Although there are many cities in the U.K that offer a magical festive experience, this is amplified in the capital with huge light displays, Christmas trees and a wide range of fun events and activities.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Festive favourite Winter Wonderland is back this year in Hyde Park, with its usual giant funfair, ice rink and range of market stalls and food and drink. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free but any activities you choose to do will cost you, and due to the crowds, it’s best to book in advance for any of the fairground rides.
Visit Winter Wonderland now until 5th January.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Christmas at Kew
Experience Kew all lit up this Christmas as you follow the mile-long twinkling trail to see the new spiral tree installations and laser projections, as well as the classic favourite Tunnel of Light. After the walk, warm up in the fire garden and watch the jets of light above the Palm House Pond. This is a festive event that everyone can enjoy.
You can visit Christmas at Kew until 5th January.
Ice Skating
You won’t be short of ice rinks to choose from in London. Options include the Natural History Museum, Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London and Covent Garden.
These rinks will be open now until early-mid January, with some closing even later than this so there’s plenty of time to make the most of this winter favourite.
Christmas Trees
There aren’t many places that embrace festive décor quite like London, particularly when it comes to Christmas trees. Wander around the city and discover all the decked out trees scattered across the city. The most famous, of course, is the Trafalgar Square tree, an annual gift from Norway since 1947. Another particularly notable one can be found at Claridge’s, who collaborate with a different designer each year, with 2019’s tree designed by Christian Louboutin.
Christmas Shopping
You’d be hard pressed to find somewhere better for Christmas shopping than London. Covent Garden offers all kinds of independent brands and designer labels and is filled with thousands of sparkling lights and decorations for an extra seasonal shopping experience.
One of the world’s most iconic streets, Oxford Street is flooded with Christmas lights and festive window displays and offers everything you could possibly want shopping-wise. Don’t forget to take a break and stop off for drinks and games at the John Lewis Christmas Roof Garden.
Perhaps the most magical of all though is Hamley’s, the world famous Regent Street store. Perfect for children writing their Christmas lists or for adults looking for classic treasures; this is definitely one of the most exciting places in London at Christmas.
Southbank Winter Festival
The Southbank Centre will one again provide a variety of seasonal activities, including festive performances, music and the Winter Pop-Up Cinema. The winter market will also be back with mulled wine, treats and artisan gifts.
Find out what’s on and book your tickets here
Getting There
Train
London can be reached by train from most other stations in the country and will arrive in one of the city’s major stations such as Waterloo, Paddington, King’s Cross and Victoria. All major stations, with the exception of Fenchurch Street, have direct Tube links.
Car
London is easy to reach by motorway, with the M1, M2, M3, M4, M11, M20, M23, M25 and M40 motorways in or near to London, as well as many A-roads.
If you are driving to the capital, consider sharing the drive by insuring someone else on your vehicle for just the time you need it for. If you don’t have a car but would find driving the easiest option for you, you can borrow a friend’s car and insure it for 1 hour – 28 days with Tempcover.
Once in the city, the London Underground will get you anywhere you need to go, with stations always somewhere nearby.
If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the capital, Christmas is the best time to go to experience the huge range of winter activities it has to offer, not to mention the perfect opportunity to get your gifts sorted.
