London really is an amazing city, but at Christmas it just turns into a magical place! It really comes alive at Christmas, the lights are switched on, the air is cold, the shops are bustling with people, the Christmas spirit bursts from London, you can just feel it everywhere! It is a blessing to live here at this time of year!
I thought I would make a ‘Top 10 Things to Do’ post to help you if you are coming to London this month and are stuck with what to do to!
So, if you want to find out how to get that London Christmas feeling then keep on reading…
Winter Wonderland is a magical kingdom full of all things Christmassy! It is packed, but that only helps make you feel part of something bigger and make you realise how important Christmas is to everybody! There are things for everyone here, from rides for little kids to bars and a spinning pub for adults! With enough food stalls to feed the world it is definitely a must do if you are in London at this time of the year.
Check out their website for more details if you are interested!
Ice skating is definitely my favourite thing to do before Christmas! It makes me feel so festive and elegant! Wrap up warm, and skate to Christmas songs under twinkling lights… but try not to fall over… it definitely ruins the sophisticated look I’m going for haha!
The picture above is from the ice rink at the National History Museum, but Somerset House is also a beautiful location to skate, we went there 2 years ago and it was magical!
Take a stroll along London’s most famous roads and take in the beautiful lights, I suggest walking along Oxford St, the lights are so understated and pretty!
If you fancy something a little more decadent then Bond Street have gone all out this year with their Peacock themed lights, they look incredible but very opulent!
Regents Street also look very pretty with their ‘Night at the Museum’ themed lights – and all three of these locations are within walking distance so it would make for a lovely evening stroll!
You should also take the time to go to Chelsea and walk around Sloane Square and The Duke of York Square. They have some of the prettiest lights I have seen this year!
I also suggest having a browse in the window’s of some of London’s most exclusive shops! Fortnum and Mason’s window looks incredible, they have delved into London’s past this year, taking inspiration from the famous River Thames Frost Fairs. Markets and carnivals took place on the frozen waters and their window’s have brought this to life with beautiful frozen displays ladened with festive gifts and decorations.
Harrods’ window is as incredible and over the top as always this year. It transports you to the Land of the Make Believe with a display of over sized toys. 11 of the world’s most luxury designers have contributed in creating these unique pieces. From Zuhair Muad’s Ballerina (pictured above) to Stella McCartney’s princess. The theme continues inside with the toys featured in the windows being able to be bought in store.
Selfridges also have a beautiful window and they haven’t disappointed this year! They have taken inspiration from the tradition of storytelling this Christmas, celebrating 25 of the most enchanting tales. These stories have been brought to life in the windows, from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to The Golden Goose and Rumplestiltskin. Above the entrance, is a dazzling ‘Destination Christmas’ sign which is made using over 1000 metres of neon lights and featuring fairytale symbols with a Selfridges twist.
I also advise you to go and seek out some of the Paddington Bears which are dotted around London! They are only around until the 30th December so definitely don’t miss the opportunity! They are so cute, and designed by different celebrities. You can read about my journey to see Paddington here!
(Excuse the no make up, real casual look – I wasn’t expecting photos… but then I found Monty)
John Lewis have also pulled out all the stops this year with their rooftop garden which is home to their advert favourite, Monty the Penguin! AJ and I were so surprised to see this on a visit there this week!
They have really made such an effort up here, with fake grass, beautiful snugs to sit and relax and a hot chocolate bar to keep your insides warm while you take in the spectacular views of London under the fake snow!
Covent Garden is so pretty at this time of the year, the square is alight with beautiful lights! There is a huge Christmas tree, oversized baubles and this gorgeous reindeer! You’ve definitely got to go and have a little walk around this beautiful market place.
The Southbank has made a real effort this year with their Winter Festival. There is a new Christmas Market with beautifully designed stalls, which lays out the most delicious festive food, handmade craft gifts and warming drinks. You can cosy up at the ‘Cider Lodge’ or enjoy spectacular views at the ‘Viewing Deck Bar’ and warm-up at the ‘Christmas Tree Cafe’.
You definitely don’t want to be missing this festive treat.
Kew Gardens have installed a glittering new trail this year, it is a mile long and it winds its way among the famous botanical gardens which are lit up by beautiful lights. It really is a magical night time experience.
This year you’ll find giant light sculptures, the Tunnel of Lights and Mistletoe Moments. With Christmas trees, festive treats and music along the way, you’ll have the perfect Christmas experience
Last, but certainly not least, why not go and see the famous Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square. The tree is given to England every year as a gift by Norway in memory of the refuge that the Allies gave members of the Norwegian government and royal family during World War II. I bet you didn’t know that now did you! Even getting a little bit of history from my blog today haha!
As well as the tree itself – which is decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion and whose lights were switched on by the Mayor of Oslo on December 1 – visitors can also enjoy nightly carol singing in the square. Just don’t forget to wrap up warm!
I hope I’ve inspired you to take a trip to London this season and if you already had one planned then hopefully I’ve made your pick of sightseeing a little easier!
Please let me know if you have been or do go to any of these Christmassy attractions and tell me what you thought of them! Also, if you feel as though I have missed anything major then please tell me what you think I should be doing in London this Christmas!
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