By
ResLife
Posted 3 weeks ago
Thu 28 Nov, 2024 09:11 AM
Christmas break is just around the corner, and if you find yourself staying in London during this festive season, you're in for a treat! The city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive markets, and a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you're an international student or a local, here's a guide to some fantastic things to do in London over the Christmas break.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Start your festive adventure with a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Winter Wonderland is open now until January 5th. This magical event features an ice rink, a giant observation wheel, and countless stalls offering everything from festive treats to handmade crafts. It's the perfect place to forget about upcoming exams, take a break and soak in the holiday spirit all while spending time with friends or family.
Christmas Markets
If you haven’t already, check out our recent Instagram reel highlighting London’s best Christmas markets where you'll find unique gifts, seasonal treats, and a cheerful atmosphere.
Here is a list of all the Markets in London:
- Hay’s Galleria Christmas Market: Located in between London Bridge and Christmas by the River.
- Winter by the River: Located in between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
- Covent Garden’s Christmas Market: Live snow every hour on the hour from now until the 31st of December 2024.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market
- Spitalfields Christmas Market
- Greenwich Christmas Market
- Christmas under the Canopy: Kings Cross
Christmas Displays
Not only does London have some of the most festive Christmas markets, but many shops also put together fabulous Christmas light displays and interactive experiences across the city.
Check out the list below for some unique displays:
- Duke of York Square: Located in Chelsea
- Sloane Square
- Liberty Christmas Shop
- Harrods Christmas Shop
- Christmas at Leadenhall Market
Self-guided Christmas Lights Walking Tour
Here’s a self-guided walking tour to one of London’s luxury shopping areas perfect for a small group of friends:
- Start by heading to South Molton Street (located just around the corner from Bond Street Station).
- Make your way down South Molton Street towards New Bond St.
- Turn onto New Bond St. towards Louis Vuitton London to see their festive window display.
- From there continue straight until you reach Ralph Lauren’s Flagship Shop with another stunning Christmas display with tons of lights and Christmas Trees.
- The next stop is Cartier and Tiffany & Co., with unique window displays of their own.
- From there you can walk to the Royal Arcade and Burlington Arcade for some more luxury displays.
- From Burlington Arcade head towards Fortum & Mason for the last window display on this tour.
- But that’s definitely not the last stop, from Fortum & Mason head towards Regent Street for an “angelical” display of Christmas lights.
- You can end the tour at Carnaby Street where you will find a huge Christmas tree of lights and tons of food options to fuel you up after your walking tour.
This walking tour will take at least 30 minutes to complete but that’s not accounting for all the stops you will make as I’m sure you’ll want to capture these stunning festive displays.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
For a quintessential winter experience, head to Somerset House for ice skating. The iconic courtyard transforms into a stunning ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the season with friends and maybe even master a few figure eights.
West End Shows
If you have yet to experience a West End Show, the Christmas break is your perfect chance to do so. Here’s a list of classic Christmas performances that you can catch now until early January:
- London Coliseum: The English National Ballet is putting on the timeless classic “Nutcracker” from the 12th of December 2024 – the 12th of January 2025.
- Soho Place: Want a slightly different angle on a classic? Then watch "A Christmas Carol (ish)" that's on till 6th January 2025. It's a contemporary twist on the Dickens classic, offering a humorous and modern perspective.
- Shakespeare’s Globe: Travel back in time to watch a play where audiences first saw Shakespeare’s best works. From now until the 26th of January 2025, the Globe is showing Hansel and Gretel. Ticket prices are as low as £5 (for standing), and you can watch plays just as audiences did back in 1599.
Christmas Carol Singing
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” - Buddy the Elf
Join the festive sing-along at Trafalgar Square, where carolers gather around the iconic Christmas tree gifted yearly to London from Norway. The atmosphere is heartwarming, and it's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Wrap up your Christmas break by joining the spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations in London. The city hosts fireworks along the Thames, creating a dazzling display to welcome the new year. Be sure to secure a good spot early and celebrate the end of the year with friends and fellow students.
What is open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day:
Whilst London lights up for the Christmas season, it’s important to note that the city goes quiet on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Christmas Transport:
- Christmas Eve: Services finish early, with no night tube.
- Christmas Day: No public transportation
- Between Christmas and New Year’s: All public transport runs altered service similar to the weekends.
New Year’s Eve:
- Most tube lines run all night (including the DLR) except for the London Overground
- Buses will run on Sunday service. Note some buses will be on diversion in Central London for the fireworks display.
Food & Beverages
- Most restaurants, supermarkets and pubs are closed on Christmas Day.
- Most restaurants and pubs in London require a booking for New Year’s Celebrations.
The term is coming to an end and London is the ideal destination to treat yourself to a break away from the textbooks and library. Offering a vibrant and festive atmosphere there is no better place to be. Whether you prefer ice skating, exploring markets, or enjoying a night at the theatre, the city has something for everyone. So, relax, unwind, grab your favourite jumper, and embrace the holiday spirit, there is no better time than now to create lasting memories, and make the most of your Christmas break in this magical city we call home!
