Things To Do In London At Xmas

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, with a rich, vivid and vibrant history. Widely known for its culture and history, London is an amazing destination that is filled with all sorts of attractions, activities and experiences. Whether it’s the vibrant nightlife, the stunning architecture, or the unique shopping opportunities, there is something for everyone in London.

At Christmas time, London’s charming holiday atmosphere takes on a whole new level of beauty and significance. From picturesque holiday markets to iconic Christmas lights and decorations, London at Christmas is simply magical. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a regular visitor to the city, there are plenty of things to do in London at Christmas time.

History Of London

London has been a city of many cultures for centuries. Founded by the Romans in 43 CE, the original settlement grew from the banks of the River Thames and was known by its Latin name, Londinium. The city was heavily damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was then rebuilt in its present form with stone steeples and monuments.

London is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. Its diverse attractions range from Royal Palaces to world-famous museums, galleries and parks. It is also renowned for its nightlife, fashion and vibrant culture. There are over 8 million people living in London and its metropolitan area, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Christmas Lights In London

One of the most iconic features of London’s Christmas celebrations are the stunning lights that can be found on almost every street corner. From Oxford Street to Regent Street, there are thousands of lights twinkling in every direction. It’s a magical sight to behold and makes for an incredibly festive atmosphere.

The Christmas lights in London are switched on around mid-November each year and remain until early January. Every year there are new displays to explore around the city, with different areas taking on their own unique displays. It’s a sight that no visitor should miss.

Christmas Markets In London

Christmas markets have become increasingly popular over the years, with many cities around the world offering their own unique versions. London is no different and there are plenty of amazing Christmas markets to explore.

The largest and most popular Christmas market in London is the Winter Wonderland Market at Hyde Park. It’s open from December until early January and features over 100 stalls selling food, drinks and crafts from around the world. There’s also plenty of entertainment, from live music to rides and shows.

Another great option is the Southbank Centre Christmas Market, which has been running for over 25 years. It’s located alongside the River Thames and offers food, drinks, gifts and other products from over 70 different stalls.

Ice Skating In London

Ice skating is always a popular activity during the winter months and there are plenty of places to go ice skating in London during Christmas time. The most popular ice rinks are located at Somerset House and The Natural History Museum. Both offer stunning views of London while you skate and offer a variety of different activities and events throughout the season.

The Tower of London Ice Rink is also a great option for those who want to get a closer look at the iconic castle. The rink is open from November until late January and is one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in London. There are also plenty of other ice rinks located in parks throughout the city.

Theatre In London

London is famous for its theatres, with a variety of different shows available all year round. During Christmas time, there are plenty of festive shows to enjoy, such as The Nutcracker, Cinderella and A Christmas Carol.

The Royal Opera House is one of the top venues for performances during Christmas time and it’s renowned for its outstanding productions of classic ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. The theatre also offers a variety of workshops and activities for children throughout the season.

The West End is another great option for those looking for a festive show during Christmas time. There are plenty of musicals, comedies and dramas to choose from, such as Aladdin, Wicked and Mamma Mia!

Christmas Shopping In London

London is a great destination for Christmas shopping, with plenty of unique stores to explore throughout the city. Oxford Street is one of the best places to find gifts for family and friends, with hundreds of different stores offering everything from clothes to electronics and home décor items.
The famous department store Harrods has been around since 1834 and it’s renowned for its luxurious gifts and decorations. Every year they put on an amazing Christmas display that features stunning decorations from around the world.
The Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford also offers a great selection of stores for those looking for gifts during Christmas time. There are hundreds of different stores to explore, ranging from designer boutiques to high street chains.

Popular Tours In London

London has plenty of amazing attractions to explore during Christmas time and there are some great tours available that will help you make the most out of your visit. Here are two popular tours that will give you an unforgettable experience in London:

Big Bus London Tour

The Big Bus London Tour offers an easy way to explore all of the city’s top attractions. The tour includes hop-on hop-off options at over 70 different stops around the city with commentary available in 10 different languages. You can also choose to upgrade your ticket to include a river cruise along the famous River Thames or an open-top bus tour that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of central London. You can book the Big Bus Tour here for an exciting experience that takes you across all of London’s top sights.

Harry Potter Walking Tour

Fans of Harry Potter will love this walking tour that takes you through all of the locations used in the films. You’ll get to explore Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ and even visit some filming locations used in exterior scenes such as Godric’s Hollow and The Burrow. The tour includes a professional guide who will explain all of the Harry Potter history as you walk through these iconic locations. You can book a Harry Potter Tour here for an unforgettable experience that will bring your favourite films to life.

Conclusion

London at Christmas time is truly an unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. From stunning lights to festive markets and shows, there’s so much to do during this special time of year. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or exciting activities, there’s something for everyone in London during Christmas time. So make sure to explore all that this amazing city has to offer this festive season!