Are you planning on celebrating Christmas in London this year? If your answer is no, then you should probably put it somewhere within your bucket list. And if your answer is a big yes, then keep on reading to know the best ways you can experience the magical charm that the city offers during the festive season.
From roaring fireplaces and twinkling light displays, to pop up markets, incredible shopping and lots of seasonal events, there are some truly unique London gems to visit this winter. The folks over at Savills – the property developers- have shared with us some ideas on how to enjoy the magic of the season in London.
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12 Days of Christmas in London
1. Oxford Street Christmas lights
For those who like to indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping, Oxford Street is the perfect destination. This year, the usual lighting display has been replaced by 27 energy-efficient LED light curtains down the length of the street, made up of 220,000 sparkling lights, which will be illuminated from 21st November and are sure to set the festive mood.
2. Meet Father Christmas at Harrods
Experience ‘The Secret Forest Grotto’ and get a chance to meet Father Christmas at the same time as you enjoy the wonderful window displays of the world-famous department store in Knightsbridge, up until Tuesday, 24th December 2019. Just make sure you book in advance.
3. Carols at The Royal Albert Hall
If you’re celebrating Christmas in London, don’t forget to sing along with thousands of others and take in the unique atmosphere of your favourite carols being performed by the Royal Choral Society, National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the revered music hall. Running from Saturday, 21st December– Tuesday, 24th December, performances start at 11:00am, 2:30pm, 4:00pm, and 7:30pm.
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4. Gifts galore on Sloan Street
Head over to Sloane Square to take in the beautiful Christmas lights and wander down Sloane Street to explore a winter wonderland complete with gourmet markets and fairs, and festive pop-ups, from workshops and gifting consultations to concerts. New ‘gateway’ displays are also being unveiled on King’s Road, consisting of decorative lights inspired by the crown of King Charles II, for whom the road was originally built as a private route to travel between palaces.
5. The ultimate Christmas Instagram shot on the cobbles at Covent Garden
Covent Garden is renowned for beautiful boutiques, great dining, and charming cobbled streets with their own unique festive decorations. This year, a green vintage ’67 Morris Minor has been decked out with a stack of Christmas presents, lights and a festive green wreath – a must for those looking for unique festive ‘grams!
6. See Santa and real-life reindeers at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
What’s Christmas in London without reindeers? This great little venue is a short walk from the new Battersea Power Station development. It’s a great place to take children, where they can meet the reindeer as well as the main man in red. Santa will be making appearances from 30th November – 20th December 2019, booking is essential.
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7. Experience a 1920’s New York Christmas party in Battersea Park
Battersea Power Station is transforming daily as the project develops, with over 1000 residents and many exciting restaurants, shops and retail stores now open. Located in the centre of Battersea Park (and formerly known as Battersea Evolution), Evolution London is one of the greatest event venues in the city, and has put together a New York-themed 1920s style event where you can enjoy the smell of roasted chestnuts as they waft through the air as you gather under their dazzling Christmas tree, drinking ice-cold winter cocktails and enjoying the jaw-dropping acts and live DJ. Tickets are available from 6th December– 20th December 2019 and booking is essential.
8. Burn off the mince pies and stretch your legs with a Christmas in London walking tour
Walking tours are the perfect way to explore the lesser-known and unexpected corners of London. New developments such as Battersea Power Station have many undiscovered gems. The station’s Grade II*-listed Coaling Jetty on the River Thames will be transformed into a magical Winter Village from 28th November with cosy alpine wooden huts and festive food and drink pop-ups. Meanwhile, the River Walk Market will make a festive return with a great selection of arts and crafts stalls.
9. Indulge in classic festive treats at Borough Market
Head past Lambeth Palace, and the Tate Modern to Borough Market. The market opens every day from 4th December 2019 until Christmas Eve, with its historic arches decked out in beautiful decorations. The sound of bells and Christmas carols in the background, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and the plethora of Christmas treats should help to fight off the cold and ensure a festive atmosphere.
10. Browse artisan gifts at the riverside alpine chalets of South Bank
While enjoying your Christmas in London, peruse the Christmas markets along the south bank of the River Thames, to see the twinkling lights magically reflecting on the water, whilst picking up hand-made gifts and indulging in delicious goodies in the alpine-style chalets
11. Experience Christmas from the sky on The London Eye
The best way to appreciate the city and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of London as it shines in all its splendour, bejewelled with thousands of Christmas lights, and signifying the magic that the season brings.
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12. Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory light festival at Wembley Park
Experience Christmas in technicolour this year at Winterfest in Wembley Park, sporting London’s tallest-ever LED-lit Christmas Tree. The event runs from 20th November until 3rd January and will see artists from all over the world curate art and sound light works to transform Wembley Park into a truly multi-sensory experience and immersive winter lights trail.
London is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, and even more so during the magical festive season, which is why it’s such a popular destination for UAE residents, Brits and non-Brits alike, and why many choose to take a second home in the city. For those interested in more than Christmas shopping and thinking about future investment, the current weakening of the Pound has provided a significant opportunity for international buyers to invest and to invest now before the market picks up. Regardless of the reason for your festive visit, just don’t forget to bring your umbrella, warm clothes and waterproof walking shoes – as well as bucketloads of festive cheer!
Christmas in London sounds like a grand plan for me. What about you? Where will you be spreading the festive cheer?
About the Author
- Esther Lackie
- Aesthetics enthusiast, in love with running; marketing and PR pro during the day, an amateur chef and wine taster behind closed doors.
2 Comments
Wow, so much to see and do. ♥️ Sounds sensational. I will be staying in NY as here too is quite a magical time of the year. xx
It is sensational! New York is also quite amazing during the festive season… thanks for dropping by