In the present day I wish to share my London Christmas itinerary with you. London is price visiting throughout Christmas for its festive environment, colourful lights, nice purchasing, and enjoyable occasions and leisure. There’s rather a lot to expertise within the UK capital throughout the Yuletide season, and on this submit I wish to spotlight a number of the greatest 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 regulate it to suit your wants you probably have kind of time within the UK capital. As at all times, remember to verify opening hours earlier than you journey, and make advance bookings the place related.
You too can take a Christmas strolling tour, bus tour, or black cab tour in London if you would like a guided expertise. You possibly can e-book one by 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 must you go to? Lots of people ask me when the Christmas lights, timber, markets, and decorations begin to pop up round London (and after they come down).
Whereas there’s no actual date, most lights are switched on in early to mid-November. They often 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 timber in London in October), so it’s a good suggestion to verify on-line you probably have one thing particular you wish to see.
Remember the fact that winter in London means restricted daylight and the potential for chilly climate, too. You possibly can check out my winter packing checklist and my information to the climate in London for extra info.
As at all times, an excellent umbrella is vital. Should you’re within the UK, I like to recommend this umbrella. Should you’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 probably the most thrilling components of town heart, but additionally probably the most Christmassy locations in London. It’s a should on any journey to the UK capital throughout the festive season.
The Piazza is embellished with lights and an enormous Christmas tree, and the outlets round it supply a number of the greatest Christmas purchasing in London.
Day 1 – Afternoon
After a busy morning taking within the Christmas enjoyable in Covent Backyard, proceed your itinerary by making your option to Piccadilly by way of Leicester Sq. and Trafalgar Sq..
There are Christmas markets in each squares, and you’ll choose up festive meals, drinks, and items as you make your manner 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 with regards to purchasing. Fortnum & Mason has a well-known Christmas store. It’s an excellent place to select up ornaments on your tree and items for household and mates.
You too can browse the boutiques within the historic purchasing arcades on and round Piccadilly. They’re at all times decked out in lights and ribbons throughout 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 Road to browse the luxurious items outlets and take within the eye-catching Christmas facades the realm is thought for.
Day 1 – Night
When day turns to nightfall (which will likely be round 4pm presently of 12 months), you can begin taking in London’s iconic Christmas lights. They’re spectacular yearly.
Those on Piccadilly at all times sparkle, and the lights on Bond Road, Regent Road, Carnaby Road, and Oxford Road 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.
In case you have time afterwards, you’ll be able to head to a efficiency or present within the West Finish. From carol concert events to conventional British pantos, there’s rather a lot on supply throughout the Christmas season in London.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go ice skating at Somerset Home. Its historic courtyard is dwelling to probably the most lovely rinks within the metropolis. It’s price 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 a component amusement park, half Christmas market, and half carnival.
There’s every part 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 possibly can at all times 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 possibly can try the well-known window shows at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, do some purchasing, and get lunch.
Once you’re completed, you’ll be able to stroll down Sloane Road to achieve Chelsea. Sloane Sq. at all times has enjoyable decorations and lights, and the King’s Street is a superb place to select up modern festive items.
Day 2 – Night
When night comes, make your option 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 out of doors 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 an excellent time in the event you go to in winter.
If you wish to discover extra locations and subjects, you should utilize my weblog posts about Christmas walks in London, the very best issues to do in London at Christmas, and Christmas highlights in London as guides.
Blissful Christmas!
Discover this submit useful? Purchase me a espresso!
New right here? Be a part of 1000’s of others and subscribe to the A Girl in London weblog by way of e mail.
A few of the hyperlinks on this weblog submit are affiliate hyperlinks. For free of charge to you, I earn a small fee whenever you click on on them and make a purchase order. It doesn’t have an effect on the way in which you store, and it’s an effective way to help the A Girl in London weblog.
Pin it!
