Whether you are planning a holiday with family and friends, or you are traveling on your own, you will love spending your Christmas in London. It is one of the most magical cities in the world, and there is plenty to do! Here are five ways you can enjoy the holiday season in the city.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Visiting St Paul’s Cathedral at Christmastime is one of the best things to do in London. This iconic building, built by Sir Christopher Wren, has been a London landmark for centuries. Despite being hit by bombs during the Blitz, it was saved and now serves as a symbol of resilience in the UK.
There are three galleries inside the cathedral. These offer great views of the city. The Whispering Gallery is situated around 30 metres above the floor. It allows you to hear acoustics you might not otherwise hear. It’s also a great way to get better views of the dome.
If you are visiting St Paul’s Cathedral during the Christmas period, you can also attend the world-famous carol services. These services are free and open to everyone. You can also take a tour of the cathedral. You can choose between a free tour or a paid tour. Depending on which tour you choose, you will learn about the history of the building.
You can also explore the church’s crypt, which contains tombs of national heroes. One of the tombs is that of Lord Nelson. He was killed in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The cathedral was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, who avoided Gothic architecture. His dome was a new and unusual design for the time. The dome was plain and plainer than Catholic churches, but it was crowned with a mighty dome.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Located in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of attractions. It features ice skating, live performances, rides and a Christmas market. It also offers visitors the chance to enjoy food and drink. There are a range of stalls to choose from, including hot mulled wine and German bratwursts.
Winter Wonderland is open daily from 10am to 10pm. It is recommended that visitors arrive early to take advantage of the attractions. It is possible to purchase tickets for the rides and attractions, but they will vary. It is also possible to buy tickets for specific activities, such as ice skating.
Winter Wonderland is open from the end of November through to the end of January. Its website has information on how to get there and on tickets. It is accessible by the underground and by other public transport options.
The site is located near Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Green Park and Marble Arch. The site is also close to the Victoria and Paddington train stations.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly event, and the site is wheelchair-accessible. It features rides for little ones, as well as adult-friendly rides. It also has a bar, which is made of ice, and offers visitors a free drink.
The site is also home to Zippos Christmas Circus, which features aerial magic and adrenaline-filled circus stunts.
Southbank’s Winter Market
During the holiday season, Southbank becomes a European-style winter wonderland, with the market brimming with Christmas treats and activities. It’s a magical place to spend a few hours, whether you’re a fan of music, food or culture. It’s also one of the most popular attractions in the city, attracting thousands of tourists every day.
The Winter Market at Southbank is open from 9th November until 27th December. It’s one of the biggest outdoor markets in the city, and you can expect to see world-leading stalls under lights. It’s also a great place to buy Christmas gifts, and you can enjoy a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate while you’re there.
The market offers a variety of treats, including artisan cheeses, cider, festive drinks and tempting food. There’s also a Christmas food festival at Hampton Court Palace, which offers cooking demonstrations, whisky tastings and boutique food gift stalls. You can also find a Christmas market at Leicester Square, which features a Santa’s grotto and fairy lights.
You’ll also want to check out the South Bank Christmas Market, which runs along the promenade every winter. It’s a great place to stop off for a drink or snack and you can enjoy views of Big Ben and the London Eye.
You can also get in on the fun at the Santa Claus Village, which is open daily and offers special events for the holidays. Here you’ll find stalls selling festive treats and rides, as well as a Christmas carol singing session.
Trafalgar Square tree
Whether you’re in town for Christmas or you’re looking to visit London at any other time, you can’t go wrong with spending some time under the Trafalgar Square tree. You’ll have a fantastic opportunity to see the tree lit up, listen to carol singers and eat at a Christmas market.
The Trafalgar Square tree has been the centre of the festive display since it was first installed in 1947. It’s an annual gift from Norway and has become a fixture in London’s Christmas countdown.
The tree is decorated in the classic Norwegian style and features over 500 white lights. It will be lit up in Trafalgar Square on Thursday 1 December. The tree remains in the square until Twelfth Night, when it will be taken down. The tree is then chipped and composted.
The tree is a gift from Norway in appreciation of British support during World War II. It will be cut down in Norway and brought to London by sea.
The tree has been chosen months in advance and is typically a Norway Spruce. The Oslo agency responsible for selecting the tree is responsible for its quality.
The Trafalgar Square tree is known for its sparse branches. In recent years, it has received a mixed reception. Many have complained that it looks like a ‘hungover’ tree, while others have pointed out the pattern in the tree’s branches.
Museum of London
Visiting London during the holidays can be a magical experience. Whether you want to shop, play, or enjoy the festivities, London has a lot to offer visitors. In fact, it’s enough to turn even the Grinch into a happy camper. Here are some of the best things to do in the city during the holiday season.
The British Museum is a great place to learn about the history of London. This iconic museum boasts an impressive eight million items, some dating back as far as prehistoric times. Several special winter exhibitions are also on offer, including the Victorian London at Christmas display.
One of the best things to do in London during the holidays is to visit the Museum of London. This museum has a variety of exhibitions including the Victorian London at Christmas display, which looks at the Thames Frost Fairs that took place in London during the Victorian era.
The Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square is impressive. This tree is 25 metres tall and 900 light bulbs illuminate it. It is usually lit up by a princess or prince. You can also visit the Ice Bar or the Nutcracker on Ice, which is a show based on the famous ballet.
The Twist Museum is a good family friendly attraction to check out. This small but mighty museum boasts an impressive collection of illusions. It’s also the home of the small, but mighty, illuminated Christmas tree.
Afternoon tea
Taking afternoon tea at a London hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season. While scones and a glass of Prosecco are usually the main attraction, there are a variety of other seasonal treats on offer. Some restaurants offer mulled wine and seasonal cocktails, which can enhance your experience.
The Savoy is one of London’s most iconic hotels, and the perfect place for a traditional afternoon tea. The menu features traditional finger sandwiches, such as roast turkey and Norfolk turkey with smoked chestnut emulsion, along with a selection of seasonal sweet treats.
Another iconic London hotel is the Regent Park, located near Oxford Street. This luxurious establishment has a resident pianist and offers unrivaled service. The renowned Christmas tree is a standout, along with its stunning decorations.
There are also a number of themed afternoon teas on offer. The Connaught, the Cavendish, the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, and The Savoy all have festive offerings. The Connaught has a standout tea, combining cranberry chutney and honey-glazed roast beef.
The Cavendish also has a standout offering, with a five-star festive afternoon tea. The menu features a number of Christmas-themed treats, including a gingerbread-spiced sticky toffee pudding. The desserts on offer include a white chocolate and blackcurrant Christmas bauble and a yuzu florentine tart.
Another British restaurant that has a seasonal menu is Millie’s Lounge, which is decorated in blush pink and features a number of festive touches. The menu includes a variety of Christmas-themed pastries, including gingerbread Christmas trees and mini gingerbread men.
