go to the Southbank Centre Winter Market. This is a lovely Christmas market very close to the London Eye.
There are several stalls. Here, you can buy gifts, treats, and other Christmassy products. Furthermore, there are some fun attractions.
3. Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
What's great about this Christmas market is that it is close to Tower Bridge. Furthermore, you can see the City of London. It is very fun to experience Christmas while seeing some typical things in the city!
Moreover, Christmas by the river at London Bridge City offers many wooden stalls. There, you can buy plenty of food and drinks. Also, this is the perfect place for Christmas shopping as you can find many unique gifts here.
4. Leicester Square Christmas market
Another lovely winter market is Christmas in Leicester Square. You'll find here wooden toys for Children and Christmas ornaments. There are also many other products. Furthermore, this is a perfect place to taste some delicious treats!
Hotels in London during Christmas
London has many great places to stay. Staying in this city in winter is always amazing, but some hotels in London make it even better! You can find the best hotels in London during Christmas here!
St Martins Lane
St Martins Lane is a hotel very close to Covent Garden. Covent Garden is a lovely place in London. Especially during Christmas, it's great to be there!
There are many beautiful Christmas decorations and the whole atmosphere is nice. Thus, the location of St Martins Lane is perfect! Furthermore, the design of the hotel is amazing and it has all facilities you'll need!
Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard
Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard is one of the most luxurious hotels in London. The Shard is the highest building in London. This hotel has more than 200 suites and rooms and you will have a beautiful view of London.
What's better than getting a great night of sleep at 125 meters high during Christmas? It's one of the best hotels in London during Christmas for sure!
Some extra things to know
Weather in London during this time
Winters in London can get very cold and there is a high chance of rain. The average temperature in December is between 41°F (5°C) and 48°F (9°C).
Thus, it's convenient to bring warm clothes. There also is a chance that it will snow, as freezing temperatures do happen in London. Even though it isn't always snowing, it looks very magical when it does!
Transport
There are several ways to travel through London. The easiest way is to travel by public transport. London has an excellent metro network. Besides that, you can also take one of the red buses.
These buses aren't only convenient, but they are also very fun. From the buses, you get amazing views of the city and all the beautiful decorations.
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