In the present day I need to share my London Christmas itinerary with you. London is price visiting throughout Christmas for its festive environment, colourful lights, nice procuring, and enjoyable occasions and leisure. There’s quite a bit to expertise within the UK capital throughout the Yuletide season, and on this publish I need to spotlight a few 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 may alter it to suit your wants in case you have roughly time within the UK capital. As all the time, make sure you test opening hours earlier than you journey, and make advance bookings the place related.
You may also take a Christmas strolling tour, bus tour, or black cab tour in London if you’d like a guided expertise. You possibly can ebook 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, bushes, markets, and decorations begin to pop up round London (and after they come down).
Whereas there’s no precise 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 the town’s Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and different festive fixtures.
That stated, some lights and decorations go up earlier and/or come down later (I’ve seen Christmas bushes in London in October), so it’s a good suggestion to test on-line in case you have one thing particular you need to see.
Understand that winter in London means restricted daylight and the potential for chilly climate, too. You possibly can check out my winter packing listing and my information to the climate in London for extra data.
As all the time, a very good umbrella is vital. For those who’re within the UK, I like to recommend this umbrella. For those who’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 some of the thrilling elements of the town middle, but in addition some of the 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 a large Christmas tree, and the outlets round it supply a few of the greatest Christmas procuring in London.
Day 1 – Afternoon
After a busy morning taking within the Christmas enjoyable in Covent Backyard, proceed your itinerary by making your solution 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 presents as you make your manner round them. The market in Trafalgar Sq. is especially beautiful with the Nationwide Gallery within the background.
As soon as on Piccadilly, you’ll be spoiled for alternative on the subject of procuring. Fortnum & Mason has a well-known Christmas store. It’s an incredible place to choose up ornaments in your tree and presents for household and pals.
You may also browse the boutiques within the historic procuring arcades on and round Piccadilly. They’re all the time 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 may stroll over to Bond Avenue to browse the posh items outlets and take within the eye-catching Christmas facades the realm is understood for.
Day 1 – Night
When day turns to nightfall (which shall be round 4pm right now of yr), you can begin taking in London’s iconic Christmas lights. They’re spectacular yearly.
Those on Piccadilly all the time sparkle, and the lights on Bond Avenue, Regent Avenue, Carnaby Avenue, and Oxford Avenue are a should.
They’re all inside strolling distance of each other, so you may simply make a night of seeing the lights.
When you’ve got time afterwards, you may head to a efficiency or present within the West Finish. From carol concert events to conventional British pantos, there’s quite a bit on supply throughout the Christmas season in London.
Alternatively, you may go ice skating at Somerset Home. Its historic courtyard is dwelling to some of the stunning 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 presents 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 all the time 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 procuring, and get lunch.
While you’re completed, you may stroll down Sloane Avenue to achieve Chelsea. Sloane Sq. all the time has enjoyable decorations and lights, and the King’s Highway is a good place to choose up modern festive presents.
Day 2 – Night
When night comes, make your solution to the South Financial institution. The annual Winter Competition 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 stay 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 good time to go to the town, and I’m certain you’ll have a very good time when you go to in winter.
If you wish to discover extra locations and subjects, you should use my weblog posts about Christmas walks in London, the perfect issues to do in London at Christmas, and Christmas highlights in London as guides.
Comfortable Christmas!
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