Christmas is coming

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES IN LONDON

An incredible city such as London has no shortage of activities to partake in throughout the festive season. This top 10 list contains something for everyone, so if you’re struggling to decide how to spend the Christmas holidays with your loved ones, you’re definitely in the right place!

1Christmas Lights London by Night Tour Run by Golden Tours, the Christmas Lights London by Night Tour with a live guide is the perfect festive way to spend the winter evenings when it’s already dark by 5pm. Starting near the London Eye and lasting 90 minutes, this guided bus tour will take you around the stunning sights of London adorned by twinkling Christmas lights. Catch sight of the famous starry lights of Oxford Street, the stunning colours of the London Eye, and the glowing exterior of the Harrods department store, all while getting live commentary from a friendly London tour guide who enriches the experience with their expertise. 2Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Open from 10am to 10pm until January 2nd 2023, Winter Wonderland is a mustvisit Christmas event for families throughout the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of the famous Hyde Park, the popular winter extravaganza contains a multitude of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From an openair Christmas market selling treats, souvenirs, street food and toys, to an array of thrilling rides and funfair games scattered throughout, Winter Wonderland has it all. You can also skate on the UK’s largest ice rink, grab a selfie under the iconic colourful arches, or take in the panoramic sights of London from the famous Giant Wheel. The winter of 2022 also sees the introduction of the Santa Land package, where you can gain access to 4 rides for only £10!

3Ice Skating at

Somerset House

Skating at the scenic Somerset House has been found to be one of the London population’s favourite festive experiences. Containing a stunning 40ft Christmas tree, the magical ice rink against the backdrop of the iconic Somerset House is picture perfect and forms an essential part of the London Christmas experience for many. Contemporary music plays behind the background noise of family and friends having the time of their lives, and Hotel Chocolat provides an excellent selection of gifts if you’re still looking for that perfect present for a loved one. While wheelchair users can skate during any skate session, there are also dedicated wheelchair user sessions, and there are also more relaxed sessions on offer for neurodiverse skaters, with lower music levels and reduced capacity. If skating isn’t really your thing, not to worry, you can still tag along with your skating friends; feel free to enjoy some cocktails and champagne in the rink-side Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon.

4Oxford Street Shopping Oxford Street is the perfect place to be if you’re looking to do some Christmas shopping in London and want to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. 1.5 miles long and home to over 120 shops, from John Lewis, Primark, and Marks & Spencer to Dr. Martens, Flying Tiger, and Russell & Bromley, Oxford Street has anything you could want, making it the perfect place to buy gifts for loved ones, or even a little treat for yourself. And that’s not all! While perusing the shop windows, simply look up: 5,000 stars hang from the famous light display, illuminating your shopping experience with some magnificent Christmas sparkle. This year, the stars have been made with recycled polymer and are 75% more energy efficient, so you can appreciate the beauty of Oxford Street at Christmas knowing that these lights are completely recyclable and sustainable.

5Walk around Kew Gardens Spend an evening during the Christmas season in the iconic Kew Gardens, and see it lit up by thousands of Christmas lights. Stroll down their winter trail and take in the beauty of the evening; discover trees adorned by glittering colour, walk through tunnels of lights, and watch the twinkling reflections of the gardens in the lake. While you take in the sights, independent street vendors will be on hand to offer some excellent Christmas treats, including hot food and spiced winter beverages. Who knows, you may even spot Father Christmas somewhere along the way!

6Volunteer with Basket Brigade UK If you’re looking to do some good this holiday season, why not try helping out an amazing charity? Basket Brigade UK is a charitable organisation that packs food hampers and delivers them on December 23rd to people in need, acting as an incredible Christmas surprise for many families. Hundreds of volunteers band together and pack and deliver around 1,500 baskets of food, and the faces of the recipients will certainly make the whole experience and effort more than worthwhile. So, if you’re looking to spread some Christmas love by giving your time this Christmas, consider signing up to Basket Brigade UK!

7Visit the Fortnum

& Mason Store

If you fancy checking out a unique Christmas lights display, be sure to check out the Fortnum & Mason department store on Piccadilly. With an exterior decorated like a giant advent calendar, this storefront lights display will certainly catch your eye! And once you’ve finished gazing at it from across the street, why not head inside? You’ll find some incredible Christmas gifts for your family and friends, ranging from unique caffeine-free tea brews (Sour Cherry and Orange is my favourite!) to extravagant coffee beans. There are also incredible hampers to pick from if you’re looking for something more grand, containing selections of wine, champagne, coffee, teas, biscuits and chocolate.

8Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival is back! It returns for another year, providing an array of Christmas entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Walk alongside the Thames to sample some excellent street food and festive beverages, and check out Jimmy’s if you’re in the mood to toast some marshmallows. Being the Southbank Centre, of course there are some fantastic shows on offer, so you can watch Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol or take the kids to see Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show if you fancy some easy entertainment. There’s also a stunning lights exhibition, as well as a free art display curated by Ai Weiwei, and if you’re after some more free events, you can enjoy the DJs, audio adventures, a Caribbean carnival, art sessions, and the super-cosy community lounge.

9Attend a pantomime Here’s a classic British Christmas tradition: the 10 See the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market pantomime. Attending a pantomime is Of all the events on offer in a sure-fire way to get the whole family Trafalgar Square throughout into the Christmas spirit. Based on the year, the Christmas iconic tales like Cinderella, Aladdin, Market is the one many people Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Jack most look forward to. With its and the Beanstalk, and Snow White, proximity to Charing Cross children and adults alike will have an Station, it is easily accessible incredible time cheering for the heroes, and an incredible sight upon booing and hissing at the villains, and approach. The stalls are lined helping out the characters on stage with lights, and of course with cries of “It’s behind you!”. The the square itself houses the slapstick comedy will get a laugh out traditional Christmas tree of any Christmas Grinch and everyone gifted from Norway, will be sure to leave the theatre which is the official filled with Christmas cheer. London Christmas tree year after year. There TURN TO PAGE 12 to see our are plenty of stalls where London pantomimes and Christmas shows listing you can buy incredibly unique gifts for loved ones, such as jewellery, tree ornaments, handcrafted goods, and knitwear. There’s also plenty of food on offer at the market, so you won’t need to worry about picking up a sandwich from the coffee shop you’ll walk past to get there! For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options, like miniature pancakes, waffles and incredible-looking chocolate fountains, while for anyone looking for something a bit more savoury, there are fresh chips, sandwiches and traditional German bratwurst to really get you feeling festive.

ROHINI BHONSLE-ALLEMAND, Assistant Editor

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