One of my all time favourite movies is Love Actually, a British romantic comedy movie which captures the London Christmas spirit wonderfully. Watching this movie every year made me look forward to the Christmas season in London. Regardless if you celebrate Christmas or not, here follows a list of five places to visit during the holiday season which are guaranteed to make you feel “warm and fuzzy” inside as the days get colder and darker.
1) Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a surefire way to get you into the Christmas spirit. It is a classic attraction that’s on from the last few weeks of November, through December into the first weekend of January. Winter Wonderland is a Christmas market that takes up a big portion of Hyde Park. It has plenty of stalls selling Christmas decorations and treats, so it is a perfect place to get some Christmas presents for your loved ones or simply just to browse. They also have different rides which are a lot of fun and an ice skating rink. The only downside to Winter Wonderland is that it can be expensive. They have different prices for off and on peak hours, and you have to pay extra for every ride you want to take. I therefore recommend booking tickets for off peak hours and you can stay as long as you want. Bring some friends and perhaps buy some mulled wine or hot chocolate and soak up the festive energy.
2) Ice skating by Somerset House
Ice skating is a big Christmas activity in London, and if it interests you I recommend to go the rink in front of Somerset House. It is a beautiful building and the rink is decorated with Christmas lights and a tree. Somerset House is just down the road from LSE, so it is a fun and easy place to stop by in between classes or at the end of the day. They offer student discounts, and some societies and departments even plan group outings here. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for that! It does not matter if you have never skated before, you will pick it up quickly. Besides, being Bambi on ice is perhaps more fun anyways?
3) Christmas lights in central London
What makes Christmas in London so magical is that they really don’t hold back when it comes to Christmas lights. Everywhere you go in central London there will be unique Christmas lights which get you in the spirit. Even the LSE campus will be clad in lights and decorations. Where I have seen the best decorations and lights are in Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Soho, Oxford Street and Regent Street. Even though these streets can often be crowded, I recommend you take the time to walk around and enjoy the sights.
4) Backyard Cinema – Christmas edition
If like me you love a good Christmas movie to get you in the spirit, then I recommend you check out Backyard Cinema. They are a company who go beyond just screening movies, they create an immersive experience. There are pre shows for every movie with themed rooms, lights and opportunities to get food and drink. The movie theatre itself is decorated and they have set up comfortable bean bags to sit on. Although the theatre operates all year, I recommend going during Christmas time because they show all the Christmas classics and the theatre itself is completely Christmas themed. Remember to book in advance and allow yourself time before the movie starts to explore!
Overall, Christmas is a wonderful time in London. Besides the tips abovementioned, I think Christmas is a great time to discover new areas of London. Almost every neighborhood will be decorated and you will stumble across new markets all around!
