Christmas is one of the awaited festivities of the year when the whole surroundings wear an unequalled magical charm. And one of the best places to visit during Christmas is the UK, particularly for its London Christmas market and a wide range of other attractions and experiences. Know them all in this read.
Wander Christmas Market in Southbank Centre
Image Credit: southbankcentre.co.uk
The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is a major draw for visitors traveling to downtown London. Check out the market with wooden chalets and pop-up bars, visit the London Christmas lights, sip mulled wine, and savor delights like duck wraps, Dutch pancakes, burgers, chocolate fruit, mince pies, etc.
Dates – 1 November 2024 to 26 December 2024
Cost – Free to explore
Shop at Oxford Street
Oxford Street is packed with people around Christmas. It is a popular destination for shopaholics. To avoid crowds and enjoy a stress-free Oxford Street shopping experience, visit during the week. Remember to reserve a table to enjoy a meal at your favourite restaurant.
Date – Oxford Street Christmas lights switch on from 5 November 2024
Cost – Free to explore
Participate in the Santa Run
The annual Santa In The City takes place in December. Participants must dress like Santa. The ticket price includes the price of outfits. It is a terrific opportunity to invite your friends and family to join you for the run. The race is organised to support a different charity every year. The 4.5 km festive fun run begins in Paternoster Square.
Date – 4 December 2024 and 5 December 2024
Cost – £ 28.95
Watch a Show at Leicester Square
Leicester Square is home to a park, nightclubs, a lively Christmas Market, movie theatres. With diverse accolades to its credit, La Clique Show, a cabaret performance with some of the most talented performers, is one of its main attractions. You can strike a pose against the statues of all-time favorite movie characters like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, and Bugs Bunny. There are also food vendors serving sell roasted pork, hot chestnuts, pudding, local craft ales and mince pies.
Dates – 6 November 2024 to 6 January 2025
Cost – Free to explore the market. Tickets for the La Clique show starts from £ 26.50
Join Christmas Festivities at Kew Garden
A must-see Winter Festival in the UK is Christmas at Kew Garden where you can see the illuminated walkways with over 20 dazzling installations. You will need approximately require two hours to tour the park decorated with dazzling lights, illuminated trees, and luminous walkways. Don’t miss to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and mulled wine here.
Date – 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Cost – Starting from £ 22.50
Walk down the Regent Street
Regent Street is a well-liked destination and first-of-its-kind attraction in London, boasting Christmas lights since 1954. People flock the street to see the Spirits of Christmas decorations. You will get to see here over 40 angelic figurines illumined using 300,000 LED lights. A major addition to this year’s Christmas is a well-lit Wishing Tree.
Date – Regent Street Christmas lights switch on 7 November 2024
Cost – Free to explore
See a Pantomime Show at the London Palladium
The Palladium is the place to go for a Christmas pantomime in London. It is one of the most popular London Christmas events. Pantomimes, known as pantos, are a Christmas tradition in the United Kingdom. Spectacular sets, costumes, humour, music, and special effects make this a must-see.
Date – 27 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Cost – Starting from £ 227
Warm up in Alpine Lodge Bars
Head to an Alpine Lodge bar during Christmas. These alpine lodges offer fireplaces, candles, fluffy blankets, winter beverages, and sparkling lights. Savour the Belgian waffles, the loaded Potato Rosti bites, the Alpine Cheese dishes, and the Turkey Sandwich. All these offer a setting ideal for catching up with friends or going on a date.
Date – November to January
Cost – Starting from £ 49
Have Fun at Hogwarts in the Snow
Visit Hogwarts in the Snow, where the famous sets from the Harry Potter films decorated for Christmas. Experience the magic of Christmas in London with kids, as you take in the gold decorations of the Great Hall, frosted shop windows of Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and Hagrid Hut. Kids can learn the snow filmmaking secrets on a visit to the snowmaking station. Shop at the Studio Tour Christmas store for presents, souvenirs, and stocking filler items for your friends and family.
Date – 12 December 2024 and 13 December 2024
Cost – Adult – £ 275, Child – £ 250
Join the Carol Singers at Westminster Abbey
Visit Westminster Abbey in December to hear the Abbey Choir. Enjoy the greatest Christmas tunes and well-known carols in London as you sing along. The services will take place in St Margaret Church.
Date – 1 December 2024 to 24 December 2024
Cost – Free
Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland for a memorable Christmas experience in London in 2024. This wonderland features rides, snack carts, stalls, pubs, ice skating rinks and funfair attractions. Families love this kind of entertainment. The Bavarian Village and The Fire Pit are well-liked locations with live DJs and bands. Online reservations are required. Extend your stay in London to discover things to do on New Years Eve at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Dates – 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Cost – Entry is free on weekday mornings. Tickets cost start from £ 5.
Have an Afternoon Tea at Shangri La The Shard
Shangri La The Shard is a great place to enjoy afternoon tea and breathtaking views of London. Indulge in a Roasted Dry-Aged Beef sandwich or a Parsnip and Truffle Burger served with Chai Tea Mousse. The top twenty storeys of The Shard, the tallest building in London will be illuminated with lights. The lights will be on from 5.30 pm to midnight.
Date – 12th November 2024 to 6th January 2025
Cost – £ 78
Dine at Winter Igloos in London
Dine and wine in a London igloo, ensuring a perfect escape the cold weather. Aviary on the tenth floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, and Willows on the Roof (Oxford Street) are London’s most well-known winter igloos.
Date – From 2 November 2024 to 31 January 2025
Cost – Free
Note
Don’t limit your Christmas celebrations to London; head to Edinburgh Christmas Markets and take a day trip to the iconic attractions like the beautiful Lake District and the legendary Stonehenge.