9 Super Fun and Festive Things Do in London This Christmas
If you want to experience Christmas in London this year, you're in for a treat. The British capital goes all out during the holidays, with everything from a pop-up ice skating rink at the Tower of London to holiday-themed afternoon tea in swanky hotels. Here are some of the most festive things to do during Christmas in London.
1. Explore Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland
Ground zero for holiday cheer is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, a magical winter festival complete with over 100 rides and attractions, including roller coasters and a giant observation wheel, family-friendly Christmas-themed shows, a massive ice skating rink, an ice bar, festive food stalls, ice sculpting workshops, and live music.
2. Shop at Harrods and Other Department Stores
Check out the festive offerings at Harrods, which dazzles before you even enter the store with its iconic Christmas windows. Visit the food hall, offering everything from caviar to chocolates, and shop for last-minute gifts. Fortnum & Mason is another classic department store, famous for its Christmas hampers (wicker baskets filled with gourmet goodies).
3. Lace Up Your Skates for Ice Skating
In addition to the UK's largest rink at Winter Wonderland, other scenic spots to take an open-air spin include the courtyard of the 18th-century Somerset House, in the shadow of the imposing Tower of London (where many a royal has lost their head!), and in the rink at the Natural History Museum, complete with a 30-foot Christmas tree in the middle.
4. Warm Up With a Cup of Hot Chocolate
Who's ready for hot chocolate? At Paul A. Young, a small-batch chocolatier - named one of London's top chocolate shops by Forbes Travel Guide - spices like cayenne pepper are added to its Aztec-style (sans milk) hot chocolate. At Choccywoccydoodah, cocoa is made with molten chocolate stirred into warm milk, and served with marshmallows and a chocolate straw - basically, it's an Instagrammer's dream.
5. See Stunning Christmas Light Displays
One of London's most magical light displays can be seen in Kew Gardens, where you wander along an illuminated trail of lights in historic botanical gardens. During the Magical Lantern Festival, which takes place in Chiswick House and Gardens, you can amble through a garden of handmade lanterns, including ones of Santa and his reindeer.
6. Buy Crafts in the Christmas Markets
Winter Wonderland got its start as a simple Christmas market back in 2006 and is still a great place to soak up the holiday spirit. Others markets include the London Bridge City Christmas Market and the Christmas Market at Tate Modern, both featuring German-style wooden chalets adorned with lights, and treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
7. Snap Selfies Beside Glittery Christmas Trees
The Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square is donated each year by the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support during World War II. Typically a Norwegian spruce, the tree is lit in early December and stays up until Jan. 1. There's also the Covent Garden tree, which takes pride of place on the cobbled piazza in this historic district.
8. Treat Yourself to Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a can't-miss London tradition - even more so during the holiday season. The Ritz's Palm Court, with its elegant decorations including garlands and gold ornaments, is an idyllic setting for tea and finger sandwiches. Claridge's, named one of the best hotels for afternoon tea by British Vogue, also has an extravagant holiday tea service, complete with Christmas pudding, Champagne, and carolers.
9. See a Festive Show at the Royal Albert Hall
Throughout the month of December, the Royal Albert Hall has numerous holiday-themed shows to get you in the festive spirit, ranging from A Charlie Brown's Christmas with live jazz and Handel's Messiah to The Nutcracker and Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, where you'll get to sing along to traditional Christmas carols and more current holiday songs.
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