We love London in all seasons, but the festive period is when the city is at its most magical. With sparkling lights, shop windows dressed with decorations, restaurants hosting families and friends tucking into delicious Christmas foods and so much more, it’s a joyful time of year to be in London. So how can you enjoy the festivities to the max in the city? Here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate Christmas in London.
Christmas Shopping
London is famous for its endless shopping opportunities and is perfect for picking up Christmas gifts for family and friends. From huge department stores like Selfridges and Harrods, to chic boutiques around Regent Street and Soho and quirky little shops dotted here and there, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget the city’s markets too – Covent Garden Market is particularly pretty this time of year.
Enjoying the Christmas Lights
From the end of November onward, London is glowing with twinkling Christmas lights. Each year, stunning displays brighten up the cold, dark evenings and bring colour and sparkle to the streets of London. Some of our favourite locations are Oxford Street and Regent Street, New Bond Street and Belgravia, but there are many more places to enjoy the lights too!
Sample Mulled Wine and Bratwurst at Southbank
Each year Southbank is home to a Winter Market, and visiting is one of our favourite festive activities in the city. We love trying all of the tasty treats on offer including mulled wine, hot chocolate and German sausages, and the views across the Thames are the perfect backdrop.
Visiting Warm Pubs
Nothing beats the feeling of leaving the cold outdoors behind and entering a cosy, traditional pub with a roaring fire. They are brilliant this time of year, with Christmas trees and decorations adding to the warmth to create a lovely, homely atmosphere. At this time of year pubs often sell hot cider which is ideal for enjoying in such festive surroundings.
Ice Skating
Feeling active? Why not give ice skating a go? There are numerous rinks set up during the Christmas season across London in beautiful and iconic locations such as Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, Hampton Court and Hyde Park.
Wear a Christmas Jumper
In the UK, Christmas jumpers are a big deal! We love them here – they’re fun, silly and are perfect for the festive season. The tradition became even more popular a few years ago, when the charity, Save the Children, launched Christmas Jumper Day. It’s now an annual event and will take place this year on the 10th of December, so get your jumper ready!
What are the best ways to celebrate Christmas where you’re from? Let us know in the comments!
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