Festive things to do in London
Celebrate Christmas London style. The streets glow with pretty light displays, people ice-skate in Christmas jumpers and food feasts and treats are high on the nice list. So wrap up warm as we bring you our top festive things to do in London this year.
Winter ice skating
Whether you pirouette in the centre or cling to the sides hoping you don’t fall over, pop your skates on in the prettiest London ice skating rinks.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
A popular ice-skating spot for Londoners year round, Ally Pally ice skating turns on the disco Christmas tunes to create a festive atmosphere. There’s a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the rink and even falling snow to make you feel you’re starring in your own Christmas movie. Plus, you’re inside a handsome Victorian building with large windows, so rain will never stop the fun.
Skate at Somerset House
Perfect for a date night or an after-school treat with children, Somerset House ice rink has a spectacular setting with a choice of skate sessions. Choose from Skate School, wheelchair sessions and Chill Out events with fewer people (great for nervous beginners). Somerset House skating also has late-night DJ skates and a skate lounge, clothing boutique and restaurant for a post-skate feast.Skate West EndIf you fancy a skate right in Central London, then this cute newbie in Hanover Square is perfect. Skate West End is a ring of ice festooned in warm white lights surrounding a festive bar, reached by a bridge (in shoes, not skates). Your ticket fee raises money for Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Children’s Charity too.
Shopping in London at Christmas
To feel truly festive, London shopping is a must. Bring sparkle to your shopping this Christmas and visit the streets lit up by lights.
Regent Street
Walk under the gleaming angels of Regent Street while you do some evening Christmas shopping this year. In 1954, Regent Street was the first London high street to put up Christmas lights and since then they outshine most other London streets at Christmas. So visit flagship stores like Liberty and Hamleys and take in the lights dazzling Christmas shopping in London.
Carnaby Street
In contrast to the grand elegance of Regent Street, Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights are more playful and colourful. A walkway of lights illuminates Carnaby Street and continues along Foubert’s Place, Ganton Street and Newburgh Street for a festive evening glow. It’s also a great pedestrianised street with lots of independent shops for picking up unique gifts.
Oxford Street
Famous for its celebrity switch on in early November, Oxford Street always impresses with its Christmas light display. The street is dripping in falling stars this year, which adds a touch of magic to this shopping mecca. Find your new favourite Christmas scarf at John Lewis or designer gift at Selfridges and admire the stars above as you shop.
Christmas food feasts
Mountainous Christmas dinners, festive street food and Christmas food markets, London has some superb things to eat this festive season. Here are a few of our favourites.
The Fortnum’s Food Hall
Here’s where you come to stock up on the finest festive fare. Pick up luxurious Christmas food hampers, gift-filled advent calendars, alcohol-soaked Christmas puddings and fresh turkeys with all the trimmings. It’s all waiting at the food hall in the famous Fortnum and Mason store. Just don’t forget the cranberry sauce!
Leadenhall Market
Get a taste of Dickensian London at this charming Victorian shopping arcade covered in festive garlands. Top choice at Leadenhall Market is Lamb Tavern, which has Champagne breakfasts, Christmas dinners and mulled-wine evenings. There are also port and cheese nights at The Cheese at Leadenhall and French patisserie Aux Merveilleux de Fred for a festive sweet treat.
Lilly’s Cafe
In the heart of Covent Garden, which is always a Christmas delight to wander around in December, Lilly’s Cafe has an inviting winter terrace where you can dine on classic Christmas dishes snug under a thick blanket. There’s also plenty of mulled wine and a gooey cheese fondue mix of Swiss gruyere and Emmental cheese to share.With all the things to see in London at Christmas, you’d do well to put the cherry on top of the luxury Christmas break you deserve at The Clermont Victoria or The Clermont Charing Crossin Central London.
