December London Events – A City Guide for First-Time Tourists

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and rightly so. The city is steeped in history and culture, and every corner you turn is filled with fascinating stories and experiences. With its diverse population, vibrant nightlife and eclectic mix of art, music and cuisine, London has something for everyone. December is an especially exciting time to visit London, with a huge variety of festive events and activities taking place throughout the month. In this guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on some of the best December London events to experience during your visit.

A Brief History of London

London has been a major settlement since the Roman period, when it was known as Londinium. It quickly became a major port and trading hub, and by the 11th century, London had become the largest city in England. During the Middle Ages, London grew even larger, becoming an important centre for finance, culture and politics. By the 19th century, it was one of the most important cities in the world.

Today, London is a sprawling metropolis with a population of more than 8 million people. It’s one of the most influential cities in the world and a major centre for business, finance, culture and tourism. Its iconic skyline is filled with famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower Bridge. It’s also home to some of the world’s best museums, galleries and theatres.

Popular London Attractions

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions. Whether you’re a history buff or a culture vulture, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Here are some of the most popular attractions in London:

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of London’s most famous attractions and a must-see for any first-time visitor. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts from all around the world, including sculptures and paintings from Ancient Greece and Rome and artefacts from ancient Egypt. The museum also has a great selection of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of England’s oldest monuments and one of its most iconic landmarks. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the tower was originally used as a royal palace but later became a prison. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and is home to a colourful collection of ravens, all protected by the Tower’s Yeoman Warders.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest parks and one of its most popular tourist attractions. The park covers an area of 350 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, squirrels and birds. It’s also home to Speakers’ Corner, where people can gather to debate and listen to speeches on any topic they choose.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and one of its most important religious sites. The abbey has been the setting for many royal weddings over the years, including that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Visitors can explore the grand Gothic building and view its many artefacts, including the tombs of 17 monarchs.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is perhaps London’s most iconic landmark. As well as being the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, it is also one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the palace grounds or take a guided tour to see some of its grandest rooms, including the State Apartments and Throne Room.

December Events in London

London comes alive during December with a huge variety of festive events taking place throughout the month. From traditional Christmas markets to spectacular light shows, there’s something for everyone in this city at Christmastime. Here are some of our top picks for December events in London:

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is an annual festive event that takes place during December in London’s largest park. This year’s event will take place from November 21st to January 5th, with attractions including an ice rink, fairground rides and traditional German Christmas markets. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances, street food stalls and family-friendly shows.

Christmas at Kew Gardens

Christmas at Kew Gardens is another popular festive event taking place in December in London’s largest botanical gardens. From November 22nd to January 5th, visitors can enjoy spectacular light shows, live music performances and festive food stalls while exploring Kew Gardens’ stunning winter wonderland. This year’s event will feature a selection of traditional Christmas markets selling handmade gifts and crafts.

Christmas Shopping Tour with Afternoon Tea

Take your Christmas shopping to another level with this festive shopping tour. This tour takes you to some of London’s best shopping hotspots for some festive retail therapy. Your guide will show you around some of London’s best stores and markets where you can pick up unique gifts for your loved ones. At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to a delicious afternoon tea in a traditional English tea room. Book a Christmas Shopping Tour with Afternoon Tea here.

London Christmas Pantomime Cruise

This unique cruise takes you along the River Thames for a festive evening filled with entertainment and fun activities. As you cruise along the river you’ll be treated to performances from some of London’s best pantomime acts as well as festive food and drinks. This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit while admiring some of London’s most famous landmarks from the river.Book a London Christmas Pantomime Cruise here.

Christmas Carol Cruise

This two-hour cruise along the River Thames is perfect for anyone looking for a more traditional Christmas experience. Your boat will be lit up with festive decorations while cruisers are treated to carol performances from some of London’s best choirs as they make their way along the river. There will also be a bar onboard serving seasonal drinks as well as an optional three-course dinner.Book a Christmas Carol Cruise here.

Conclusion

London is one of the world’s most vibrant cities and it comes alive during December with festive events taking place throughout the month. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts at Christmas markets or would like to experience some traditional carol performances on a cruise along the River Thames, there’s something for everyone in this fantastic city at Christmastime. We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to make your trip to London this December truly memorable!