London is a city built for special occasions. Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, you can always expect the best from the city’s celebration of special occasions. Whether it be Bonfire Night, Halloween or New Years Eve, guests of luxury suites in London can expect the best from the city. This is especially the case with the Christmas period.
Teeming with events, fantastic public light displays and much more, narrowing down what to see and do during a Christmas in London can be overwhelming. With so much on offer, this blog will attempt to help you organise and prepare for a festive season stay at the Montcalm Hotels in London. Whether it be for Christmas proper or just a city break during the holiday period, a December trip to London is well worth the planning.
If Flying, Aim For An Early Flight
Flights to England can be especially expensive during peak times. Christmas is probably the peakest time you’ll find, and so expect inflated prices on long distance trains and air travel. To save money, aim to book the earliest flight you can manage. Overnight flying is often cheaper than peak times.
Enjoy The Christmas Gift Opportunities
London is home to one of the busiest high streets in Europe – Oxford Street. Oxford Street is teeming with flagship department stores and winter sales, so expect large crowds. Furthermore, the markets of London are world famous, and often transform into festive hubs over the Christmas period. Some of the most popular include Borough Food Market, Portobello Market and Columbia Road Flower Market. Check their websites to find out times and dates, and make sure to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds and to bag the best gifts.
But Don’t Go Overboard If Flying
If you’re flying back home however, make sure that you save space in your luggage for any extra baggage you may be bringing back. If buying gifts for loved ones in London, consider buying online and picking up the gifts when you reach the city. Whilst London’s festive season is second to none, it can be very easy to go overboard on souvenir and Christmas shopping over this period.
Wrap Up Warm Outside
London is well known for its temperamental weather, so it’s always wise to have a waterproof or an umbrella with you. If you’re walking the city, make sure that you have waterproof and durable shoes that will withstand all the elements.
But Layers Are Useful For Inside
With so many indoor events, it’s worth noting that whilst the outside world can be cold, some dining establishments and venues may require you to dress smartly. This is why layering up to face the elements but being able to strip down to something smarter is a handy trick, especially if you have a formal event to get to. London is a stylish city afterall, so why not try and look the part?
Be Prepared For Travel Disruption
Rain, wind and sleet can all cause havoc on the London rail lines. Roads will also be far more busy during peak times and bad weather. Make sure that you plan accordingly, making time to reroute when faced with delays and cancellations on public transport.
What To See And Do
As mentioned, guests of London boutique hotels will be spoilt for choice when it comes to festive activities. Here are some of the ones that you simply can’t miss.
Pantomimes
From LGBTQ pantomimes in Soho starring some of the country’s best drag acts, to family friendly fun at the Hackney Empire and Stratford East, the British pantomime is a time honoured tradition and stalwart of Christmas in the country. Pantomimes are often retellings of famous fairy tales and stories such as Jack And The Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood. However, the best of them are infused with slapstick comedy, asides to the audience and plenty of songs to sing along to.
Christmas Theatre
It’s not just pantomime that the West End offers in London, during Christmas. Traditionally, theatres such as the National and Old Vic stage adaptations of festive classics such as the Snow Queen and A Christmas Carol. In 2022, the London Coliseum will stage a ballet of The Nutcracker and an adaptation of It’s A Wonderful Life.
London Pub Roast
London’s pubs are much-loved drinking establishments that provide well earned cheer every end of year. But they’re not just for alcohol-drinking adults though, many of the best pubs in London offer Christmas dinners and Sunday roasts that are totally family friendly. Standout pubs to book roasts for this year include The Sekforde, the Thomas Cubitt and the Camberwell Arms. This is just a snapshot of a great many Sunday roast-cooking pubs though, and all London’s historic public houses are inviting places during the colder months.
Ice Rinks In Iconic Locations
From late November into January, many of London’s most iconic cultural centres and landmarks are imbibed with a whole new level of cool. London’s ice rinks take over the likes of the Somerset House Courtyard, the Natural History Museum and the South Bank. With drinks, DJs and even skating shows to enjoy, these chilly havens are a lot of fun over the Christmas period.
Winter Wonderland
One of London’s stand out festive events, Winter Wonderland is a winter festival that takes place in Hyde Park. Easy to reach for guests of 5 star hotels near Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is free to book at off peak times and includes fairground attractions, ice sculptures, a circus, Christmas markets, bars and of course, its very own ice rink. Open between 10am and 10pm daily, you’ll want to book your 2 hour slot at Winter Wonderland in advance to ensure entry into this popular Christmas attraction.
Festive Lights Of London
Going from a money making machine to the simple – and free – pleasures of a London Christmas, the city’s main thoroughfares and many of its high streets are adorned with beautiful Christmas lights over the festive period. Standouts include Carnaby Street’s annual themed displays and Oxford Street’s dazzling overhead spectacle.
