London is a great city to live in or to visit throughout the year, but it really comes to life in December. Having spent a few festive seasons down here now, I feel like I have finally mastered what is worth doing: especially as this year Christmas is back in full swing for the first time since 2019 so there’s a lot of choice!
Take tour of the Christmas lights
One of the main reasons London is so great to visit this time of year is the lights on all the main streets that really make it twinkle. Head to Piccadilly Circus and make your way up Regent Street to see the iconic angels, through the colourful Carnaby Street and across the bright LEDs of Oxford Street. I’d also recommend checking out the gorgeous pink toned beaded lights of Seven Dials, their display this year is stunning, as well as brand-new for 2022 lights on St Martin’s Lane: my personal favourite as they are theatre themed!
See a festive show
Speaking of theatre – why not get into the Christmas spirit and the best festive shows the West End has to offer? For a feel-good family favourite, Elf The Musical is at the Dominion Theatre until 7 January. If you’re in the mood for a panto, you can catch Ian McKellen’s pantomime Mother Goose at the Duke Of York’s Theatre before it tours across the country, or the yearly pantomime at the London Palladium, which this year is Jack And The Beanstalk.
Winter Wonderland
Quite an obvious pick, as London is so well-known for Winter Wonderland at Christmas, but because of that you may doubt if it really would live up to the hype. I certainly did, until I went last year and discovered that it is not an overrated activity at all and makes the perfect festive day out. To visit you must book online – I would recommend booking an off-peak morning entry slot, giving you free entry. You can stay as long as you like and believe me, it’s easy to spend a few hours on the rides, strolling along the markets or going on my favourite attraction, the big wheel, which I’d recommend going on around dusk.
Ice Skating
Although there’s an ice rink at Winter Wonderland, there’s also plenty of other spots across the city. One of the most iconic locations for skating at Christmas at the Natural History Museum has sadly not re-opened this year, but Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Westfield are all welcoming skaters this Christmas. Just take it easy and don’t fall over like I did at Winter Wonderland last year, as I ended up soaked for the rest of the day!
Christmas Markets
The traditional markets pop up in little clusters across the city, from local burroughs to the centre of Leicester Square. The best atmosphere can be found at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Markets, where their food and gift stalls are incredibly picturesque next to the riverfront.
While you’re off exploring the festivities, you’re probably going to want to visit a restaurant or a bar to stop off and recharge along the way. Make sure to book well in advance! London’s restaurants get super busy this time of year so unless you’re happy to end up enjoying your evening meal in a Pret (which to be fair, their festive sandwiches are at least on brand), get a table reserved at least two weeks in advance.
Where are your favourite places to visit on the lead up to Christmas?
