Right this moment I need to share my London Christmas itinerary with you. London is value visiting throughout Christmas for its festive ambiance, colourful lights, nice procuring, and enjoyable occasions and leisure. There’s rather a lot to expertise within the UK capital in the course of the Yuletide season, and on this publish I need to spotlight a few of the finest issues to do in London at Christmas.
London Christmas Itinerary
Like all my themed London itineraries, my Christmas itinerary will present you the highest locations to go within the metropolis within the run-up to December twenty fifth.
This itinerary covers a 2-day interval, however you’ll be able to modify it to suit your wants if in case you have kind of time within the UK capital. As all the time, be sure you test opening hours earlier than you journey, and make advance bookings the place related.
You can too take a Christmas strolling tour, bus tour, or black cab tour in London if you need a guided expertise. You’ll be able to ebook one via GetYourGuide. They’re enjoyable methods to see the highlights of the festive season within the metropolis.
When to Go to London at Christmas
However when precisely do you have to go to? Lots of people ask me when the Christmas lights, bushes, markets, and decorations begin to pop up round London (and once they come down).
Whereas there’s no actual date, most lights are switched on in early to mid-November. They normally keep up till the primary few days of January. The identical goes for town’s Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and different festive fixtures.
That mentioned, some lights and decorations go up earlier and/or come down later (I’ve seen Christmas bushes in London in October), so it’s a good suggestion to test on-line if in case you have one thing particular you need to see.
Remember the fact that winter in London means restricted daylight and the potential for chilly climate, too. You’ll be able to check out my winter packing listing and my information to the climate in London for extra data.
As all the time, umbrella is vital. For those who’re within the UK, I like to recommend this umbrella. For those who’re within the US, this one is simply the factor.
Day 1 – Morning
Begin the primary day of your London Christmas itinerary in Covent Backyard. Not solely is that this one of the thrilling components of town middle, but additionally one of the Christmassy locations in London. It’s a should on any journey to the UK capital in the course of the festive season.
The Piazza is embellished with lights and a large Christmas tree, and the retailers round it provide a few of the finest Christmas procuring in London.
Day 1 – Afternoon
After a busy morning taking within the Christmas enjoyable in Covent Backyard, proceed your itinerary by making your approach to Piccadilly through Leicester Sq. and Trafalgar Sq..
There are Christmas markets in each squares, and you may choose up festive meals, drinks, and items as you make your approach round them. The market in Trafalgar Sq. is especially gorgeous with the Nationwide Gallery within the background.
As soon as on Piccadilly, you’ll be spoiled for alternative in terms of procuring. Fortnum & Mason has a well-known Christmas store. It’s an incredible place to select up ornaments on your tree and items for household and mates.
You can too browse the boutiques within the historic procuring arcades on and round Piccadilly. They’re all the time decked out in lights and ribbons in the course of the festive season. From Burlington Arcade to Piccadilly Arcade, they’re a deal with to see.
Afterwards you’ll be able to stroll over to Bond Avenue to browse the luxurious items retailers and take within the eye-catching Christmas facades the realm is understood for.
Day 1 – Night
When day turns to nightfall (which shall be round 4pm at the moment of 12 months), you can begin taking in London’s iconic Christmas lights. They’re spectacular yearly.
Those on Piccadilly all the time sparkle, and the lights on Bond Avenue, Regent Avenue, Carnaby Avenue, and Oxford Avenue are a should.
They’re all inside strolling distance of each other, so you’ll be able to simply make a night of seeing the lights.
If in case you have time afterwards, you’ll be able to head to a efficiency or present within the West Finish. From carol live shows to conventional British pantos, there’s rather a lot on provide in the course of the Christmas season in London.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go ice skating at Somerset Home. Its historic courtyard is house to one of the stunning rinks within the metropolis. It’s value a particular journey.
Day 2 – Morning
Begin the second day of your London Christmas itinerary at Winter Wonderland. This annual extravaganza in Hyde Park is an element amusement park, half Christmas market, and half carnival.
There’s the whole lot from rides to chalets promoting meals and items right here. Add to that ice skating and circus performances, and this place has all of it.
I like going within the morning since Winter Wonderland can get crowded within the afternoon and all through the night. You’ll be able to all the time return later for a drink and a few festive enjoyable if you wish to, although.
Day 2 – Afternoon
After exploring Winter Wonderland, stroll over to Knightsbridge for some extra Christmas cheer. You’ll be able to try the well-known window shows at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, do some procuring, and get lunch.
Whenever you’re finished, you’ll be able to stroll down Sloane Avenue to succeed in Chelsea. Sloane Sq. all the time has enjoyable decorations and lights, and the King’s Highway is a superb place to select up trendy festive items.
Day 2 – Night
When night comes, make your approach to the South Financial institution. The annual Winter Pageant has a Christmas market with chalets promoting Christmas meals and festive drinks.
There are twinkling lights, pop-ups, and outside exhibitions, too. Add to that dwell leisure, and there’s no scarcity of enjoyable to be discovered right here.
Itinerary for Christmas in London
I hope you’ve loved this London Christmas itinerary. The Yuletide season is a superb time to go to town, and I’m certain you’ll have time for those who go to in winter.
If you wish to discover extra locations and matters, you need to use my weblog posts about Christmas walks in London, the perfect issues to do in London at Christmas, and Christmas highlights in London as guides.
Completely satisfied Christmas!
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