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.

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

Albert Hall has performances to interest everyone.

Carols by Candlelight – this year, St. Martin’s Voices and St. Martin’s Brass are performing music, carols and festive readings, all within a magical, candlelit environment for the perfect Christmas experience.

Christmas Carols at St. Paul’s Cathedral – all Advent and Christmas services are free for members of the public to attend. With lots of different services held throughout the month, check online to see the full schedule!

Christmas Markets:

Again, originating in Germany, but now held in many countries around the world, Christmas markets typically include openair stalls selling gifts, treats and handmade products, usually against the backdrop of Christmas light displays, music and performances.

Although Christmas markets were invented for trading, they have now become much more than this, with thousands travelling around the country to visit markets held in places such as Edinburgh, Manchester, York and Bath.

Luckily, in London you don’t have to travel far to experience some of the best Christmas markets the country has to offer, including:

Southbank Centre Winter Festival – home to an array of Christmas entertainment, food, beverages and gifts at the Christmas market alongside the Thames, as well as stunning light displays and entertainment, visiting Southbank Centre is a must this Christmas!

Covent Garden – taking over the Piazza, Market Building,

Christmas In London

Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and the surrounding streets, Christmas at Covent Garden promises a festive experience for all visitors.

Leicester Square – open until January 7th 2024, the square itself has transformed into the home of a wide variety of Christmas market stalls, as well as a Spiegeltent where a host of performances, such as the Olivier Award-winning show La Clique, will take place.

Christmas Tree Farms: What better way to enjoy the build-up to Christmas than by visiting a Christmas tree farm and picking out your own tree to decorate with all the family? While artificial trees have become popular over the last century, you truly can’t beat the smell of a fresh Christmas tree. If you were wanting to pick your own, we suggest: Christmas Tree Farm Enfield, South London Christmas Tree Farm (Chelsfield), Kingswood Christmas Trees or Hurleys Christmas Tree Farm for all your Christmas tree needs!

IZZY REEVES Assistant Editor