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November 8, 2023

11 Unmissable Christmas Activities in London- A Festive Season Bucket List

Embrace the enchanting spirit of the holiday season with a whirlwind tour of London’s festive delights. This comprehensive guide unveils 11 unmissable Christmas activities that define the magical essence of the city during this joyous time. From Winter Wonderland’s captivating allure to the mesmerizing brilliance of Christmas lights adorning iconic streets and the exhilarating glide on picturesque ice rinks, London transforms into a winter wonderland. Dive into the yuletide cheer while exploring bustling Christmas markets, indulging in delectable seasonal treats, and relishing the captivating performances at renowned theaters. Discover the top experiences, from the iconic Christmas shows to the twinkling lights embracing the city’s landmarks, and immerse yourself in the heartwarming melodies of traditional carol services. Let this guide be your go-to source for crafting an unforgettable festive season in London!

Here are 11 unmissable Christmas Activities in London

Visit Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is a renowned annual Christmas extravaganza nestled in Hyde Park, London. It boasts plenty of seasonal delights, including ice skating, Christmas markets, festive entertainment, exhilarating rides, and delectable food and drinks. Winter Wonderland’s enchanting event features a magical ice kingdom, live shows, Santa’s Grotto, and an array of family-friendly activities. You need to purchase your entry tickets and attractions in advance as they do sell out quickly. Purchasing your tickets via this website will secure your entry time slot and allow you to add on activities like ice skating or shows before they sell out. If you purchase more than 25 pounds of activities your entry ticket becomes free!

Explore London’s Christmas street lights

Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street are your main Christmas street lights and are relatively close to each other in London, making it possible to visit them on foot within a reasonable amount of time.  Since they are in general vicinity of each other it makes it convenient for visitors to explore these different shopping and entertainment areas during a single outing. You can also experience the enchanting festive spirit of London by going on the Christmas Lights London by Night Tour, a delightful journey revealing the city’s dazzling holiday decorations from the comfort of an open-roof bus, perfect for sightseeing

Oxford Street Lights

Oxford Street dazzles with its breathtaking Christmas lights, attracting millions of visitors annually. The Oxford Street lights signify the beginning of the festive season in London, drawing attention with its vibrant and elaborate designs. It is definitely an iconic spot to see and you can’t go to London during Christmas and not experience them.

Regent Street Lights

Regent Street boasts elegant and stylish Christmas lights, often themed and designed to mesmerize onlookers. The displays are known for their classic yet innovative designs, setting the street aglow with stunning, energy-efficient LED decorations. Regent Street’s lights symbolize the sophistication and timeless beauty of London during the holidays.

Carnaby Street Lights

Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights stand out for their artistic and trendy designs. The displays often feature unique and eye-catching themes, created in collaboration with local artists and designers. These lights were my favorite as I hadn’t seen anything quite like them ever in my life.

Bond Street Lights

Bond Street is renowned for its luxurious and opulent Christmas lights. These displays exude elegance, often incorporating high-end designs and captivating themes that reflect the glamor of the season.

Go to covent Garden

Covent Garden’s Christmas lights create a magical ambiance, transforming the area into a winter wonderland. These lights are often characterized by enchanting and whimsical displays, making the district a hub for entertainment and shopping. Covent Garden’s lights signify the jovial and spirited nature of the festive celebrations in London and this year, the garden will be introducing an entirely new Christmas installation. Covent Garden is beautiful to see during the day or night and is a great spot to go shopping or enjoy some dinner. It is arguably one of the best Christmas experiences in London, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.

shopping at fortnum and mason

Fortnum & Mason, an iconic destination in London, offers the perfect shopping experience during the holidays. Known for its luxury hampers, delectable treats, and exquisite gifts, Fortnum & Mason is a haven for those seeking the finest seasonal delights. They have a wide array of products making it easy to find festive gifts for everyone in the family. The store has been around since 1707 and is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. They are usually super busy, so you can expect lines out the door to enter. I would suggest going for when they open because it gets busier as the day goes on. The entire store is a holiday experience from the beautiful Christmas decor to the ravishing seasonal delights.The store’s historic charm and commitment to quality ensure that every visit to Fortnum & Mason is an exceptional and memorable shopping experience.

experience grosvenor square

Grosvenor Square in London undergoes a festive transformation during Christmas, offering a magical experience for visitors called The Eve After Garden. The square, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, becomes adorned with dazzling Christmas lights and decorations, creating a delightful holiday atmosphere with 25,000 illuminated white roses. It is free to enter and the roses are in remembrance of those who have lost a loved one. You can decorate the garden with a rose at only 10 pounds as a remembrance, and the proceeds go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. It is open from 3-9 pm but it is recommended to go at night so you can see the beautifully illuminated roses.

