Maybe we’ve seen Love Actually one too many times, but there’s just something about the Christmas season in London that makes us—and the city itself—come alive. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in this megacity during the holiday, here are our top recommendations for a fun and festive trip.
What should I do for Christmas in London?
See a pantomime show
There’s a reason why London is called the live theater capital of the world. From large-scale West End productions to the independent enclaves of East London, you’ll quickly realize that you’re spoilt for choice. And if you want to get into the spirit of the holiday, a pantomime is definitely the way to go. These musical-comedy shows play all year round, but are Christmastime staples, and are especially great for families.
Check out the shops
London has some of the best shopping districts in the world, and they all put on their best faces during the holiday season. Some key highlights: the famed Harrods department store, Oxford Street, and Hamleys toy shop. All these shopping destinations cater to different tastes and budgets, but all are guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit with their incredible decor.
Image Credit: Getty Images, David Williams. Location: Leadenhall Market, City of London, London, UK
It’s a Winter Wonderland in London
Held every year from late November through early January, Winter Wonderland transforms London’s historic Hyde Park into an essential package of Christmas entertainment, with winter-themed food, drink, shopping, live shows… and roller coasters. Winter Wonderland has a bit of everything and it’s a perfect solution for a large traveling party with different tastes to accommodate.
Get lost in a London Christmas market
One of the quainter activities on our list, Christmas markets are a holiday staple throughout the UK. They are more or less what they sound like – pop-up markets with Christmas-themed food, drink and shopping. Not hard to come by, most popular neighborhoods will have various markets go up during the season. Our advice: head for a long walk along the River Thames and nourish yourself with a mince pie from a market along the way.
Grab a mulled wine
Mulled wine is one of those seasonal drinks that’ll have you thinking, “Wow, they should really serve this all year.” Most pubs, bars, markets, and restaurants will have a vat of this tasty elixir on hand, ready to warm you up after a day of chilly activities.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrew Holt. Image Location: Somerset House, London, UK
Ice skating at Somerset House
New York City has Rockefeller Center; London has Somerset House. Spend an afternoon ice skating around the center of one of the city’s more iconic institutions, chock-full of live event venues, creative workspaces, and incubation tanks for artists working on the cutting edge.
Grab some afternoon tea across London
True—neither afternoon tea nor high tea are quintessentially Christmassy activities, but the meals in London do get a Christmassy facelift around the holiday season. Check out St. James’s Hotel & Club or The Guardsman for some of the best meals the city has to offer.
Catch a Christmas movie
If you find your trip to be super active, why not offset the moving and grooving with a chilled afternoon or evening watching a Christmas movie? From classic independent cinemas like the beloved Prince Charles, to more immersive experiences like Backyard Cinema, a Christmas classic playing on the big screen won’t be hard to find.
Image Credit: Getty Images, joe daniel price. Image Location: Covent Garden, London, UK
Go to a museum in London
From history to science to culture and entertainment, London has some of the best museums in the world, many of which have fun and vibrant Christmas and holiday-themed displays during December. Our advice: take a hilarious selfie in front of the Natural History Museum’s Christmas sweater-clad T. rex.
Get crafty
For travelers who like to get their hands a bit dirty, there are plenty of fun holiday workshops throughout London, perfect for those who want to knit sweaters, make wreaths, or decorate a Christmas card. And you just might make a new friend along the way.
Ticket to holiday cheer
Find your Christmas joy this year in London. Download the Trainline app and let us help you get to Central London quickly and comfortably from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted airports.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Gary Yeowell. Image Location: Regent's Street, London, UK