London is one of the most popular cities in the world when it comes to travel. Millions of tourists flock here every year from every corner of the globe. Moreover, during Winter, the city takes on an entirely different character, with seasonal events and traditions helping to shape the experience.
So, which Christmas events in the city are worth the time? Let’s look at a few highlights.
Christmas Markets
There are several excellent Christmas markets in London at this time of year. If you’re catching a train to London King’s Cross, then you won’t have to walk far to find one; both Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard are every year treated to an incredible seasonal makeover, built around an enormous Christmas tree and an impressive series of ice sculptures.
There are also markets in Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and Kingston. Whether you’re looking for handmade arts and crafts, quality food from unique and groundbreaking pop-up stalls, or a collection of reliable stocking fillers, there’s surely a market here to appeal.
Winter Wonderland
If you’d prefer to pull out all the Christmas stops, then a visit to Hyde Park, and the amazing Winter Wonderland experience, is in order. There are several rollercoasters to enjoy, along with an enormous Ferris wheel, from the top of which you’ll be able to take in the entire park. Best of all, perhaps, is the incredible outdoor ice rink, which is the largest of its kind anywhere in the country.
Warner Bros. Studios
Harry Potter is among the most successful literary phenomena to come out of the UK. Successive generations of fans have fallen in love with the Wizarding World, attraction is one of the best places to celebrate the franchise. Every Winter, the attraction is treated to a festive makeover, with props from the films making an appearance. The Yule Ball is making a return for Christmas 2023, and the amazing Hogwarts castle model is covered with artificial snow. If you have children to entertain, there’s a lot to appreciate here – but even if you don’t, it’s worth a visit for committed fans of the books and films.
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
If you really want to capture the magic of the season, then carol singing is a great way to do it. Head over to the Royal Albert Hall in the week leading up to Christmas Eve, and sing along with a few of the classics. These festive favourites tend to sell out quickly, so booking early is essential. If you buy more than ten tickets, then you’ll be entitled to a 10% discount, which makes this activity a great match for large groups of like-minded choristers.
