Things to do in London at Christmas time
London is one of the most festive places in the entire country, with never-ending streets filled with Christmas lights, Christmas markets around (almost) every corner and festive activities to fill just about every weekend.
If this is your first festive period in the city as a student, you are in for a treat! Here’s our list of the best activities to get up to at Christmas time in London.
The best Christmas lights to gaze at
Each year, London is sprinkled with magic in the form of thousands of twinkling lights that transform the shorter, darker evenings at this time of year. Oxford Street, Regents Street, Kings Road in Chelsea and Carnaby Street host some of the most famous displays each year, with them only getting bigger and brighter each time.
Carnaby Street has been turned into a stunning mystical display this year, as they've partnered with the refugee charity 'Choose Love' for the Carnaby Kaleidoscope. It boasts over 600 magical butterflies to signify rebirth, transformation, change, hope and life.
Covent Garden is another wonderful place to enjoy the festive cheer, with their elaborate decorations and infamous Christmas Tree. This year, they've also added a snowy touch by blasting snow into the square every hour.
Set in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, Christmas at Kew is described as a ‘botanical world filled with seasonal cheer’. Their annual after-dark festivities include “sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on the route to the panoramic Palm House light display”. You can also find lots of food-filled stalls along the way, with plenty of winter warmers. Tickets for this sell out FAST, so if this sounds like something you'd love, grab some sought after tickets while you can!
Festive activities with friends and family in mind
Go ice skating at one of London's infamous ice rinks! There's nothing quite like getting wrapped up and gliding (or stumbling) around a perfect ice rink whilst listening to your favourite Christmas songs. We recommend heading to the Natural History Museum, where they are running their ice rink for the last time ever this winter period!
Learn how to make your very own Christmas wreath in Brixton, where you can make your wreath unique with your own choice of foliage and berries. A truly festive activity accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies (of course!).
Candle and Cocktail Masterclass: Love cocktails? Love candles? Well, this one's for you. Learn how to craft your own coconut wax candle whilst sipping on some delicious cocktails with Cocktails by Candlelight. You can even gift your hand-poured candle to someone for Christmas! It’s the perfect afternoon/evening activity for the creatives among your campus.
Head to Vinegar Yard with a group of mates for some serious après ski vibes in their cosy igloos, where you can enjoy some festive-themed food and drinks for the ultimate Christmas-themed evening.
Mulled wine and carols. What else? Christmas isn't Christmas without a spot of caroling, after all… We recommend heading to The Royal Albert Hall for their spectacular annual Christmas carols or to Trafalgar Square Christmas carols, which frequently happen in the build-up to Christmas, to raise money for chosen charities. You'll truly feel the magic of London at either of these wonderful caroling options.
Christmas markets for festive foodie fun
South Bank Christmas market fills the cold air of the riverside with rich, delicious smells as food stalls pop up to offer truffle burgers, mulled wine, gourmet cheese toasties, chocolate fondue, and so much more. A foodie’s idea of heaven. The market also has pop up bars, a winter lodge and heated snow globes — the perfect weekend hangout.
Each year, Hyde Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, quite literally. It boasts a wide array of festive activities and entertainment with Christmas markets, live music, food stalls, bars, rides, ice skating and even circus performances - you could easily spend a whole day there. We recommend booking tickets in advance, as this year seems to be particularly busy!
Finally, don't forget to wrap up warm! The weather in London can get extremely cold, and it changes frequently! We suggest taking cosy items of clothing and rain gear with you when heading out for a day of festive fun.
These are favourite things to do in London over the Christmas period, but you may even find more of your own! There are activities to keep you busy right up until Christmas Day, so head out and enjoy everything London has to offer at this time of year.