Go Ice skating

Experience the joy of ice skating in London at iconic and enchanting venues across the city. London’s ice skating rinks offer a magical and festive experience, allowing visitors to glide and twirl on the ice against breathtaking backdrops. From the historic setting of Somerset House to the picturesque Natural History Museum and the Tower of London, these ice rinks provide an unforgettable winter adventure. With seasonal pop-up rinks offering family-friendly activities, ice skating in London has become a cherished tradition during the holiday season. If you want to take part in a perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday season, I would suggest checking out this blog post on the 10 places for ice skating in London.

Watch a Christmas Show or Pantomine

London’s theaters come alive during the Christmas season with special performances and pantomimes catering to all ages. Watching a Christmas show or pantomime in London is a beloved holiday tradition offering enchanting entertainment. These festive performances, staged across the city, encompass a diverse array of family-friendly shows filled with laughter, music, and magical storytelling. From classic tales like ‘A Christmas Carol’ or shows like ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Royal Opera House, these shows are a must-visit attraction during the holidays. I would suggest checking this website for show times and offers.

Enjoy a Festive afternoon tea

Indulge in the tradition of afternoon tea with a festive twist at many hotels and tearooms across the city offering special Christmas-themed menus. Establishments like The Ritz, Claridge’s, Fortnum & Mason, and The Wolseley are known for their seasonal menus featuring a delectable array of holiday-inspired treats. These menus often include an assortment of Christmas-themed pastries, such as mince pies, yule log cakes, gingerbread treats, and sandwiches featuring seasonal ingredients. In addition to the delicious food, these venues are often adorned with festive decorations, providing a cozy and merry atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee along with the special holiday-themed delights.

Go shopping at a christmas market

London’s Christmas markets are a vibrant and essential part of the city’s festive celebrations, offering a delightful array of seasonal experiences. These markets, scattered across the city, present a diverse selection of holiday-themed goods, from handmade crafts to unique gifts and gourmet treats. Visitors can explore the traditional wooden chalets and stalls selling everything from artisanal decorations and personalized ornaments to mulled wine, seasonal delicacies, and unique handcrafted gifts. With popular markets such as Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leicester Square Christmas Market, and Greenwich Market, London’s Christmas markets provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the cheerful spirit of the season while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and an abundance of joyous festive offerings.

dine at festive pop-up bars and restaurants

Dining at festive pop-up bars and restaurants in London during the holiday season is a delightful experience that adds an extra touch of merriment to traditional dining outings. These seasonal pop-ups offer a unique and celebratory atmosphere, often featuring themed decorations, special menus, and a joyful ambiance. From cozy winter chalets serving up warm mulled wine and hearty comfort foods to rooftop bars adorned with twinkling lights and serving seasonal cocktails, these temporary establishments bring a sense of festivity to the dining scene. Some of the best experiences include Neverland, Coq D’Argent, Queen of Hoxton, and Fire & Fromage all outlined in this blog post, plus many more to experience.

river thames cruises

Take a cruise along the River Thames, where you can enjoy the city’s sparkling lights and festive atmosphere from the water.

London is undeniably stunning year-round, yet there’s something truly heartwarming about experiencing the city during the Christmas season. Its transformation into a magical and festive wonderland is nothing short of enchanting, captivating visitors of all ages. The city knows how to create a spectacular display that resonates with the holiday spirit, making it an unforgettable and cherished time to explore the capital. For me, visiting London during Christmas has become an absolute favorite, as it radiates an undeniable warmth and an atmosphere of joy that lingers in the soul long after the visit.

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