With streets covered in glittering lights and warming spirit, London is one of the best cities to spend your Christmas in 2020. There are many exciting things you can do from just having a nice walk down the parks covered in Christmas light displays, ice skating, or thrilling fairground rides in Winter Wonderland for those who want an adrenaline rush. To help you whittle down your choices we have compiled a list of our top 7 favourite activities for this year’s Christmas.
Winter Wonderland
Have you heard of Winter Wonderland before? This London’s spectacular winter destination located in Hyde Park offers an epic winter experience and one-stop for all. You will find winter markets, festive fairground rides, warming street food and ice-skating rinks to keep you going all night long. The magical kingdom offers gigantic bratwursts and steins as big as your head, bar huts, and backyard cinema complete with karaoke for all your festive singalong needs. The entry to Winter Wonderland is free and you can buy tickets for its attractions inside the park.
Ice-Skating
It's an annual classic and one of the most typical things to do on Christmas. Get your skates on and head to the Somerset House’s glorious courtyard which has the most stunning setups for ice-skating. With classical music and heartwarming Christmas songs, skate like Bambi in the ice rink. No matter how great (or not so great) your skating skills are, you can always enjoy mulled wine and winter dining as well as top-notch DJ’s and music nights!
Hogwarts in the Snow
Can you think of anything more magical than spending your Christmas in Hogwarts? Experience Christmas in the Wizarding World as you wander through the Great Hall, Gryffindor common room, and snow drifts in Diagon Alley. Studios have a massive makeover, looking wintry with snow and never melting ice effects.
Where? Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
When? From 14 November 2020 to 17 January 2021
How much? Adult - £47
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is one of the prettiest places in London, but at Christmas time it transforms into a magical, after dark explosion of festive colours with grounds illuminated with over a million twinkling lights. The littering trees get lit with lanterns, snowflakes, and stars, and you will have a chance to see enchanting light and sound shows. Enjoy a spiced cider, mulled wine, or hot chocolate under the stars, whilst the aroma of toasted marshmallows fills the air.
Where? Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
When? 18 November 2020 - 3 January 2021, 4pm – 10pm
How much? Adult: £19.50 (off-peak), £24.50 (peak)
Book tickets here
Christmas Markets
Whether you are looking to buy some festive treats, eat food, or have hot drinks, London Christmas markets are the best place to visit for some wintery delights. From lovely decorated stalls to cosy fire pits, indulge yourself in the festive spirit. Choose between the most recommended Christmas markets in London:
- Southbank Centre’s Winter Market - Our favorite market, because of the variety of street foods from around the culinary globe.
- Leicester Square Market - Famous for hosting plenty of festive shows and events including a burlesque carol concert and cabaret.
- Kingston Christmas Market - If you are a fan of German Sausage, the market officially makes you the wurst! Choose between handmade gifts and deliciously made street food.
- Winterville - The market offers nothing but frosty reception. Get a real Christmas package with fiesta, backyard cinema, ice-skating and golf. For more information - https://winterville.co.uk/
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Norway gifts London with an enormous Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square each year as an an annual gift and gratitude for British support to Norway during the second world war. The lights turn on in the evening on the first Thursday of December, and the illumination marks the first in the series of Christmas activities. The tree sparkles with hundreds of lights and people sing along to carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. Come and admire the magnificent Christmas tree and soak up the magical atmosphere of London’s famous square.
Light Displays and Decorations
During the holiday season, nearly every street and building in London is covered in colourful lights and decorations, encouraging everyone to get into Christmas spirit without spending a lot of money. Oxford street, the most famous street for the Christmas lighting, features close to 750,000 LED lights and 1778 baubles dazzling Oxford street visitors.
There is another festive street inspired by Christmas celebrations in warmer climates. The street of Carnaby gets decorated with colourful paper parrots floating over the street, with theme decorations changing each year.
Christmas Shopping
Who doesn’t love shopping? London has a wealth of department stores to choose from - all turned into magical light houses filled with twinkling light effects and astonishing decorations. Grab a friend and wander around the beautifully decorated halls to find some discounted and last minute presents!
With thousands of things to do in London in Christmas, you will never get bored. Pack your bags, purchase your flight tickets, & head to London for Christmas! Should you need help in finding affordable accommodation in London, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Published on 1st October 2020