There are so many fun and quirky things to do in London at Christmas. The Christmas lights sparkle, the smell of roasted chestnuts appear around every second street corner and there’s an increasing air of excitement as Christmas day gets closer and closer.
London really is quite magical at Christmas and the city gears up for it in a big way, with decorations being put up even before Halloween. There is so much to do in London at Christmas and a lot can be enjoyed for free or pretty cheap if you search around. Here is my list of just a few things you can do and see in London at Christmas.
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1. Just Explore
My first tip would be to just go for a wander. You may find some unexpected but beautiful Christmas decorations or a small market, or a pretty little laneway. London is big but actually a lot of places are walking distance from each other so skip the tube and see what you can discover on foot. Guaranteed you’ll see so much more!
Walking along the river from Embankment station is really lovely and the views that you get from the bridge are great with St Pauls Cathedral in the near distance. You can also walk to Somerset House from here which leads me to my next fun thing in London at Christmas.
2. Have fun Ice Skating
There are several outdoor ice skating rinks that pop up in London at Christmas- I’m slowly making my way around all of them! If you wanna get into the xmas spirit then this is the perfect activity. Plus most of them have cafes where you can get mulled wine or even champagne after your skate.
| Somerset House: The traditional rink but gets very busy (it’s very pretty though). |
| Hampton Court Palace: I personally love the skating here as its cosy with fairy lights around the outside and the palace is lit up with various colours. |
| Tower of London: Another historic place to skate right in the heart of London. |
| Natural History Museum: Such a nice setting with the museum in the background and a big Christmas tree in the middle of the rink. |
| Canary Wharf: I really like this rink, especially at night as all the surrounding buildings are lit up and there are fairy lights on all the trees. |
| London Skylight: One of the newest ice skating rinks which is actually on a rooftop. You can book igloos and tables for your group and chill out by the bar. |
3. Climb up Monument Tower
For only ยฃ4.50 (2018 price) you can climb the 311 steps up to the top of the Monument statue, which was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London. It may look daunting from standing below but the climb is actually ok and doesn’t really take more than 5 minutes to reach to the top. Here you will be greeted with 360 views over London. I went at sunset and the orange light stretching over the nearby buildings was so beautiful.
4. Get Christmassy at The Winter Forest
The Winter Forest in Broadgate is a real wonderland with snow covered pine trees, fairy lights and a cosy bar with warm blankets, hot chocolates and cocktails. They also have live music and fun events like Christmas craft making in the day. This place transports you to a winter wonderland and gets you in the spirit just in time for Christmas ๐
P.S There are many of these pop up winter ‘ski bars’ in London at Christmas. Have a search on google to find one near you.
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5. Go shopping for a Festive Christmas Jumper
Yes, those embarrassing Christmas jumpers seem to be making a comeback! Even if you don’t intend to buy one it can still be funny trying on some of the nutty designs! And where’s the best place to shop? Oxford Street of course!
The Christmas lights are reason alone to brave the winter shoppers. Yes it will be busy but every year Oxford Street has festive decorations that will make you say “wow”. To avoid the really large crowds try to visit on a weekday (Mon-Wed would be best) and towards the start of the season as it only gets busier from then on.
6. Marvel at the Regent Street Christmas Lights
If you’re already in Oxford Street then you’re right next door to even more special lights. The Regent street lights may possibly be even better! Stretching across the road from building to building this impressive display is worth seeing year after year. London at it’s Christmas best.
7. Go for a Winter Walk
There are plenty of parks such as Hyde Park, Regents Park or Battersea Park to go for a winters walk. Head a little bit out from London and there are many woodland areas to explore as well. Wrap up in a warm hat and soft scarf and get outside this Christmas- that hot drink when you get back will taste even better! If you’re lucky you may even catch some snow (typically it comes in January but still hoping for a white Christmas!).
8. Watch a Free Carol Concert
Carol concerts in London at Christmas are a great way to feel that little bit more festive and some are actually free! I went to the one at Trafalgar Square which was being performed by local school children. There are concerts all over the city- some are more expensive than others but some more local ones can start from as little as ยฃ7 (look out for early bird tickets).
Lonely Planet – Travel guides, guidebooks and phrasebooks.
9. Explore London’s Exhibitions
If it gets too cold outside then take a break and head to an art gallery or museum. Most galleries are free in London from the National Gallery to the Tate Gallery. I find the best exhibitions are often the smaller galleries and I find them on timeout.com (you can filter your search and discover great finds on here). I also love the Photographers Gallery just off from Oxford Street- they always have interesting shows (free admission before 12pm).
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10. Winter Wonderland
With over 200 wooden cabins selling homemade crafts, unique gifts and street food from German sausages to donuts, this is one of the biggest Christmas markets in London. There is also a huge ice skating rink (pre book it gets busy), plus fairground rides, and numerous other activities and events.
What I like about Winter Wonderland is the cute and cosy ski cabins where you can buy lager, mulled wine or liqueur hot chocolates. Entry is free but the rides and drinks can add up pretty quickly so pick a handful of rides that you really want to go on. I’d also try to avoid weekends as it gets very busy. If you’ve not been before though then it’s worth the trip.
There are many other Christmas markets in London including Southbank, Leicester Square, Greenwich and St Albans (small and cosy).
11. Visit Sparkling Covent Garden
Covent Garden is really pretty at Christmas and has a huge Christmas tree and a Santa’s grotto for the kids. A great pace to shop, eat and relax with a hot coffee. The market is lined with huge baubles and mistletoe- a perfect setting to watch the popular street performers and humorous magicians.
12. Warm up in a Traditional English Pub
Coming in from the cold to a warm cosy pub is one of the best feelings. You wont be short of pubs to choose from either as they are practically on every corner. Have a traditional Sunday roast and enjoy the festive atmosphere with friends.
London at Christmas truly is magical and a fantastic time for a visit- just remember the wrap up warm! Hope you enjoyed this post- as always please share with friends and pin to Pinterest ๐
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