Christmas Activities In London

£ = free/you might spend money if you want to | ££ = entry fee/paying activities

It’s here! The lights! The hot drinks! The cheesy music! The most wonderful time of the year! It’s here!

Despite the crippling anxiety regarding my upcoming assessments, I can feel it: my serotonin levels are coming back up and my inner child is manifesting itself once again. Growing up in Switzerland, winter has always been Hallmark movie-worthy and so were my expectations. And, despite Brighton’s greatest effort, I’m happy to be a train ride away from London’s magnificence when it comes to Christmas events/activities. For the past three years, I have been to London in late November/early December to enjoy some festive activities and honestly, it never disappoints.

This year, my friends and I went on a Christmas market crawl, visiting most of the items on this list. As students, it can be scary to spend time in London since it feels like even the simple act of breathing comes with a fee. Nevertheless, you can have a great time on a budget if you put your mind to it. I booked my train tickets a couple of days ahead via the Trainline app and, with my 16-25 railcard (which you can get for £15/year on Black Friday sales or for free with Santander), I paid a grand total of £12 for a Super Off-Peak Day Travelcard. This is a great option if you’re a student as it gives you the flexibility of an open-return (off-peak times) and allows you to travel on the underground as much as you want throughout the day.

Each one of London’s (big/famous) neighbourhoods are heavily decorated and you’ll probably find something to enjoy wherever you are. However, for your own sake, I’d avoid going on the weekends as it gets awfully busy, especially in December. But let’s jump onto the list, shall we?

Covent Garden | £

I must confess, Covent Garden is one of my favourite touristic spots in London, regardless of the season as I love the area’s cosy atmosphere. There’s always something going on in its main square and the adjacent little streets are just as nice. It’s a great location to do so some Christmas shopping and the multitude of restaurants makes it the perfect spot for a Christmassy sit-down meal.

Somerset House Ice Rink | ££

Despite my bitter history with the university (I got rejected my ego still hurts), King’s College London Law campus remains one the prettiest I’ve seen in London. In front of the beautiful Somerset House, you can enjoy some festive fun on their magnificent ice rink. Open from 17 Nov 2021 - 16 Jan 2022, adult tickets vary from £11-£15 depending on the booking hour. I would recommend getting tickets from their website to avoid queuing in the cold.

Regent Street | £

It’s a classic, yet it cannot be missed. The delicate angels illuminating Regent Street in winter always make me feel like a child. It is simply too pretty to be missed.

Mayfair and Anabell’s | £

Mayfair is arguably London’s most affluent neighbourhood and is known for its celebrity clientele. Anabell’s is a private’s members club in Mayfair, located at 46 Berkeley Square and is considered one of the most exclusive clubs in London. Throughout the seasons, Anabell’s exterior is transformed and decorated to the Gods.

New Bond Street | £

New Bond Street is also located in Mayfair and is the most prestigious street in London. Since the 18th century, the street had housed some of the most distinguished upmarket fashion and jewellery retailers. So naturally, the glamorous brands go all out for the Christmas season. I must say that Cartier is my all-time favourite although this year I was mesmerised by Bulgari’s simplicity and elegance.

Fortnum and Mason | £

Fortnum & Mason is a luxurious department store in Piccadilly. Originally founded as a grocery store, the brand’s reputation was built on supplying quality food and grew throughout the Victorian era. Its confectionery and tea departments are the most popular as they hold the Royal Warrant (meaning they are official retailers for the royal family). It’s the perfect place to buy an elegant and tasty souvenir for your family and friends while enjoying the store’s festive decors and windows.

Carnaby Street | £

Carnaby Street is very youthful and had a vibrant atmosphere. Similarly to Covent Garden, this pedestrianised shopping and dining area is great for some last-minute gift finding. Just a short walk from Regent Street, you’ll find some of the most creative Christmas decors with Carnaby’s unprecedented Christmas installations. This year, over 600 sparkling 3D and 2D butterflies are fluttering through the area for their Kaleidoscope themed Christmas decor.

Selfridges | £

Located on Edwards Mews, behind the iconic high-end department store, you will find a cheerful Christmas market that hosts some of London’s best street food companies. Although it’s a nice market, beware that the area (Oxford Street) is extremely touristic and will be very crowded. This year, you’ll need to book your (free) tickets and reserve your time slot. There may be a limited number of walk-in tickets, subject to availability, but booking ahead to secure your slot is advised.

Opening times: 5 November – 23 December, 4–9 pm on weekdays & 12–9 pm at weekends, 24 December 12–4 pm.

Winter Wonderland | ££

Winter Wonderland is a large annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park, from mid-November to early January. It’s also the biggest event of the season in London and there are fun activities for everyone. Entry is free during off-peak periods and costs £5 or £7.50 for peak hours. Once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like. It’s a beautiful event to attend as it is very diverse in terms of activities and entertainment.

Borough Market | £

Situated by London Bridge, Borough Market is one of the biggest and oldest food markets in the world. Renowned for artisan prepared food, and fresh organic produce, the market is a must-see for gourmet travellers. The spot is also famous for featuring in British rom-com and trilogy Bridget Jones which I would argue is a Christmas movie. Therefore, the experience is even more Christmassy!

King’s Cross Christmas Market | £

This year I had the pleasure to discover King’s Cross Christmas market and it was simply adorable. I had a hot, organic apple and cinnamon juice, a band was playing live music and the place wasn’t crowded. I rarely go to that part of London but I was really happy to see something new, a little dramatic and a lot more authentic. It was small, cosy and the drinks were reasonably priced.

National History Museum Ice Rink | ££

After 16 years, this will be the final year of the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum. This is certainly London’s most beautiful ice rink and I’m sad to see it go. Located by the wonderful Waterhouse building, the setting is absolutely dreamy. Prices vary from £15.95 to £22 depending on peak/off-peak hours and you should most definitely book before your visit.

Winter Night Garden/Snow Kingdom | ££

These Christmas cinema pop-ups are perfect to spend a magical evening in London. Amazing London venues are transformed into immersive Christmas film nights with tickets priced between £10-£32. I heard a lot of wonderful things about these shows however I never got to see it for myself since it is located further away from all the other attractions.

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Find all the locations mentioned on this list here: https://goo.gl/maps/u3bUjH6BsLf2xr3f7

Happy Holidays!