London Christmas Walks: A City Guide

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, with a rich history and culture that span centuries. As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, it is home to over 8 million people and is one of the most visited cities in the world. From its impressive architecture, to its renowned theaters, to its plethora of parks and public spaces, London is an endlessly interesting city and one worth exploring.

Christmas in London is a special time of year, with festive decorations, and lights adorning the city streets. One of the best ways to experience the Christmas spirit in London is to take a walk around some of the city’s most beautiful and vibrant areas. Here’s your guide to some of the best Christmas walks in London for tourists visiting for the first time.

1. The Southbank Christmas Market

The Southbank Christmas Market is one of the most popular attractions in London during the festive season. Taking place at Southbank Centre, this free event offers visitors a chance to explore local crafts and products, sample delicious food and drinks, and watch live performances. With over 40 stalls, it is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs for friends and family.

The market is open from 11am-7pm on weekends and 11am-6pm on weekdays during the festive period. As you wander around the market, you will be able to admire the impressive views of the river Thames from the south bank and enjoy some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including The London Eye and Big Ben.

2. Oxford Street Christmas Lights

One of London’s most iconic streets, Oxford Street is transformed into a winter wonderland each year for its annual Christmas lights display. This event usually takes place in mid-November, and attracts thousands of visitors who come to see the dazzling lights that adorn Oxford Street’s shops, restaurants and cafes. The lights are turned on in a grand ceremony, which typically includes special performances, celebrity guests and plenty of festive fun.

The best way to experience the Oxford Street lights is to take a leisurely stroll down the street. As you wander, you will be able to take in the sights and sounds of Christmas, enjoy some seasonal window displays, and do some shopping at some of London’s most popular stores.

3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a popular festive attraction that takes place each year from late November to early January. This event is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit with its ice skating rink, festive markets, and carnival rides. There are also plenty of food stalls selling delicious snacks and treats, as well as bars offering mulled wine and other festive drinks.

The Winter Wonderland also features Santa Land, where children can meet Santa Claus himself, as well as a giant observation wheel that provides stunning views of Hyde Park and Central London. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a great way to experience all that Christmas has to offer in London.

4. Tower of London Ice Rink

Set within the beautiful grounds of the Tower of London, this outdoor ice rink offers visitors a unique experience at Christmas time. The rink is open from late November to early January each year, and provides an enchanting atmosphere with its twinkling lights and festive music. Skaters can choose from a range of different sessions, including family-friendly ones and romantic evening sessions for couples.

There are also plenty of activities for those who don’t want to skate, including a Santa’s Grotto, a festive market and an enchanted forest walk. The Tower of London Ice Rink is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening during the festive season.

5. Christmas Caroling in Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and it is transformed into a festive paradise each year for its annual Christmas carol singing event. Hundreds of people come together on Christmas Eve to sing traditional carols in front of the towering Nelson’s Column. The carols are accompanied by live music from choirs, orchestras and bands, making it an incredibly special event to attend.

The carol singing usually kicks off around 4pm on Christmas Eve, but it is best to arrive early if you want to secure a good spot. After the carols have finished, you can take a stroll through Trafalgar Square and admire its beautiful festive decorations as you make your way back home for Christmas Day.

6. Regent Street Window Shopping

Regent Street is another one of London’s most popular shopping destinations during the festive season. Every year, stores along the street are transformed into winter wonderlands with their dazzling window displays. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit with its twinkling lights and animated characters, as well as get some last-minute gift shopping done!

It is also worth taking a stroll down nearby Carnaby Street while you are here – this vibrant street is home to some of London’s trendiest shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as plenty of Instagram-worthy street art!

Popular Tours Related to London at Christmas Time

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is one of the best ways to explore London during the festive season. This tour allows visitors to explore all of London’s major sights and attractions without having to worry about finding their way around. The convenient hop-on hop-off buses allow you to explore at your own pace, with stops at all of London’s most famous sites such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and more. As you travel around the city, you can admire all the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights that adorn London’s streets during this magical time of year. Plus, you’ll receive an informative audio guide about each stop along the way! You can book a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour online with ease before your trip starts so that you can spend more time enjoying all that London has to offer at Christmas time.

2. Jack The Ripper Walking Tour

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique than your typical tourist attractions during your time in London this Christmas, then take a Jack The Ripper Walking Tour! This two-hour tour takes visitors around some of London’s darkest corners as you explore the city’s seedy underbelly from centuries past. You’ll visit famous sites where Jack The Ripper committed his heinous crimes, as well as learn about some of the other unsolved mysteries from this era in London’s history. Your knowledgeable guide will bring these stories to life with vivid descriptions that will leave you spellbound! It’s an unforgettable experience that will give you a whole new appreciation for London’s fascinating history during this festive season. You can book a Jack The Ripper Walking Tour online before your trip so that you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time exploring this unique side of London!

3. Harry Potter Studio Tour

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter then you won’t want to miss out on visiting Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter this Christmas! This tour allows visitors to explore authentic sets from the Harry Potter films like Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ and more! You’ll also get to learn about all of the magical creatures from the films with an up close look at Hagrid’s hut as well as visit Dumbledore’s office! With plenty of interactive elements throughout this tour that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported straight into Hogwarts itself! It’s an absolute must-do experience for any Harry Potter fan visiting London this Christmas season! You can book a Harry Potter Studio Tour online ahead of time to make sure that you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience during your visit!

London at Christmas time is an unforgettable experience for tourists visiting for the first time – there are so many amazing experiences that await them in this vibrant city! From markets to light displays to tours, there is something for everyone! Hopefully this city guide has given you some ideas for how you can make your trip to London even more special during this magical season!