CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Fun for all the Family this Christmas Our top suggestions of things to do in London this festive season
Christmas Lights:
Dating back to 17th century Germany, when candles were used to light up Christmas trees, Christmas lights have long been an important part of the Christmas spirit. In 1882, the first Christmas tree illuminated by electric lights was displayed in New York. Since 1890, when these types of Christmas lights were made available to buy on a wider scale, it seems Christmas lights just keep getting bigger and brighter each year! London is always illuminated at Christmastime, with some of our favourites including: Oxford Street – this popular shopping destination features thousands of impressive luminous stars hung between shops. They have also
partnered with children’s charity Starlight, and the public are encouraged to sponsor a star to raise money for the charity. Regent Street’s ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ – from November 9th
to January 2nd, Regent Street and St James’ Christmas lights return to light up central London, with over fifty dazzling ‘spirits’ in total. Kew Gardens – Christmas at Kew is an unforgettable experience for all the family, with mesmerising lights and independent street food vendors, all against the stunning botanical backdrop of Kew Gardens. Winter Wonderland:
Located in Hyde Park and open until January 1st 2024, this can’tmiss experience boasts funfair games, exciting rides, a variety of delicious food options and an open-air Christmas market, as well as being home to the UK’s largest ice rink! This year, Winter Wonderland is celebrating its 16th anniversary, after starting out as a mere Christmas market back in 2007. Since, it has grown into a true Christmas extravaganza, and with tickets selling fast for the most popular sessions and attractions, we would recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
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Christmas Carol Services and Concerts:
Christmas carols are another important Christmas tradition. Many carols stem from musical accompaniments to religious dramas, dating back to the medieval period. The Christmas carol service is thought to have emerged in Truro in 1880 by Edward White Benson. Christmas carols are sure to get any singer into the Christmas spirit, as professionals have noted that the melodic tunes, mixes of major and minor chords and, in more modern Christmas music, sounds such as sleighbells all contribute to the Christmassy feeling we experience when we listen to or sing them. There are various Christmas carol services and concerts in London this Christmas, including: Christmas Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall – from traditional
Christmas carols to jazz and gospel concerts, the Royal
