Finding Your Christmas Spirit in London

Charles Dickens has a lot to answer for! London’s image as a romantic Christmas destination has undeniably been enhanced by A Christmas Carol as well as modern films like Love Actually. But is the city really a festive feast, or merely a soggy sandwich?

If you’re in London during December you’ll find plenty to get you feeling the festive spirit. Even if you’re more hum bug than happy holidays, the Christ mas period offers some magical moments that even the hard est of hearts will find genuinely warming.

FESTIVE MARKETS

If there’s one thing London isn’t short of at Christmas, it’s markets. The masses head to Winter Wonder land in Hyde Park, which can get incredibly busy especially on weekends. Packed full of funfair rides, the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK and a bevy of circus attractions, Winter Wonderland, is made for kids (big and small) who love to revel in seasonal kitsch.

For a more adult and romantic riverside wander, complete with festive lights and maybe a warming glass of mulled cider, head to the Southbank Market. Stretching from the London Eye to the National Theatre, there are Alpinestyle chalets selling everything from food and drink to handmade trinkets.

Don’t forget to check out the South bank Centre for their line-up of music and theatre, including this year an original production of Rumpelstiltskin. You’ll also find Christmas pop up markets at Leicester Square, Tower Bridge/Bankside (near London Bridge), Kingston on Thames and Clapham Common.

ICE SKATING

What can possibly be more festive than gliding around an ice rink with sparkling backdrop of lights and magic? Even if you’re less Olympic standard and more barely standing, get your skates on at these iconic locations.

Somerset House is probably the best place for the holiday tingles. The majestic backdrop certainly creates an atmosphere but gets booked up quickly. Pre-book to avoid disappointment. Or to really pull out the stops, head to Hampton Court Palace ice rink for some real wow factor in your holiday snaps!

SHOPPING

You already know London is a shoppers’ dream, and at Christ mas, even more so. Oxford Street, Regents Street and Carnaby Street are all illuminated with stunning winter light installations. And of course, Harrods has been tempting shoppers with its traditional window displays since the early twentieth century. If you’re looking for unique gifts away from the high street, head to Spitalfields Market, Portobello Road or Camden Market.

EARLY CHRISTMAS LUNCH

When you need warming up after all that sightseeing and shopping, grabbing a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings will put you right. Pretty much every pub in London will have a Christmas lunch option over the festive period (and if they don’t tell them off from me).

For some culinary indulgence head to The Jugged Hare (49 Chis well Street, Barbican, EC1Y 4SA) or The Freemasons Arms (32 Downshire Hill, Hampstead, NW3 1NT). Both are top quality gastropubs renowned for their fine fare. Alternatively, search online for gastropubs in your area.

CHRISTMAS DAY IN LONDON

If you’re in the city on December 25th, you probably should know that most places shut down. Public transport stops running, and most major shops and all tourist attractions close for the day.

So, what can you do on Christmas day as a tourist? Join Londoners on a trip to their local pub. A warming beer and a big lunch is the order of the day for many, and most pubs are open for lunch or for reduced time in the evening. If you’d prefer something a bit different, you’ll find chain, and ethnic restaurants tend to be open. Look to areas such as Brick Lane, White chapel, Chinatown, and parts of Shoreditch.

You can also visit one of the many beautiful churches and cathedrals across the city for Christmas service. St Paul’s Southwark Cathedral and St Martin’s in Trafalgar Square are both open on the 25th.

As the roads are mostly empty, touring London by bike or foot is a pleasure on Christmas Day. All the parks are open, so head to Hampstead Heath or Regents Park, or wander the Thames Path which runs all the way to the Cots - wolds! You probably won’t get that far in one day, but the riverside stroll is a great way to see the city.

Whatever you do, enjoy your stay and have a very Merry Christmas, and a fabulous New Year!