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Here's why Christmas is the best time to visit this beautiful city!
What better way to part with the grim onset of wintery blues than strolling down Oxford Street, soaking in sparkling Christmas lights and admiring lavishly decorated Christmas trees. London during Christmas is an unforgettable experience - one that could motivate even the most cynical individual to don their fanciest attire and experience this whimsical wonderland that continues for over a month. Picture the grandeur of the Oxford or Regent Street illuminated by fairy lights, guiding eager shoppers towards them, as they witness the holiday magic. The city is filled with endless festive things to do during this time, ranging from the oh-so-pretty ice rinks to the alluringChristmas markets and mini boutiques and shops. If you’re an introvert, you can simply adore the beautifully lit streets from your window as you enjoy mulled wine and watch a Christmas movie at home.
I relished this and more in the winters of 2022, when I travelled to London, to experience the quintessential London Christmas. Let me unwrap the magic of London for you, during Christmas as I take you through anecdotes from my travel last year!
London has a lot of quintessential Christmas activities to enjoy, that I’d recommend to ever traveller whose here around December. The city comes alive with dazzling lights during the holiday season. Revering the Christmas lights, all glistening and glittering at every corner of Oxford and Regent Street are a treat to the eyes! Right from the classic angels that beam over Regent’s Street to the stunning different themed displays over Carnaby Street, these lights adorn the streets of London, from early November to late December.
Ice skating at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum is another beloved activity during the winter months in London. You’ll find here, enthusiasts of all ages, gliding across the ice like a young reindeer, taking in the festive atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful view of the iconic landmarks nearby. You can choose from a variety of rinks to explore, depending on if you’re a beginner (like me) or have aced the art of ice-skating. Couple of ice-rinks to choose from are Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and Canary Warf Ice Rink. Quick tip- Ice-skating is quite popular in London around this time, so book in advance, and avoid off-peak times to guarantee yourself a decent stint on the ice.
Who would come to London during Christmas and not enjoy one of the cosy winter pop-ups that the city adorns during this time? Imagine cute little markets spread out across quaint wooden cabins-selling vintage furniture, ceramics, handknitted woollens and so on. You’ll find this at the iconic Spitalfields Christmas market or the Christmas Independent Ceramics Market. If you are the touristy kind, you’d want to stroll through the German-style Winter Market alongside Southbank. Of course, there is the infamous Hype Park Winter Wonderland that has everything you need to make your Christmas Day memorable. Kingston’s Christmas Market is a delight as well! The market caters to all your shopping needs as it caters to over 40 different vendors. If you’re a food enthusiast, you can find festive drinks like hot chocolate or sweet delicacies such as caramel waffles here at the market.
If you love joyous carols and musical hymns, ‘Carols at the Royal Albert Hall’, running from Dec 16-24 every year, is a must visit. The legendary London landmark (St Paul’s church) also hosts free carol concerts each year, alongside a couple of ticketed charity gigs raising money for charity purposes. Next, there is Kensington’s grand Italianate music hall, possibly the most iconic place to enjoy a Christmassy concert. Last year they hosted a family-friendly cinematic masterpiece ‘Home Alone in Concert’ from Dec 2 to 25th.
The cold London winters are perfectly complimented with a nicely brewed glass of mulled wine topped with the most interesting spices. Although you’ll find the common Londoner drink through every nook and corner of the city, few of the best places that serve mulled wine are- Cutty Stark Tavern, Lord Palmerston, and The Spaniards Inn. Most pubs and bars typically start serving mulled wine in late November, so you can enjoy this delicacy throughout the month of December.
If you’ve decided for a longer Christmas trip to the gorgeous city of London, you may also explore these alternative Christmas events that the city has to offer. Throw away those blankets and don't let the December chill stop you from enjoying the wonders of nature: explore the Garden Museum's Winter Flowers Week which brings a variety of floral displays. Here, local designers present their British-grown flowers through an artistic tapestry of installations. They also have a Friday Night event, where you can enjoy the beauty of flowers while sipping your mulled wine or try your hands at a floral workshop.
If you want to explore the rich history of London, you cannot miss the heritage museums (but with a twist)! The Museum of Architecture brings an event called ‘gingerbread city’ every Christmas - where leading architects and designers compete to create the most magical gingerbread constructions. You can also get inspired and bring out your inner baking star after attending this lip-smacking event, trying your hand at various desserts and savouries.
From the resplendent displays adorning the streets to the cheerful echoes on the ice rinks, the city comes alive with an enchantment that captivates all who wander down its wintery paths. London’s magic during Christmas is not merely about the sights and sounds. There's a palpable sense of community, the shared moments of happiness, and the embrace of timeless traditions that makes this city and unforgettable destination during the most wonderful time of the year.
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