At the end of the post, include a conclusion that sums up the main points and encourages readers to try out the activities.

Festive Things To Do In London

London is an incredible city and an exciting place to visit during the festive season. With its vibrant history, stunning architecture and a melting pot of cultures, it’s one of the best cities in the world to explore during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Every year, London is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive markets, ice skating rinks and plenty of things to do to get you in the festive spirit. Here is our guide to the best festive things to do in London this winter.

Introduction to London

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world and has been a major settlement for over two thousand years. Situated on the River Thames in South East England, it is the capital of the United Kingdom and home to more than 8 million people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. London is renowned for its cultural attractions, such as the iconic British Museum, world-famous landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and its many parks, gardens and green spaces. It’s also known for its delicious food, bustling shopping streets and vibrant nightlife.

London is a great city for tourists, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for history, culture or just some fun, you’ll find it in London. And at Christmas time, it’s even more magical with its festive decorations, events and activities. From traditional markets to ice skating rinks, here are some of the best festive things to do in London this winter.

Christmas Markets

A must-visit during the festive season are the traditional Christmas markets that pop up all over London. From large German-style markets such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, to smaller markets like Southbank Centre Winter Festival and Greenwich Market, there’s something for everyone. You can browse stalls selling handmade gifts and crafts, sample tasty international food and drinks, and watch live entertainment from carol singers to ice sculptures.

Winter Wonderland

One of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in London is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This German-style market has over 200 stalls selling everything from traditional baubles and decorations to handmade gifts and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy an array of international food stalls and bars, as well as live entertainment on the outdoor stage. There’s also an ice rink, a giant observation wheel and plenty of fairground rides to enjoy.

Book your tickets for Winter Wonderland in London for a great day out with family or friends.

Southbank Centre Winter Festival

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is a smaller but equally festive market located just off the River Thames near Waterloo Bridge. With more than 50 stalls selling handmade gifts, crafts and decorations from all around the world, it’s a great place to pick up unique presents for loved ones. Visitors can also sample delicious food from international street food stalls or enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine while listening to live music performances on the outdoor stage.

Book your tickets for Southbank Centre Winter Festival in London and explore this amazing market.

Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is another great Christmas market which is located in South East London close to the Cutty Sark. This traditional market has over 100 stalls selling handmade gifts, crafts and decorations from all corners of the world. Visitors can also enjoy some delicious international food and drinks while listening to carol singers on the outdoor stage.

Book your tickets for Greenwich Market in London for a truly festive experience.

Ice Skating Rinks

Another festive activity that is popular in London during the winter season is ice skating at one of the many outdoor ice rinks around the city. There are several permanent ice rinks in prime locations close to some of London’s best attractions such as Natural History Museum Ice Rink and Tower of London Ice Rink. There are also seasonal rinks that open up around Christmas time such as Somerset House Ice Rink and Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

The Natural History Museum Ice Rink is one of the most popular ice rinks in London and is located right next to the museum itself. This outdoor rink is open between late October and early January each year and is open until 9pm every night during the festive season, making it a great spot for late night skating under twinkling lights.

Book your tickets for Natural History Museum Ice Rink in London for an unforgettable experience on the ice.

Tower of London Ice Rink

The Tower of London Ice Rink is another popular ice rink which is located inside the famous Tower of London grounds near Tower Bridge. This spectacular outdoor rink is open between November and January each year and offers stunning views of the Tower of London while you skate under fairy lights and listen to festive music.

Book your tickets for Tower of London Ice Rink in London for a truly unique ice skating experience.

Somerset House Ice Rink

Somerset House Ice Rink is another seasonal ice rink that opens up around Christmas time each year with stunning views of Somerset House itself while you skate on the ice. This outdoor rink is open between late November and early January each year and has special late night events throughout December where you can skate under fairy lights until 10pm every night.

Book your tickets for Somerset House Ice Rink in London for a truly festive experience on the ice.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is located inside the grounds of Hampton Court Palace near Richmond upon Thames in South West London. This seasonal ice rink opens up around Christmas time each year with beautiful views of Hampton Court Palace while you skate on the ice surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music.

Book your tickets for Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink in London for a magical ice skating experience like no other.

Christmas Lights

Regent Street Christmas Lights display is one of London’s most popular events each year with thousands of visitors flocking to see this iconic display that stretches along Regent Street between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus every year from late November until early January. The display features hundreds of twinkling lights that fill the street with festive cheer while carol singers line the streets entertaining passers-by with traditional songs.

Covent Garden Christmas Lights

Covent Garden is another great spot to see beautiful Christmas lights in London with its annual display that stretches along Covent Garden Piazza every year from late November until early January. This stunning display features hundreds of twinkling fairy lights that create a magical atmosphere perfect for late night festive shopping or enjoying a mulled wine or hot chocolate in one of Covent Garden’s many bars or cafes.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Trafalgar Square is another great spot to see some beautiful Christmas lights in London with its iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree which is lit up every year from late November until early January with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights that fill the square with festive cheer. The tree is adorned with decorations from Norway each year as part of a tradition that dates back to 1947 when the first tree was donated by Norway as a thank you gesture for British support during World War Two.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for traditional Christmas markets, unique gifts or just some festive fun, there are plenty of amazing things to do in London this winter season! From ice skating rinks to twinkling lights, you’ll find plenty of festive activities to get you in the spirit this Christmas season in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. So why not book your tickets now and get ready to explore London this winter!