If you want to experience Christmas in London, this blog post is for you! Read all about the best things you can do in London during Christmas time to make your Christmas holidays unforgettable.
London is absolutely magical during Christmas time, and I think anyone should experience that magic at least once in their life. It is a huge city, so there are thousands of things you can do. However, this blog post is focused on the best things London has to offer during November and December, and these are the things you cannot miss.
Keep reading this post if you want to make your London itinerary full of Christmassy things to do!
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WHY SPEND CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
There are many Christmas markets all over Europe, so it might be hard picking which city deserves your attention. London is the perfect city for you if you enjoy a big city, want various things to do, and don’t mind the crowds.
There are plenty of crowds in many cities during Christmas, but London is particularly crowded. You have to be prepared for that, or skip London in general. I think it’s worth bearing the crowds for the incredible views and opportunities you get in London at Christmas time!
READ MORE >>> PERFECT 4-DAY ITINERARY FOR EXPLORING LONDON
BEST THINGS TO DO DURING CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
GO ON A CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR
Christmas in London is incomplete without a Christmas lights tour. London has some of the prettiest Christmas lights in all of Europe, so seeing them must be in your itinerary. You can either do that by booking a tour, or you can do a self-guided tour by yourself.
If you decide to book a tour, there are several of them online! Most offer a 2-hour ride in a double-decker where you get to visit the most popular streets in London with some of the most amazing Christmas lights, such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, and many more. For this lovely experience you can book a tour down below!
If you want to explore the city by yourself, make a list of all the best decorated streets and just walk around! Some of the places I wouldn’t miss are Marylebone, Seven Dials, Bond Street, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden!
VISIT THE BOROUGH MARKET
The Borough Market is one of the most famous food markets in London all throughout the year, but it’s especially charming during Christmas holidays. If you’re a foodie, you’re guaranteed a great time. In December, you can try some of the best and most popular British Christmas foods such as mince pies, Christmas pudding, fine wines, and delicious Christmas cocktails. Since this is a well-loved location, it does get quite crowded, so keep that in mind!
GO ICE SKATING
Ice skating is one of the most fun activities you can do during Christmas holidays, so it’s definitely an activity you should add to your itinerary. There are several ice-skating rinks in London, but the two most popular ones are in Winter Wonderland and at Somerset House. The Winter Wonderland ice rink is the biggest outdoor rink in the UK, while Somerset is one of the prettiest! Rent your skates and have some fun on the ice for a few hours!
HAVE FUN AT WINTER WONDERLAND AND OTHER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
London has a Christmas market at almost every corner, so you will definitely find one that’s perfect for your preferences. I would totally recommend checking out Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park if you’re a young couple, group of friends, or a family with adventurous kids. Winter Wonderland is an amusement park and a Christmas market in one, so it’s more appropriate for those interested in funfair rides.
If that’s not for you, check out Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Southbank, and London Bridge for some amazing Christmas markets. Read all about London’s best Christmas markets here!
VISIT KEW GARDENS – CHRISTMAS AT KEW
Kew Gardens is an absolutely stunning day trip all throughout the year, but it’s especially magical during their Christmas at Kew show. Kew is reachable by the Tube, and for £25 you can see this botanical garden in a whole new light! The gorgeous Christmas lights are accompanied by street vendors selling food and drinks. At Kew, you can relax and enjoy exploring the gardens during the evening!
SEE THE TREE AND DECORATIONS AT COVENT GARDEN
Covent Garden is one of the most popular locations in London during Christmas. It’s a mash up of shops, restaurants, craft stalls, and theatres. During Christmas, it’s one of the prettiest parts of the city, with incredible decorations such as huge baubles, bells, and a famous sleigh.
In front of the market, each year there’s one of the biggest Christmas trees in the UK, so make sure you check it out and take some photos with it!
SEE A CHRISTMAS SHOW OR BALLET AT THE THEATRE
The West End is always a good idea, but it’s extra special during Christmas time. Some of the best plays and ballets are happening during the Christmas season, so if you wanted the experience of seeing a show on the West End, this is the perfect time to do it. Some of the most popular are The Nutcracker and A Sherlock Carol.
EXPERIENCE HOGWARTS IN THE SNOW
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the best thing you can do for Christmas in London is visit the Harry Potter Studios. During Christmas, the tour is called Hogwarts in the Snow. At that time, you can see the sets decorated for Christmas exactly how they were in the movies. The tickets for Harry Potter Studios are quite expensive and they sell out very quickly. To get them, you have to be fast, but trust me it’s worth every penny. I was there in December for on my birthday and it was probably the best birthday I’ve ever had!
Read a detailed guide on Hogwarts in the Snow right here!
GO FOR A CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA
Another experience you cannot miss when spending Christmas in London is the afternoon tea! In the UK, afternoon tea is one of their most sacred traditions, and there are several hotels which offer incredible afternoon teas. During Christmas, the holiday versions of the afternoon teas are even more magical.
They include Christmas carols, decorations, and festive food and desserts. Some of the afternoon teas you should check out are Festive Skyline Afternoon Tea at Ting at Shangri-La Hotel, Festive Afternoon Tea at The Orchid Lounge, and Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham.
MARVEL AT THE CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAYS
London is full of expensive stores all over town, and most of them go all out when it comes to Christmas decorations. Some of the window displays have become an attraction of their own, bringing thousands of people to their doorstep just to see what the stores have come up with. The most popular ones are on Bond Street, such as Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, and Dior, as well as Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, and Annabel’s.
