Cosy season is upon us

It’s that wonderful time of year when the clocks go back, it starts getting darker earlier and the Christmas lights are being put up

While the temperature drops and you’ll want to stay indoors tucked up nice and warm, we have found some amazing events happening in London to get you out of your room and enjoying what London has to offer!

Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is a British tradition paying tribute to a guy name Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up Parliament 400 years ago! There are many shows you can attend, with spectacular fireworks shows, mulled wine, food stalls and giant bonfires (typically with a scarecrow dressed as Guy Fawkes at the centre!)

The shows usually occur on the 4th, 5th, or 6th of November, and some require tickets so get booking soon! Here are our top suggestions:

Beckenham Fireworks

• 2 November 2024
• Tickets must be pre booked
  
• https://beckenhamfireworks.com
  

Musical Fireworks Displays

• 2 & 5 November
• Wimbledon Park and Modern Park
  
• https://www.seetickets.com/tour/wimbledon-and-morden-park-fireworks
  

Christmas Lights turn on

London is famous for the amazing Christmas lights throughout the streets. During November, take a trip to these well known places and see the lights being turned on and enjoy the celebration! This is budget friendly (completely free) and you can visit local Christmas markets that will be popping up in the area.

When and where:

• Oxford Street (from November 5)
• Carnaby Street (from November 7)
  
• Covent Garden (from November 12)
• Regent Street (from November 7)
  
• Marylebone (from November 13)
  
• Bond Street (TBC)
  

Ice skating

Whether you’re an absolute pro or a complete beginner, it’s worth taking a trip to some of London's Christmas ice skating rinks!

Somerset House is well known for their giant tree and Christmas lights, as well as Queens Ice Rink, which is set with a lovely historic back drop. Get yourself down to one of these, site they’re good for a small budget!

• Skate at Somerset House (from 8 November - 5 January 2025)
• Glide At Battersea Power Station (from 8 November - 5 January 2025)
  
• Hampton Court Palace (from 22 November - 5 January 2025)
  
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (from 21 November - 5 January 2025)

Kew Gardens Lights Trail

Christmas at Kew is a sight to behold! You can book your tickets online, and enjoy the lights trail that takes around an hour to 90 minutes to explore. You can also book ahead to diner at the Botanical Restaurant for a lovely festive dinner.

There are food vendors en-route, so take a walk and enjoy the fire garden and illuminations. Get back into nature and take a break in the lovely gardens.

Find out more: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas

Winter Wonderland

If you’re in London this Christmas, and have the budget to stretch, you can spend some money at the Winter Wonderland! If you’ve never been, 'wonderland' is the perfect description.

At Hyde Park, you step into a place filled with amazing attractions and fairground rides, tasty food and some spectacular shows! Tickets are available from now, and it will be opening on the 21 November. You can visit in off-peak times to save on ticket prices (but remember to prioritise your studies!). Grab a group and head down for a fun filled day.

Find out more: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com 

Christmas is a truly magical time of year in London. So get out to explore the city and join in with the festive fun!

Keep an eye on our Events page too for lots more Christmassy events as we head into December.