If you are a student living away from home, I bet you are longing to go back for the Christmas break. But just before you leave, here are a few things you can do to kick-off Christmas celebrations in London. 

1) Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park

As everyone gears up for Christmas, you will hear a lot of references to Winter Wonderland. So what is winter wonderland? It is London’s version of Santa Land, so to speak. You can find delicious food stalls, carousels, giant wheels, drinks, candy canes and everything else that defines the festive spirit.

2) Southbank Christmas market

The Southbank Christmas market is located along the Thames. It is smaller in size when compared to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, yet remains my favourite. This is because the Southbank Christmas market is located near the London Eye, and the Millennium Bridge. So you can experience the festive spirit, and still, find a space away from the maddening crowd. Apart from carousels and food stalls, Southbank is made unique by people playing music. Every time that I have visited Southbank, I have found talented musicians: singers, guitarists —  even drummers and pianists — playing some incredible live music. Another reason why Southbank appeals to me is its proximity to the Royal Festival Hall. For the uninitiated, Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall has events around the year. While some are ticketed, there are many free events open to the public. I was able to enjoy the International Jazz Festival and have never stopped going there ever since.

3) Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and the Seven Dials Market

If it is Christmas lights that cheer you up, I would recommend bundling up and heading out. There is no better time to see a wonderfully lit-up London, than December. You can see Christmas cheer from Oxford street to Covent Garden. The Seven Dials Market, Carnaby Street and Soho are also beautifully decked out. As you stroll around, you will come across giant Christmas trees, and even flying angels! Don’t forget to click pictures 🙂

4) Christmas concerts

To really get a feel of Christmas, I would recommend attending a traditional choir practice or better, a Christmas concert. From your next-door church to music societies, everyone is organising carol singing sessions. So what are you waiting for? Go on, try it.