London at Christmas

 

Readers have asked for tips on what to do over the Christmas in London, so I did a bit of hunting around to see what I could come up with.

I’ve spent 8 Christmases in London as a resident and when we lived in Wales I’ve come to London most years to see the lights, do some shopping, maybe take in a show. London is always fun at any time of year but at Christmas she has extra magic. The darkness of the late afternoons helps make the lights and decorations all the more spectacular as you much on your roasted chestnuts and sip a mulled wine.

A lot of London’s Christmas events, including the ice rinks, are hugely popular, pre-booking may be the best idea.

Christmas Lights and Decorations.

London is all lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree already, you’ll see lights on almost every street in the city. The lights are normally switched on in the first week of November. Our favourite spots for amazing festive lights and decorations are:

Covent Garden ( pictured above)

Oxford St

Regent St

Bond St

Carnaby St

One of the best views in the City at this time of year, walk over the Millennium Bridge from the Tate Modern to get this festive view of St Paul’s ( hint-pin this to Pinterest!)

 Shop Windows

Stores in London really pull out the big guns at Christmas, you’re in for a treat of window dressing art.

John Lewis on Oxford St.

Fortnum and Mason in Picadilly

Harrods in Knightsbridge

Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge

Selfridges on Oxford St.

Dolce and Gabbana on Bond St

Tiffany Old Bond St.

Hamleys on Regent St.

Liberty Regent St.

Christmas Trees

The most famous tree in the world, the Trafalgar Square tree will be lit on 4th December. The tree is an annual gift from Norway to the UK in gratitude for assistance in WW2.

Covent Garden is also boasting a large and impressive real tree this year ( above).

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Outdoor Ice Rinks

Canary Warf Ice Rink

Eyeskate at the London Eye.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Natural History Museum ( above)

Somerset House

 

Christmas Markets and Fairs

This chap at Covent Garden is new for Christmas 2014 and he’s spectacular.

There are one day Christmas Markets and events all over the city, but the biggest and longest running attractions are below.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Nov 22nd-Jan 4th

Southbank Centre Christmas Market  Nov 26th-Jan 4th

Covent Garden Market runs all year round, but it’s extra special at Christmas.

Hot salmon at the food fair outside the Tate Modern on the South Bank

Outside the Tate Modern there is a large market, lots of food, alcoholic winter drinks and crafts.

Leicester Square has a small market, a carousel and a scary looking ride. 

 

Covent Garden #London #Christmas decorations. Spectacular ! More London at Christmas on Instagram or on the blog. #travelblogger #travelwithkids #travelpic #familytravel #instatravel #ilovetravel #travelpic #travelgram

A photo posted by Alyson Long, Chef James Long (@worldtravelfamilyandchef) on Dec 12, 2014 at 11:57am PST

Special Events

Christmas at Kew, an after dark experience of magical lights at the famous Kew Botanical Gardens.

Winter Wonderland 2014 Hyde Park Nov 21st-Jan 4th has it all, ice rink, big wheel, food stalls and a circus.

Christmas wreaths at a craft fair smell amazing!

Christmas Day in the City

This is the quietest day of the year in London, take the opportunity to walk in the parks and see the Chritmas windows and lights.

Ripleys Believe it or Not is open. Very few other places will be. We went to Ripleys in New York, I was surprised by how good it is. We’re heading to the London Ripleys in the next few days, so I’ll let you know what it’s like.

The annual Christmas day Serpentine swim in Hyde Park is worth a watch if you’re out and about at 9am.

Public Transport

Getting around London is tricky over Christmas, London’s public transport system is excellent, cheap and efficient, but Christmas is the worst time to experience it. The huge crowds of shoppers make life very difficult for most of the Christmas school holiday period and every weekend. On top of the crowds, there are also closures.

Remember there is no tube, overground or bus service on Christmas Day and reduced service over the holiday period. Check with Transport for London for full details.

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