Christmas is certainly coming in London, this past weekend while wandering around central London I saw many streets decorated for the season, plenty of shops with their Christmas displays up and many of the Christmas markets being prepared. The capital is gearing up for another round of Christmas celebrations.
Last year I blogged about a whole 25 things you could do in London at Christmas and I barely achieved any of them. This year I have even less chance of joining in with the London celebrations as I will be leaving for Brazil on the 15th of December, so I’ve decided to focus on five ideas this year. This will help me to get in the mood for the festive season and enjoy those traditional celebrations I won’t be able to do in Rio.
Five must dos in London Christmas 2015
Southbank Christmas 2015 Market
I never made it here last year despite it being one of the things on the top of my do to list. Located not far from Waterloo train station this market is easily accessible for those in central London or further a field. They have a range of food, drink and present ideas so not only could I indulge in some of my favorite Christmas tastes but purchase some unique Christmas presents at the same time. The whole area will be alight with Christmas decorations and if that isn’t enough then you have the London Eye and Big Ben watching over you. This spot is perfect for getting a ‘proper’ London experience.
You can find all the information you need to plan a visit here.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
Every year I put ice skating on my list for the winter and every year it gets missed. Last year we were going to go in New York but just ran out of time, the year before we were going to go in Edinburgh but ran out of time…. Somerset House is such a London icon and what better excuse to head there than to soak up the festive spirit, join in with fellow Londoners and attempt to stay up while I skate around the rink.
Skating is running from the 18th November – 10th January, more details here.
Kew at Christmas
Kew Gardens is the nearest to me on this list and yet last year I didn’t manage to make it there. I’m hoping to put that right this year and head over to experience all of the lights and some festive foodie treats. There is a trail to follow around the gardens and would give me a great chance to actually explore Kew Gardens as my only visit has been for the outdoor cinema experience this summer.
Tickets are £16 per an adult and Christmas at Kew opens from 25th Nov until the 2nd January (does not open every day). Times are 5pm till 10pm with last entry at 8.15pm. Tickets are prepaid and can be purchased here.
I might not have see the giant tree in London last year but I saw the one in NYC
Giant Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square
This giant tree which is put up every year in Trafalgar Square is donated from Norway and has a much longer history than you or I could imagine. Each year they have a ceremony for the turning on of the lightened this years will be on the 3rd of December at 6pm. It isn’t just the turning on of the lights to see, during the run up to Christmas carol singers gather around the tree to sing and spread some Christmas cheer. I can’t think of a better place to listen to carol singers than around a giant Christmas tree.
You can find all of the timings and information here.
Christmas lunch 2014. Cannot wait for more festive treats!
Borough Market for Christmas food/drink treats
I visited Borough Market for the first time this summer and loved it. I cannot think of a better foodie place to head for some festive foodie treats. The market will be decorated in lights from the beginning of December and there will be lots of festive foods and drinks available throughout December. Not to mention the goodies you could buy here for presents. Even on my single visit here I noticed how much of a buzz this place has especially at the weekend and can only imagine the vibe around Christmas time.
You can find opening hours of Borough Market over Christmas here.
What are your ‘must dos’ for Christmas in London this year?
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Tags: Christmas England Festive London United Kingdom