10 Things To Do in London to Get Into the Christmas Spirit
The festive period can have many of us Londoners feeling like Scrooge, thanks to the busy streets and lack of snow... but whether you like it or not, the lights have been turned on, the trees have gone up and Christmas is well and truly on it's way! If you're struggling to get in the mood, here's 10 things you can do in London to help you get into the Xmas Spirit.
Take a Christmas Lights Tour!
There’s something rather nostalgic about getting bundled up in a coat, scarf and gloves and witnessing the various illuminations around the capital. From the Oxford Street globes to the beautiful angles on Regent Street, colourful creations on Carnaby St and the peacock feathers of Bond Street; you’ll feel festive in no time!
Check out the Christmas Trees
There are plenty of Christmas Trees around the city, but St Katharine’s Dock features a 30ft decorated pine and water-side setting to really add some beauty to the season. If you make it down for the switch on, there’s hot chocolate and mince pies on offer!
Visit the Enchanted Woodland
Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland is the perfect place to slow things down and enjoy the beauty of the Christmas season. The 600-year-old gardens feature a light display with the historic arboretum taking centre stage.
Soak Up the Season at Selfridges
If you can handle some hustle and bustle, Selfridges epitomises the Christmas season with their festive décor and gift wrap stations. This year you can have breakfast with Santa every weekend to discuss hot topics such as the logistics of reindeer transportation and Elf training.
Winter Wonderland
Dare we say it? Love it or hate it, Winter Wonderland does exactly what is says on the tin. So if you want fairground festivities, candyfloss and the sound of thousands of children yelling for one more go on the star flyer, head down to Hyde Park.
Strap on Your Skates
Ice Skating isn’t just for romantic comedies and One Direction videos, it’s also a pretty decent after work activity with your mates, especially if someone’s really bad at it. For comedy falls and smugness at being more Christmas than anyone else in the office, head to the Natural History Museum or Somerset House this December.
See the Panto Trail at Kew Gardens
Not only does Kew have one million lights along their mile-long trail, but there’s also a sledge tree made of 360 wooden Santa sledges! And if that’s not enough Christmas for you, Santa and his elves perform panto along the trail.
Greenwich Wintertime Festival
Head south this winter and check out the festivities at the Old Royal Naval College. Across December their Wintertime Festival has ice skating performances, movies, markets and more. Even Scrooge would enjoy it.
Browse the Christmas Markets
The city is full of quaint Christmas markets to get you feeling continental. Head to Southbank, London Bridge, Leicester Square, Clapham Common or Kingston Upon Thames to feast on sweet treats and find unique buy handmade craft gifts.
Indulge in a Sunday Roast
Nothing makes you feel as cosy as a roast dinner on a Sunday, and a warm pub with a roaring fire is the best place to enjoy one. Treat yourself after a long Sunday walk to warm up and get yourself ready for that turkey dinner on the 25th!