Tag Archives: Christmas markets

10 places to visit in London during the Christmas season 

Join MSc Political Communication student, Mariam Baladze, for a whistle-stop tour of London’s most festive spots.

London is a huge city, with many spectacular sights and sounds to take in. So, if you are uncertain about what to see in London during Christmas, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Let’s unravel the magic together, shall we?

Skate at Somerset House
Who doesn’t fancy a twirl on the ice? If you go skating at Somerset house you’ll get a magical ice rink, a 40-foot eye-catching Christmas tree, and sparkling decorations that will make you feel like you’re on cloud nine. And as an added bonus: what if I told you that several scenes from the Christmas film ‘Love Actually’ were shot here?

Kew Gardens
At Christmas time, the beautiful greenery in the 300-acre botanic gardens is filled with an eye-watering assortment of glittering lights. The twisting and turning path, neon swirls, and festive projections make this Christmas experience unlike any other.

Winter Wonderland
Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland takes you on Christmas journey that includes a Ferris wheel, loads of funfair rides, ice skating, and much more. Especially popular at night when the festive spirit is in the air, make sure you get a Bavarian beer and tour the Bavarian village for an extra dose of cosiness.

Covent Garden
The legendary 60-foot British-grown Christmas tree outside the Apple Market in Covent Garden is decked with nearly 30,000 lights, making it spectacular. If you enjoyed the early snow this year, you’ll absolutely love the flurry of snow in Covent Garden’s Piazza!

Trafalgar Square
In 2022, Trafalgar Square not only has a massive Christmas tree, but also a Christmas market for the first time. Set in front of the National Gallery, with energising festive treats and handcrafted offerings in the heart of London, this spot will always get you in the festive mood.

Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre
Southbank Christmas Market is the ideal place to spend the night wandering among the Christmas lights and alpine wooden huts without worrying about being cold or hungry. Set next to the iconic Thames river, there are plenty of food and drink options to keep your hands warm, your belly happy, and your spirits jolly.

Christmas at the Churchill Arms
If you fancy a drink during the festive period, don’t think twice about popping into the Churchill Arms. Covered with illuminated Christmas trees and 22,000 lights, this spot will lift your spirits even before you’ve had anything to drink.

Christmas lights in central London
A highlight of the holiday season is walking around the city to see the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street. Five thousand suspended angels are adorned with LED pea lights that shine in tandem to provide a ripple effect along the roadway. A truly magical sight to behold!

Hogwarts in the snow
Experience the magic of Harry Potter amplified, by visiting the Warner Bros studio tour around Christmas. The beautiful details of the Gryffindor common room and the Great Hall will be enhanced by amazing festive decorations, sparkling snow and dripping icicles. Wow!

Attend Christmas services
For those wanting to experience some of the more spiritual elements of Christmas, there are plenty of beautiful, old churches and cathedrals dotted around the city. For an extra special experience, you can attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services at St Paul’s Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, or Westminster Abbey.

Share

Top tips for spending Christmas in London

Shweta Menon, BSc Marketing student, gives her tips for what to do over the festive period if you’re in London and away from home.

Helter Skelter at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around London. If like me you are away from home for the Christmas festivities and yearning for some festive warmth, London is the place to be! Gather your fellow globe-trotting friends as I take you through some of my favourite ways to spend Christmas in London:

Winter Wonderland: this is without a doubt London’s most treasured Christmas attraction located in Hyde Park. Step into a world of Christmas bliss with its very own Bavarian village and yuletide attraction. If you’re in the mood for adventure it’s got you covered with its roller-coaster, thrill-seeking rides and more. Hop onto the 53-metre-high Ferris wheel to enjoy breath-taking views of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace and gardens. Filled with bars, food market and Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland is sure to warm you up!

Ice skating: What a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to wrap warm and ice skate across London various ice skating rinks? The Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf, Winter Wonderland and Somerset House, among others, are all home to Santa-approved ice skating venues in London.

Facebook groups: London-based Facebook groups are a great way to meet people in London as an international student, though do ensure your safety first. The groups regularly organise Christmas parties, Christmas Day dinners, Boxing Day lunches and even secret Santa’s! If you’re in London and your friends are UK students who have gone back home for Christmas, you can still soak in all the festivities even without your family around.

Christmas markets: It doesn’t matter if you’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list, you can still be on your nice list and indulge in a little “me” time by pampering yourself in the many Christmas markets in London. The main Christmas markets are at Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, and they have dazzling Christmas displays and seasonal decor. Also, most of the boroughs in London hosts their own little Christmas markets as well. Look up your local Christmas market and meet your neighbours and make some new friends as well!

Immerse yourself into these activities or visit your local Wetherspoon’s for a glass of mulled wine – either way do get out and soak in the festivities of the city, because London is the most alive during Christmas!

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Share