London is one of the most magical places in the world at Christmas. Christmas trees, colourful lights, and festive music fill the city throughout December. You can visit the Christmas Market in Hyde Park and stay in a luxurious hotel overlooking the popular attractions. There are endless activities and festivities in London at Christmas time.
This has been written in collaboration with Govia Thameslink railway.
Follow this quick guide to visiting London this December.
Travel
Book your train tickets to London St Pancras in advance, and you might find a few discounts. You could travel in style in first class and enjoy the extra legroom and complimentary drinks. Or, drive down to London and manage the expensive congestion fees, parking costs and tedious traffic. The train is the easiest and fastest way to travel to London.
Christmas activities
You need to plan your itinerary and prioritise activities. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is an absolute must for anyone looking to get in the festive spirit. You can sip mulled wine, dance to the Christmas tunes and wander throughout the park. Go ice skating next to the National History Museum or shopping in Harrods and grab a picture by the huge Christmas tree.
Every part of London is lit up with Christmas lights and filled with activities to do. Try to plan your activities by location, so you don’t need to travel back and forth across the city. London is an enormous city, and it can take a long time to travel from one end to another.
Regent Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby has the best Christmas lights in London. You can view the lights from an open-top bus around the city.
Accommodation
Claridge’s receives a Christmas makeover every year with designer decorations. Each room has art deco finishings and a luxurious bed. You can order from the Claridge’s Festive menu at £95 per person on Christmas Eve, Day or Boxing Day.
Or, head to the Shard and stay in the Shangri La Hotel for a stunning view of London. Each room has floor to ceiling windows so you can watch the sunrise or set over the city. Head to level 35 for a six-course dinner at TING or go to the GONG bar for a cocktail.
Festive food and drink
You can dine in igloos with fur blankets and fairy lights while overlooking London Bridge. Or embark on a Christmas pub crawl and use the tube to explore different areas. If you’re not a big drinker, book a festive afternoon tea instead for you and your girlfriends.
London is a fantastic place to spend the festive season, or Christmas Day itself. Make this year all about luxury and indulgence at some of the best spots in London.
