Top Things To Do In London During Christmas Holidays This Winter

Last Updated on 23 October, 2022

 

London during Christmas is just magical regardless whether we have a white Christmas in London not. If you are heading to London, you are in Luck as we talk everything Christmas in the city.

Think Christmas things to do in London, from London Christmas markets, ice skating rinks,  Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London Christmas lights, events and shows to check out and all the best places to visit in London at Christmas and many more perfect things to do in London in December.

 

Christmas in London or in the UK for that matter are synonymous with Pantomimes, carol singing, the Queen’s speech, board games, mince pies, mulled wine and much more. Beyond that, there are several activities for Christmas to get themselves involved in during this festive season, whether you are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift or just wishing to explore London’s winter wonderland. Below are some things to do in London during Christmas.

 

 

Top Things to Do in London During Christmas Holidays | Chrismas In London

 

London Christmas Ice Skating

 

Just like the Christmas lights in London, the ice rinks open up from November. If you are in London during Christmas holidays, this is a must try activity. You have a couple of choices to check out but if you are in London a longer you can check them all out.

The London Christmas ice rinks start as early as mid-November all through the Christmas festivity and continue until well into the New Year.  Below are the most popular ice rinks to check out in London.

 

 

Natural History Museum Ice Skating Rink

The Natural History Museum is perhaps the most magical place to go ice skating this Christmas. Skating sessions run all day and well into the evening, offering plenty of time for you to catch all the fun you would want this Christmas.

The museum has these twinkling fairy lights and a magnificent Christmas tree that makes your skating experience a joyous one. To crown it up, there is a cozy museum café, overlooking the rink, where you can head on to after skating to warm up a cup or two of hot chocolate or mulled wine. Tickets: Adults £12.65 and Child £8.80. Family tickets are £39.60.

 

 

Somerset House Ice Skating Rink

Known for its neoclassical façade as a backdrop, you can go in during the day for a wonderful skating session or at night to skate under the stars while some known DJs bring the rinks alive with music. After skating, you can visit the rink-side food and drink lodge and even the Christmas pop-up shop. Tickets: Adult £11 and Children £8.50

 

 

Tower of London Ice  Rink

Tower skate; ice skate at the Tower of London, right under this historical and iconic building. You not only have the castle as a backdrop but the city of London, Tower Bridge and Shard gleaming as you glide on the ice. Tickets: Adult £14.50, Studen and 12-15-year-olds £12.50, Child under 12 £10.50.

 

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Glide across the ice within the home historical home of Henry VII. The palace offers one of the most scenic skating experiences this festive season as the ice rink at Hampton Court Palace will transport you back to 1906 where the palace community was preparing for a Christmas to remember.

 

 

Christmas Markets In London

 

Exploring Christmas markets in London has to be at the tops of things to do in London at Christmas. Below are some of the best markets to visit in London during Christmas. You can not only buy gifts and indulge in festive delights.

 

Southbank Christmas Market

 

Under the watchful eye of the London Eye, you can explore the markets around Southbank. Drink mulled wine. There are rides and carol singing to keep you well entertained while you enjoy a never-ending selection of German snacks, warm beverages and various homemade crafts. Among the many beautiful Christmas markets in London that are too good to miss.

 

Greenwich Christmas Market

 

This Christmas market stays open for a very short period of time; from the first day of December until Christmas Eve. With over 150 stalls where you can buy festive goodies, original art pieces, fun stocking fillers, fashion gifts and many more, the dazzling Greenwich market is one market you want to visit. Do well to also visit Father Christmas at the magical Santa’s Grotto.

 

 

Hyde Park Christmas Market

 

This is known as the biggest and most famous Christmas market in London and it boasts of numerous stalls from which you can buy festive foods and presents for your loved ones. There are also other attractions like skating rinks, a magical ice kingdom, a giant Ferris Wheel and a couple of other things. Entry is free.

 

Tate Modern Christmas Market

 

If you are looking for classic Christmas treats, this is just the place to go. There are dozens of wooden chalets selling homemade jewelries, holiday crafts, mulled wine and cider, bratwurst, roasted nuts, and crepes even as light music plays from the background. An incredible place to pick out the best last minute Christmas gifts.

