Who has never dreamt of visiting London? The English capital is the undisputed symbol of British culture. With its streets, royal palaces, churches and museums, it offers a unique and inimitable atmosphere. As modern and visionary as it is firmly anchored in its glorious past, London has so much to offer, especially at Christmas. The month of December is full of unmissable appointments and special events organised for the Christmas celebrations. So, no more conventional presents, no more books, CDs, woollen jumpers or granny socks this year, treat yourself to a trip to London at Christmas! Your soul will be happy!
1 - London Christmas markets
London is a modern, precocious and multi-ethnic city that becomes even more colourful at Christmas time.
Christmas-related places are dotted all over the city, especially traditional markets with wooden stalls selling decorations, toys, ceramics and other handicrafts. Here are some of the markets to visit in London:
Hyde ParkWinter Wonderland, Hyde Park(Get directions), open daily from the last week of November to 6 January;
Christmas Market at London's South Bank, Southbank Centre at the London Eye (Getdirections), open daily from Immaculate Conception (8th December) to 6th January;
LondonBridge Christmas Market, London SE1 9DD (GetDirections), open daily 30 November to 6 January (Closed 25 December).
2 - Christmas events
The whole month of December is packed with Christmas-themed events. Some of the best known include theswitching on of the spectacular Oxford Street lights (late November), which has been presided over in the past by stars such as Emma Watson or Jim Carrey, or the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square (usually on the first Thursday in December), which includes Christmas carols and various festivities.
In early December you can watch The Great Christmas Pudding Race: a charity event in which contestants try to complete a bizarre obstacle course while balancing a Christmas pudding on a plate (all dressed as Santa, elves and reindeer, of course).
The morning of 25 December sees the'Peter Pan Cup', a traditional swimming competition in the icy waters of Hyde Park lake that has been held for over 150 years.
3 - London in the Snow: Warner Bros Studios and Film Classics
London is getting ready for the festive season in a big way, and doing so in style and for all ages! For fans of Harry Potter and fantasy, at Warner Bros Studios you can visit Hogwarts in the Snow, a reproduction of the legendary Hogwarts castle all covered in snow!
For the older and more nostalgic, on the other hand, the Backyard Cinema organises Cinema in the Snow, a programme of the great Christmas cinema classics!
4 - City tour on foot or by bus through parks and Christmas illuminations
Photo by Kyle Taylor. When London lights up for the Christmas festivities, it's like it's transformed! The city takes on unprecedented contours and colours: don't miss the marvellous and highly original silk light installations at the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House, the Kew Gardens that illuminate the paths to the botanical gardens during the Christmas at Kew festival, theEnchanted Woodland in Syon Park and the Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace.
With a sightseeing bus tour you can enjoy the spectacle and stop whenever you like, stopping off at shopping centres or Christmas markets, then get back on and continue the tour. With a free walking tour of the city you can experience a more intimate atmosphere, together with a guide who will tell you the thousand stories of London!
5 - Ice skating
Photo by Thomas Quine. There isn't a Christmas film that doesn't show young people, children and families armed with skates, hats and woollen scarves dashing around on ice rinks in pirouettes and... a few comical falls! If you want to be the star of your own movie, you'll find a city full of rinks to try your hand at: Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, the rink at the foot of the London Tower, the magical rink at the Natural History Museum, and even a scenic ice rink at Skylight!
6 - Christmas Concerts
Photo by Christine Matthews. You can really get into the Christmas carols and concerts around here! Don't miss the traditional Christmas carols at St Paul's Cathedral, the Christmas concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Cutty Sark concert.
7 - Meet Father Christmas
Photo by Chris Downer. Oh yes, the super busy Santa Claus also comes by, and goes out of his way, even more, to give everyone a chance for a photo on his lap!
If you want to meet him, you can do so at the ZSL London Zoo, the Royal Albert Hall, the Museum of London. If you really want to go over the top, then husky sleigh rides await you at WWT London Wetland Centre and even a merry cruise on the Thames with Father Christmas!
8 - Attending Christmas mass
As midnight on Christmas Eve approaches, the faithful all over London gather in churches and cathedrals for Christmas mass. With flickering candles, the sound of carols and poignant sermons, it is a cherished tradition for many Londoners to celebrate Christmas. All churches in the city hold their own services, but if you want to enjoy a unique experience, we suggest you choose churches such as St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, St James's Piccadilly Church; in these places you can hear some of the best church music choristers in the city.
If, on the other hand, you consider it a priority to attend a church service in Italian, go to St Peter's Church.
9 - Taste the specialities
London also has its own Christmas delicacies, and you can't miss tasting them during your stay.
If you are in town for Christmas Day, choose a hotel with a restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Christmas meal.
The classic Anglo-Saxon Christmas meal includes as a main course stuffed turkey roast (usually with a puree of chestnuts, onions, breadcrumbs, butter and other herbs), accompanied by potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding (a kind of baked batter) and Brussels sprouts.
Desserts include Christmas Pudding (made with eggs, almonds, candied fruit, rum and spices) and Mince Pies (small cakes filled with fruit such as sultanas, cranberries and sultanas, as well as chopped nuts and spices such as cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg).
Which museums and attractions remain open?
Unfortunately, most attractions in London remain closed on Christmas Day. The only attractions that can be visited are the parks, such asHyde Park, where the'Peter Pan Cup' is held.
Alternatively, you could visit the decorated galleries of Leadenhall Market or skate in one of the few rinks that remain open (e.g. the one at JW3).
From26 December, things return more or less to normal, with the reopening of the markets and ice rinks, as well as many attractions of interest such as the London Eye, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds wax museum, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and others. On Boxing Day, the Anglo-Saxons celebrate Boxing Day. The name of this holiday comes from the boxes (boxes) full of food and gifts, which wealthy families in the past used to give to the lower social classes. Finally, 26 December also marks thestart of the winter sales.
What means of transport are available?
Public transport in London also does not run on Christmas Day. Starting on Christmas Eve afternoon, the frequency of transport is gradually reduced until it stops completely. We therefore advise you to stay in a central and strategic area so that you can get around on foot, or you could consider hiring a bicycle to get around in the parks, along the cycle paths or in the traffic-free areas of the city centre. Finally, we would like to point out that taxis also operate on public holidays, although fares tend to be rather high.
Recommended solutions: get around by bike or on foot on the 24th and 25th. On the other days, the metro is the most efficient transport system. Single fares are around £2.2 and vary depending on the area.
Useful passes and cards: We recommend the purchase of the London Pass + Oyster Card, which together offer admission to over 80 attractions and free use of transport.
Climate in London at Christmas
In December, temperatures tend to fluctuate between lows of 3° C and highs of 8°. Generally, London's skies are overcast at Christmas time and there are only three hours of actual sunlight per day. It rains quite frequently but the amount is moderate, so you won't have to worry too much about downpours spoiling your stay.
As with most European destinations, you will need to pack warm jumpers, long-sleeved shirts, trousers and a coat. Even if it rarely snows, you may need scarves and hats, but above all, don't forget waterproof shoes and an umbrella!
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Bookable tickets, tours and activities
We propose you some activities and tours to do in London. Click on the tour that interests you to get more information or to book.
