I’ve had the pleasure of spending time in London during the Christmas season on a few occasions.
This year, my partner and I decided (on a whim!) to make a last-minute jump across the pond from our home in Atlanta for a few days of English holiday merrymaking in our favorite city.
Each year, Christmas in London is slightly different, with varying weather, changing decor themes, and holiday-focused tours and shows.
London’s typical crowded stores, restaurants, and modes of transit are given a boost of traffic with visitors coming to join the holiday excitement that swirls throughout the air of the city.
This year- the crowded shops, busses, and trains were still in full force, though COVID fears did cast a bit of a shadow over the feeling of community and merriment.
Still, we were determined to have a happy little holiday in London as carefully as possible. I’m happy to report that it went off without a hitch!
In the spirit of the holiday season, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite things about Christmastime in one of the world’s most charming cities.
The Décor
London doesn’t mess around when it comes to decorating for Christmas.
Many of the streets, shops, restaurants, hotels and flats are decorated in glittering Christmas style – giving the city itself a coat of holiday cheer.
Just walking about and stopping to marvel at the multi-story storefronts, streets and squares make for a charming afternoon or evening activity.
(Image: dreamstime.com)
The sun sets in London around 3:45 PM at this time of year, which gives ample time for the twinkling lights and stars to dazzle each passerby.
I always try to walk or take ground transport like a bus or a taxi to my afternoon and evening activities for the most holiday eye candy along my route.
Christmas Tea
The ritual of teatime is often one of the first things that come to mind when one thinks of England.
Having high tea in one of London’s famous (and not so famous!) establishments is a must-do for every trip I make to the city, but at Christmastime it’s often served with a fun holiday flair.
Winter holiday-themed sweets and festive drink options such as mulled wine or champagne round off the festive atmosphere in a delicious way.
(The Rubens at the Palace)
Taking time to sit with a pal and simply enjoy the calm atmosphere and yummy offerings of a lovely tea room is definitely one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in London- especially during the holidays!
(The Rubens at the Palace)
Christmas Tours
One thing I noticed on my latest trip for Christmas in London was the prevalence of Christmas bus and walking tours around the city. I love a good old-fashioned bus or walking tour as a way to get to know a city- but this kind of tour is sprinkled with a little extra magic!
Open-top busses of varying types whisk you and your friends around town to the best locations for viewing Christmas lights- such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. The tours are set to the tune of popular Christmas songs as a guide discusses the various landmarks that pass.
Though we tried, we couldn’t get a reservation for one of these busses this year, but we saw them rolling around town every day and it looked like lots of fun! It’s definitely on my list for the next time I’m in London for the holidays.
A second interesting tour I literally stumbled upon this year is a “silent disco” style Christmas walking tour of the city.
I. Love. A. Silent. Disco.
(A silent disco is a party of people all listening to the same songs on synced headphones, meaning that the disco is raging loud and clear for all who are participating, but silent to anyone not wearing the synced headphones)
Imagine a crowd of 20-30 people, all wearing headphones, and all dancing and singing to the same Christmas song that no one else on the street can hear.
Having no idea that this type of tour existed, I saw a crazy group of people dancing all together in Trafalgar Square and quickly googled the company I read on the back of the guide’s shirt.
I discovered that there are a few companies in London that host walking city tours that are also walking silent discoes- including options for a Christmas theme!
The tour participants looked like they were having a GREAT time and it was just as fun for those of us watching people scream Christmas songs in tandem at the top of their lungs (and mostly out of tune).
This tour (Christmas-themed or otherwise!) is firmly on my list for my next trip to London!
Christmas Markets and Fairs
One of the most charming features of the Christmas season in many cities in Europe is the Christmas Market tradition. We visited 4 different Christmas Markets at various locations in London on this year’s trip. While some of them were obviously scaled back for COVID reasons, it was still a fun way to spend some time outside shopping for little trinkets and enjoying holiday treats like hot chocolate and mince pies.
London also carries an annual Christmas tradition in Hyde Park called Winter Wonderland: a kid and adult-friendly fair-like atmosphere with carnival rides, games, and treats alongside acrobatic shows, ice skating, and a host of other winter-themed events.
Winter Wonderland also features its own Christmas Market with over 100 vendors in traditional wooden chalets characteristic of Christmas markets everywhere.
(Image: Winterwonderland.com)
Christmas in London is full of cheer, food, and wonderful traditions built over centuries of happy people celebrating a happy holiday. If you ever have the chance to visit during the festive season, don’t miss out on this enchanting city during the most wonderful time of the year.
Merry Happy Christmas!
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