London is one of the best cities to visit any time of year, but there is something special about the city at Christmas.
With so many fun and festive activities going on the city, there is always something to keep the Christmas spirit alive. If you’re not in Leeds over the festive season, here are some of this year’s best festive attractions in the Big Smoke:
If you’re missing you’re student life in Hyde Park, London’s Hyde Park hosts the annual ‘Winter Wonderland’, a fantastic event that contains rides and festive stalls. Each year the Winter Wonderland grows in size as new rides and attractions are added, and they’re definitely worth visiting over the winter months.
This year in London, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in some festive carol singing. You can enjoy high quality orchestras and singing at the Royal Albert Hall or have a more casual trip to the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, which regularly has choirs and singers performing over the festive period.
Ice Skating is a popular attraction over the festive period and various ice rinks are set up across London during November and December. Some of the best include the rink at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum.
Food is an essential part of Christmas fun and celebrations. There are so many opportunities to enjoy some traditional Christmas food in London throughout November and December. Enjoy some festive cocktails in the Soho area, or Christmas inspired afternoon tea at Harrods and the Savoy. Additionally, various roasted chestnut stores open on the streets throughout London. You can also enjoy a delicious hot chocolate in cafes such as Hotel Chocolat in Covent Garden and Choccywoccydoodah near Carnaby Street.
Shopping in London over Christmas is really exciting. Shops such as Oxford Street’s Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and trees. London also hosts various Christmas markets during the festive season. Some of the most popular markets include Christmas by the River at London Bridge, Leicester Square’s Christmas market and the Christmas market at Greenwich’s Wintertime Festival.
London’s West End is one of the best locations to see theatre shows at Christmas time. Some of the popular shows available to watch this year include The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House and A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic.
Jessica Farmer
Images: Visit London, Royal Albert Hall, Somerset House, Visit London, Secret London, London Theatre Direct, Standard