This afternoon I sat researching apres ski bars in London – having seen several blogs about these mountain themed bars, I decided to check them out for which one I might like to visit this coming month. What followed this brief search was an hour of looking at things to do in London this Christmas, nothing them down and getting overly excited. I soon realised much of this research was wasted because I will be saving my money for Christmas in NYC. Although I soon realised my research wasn’t really wasted because I figured I could share all my hard work with you guys and hopefully excite you for the coming festive season too.
25 Things To Do In London This Christmas
I’ve broken down my ideas into five different categories, so depending in your tastes, location and price there should hopefully be something to suit everyone.
Christmas Markets
I’m going to start with markets because they are a particular favorite of mine, I have visited the Edinburgh one twice now and enjoyed myself just as much both times. The dazzling lights in the dark December months make them feel magical along with the smell of mulled wine and crisp winter air, it is the perfect way to start getting in the spirit of things.
1. Southbank Centre Market – part of the Southbank Centre Christmas Festival
2. Christmas Market @ Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
3. Christmas Market @ Winterville, Victoria Park
4. Barbican Christmas Market
5. Borough Market – this London market is set to be dishing out mulled wine and mince pies during the festive period
Ice Skating
In my teens I always use to head ice skating in the festive time, the local leisure center had a pop up rink and although nothing fancy it was the only time of year we had a rink close to us. London might not be as iconic as New York but it still has some fancy skating rinks and funny enough the price isn’t hugely different from my local pop up all those years ago.
6. Ice Skating @ Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park from £14.50
7. Ice Skating @ Winterville, Victoria Park from £12
8. Natural History Museum from £12.65
9. Somerset House from £15
10. Hampton Court Palace from £11.50
Ski Bars
I fell in love with snow boarding back in New Zealand in 2013, since then I am always desperate to hit the slopes. Unfortunately my student budget and lack of work in January due to placement looks like my ski wishes will be denied this year. Still London has some mountain themed bars to help satisfy me, making you feel like you are far away from London these places are top of my list for experiencing this Christmas.
11. Montague Hotel - £25pp for 3 drinks and food
12. Archer Street, The Piste Bar – Cocktails from £11
13. Bodo’s Schloss – Cocktails from £9 and food from £15
14. Coq d’Argent – Cocktails from £12 and bar snacks from £10
15. York and Albany by Gordon Ramsay, The Winter Cabin – £30 pp for 2 cocktails and paired snacks.
Christmas Lights
Getting in the Christmas spirit doesn’t have to be all about experiences money can buy, checking out some of the awesome christmas light displays and over sized trees can be a great way to finally get in the mood. Darkness sets in so early during December than you could just pop along straight from work to add some festive spirit to your day – or accomplish some extra shopping during those late night opening hours.
16. Trafalgar Square switch on – December 4th at 6pm
17. Oxford Street and Regent Street – They are already switched on so any time any day
18. Carnaby Street – As far as I’m aware these are also already on
19. Covent Garden – Again as far as I know these are already on
20. Harrods – Where it is outside or inside, Harrods is likely to be dulled up to the nines.
Sweet Treats
Lastly because Christmas is all about overindulging and treating yourself to those festive goodies, I’ve thought about those special afternoon teas and cake shops that should give you your fix in the city.
21. Intercontinental Hotel 12 Days of Christmas afternoon tea £42
22. Choccywoccydoodah – an awesome chocolate with and even better name
23. Hummingbird Bakery
24. Brown’s Hotel Festive afternoon tea £47.50
25. Christmas Chocolate afternoon tea at Hilton on Park Lane £32.50
Do you have any favourites from my list or anything to add?
Tags: Christmas England Festive London United Kingdom
