In London, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas attractions.
More generally, December is a great time to catch up on London highlights and tourist spots you didn’t get time to see during a busier term time. Museums, parks, theatres – with more spare time once the Autumn Term ends, you can enjoy everything the capital has to offer.
At the same time, London in December is transformed and boasting with Christmas spirit. Check out this list of the top 7 Christmas activities to do in London during this most wonderful time of the year.
1. See Christmas lights
Whether just passing or coming intentionally, you can feel the Christmas spirit by seeing wonderful Christmas lights on the streets of London. Many places are decorated and worth seeing, but some of the most beautiful and iconic ones are on Oxford, South Molton, New Bond, and Regent Street.
Protip: take the bus 453 from Oxford Circus and see the Regent Street angels from the top seats!
2. See the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square
A London landmark, Trafalgar Square is within a 15-minute walk from LSE. The Christmas tree there is gifted every year by Norway. The tradition started in 1947 as an expression of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War. The tree is decorated in a Norwegian style and so tall that one might call it an unmissable Christmas attraction.
3. Visit Christmas markets
One of the best ways to explore London landmarks and have a festive experience is by visiting Christmas markets. A number of them are set up every December in some of the most famous capital locations such as Covent Garden, Leicester Square and King’s Cross. There, you can enjoy a variety of street food, find hand-made Christmas gifts, and sip hot chocolate or mulled wine while exploring all the stalls.
4. Attend a Christmas carols concert
What screams “Christmas” more than carols? London has a great selection of carols concerts in a variety of settings, whether in secular or religious spaces, indoors or outdoors. For example, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a focal point for Christmas carolling groups.
5. Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is often considered one of the best festive hotspots London has to offer. It is set up in Hyde Park and is filled with rides and games, ice skating, spectacular shows and delightful stalls filled with food and drinks.
Note that though an undoubtedly unique and fun experience, Winter Wonderland has one caveat from the students’ perspective – the entry is not free.
6. Go ice skating in Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station is one of the largest brick buildings in the world. It opened its door to the public only in 2022 after long renovations. As such, it is a novel and exciting place which you can admire while ice skating on “London’s coolest ice rink”.
7. Visit the Prince Charles Cinema and watch Christmas classics on the big screen
Last but not least – who doesn’t like a nice, feel-good Christmas classic? Indeed, this idea is my personal favourite. Throughout December, the Prince Charles Cinema screens Christmas movies every day. It is a great idea to revisit your favourite Christmas movies in a unique way, watching them on a big screen.
My final protip would be to make the most of free and budget-friendly activities. Seeing the lights and Christmas trees, listening to Christmas carolling, leisurely strolling around the Christmas markets – they cost nothing yet offer an invaluable chance to get into the Christmas spirit.
