London is not in its best form during winter. With the cold and the rain, it’s not so cozy but completely freezing. Though it has one saving grace when it comes to attracting people during winters: Christmas! I spent my last Christmas walking all over the city with my friend from out of town who was equally clueless. Two cups of mulled wine and three mugs of hot cocoa later, we were ready to repeat that throughout the christmas break. London is so decked up during Christmas, it’s dazzling in its beauty and has something to offer for everyone. This year I come prepared to do Christmas right.
Christmas Markets
Now of course you cannot do Christmas without hitting up a few Christmas markets and walking around with a pretzel and mulled wine.
Some of the markets gearing up to open season are listed below.
(Credit: Prakriti Nayak)
Southbank Centre Winter Market, 08 November 2019 to 5 January 2020
German Christmas Market and Angel’s Christmas Market, Winter Wonderland
(Credit: Prakriti Nayak)
Christmas by the River at London Bridge, 26 November 2019 to 05 January 2020
Christmas in Leicester Square, 08 November 2019 to 05 January 2020
Lights
Halloween hasn’t passed yet but Christmas lights are already up. I cannot complain, because they are gorgeous! Check them out.
Enchanted Woodland in Syon Park
(Credit: Prakriti Nayak)
Oxford Street
(Credit: Prakriti Nayak)
Streets of Carnaby
(Credit: Prakriti Nayak)
Chandeliers at Covent Garden
(Credit: Prakriti Nayak)
Regent Street
Ice rinks
It’s winter, who wouldn’t like to skate or watch people gracefully move on ice (or fail miserably at it)? I have listed some of the amazing skating rinks this city has to offer.
National History Museum. Find tickets here.
The Tower of London. Link for tickets.
Somerset House’s 18th century courtyard ice rink.
Hampton Court Palace ice rink with views of Henry VIII’s residence.
Skate at Skylight the rooftop ice rink and admire the London skyline.
Winter Cinema
This city also offers loads of cozy screening setups to catch your favorite winter films.
Catch classics Southbank’s Centre’s hidden winter cinema.
Walk through a wintery night garden or snow kingdom on your way to Backyard Cinema.
Luna Cinema in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Find the secret garden at South Place Hotel for a seasonal movie screening.
Rivoli Ballroom’s pop-up cinema.
Events
Winter Wonderland
Dates: 21 November 2019 – 05 January 2020
Location: Hyde Park
Back again this year at Hyde Park, the free-entry family friendly event is filled with activities for younglings and adults alike. From amusement rides to ice skating, circus shows to live music, Wonderland has a lot to offer. Multiple food stalls and bars offering range of delicacies, mulled wine, and hot cocoa often entertain long queues! Also, try Bratwurst and Glühwein in the Bavarian Village.
Find tickets here for attractions like the Giant Observation Wheel and the Ice Rink.
Hogwarts in the Snow
16 November 2019 to 26 January 2020
See the Harry Potter sets in a winter makeover, with a snow laden Hogwarts castle and warm Gryffindor common room filled with treats. You can also enjoy a two-course meal in the Great Hall with desert at platform 9 ¾.
Find tickets here.
Happy Christmas!