Thursday, 10, December 2015

Top 10 Things to do in London at Christmas time

Christmas tree

1. Hit the Shops
London is famous for its shopping, particularly at Christmas time. Shops create a true Christmas shopping experience with beautiful window displays, personal shopping, festive gift-wrapping, personalised gifts and Santa’s grottos. Why not treat yourself this December with our Selfridges Christmas Shopping Experience?

2. Head to a West End show
During the Christmas period, theatres are filled with a range of shows to suit all ages. Musicals, plays and pantomimes include Elf the Musical, The Nutcracker on Ice & A Christmas Carol featuring Jim Broadbent. Located in the heart of London’s West End, The Bloomsbury provides the perfect base for any Christmas theatre break.

London's West End at Christmas

3. Have fun at a Christmas Fair
There is always a buzzing atmosphere at London’s Christmas fairs, whether you’re in the Bavarian beer tent, thrill seeking on the rides or mooching around the pop-up shops. Winter Wonderland & WinterVille are two of London’s best Christmas fairs. Expect to find ice-skating, circus shows and even a hidden backyard theatre.

4. Marvel at the Christmas lights
London is lit up at Christmas time, with hundreds of lights glittering in the night and oversized Christmas themed ornaments hang above the shopping streets. A stroll down Oxford Street & Regent Street will be sure to get you in the festive spirit.

London Christmas markets

5. Enjoy a Festive film
Top festive films for 2015 include The Night Before, Krampus and Christmas with the Coopers, all of which are on show in London cinemas. Many classic films are also screened at the London cinemas over Christmas such as Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life, Muppets Christmas Carol and Home Alone. For the ultimate London cinema experience, head to Leicester Square.

6. Mingle around a Christmas Market
When it comes to Christmas markets in London, you’re spoilt for choice. Some of the best can be found at London Bridge, Columbia Road, Southbank and The Tate Modern. Borough Market also transforms its food stalls with Christmas treats and the roast duck sandwiches with mustard are a must-try! Among these markets you’ll find handcrafted gifts, foodie delights and the odd cup of mulled wine goes without saying.

London Christmas markets

7. Join a Christmas Carol Concert
Who doesn’t love a traditional sing-a-long at Christmas time? London plays host to a variety of concerts over the winter period including Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace and various Churches throughout the city so warm up your vocal chords and get into the full swing of Christmas.

8. Indulge in a cosy Afternoon Tea
No Christmas is complete without a relaxing afternoon of turkey sandwiches, sweet treats and mince pies. Afternoon tea is the perfect indulgence when visiting England’s capital at Christmas. Head to The Bloomsbury for a festive afternoon tea that includes a choice of traditional, sparkling or cocktail beverages.

Afternoon Tea in The Bloomsbury

9. Get your skates on
Whether you glide around with the greatest of ease, or scramble around like Bambi, London is home to some of the most magical ice-skating locations. Some of the cities most stunning Christmas rinks can be found at Somerset House, The Natural History Museum, Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace.

10. Walk through the city
Keep it simple and soak up London’s festive atmosphere on foot. A stroll around the city is magical at Christmas and it wont cost you a penny! Marvel at the huge Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, wander across the frosty hills of Hampstead Heath or mingle with the Christmas shoppers in Covent Garden.

Ice skating in London at Christmas