Christmas in London is a magical experience. From Christmas markets and Christmas shopping, to pantomimes and ice-skating rinks, there is an abundance of things to do in London at Christmas 2021. Whether visiting the capital alone, with colleagues, or relocating to the city with your family, read on to discover our ultimate guide to the top 12 memorable Christmas experiences when staying in a serviced apartment in London.
1) Go Christmas Shopping
London is arguably the ultimate destination for Christmas shopping in the world; only New York comes close! Harrods, the world famous department store in Knightsbridge, comes alive at Christmas. The exterior is illuminated in spectacular Christmas lights and the store is packed with festive gifts. Hamleys, the iconic toy store on Regent Street, is also an unmissable Christmas shopping experience. Be sure to also check out the department stores on Oxford Street and boutiques on Carnaby Street.
2) Visit the Christmas Markets
One thing London is not lacking is Christmas markets. With venues offering Christmas gifts, street food and entertainment throughout the city, they rank highly on our list of memorable Christmas experiences in London. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the biggest Christmas markets in London, with the Bavarian Village the perfect place to sample traditional German food and drink. Southbank Centre Winter Market and Christmas by the River at London Bridge City are some of our favourites.
3) Get Your Skates On
Ice skating is the ultimate Christmas activity. With an abundance of ice skating rinks across the city, London has become established as a top destination for ice skating during the Christmas season. Somerset House Ice Rink is one of the most picturesque in London, whilst the rink at the famous National History Museum is a sight to behold. Winter Wonderland has the biggest outdoor rink in the UK. Further out, Hampton Court Palace and Alexandra Palace offer ice skating amid a spectacular background.
4) Watch a Christmas Show
One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is see a Christmas production in the iconic West End. London is renowned for theatre and the Christmas season certainly lives up to expectations. With a number of magical Christmas shows and pantomimes to enjoy throughout December, catching a West End production over the festive season is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit. Check out the London Box Office for the latest productions over the Christmas period.
5) See London From Above
What better way to experience Christmas in London than to see the bright lights of the city from above? The London Eye is one of the most popular attractions in London with over three million visitors annually. Riding at night will provide stunning views of Westminster and the Southbank Centre Winter Market. Likewise, The Shard, the tallest building in London, offers spectacular views of the city. The Skydeck is home to the highest Christmas tree in the UK with refreshments served up by Moet & Chandon.
6) Visit a Cosy London Pub
When staying in London, visiting a traditional British pub has to be high up on the list of things to do in the capital. At Christmas, finding a cosy pub and sitting by the fire with a pint of British ale is considered heaven by most. Staying in Kensington? Be sure to check out the Churchill Arms. This traditional London pub is a sight to behold at Christmas, with its exterior decorated with Christmas trees and illuminated by 21,000 lights.
7) Marvel at the Christmas Lights
Just walking through the city streets during the festive season is a memorable experience when staying in London. The Christmas lights sparkle throughout the city and provide the ultimate Christmas feeling. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street each display some of the finest festive lights in London. Why not combine gazing at the Christmas lights with a spot of Christmas shopping? Be sure to also take in the Christmas lights at the Southbank and London Bridge seasonal markets.
8) Dine at a Festive Restaurant
In an evening, why not take the time to visit a Christmas themed restaurant after a busy day in the city? Many of London’s fine restaurants step into Christmas by getting dressed up for the festive season. 34 Mayfair undergoes an impressive transformation, with the restaurant featuring 14,000 decorations. Coppa Club offers stunning Perspex capsules which provides a wonderful view of Tower Bridge, whilst The Ivy Chelsea Garden undergoes a festive makeover by transforming into Santa’s Workshop.
9) Explore the Wonderful Kew Gardens
Visit the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens over the festive season and you certainly will not be disappointed. Their magical winter trail is a wonderful sight and a top thing to do in London at Christmas. Kew Gardens put on a spectacular display of lights and sounds along the two km trail, with refreshments provided along the way. There are a number of independent street food vendors offering tasty festive delights, from roasted chestnuts and marshmallows, to hot chocolate and mulled wine.
10) Embark on a Festive Cruise
One of the best ways to experience Christmas in London is to embark on a river cruise along the Thames. City Cruises offer sightseeing cruises that showcase the bright lights of London and Canary Wharf. For those looking for a dining experience, Thames Dining Cruise offer a two and a half hour Festive Lunch Cruise. For £69 per head, a glass of bubby, three course lunch and a live jazz band is included. For £89 per head, half a bottle of house wine per guest is added to raise those Christmas spirits!
11) Sing Christmas Carols
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by singing Christmas carols? Whether singing is your thing or not, listening to carol singing in Trafalgar Square is a great thing to do in London at Christmas. With one of the most impressive Christmas trees in London looming in the background, an annual gift from Norway since 1947, Trafalgar Square is the perfect spot in London for carol singing. The landmark is regularly frequented by choirs and social groups singing to raise money for charity.
12) Explore Covent Garden
Wandering through Covent Garden at Christmas time is a memorable experience when staying in London. The piazza is decorated in giant baubles and festive lights and home to one of the tallest Christmas trees in London. Standing tall at sixty feet, the Christmas tree is an incredible sight to behold. In 2021, a ‘Frozen’ themed Christmas Village and a Christmas Sandwich Festival are newly featured. Be sure to check out the Covent Garden markets and sample a glass or two of traditional mulled wine.
With Christmas 2021 fast approaching, we hope this blog has given you insightful tips for staying in London. There are so many things to do in London at Christmas we could probably write a second blog! When booking your business trip to the capital, be sure to check out our serviced apartments in London. Our guide to the top five extended stay apartments in London is also useful for business travellers.