 

 

 

 

London Christmas Afternoon Tea

 

 

There are plenty of unique afternoon teas in London. Spending time with family and friends over a nice Christmas afternoon tea should be something you would want to do in London this Christmas. Some of the places you should visit for some Christmas-themed afternoon teas are:

 

 

Marriott Hotel Afternoon Tea On London Southbank

 

Once the home of local government, London Marriott County Hall is a luxurious and elegantly styled hotel in the heart of the capital. Steeped in heritage and situated on the iconic Southbank of the River Thames, this is an immersive experience for those who love London.

Delight in a classic British tradition with an afternoon tea, filled with a selection of delicious treats. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream, homemade cakes, and a choice of teas. Sit back and admire stunning views of the city’s landmarks, including the famous Westminster Bridge and Big Ben. Toast the occasion in style with bottomless gin and tonic refills.

 

Park Lane Hotel Afternoon Tea

 

Considered ‘one of the most wonderful settings in which to take afternoon tea in London’ by the Tea Guild and the winner of a Commended Award of Excellence at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018. Located near the Wonderland of Hyde Park, you can go to the Park Lane Hotel for some fine teas that you can take while enjoying some gingerbread macaroons, some Christmas pudding scone, chocolate and Bailey’s lollipops, as well as some turkey finger sandwiches.

Head to the heart of Mayfair and take a pew in the Palm Court’s art deco dining room for a Bird Cage themed afternoon tea spread.

 

 

Views From The Shard Afternoon Tea

 

The View From The Shard towers over London and with an impressive 95 storeys, it’s the tallest building in the EU. This experience combines the truly breathtaking view from the top of this stylish building with a traditionally English afternoon tea.

Upon arrival at The View From The Shard, be transported from street level a whopping 800 feet skyward to survey the 360 degree view that spans an incredible 40 miles over the capital city. Enjoy a spread of delicious finger sandwiches, delicate cakes and pastries, raisin scones with clotted cream and jam and a pot of speciality tea. The perfect end to a wonderful afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

London Christmas Lights

 

Christmas lights can be a wonder to behold. So walk down by either of these places and be totally mesmerized by the beauty you behold.

 

Oxford Street

This is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London. Take a slow walk along the iconic mile-long shopping Oxford Street and prepare to be dazzled by the 750,000 bright bulbs and glittering baubles as well as the falling snowflakes. This is the most spectacular Christmas lights display in all of London.

 

 

Harrods In Knightsbridge

Also, this festive season, you would need to head out to Harrods in Knightsbridge and see the wonders of Christmas in the spectacular display of 11,000 bulbs and twinkling along Harrods’ shop window hedges.

 

Leadenhall Market Lights

The Christmas lights display at Leadenhall market is usually both delightful and magical to behold. You should take a walk along this covered market and see for yourself what a celestial Christmas illumination looks like.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Shopping In London

With the coming of Christmas comes the need to shop. The following places are considered the best places to shop during the Christmas season. You should go to at least one of these:

 

Oxford Street and Regent Street

Both of these streets are famous for having a variety of international stores where you can shop for excellent gifts while having a great Christmas experience from all the wonderful display of Christmas lights.

 

 

Knightsbridge

On Knightsbridge, you can go shopping on either Harrods with over 300 departments or Harvey Nichols for a wonderful Christmas shopping experience. On Knightsbridge, you can do your fashion shopping as well shop for homewares and presents.

 

Carnaby Street

Head down to this 14 pedestrianized street for an awesome Christmas shopping while their famous Christmas lights make the whole experience an unforgettable one.

 

Westfield

The shops, Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City are two shops you want to go to when you are looking at shopping for everything you need, for whoever, in just one move.

 

 

London Christmas Wonderland

 

Christmas in London is not complete until you have visited a wonderland. At the wonderland, you should get ready to have a great time ice skating, or having those fun-packed rides or even visiting markets. Hyde Park promises the best wonderland experience this Christmas season.

 

 

Igloos At Coppa Club In London

 

Looking those cozy things to do in London in December when the days are cold and just want to snuggle up? Well its go to be this place then. At Coppa Club, there are those giant spectacular Igloos that become very popular during the Christmas season. The Igloos have very comfortable chairs and blanket to help you sit back, relax and take in a wonderful view of Tower Bridge.

You don’t have to worry about the cold, as the Igloos have built-in touch-censored system that you can regulate however you want. Also, Coppa club has an attractive menu with several foods and drinks that are quite affordable. Make up your mind to visit Coppa’ Igloos this Christmas with your loved ones and make memories that will last for a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

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