At the moment I wish to share my London Christmas itinerary with you. London is price visiting throughout Christmas for its festive ambiance, colourful lights, nice purchasing, and enjoyable occasions and leisure. There’s so much to expertise within the UK capital throughout the Yuletide season, and on this put up 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 possibly can alter it to suit your wants when you’ve got roughly 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 may as well take a Christmas strolling tour, bus tour, or black cab tour in London if you need a guided expertise. You possibly can e book one by means of 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 normally 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 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 verify on-line when you’ve got one thing particular you wish to see.
Remember that winter in London means restricted sunlight hours and the potential for chilly climate, too. You possibly can check out my winter packing record and my information to the climate in London for extra info.
As at all times, a superb umbrella is essential. 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 components of town heart, but additionally 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 adorned with lights and an enormous Christmas tree, and the outlets round it provide 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 method to Piccadilly through Leicester Sq. and Trafalgar Sq..
There are Christmas markets in each squares, and you’ll decide up festive meals, drinks, and presents 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 selection in terms of purchasing. Fortnum & Mason has a well-known Christmas store. It’s an ideal place to select up ornaments in your tree and presents for household and pals.
You may as well 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 possibly can stroll over to Bond Road to browse the luxurious items outlets and take within the eye-catching Christmas facades the world is understood for.
Day 1 – Night
When day turns to nightfall (which will probably 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 possibly can simply make a night of seeing the lights.
When you’ve got time afterwards, you possibly can head to a efficiency or present within the West Finish. From carol live shows to conventional British pantos, there’s so much on provide throughout the Christmas season in London.
Alternatively, you possibly can go ice skating at Somerset Home. Its historic courtyard is house 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 all the things 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 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.
While you’re finished, you possibly can stroll down Sloane Road to achieve Chelsea. Sloane Sq. at all times has enjoyable decorations and lights, and the King’s Highway is a superb place to select up modern festive presents.
Day 2 – Night
When night comes, make your method 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 a superb time if you happen to go to in winter.
If you wish to discover extra locations and subjects, you need to use my weblog posts about Christmas walks in London, one of the best issues to do in London at Christmas, and Christmas highlights in London as guides.
Glad Christmas!
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