The Best Things to Do in London for Christmas
Looking for the best things to do in London for Christmas this year?
More alive and vibrant than ever is the city of London during the festive season.
Everywhere you turn celebrations fill the air, with plenty of markets to explore, magical decorations, cosy seasonal treats and fun activities, much is to be devoured.
The abundant towering Christmas trees and fairy lights light up the city from top to bottom, so no matter how you choose to spend the festive period, you’ll be jingling all the way!
Here are our top things to do in London for Christmas:
1. Watch Elf The Musical
2. Go ice skating
3. Go to a Christmas market
4. Visit Christmas at Kew
5. Dine in style at a festively decorated restaurants
6. Watch a Christmas film at the Luna Winter Cinema
7. Go and see the Christmas lights
1. Watch Elf The Musical
Christmas just got a whole lot better!
Let’s all give Santa a HUGE high five for bringing everyone’s favourite festive film to the stage.
Whilst we all love watching Buddy on our screens, the show’s humour, festive songs and colourful set really brings our most lovable Elf to life in the heart of London’s West End.
Treat your ELF even further and enjoy a pre or post Christmas treat in the bustling streets of Soho just minutes away.
To book tickets visit: https://elflondon.com
2. Go ice skating
For the ultimate winter experience in London, head over to the ice rinks popping up all around the city this holiday season. With breath taking views of iconic London, warm beverages and a playlist rinsing our favourite Christmas tunes (we wouldn’t have it any other way!) guests will find themselves skating into a magical world they won’t want to leave.
Enjoy an outdoor skate with family and friends by day, or take your loved one to an illuminated evening session at one of these top spots:
Glide Ice Rink – Battersea Power Station
Somerset House
The Queen’s House Greenwich
3. Go to a Christmas market
From the iconic Winter Wonderland to the stunning Christmas by the River in Southbank, there’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas.
Sparkling ornaments and handmade gifts will tempt you, while the obligatory new tree decoration purchase will be a matter of routine; there’s plenty of gifts to satisfy all.
Sip on mulled wine and munch on crepes whilst revelling at the fast-approaching 25th.
There’s something for everyone – for the last minute panic buyers, soaps and smellies are commonplace and will save you going on the naughty list next year!
Here are the top Christmas markets in London:
4. Visit Christmas at Kew
For those looking for a truly enchanting festive experience, you only need to step over the threshold of Kew to be met with alluring lights, the enticing smells and the accompanying sounds of festive cheer.
Carols graciously mingle with the brisk but calming air and guests revel at the fairy tale scene.
Even the surrounding botanical gardens provide an enchantment of their own, with seasonal displays such as winter roses and glowing candles nestled amongst their evergreen trees.
This is a true feast on all senses, accompanied by an actual FEAST, with sumptuous food stands making for an unforgettable evening.
5. Dine in style at a festively decorated restaurants
Dining in style never felt so good; enjoy your food in the true Christmas spirit with wall-to-wall festive decorations in magnificent settings.
Tinsel-clad garlands hang from doorways whilst hand-painted ceramic ornaments fill ledges, catching starlight and radiating in a spectacular display.
Have your loved ones smiling ear to ear at such resplendent displays.
Here are our top picks for restaurants that do Christmas so well:
6. Watch a Christmas film at the Luna Winter Cinema
If you’re not in the Christmas spirit yet, have no fear because The Luna Winter Cinema is the perfect, cosy venue to ramp up that festive cheer. Nothing compares to feasting your eyes on those classic Christmas films, sipping hot chocolate and snuggling up under a blanket on a winter night.
The cinema offers an array of classic favourites from both the silver screen and television, like The Santa Claus, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Home Alone for guaranteed festive fun.
And to top it off, true cinema style, expect fresh popcorn, snacks and hot drinks for maximum scrumptiousness! Give your friends, family members or loved ones an unforgettable Crimbo with this must visit spot!
7. Go and see the Christmas lights
Drudging through the streets of London around this time of year just got a whole lot better.
With lights spanning from Bond Street to Carnaby and Regent Street, Londoners and tourists alike will marvel at the twinkling and glowing cascades making for an enchanting sight.
Led by thousands of small bulbs shining different colours and dancing along with the festive music playing from the street corners all around, there’s no excuse not to throw yourself into Christmas shopping.
Yep, I said it – no more hiding behind screens last-minute ordering, instead you can enjoy London’s magnificent lights close up and be reminded that everywhere you look, Christmas is creeping up on us at an astronomical pace.
With these magical decorations lighting up even the most ordinary streets in London, it really hits home how much joy the holiday season can bring.