Feeling like Christmas has suddenly appeared and not quite in the spirit yet? I know I did, until about a week ago when I was desperately searching for Christmassy things to do in London!
Whether you’re a fellow Londoner or just visiting for the weekend, I have the perfect list of things you can do this festive period in London to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Here are my Best Christmassy Things to do in London!…
1.Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland has got to be first on the list! From ice skating, to fair rides to hog roast and endless amounts of mulled wine! Winter Wonderland is the perfect all-rounder for day or night activities.
I would highly recommend the Mac and Cheese from The Mac Factory if you’re looking for heart warming soul food to line the stomach before indulging on Baileys hot choc and warm apple cider!
Tip: It gets really busy in the evenings and at weekends so to avoid queuing for hours I would try to get there before 4pm. But if not, the week days tend to be loads quieter than Friday and Saturday nights.
2. Carnaby Street
Carnaby is definitely a place that makes you feel instantly christmassy! They always have amazing show stopper lights which light up the whole street and look so magical.
It’s the perfect place for shopping, drinking and eating. They also have a special Christmas event each year where you get an extra 20% off all the shops and restaurants!
Sign up using the link below https://www.carnaby.co.uk/christmas-2019/
3. John Lewis Roof Top
Oxford Street John Lewis has always been a hot spot at Christmas for gifts and experiences, but who knew their roof was such a hidden gem at Christmas! You can rent out themed huts for 4+ people, with fun cocktails and shack style food. It’s the perfect way to spend a chilly winters night over looking the crowds of shoppers on Oxford Street.
4. Ice Skating – Hampton Court or Tower of London
Hampton Court Pop Up Ice Skating rink has got a reputation for being one of the most scenic rinks in the country, and for good reason! This open air ice rink gives you the beautiful views of the breathtaking Tudor Palace, all whilst sipping on mulled wine and gliding the ice.
5. Carol Service
There are lots of carol services in London and it is the most magical way to get you into the true spirit of Christmas.
Prices range from £10-30 and the main one is Battersea’s Cats and Dogs Service which is basically a mini winter wonderland with lots of Christmas activities for the whole family.
Find tickets and more info on the link below
https://www.battersea.org.uk/support-us/events/christmas-carol-concert
6. Christmas @ The West End
There are so many festive shows to choose from during the season and there’s enough to go round and cater for everyone! From Nativity! The Musical to The Snowman and A Christmas Carol. It really doesn’t matter who you are with!
I would highly recommend The Nutcracker – Royal Albert Hall for traditional twist on Christmas theatre. Tickets range from £38-£55 so it doesn’t break the bank either!
For more West End shows this Christmas, see link below
https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/christmas
7. Pergola Paddington
Pergola Paddington (or Pergola Olympia for you South and West Londoners) is the perfect escape from the cold and dreary weather in December. You really feel like you have been transported to a magical garden…with all the flowers, fairy lights and buzzing atmosphere – Pergola is a must this Christmas!
It’s perfect place for after work celebrations, sparkly wintery drinks on a Sunday or even your Christmas party! With enough space in the green house seating area for upto 200 people, it really is a one stop destination for all!
9. Shopping in Oxford Circus
Oxford Circus instantly feels like Christmas as soon as you step out the station and feel the glow of the Christmas angels gliding over the streets and their sparkle reflecting on all the shop windows.
This where most of the flag ship stores are, so brands put in a lot of effort in their stores to make it as fun, christmassy and interactive as they can. John Lewis (shoutout to John Lewis again!) in particular has lots of christmassy things to do; from Fever-Tree Gin workshops to Personalised Kit Kat making!
10. Harrods
Harrods always go all out at Christmas, giving you a taste of festive luxury! This year they have gone all out again with their Harrods X Swarovski Christmas Grotto. It’s a snow-covered woodland filled with sparkling surprises that will leave you mesmerised by the magic of Christmas!
Book online at harrods.com
11. Window Shopping Christmas Displays
One of the main things I love to do which gets me in the Christmas spirit every year in London is to check out all the amazing shop window displays. They are all in competition to be the most spectacular and just when you think it can’t get better than last year, they pull out all the stops and blow you away again!
Top shops to see are; Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason and Liberty!
12. Hamleys
Going to Hamleys at Christmas has always been our family tradition since I was a kid. They put in so much effort with snow machines, Santa’s grotto and little elves running about everywhere that you don’t need to be a kid to enjoy the festive fun!
I hope you enjoy taking in all that London has to offer you this Christmas, and enjoy exploring this list of Christmassy Things to do in London just as much as I did testing them all out!
Merry Christmas everyone!
