Christmas in London
“Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas” someone once sang (Yes, I know it was Michael Bublé). Tomorrow is the 1st December 2021 and you already know, the subtle Christmas songs in shops have been playing since the 1st November will be cranked up a notch. So I thought – why not give the people what they want?
Christmas magic and things to do during the festive season!
London is one of the most magical places for catching the Christmas spirit as much as I am a Grinch, I do get involved in the festivities prior to the day. So here is my list of 5 Luxe Affordable ‘Christmassy’ things you can do in London.
1. Ice skating at the Natural History Museum
For the last time ever the National History Museum has opened one of London’s most amazing outdoor attractions.
With beautiful views of the historic building, you will find a whopping 30ft Christmas tree in the middle, with cafes serving hot chocolate, cream teams, prosecco and cake.
If you’re not a fan of sliding up and down on the ice, there is a viewing platform that provides a glimpse of all the sparkling action below.
Location: National History Museum, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Dates: 22 October 2021 – 16 January 2022. The Ice Rink remains open while the Museum is closed 21-27 December. The Ice Rink is closed 25 December only.
Times: 11am til 10pm (Daily)
Prices: Children – from £8.80, Adults – from £12.65 – Tickets can be bought here
2. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
One of the best things to do in London at Christmas, you can’t experience Christmas in the capital without taking a trip to Hyde Park.
Winter Wonderland runs from mid-November to early January and features festive markets, over 100 rides, a giant wheel, live shows including figure skating and a circus, live music as well as numerous bars and restaurants.
Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Dates: November 2021 – Early January 2022.
Times: 11am til 10pm (Daily)
Prices: Entry is free, but everything else is not.
3. Christmas at Kew Gardens
Along this two-kilometre trail, you will find around one million lights twinkling in the tree branches and a glittering tunnel of bells.
There are mini doughnuts and marshmallows to munch on along the way, as well as cakes, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate.
Aside from the lights, there are also vintage fairground rides and of course Santa and his elves!
Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AF (Entrances at Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate and Lion Gate)
Dates: 17th November 2021 to 9th January 2022
Times: 4pm to 10pm
Prices: Adults – from £21.50 – Tickets can be bought here
4. Go on a Christmas cruise
For my boujee people; why not experience Christmas dinner with a difference – on a cruise down the Thames?
The Thames Dinner Cruise offers freshly prepared onboard food which will no doubt tickle your taste buds.
The ‘river room’ boat is unique to the Thames, with Scandinavian designed features. It also has the largest open deck measuring over 250 square metres. This is perfect for capturing all the stunning views that London has to offer!
Location: One Euston Square, London NW1 2FD
Dates: 1st – 22nd December 2021
Times: 11am til 10pm (Daily)
Prices: From – £39; Book here
5. Visit Covent Gardens
Covent Gardens is one of London’s landmarks for the festive period, it’s home to one of London’s biggest Christmas trees, which tops out at a whopping sixty feet tall.
The Christmas trees comes from the same farm that the Queen’s family gets their trees from. It also wins brownie points for being sustainable, as they plant three trees for every tree cut down! And at the end of the festive season, they recycle the tree to make woodchips.
Covent Garden has become London’s very own Arendelle thanks to Frozen, currently playing in West End at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It is perfect treat for singles, couples and families!
Location: Covent Gardens
Dates: 9th November 2021 to 12th January 2022
Times: 11am til 10pm (Daily)
Prices: Free!
