I Don’t Want A Lot for Christmas: Just Something To Do!
Whether it’s treating yourself to forget your Winter blues or needing an excuse to hold a special someone’s hand, this guide to Christmas in London has got you covered.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash
All the lights are shining so brightly everywhere: Christmas lights around London
Carnaby
Expect the unexpected when it comes to Carnaby’s Christmas lights. This year’s installation features colourful palm trees and lyrics from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody among other themes.
Oxford Street
A London classic; don’t forget to look up at the 5,000 stars illuminating the dark Winter sky as you check off your Christmas shopping list.
Regent Street
Titled ‘The Spirit of Christmas’, the street will be lit up by angels with wings spanning 17-metres, a truly magnificent sight to see.
Operating until the 3rd of January, book tickets to see London’s famous landmarks and iconic skyline light up for Christmas, in the warmth and convenience of a bus.
And the sound of children’s laughter fills the air: Markets & Festivals
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Perhaps the most well known of all, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland offers anything and everything festive you can think of - from food and drinks, rides and games, signature shops, spectacular shows and of course, their ice skating rink beneath a canopy of twinkling lights for the perfect festive activity with friends.
Covent Garden & Leicester Square Christmas Markets
Just a 15 minute walk and one tube stop away from each other, both of these Christmas markets are well established. Warm yourselves from the Winter cold by stopping by all the seasonal food stalls, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Swedish Church Christmas Market
If you’re looking for something more unique, this traditional Scandi Christmas fair features festive Swedish treats and crafts, as well as their traditional Christmas wine Glogg.
I wrapped it up and sent it: Christmas crafts!
Lino print your own Christmas cards for an extra special and personal touch to this year’s Christmas gifts. ££
Join a Christmas candle making workshop to create a personalised festive scent - the perfect gift to yourself and your loved ones!. ££
Take part in the Christmas decoration craft experience and learn how to make a variety of Christmas ornaments to gift or decorate your home. ££
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye: Parties & Pubs
Churchill Arms Pub
Not only known for their Thai dishes, The Churchill Arms is well established for their mulled wine and mince pies - just in time for the season!
Ballie Winter Wonderland
Ease into Christmas cheer in Ballie’s three week countdown to Christmas day, with a different theme every night to party to.
O Silent Night: carol services
Gather at the Royal Albert Hall for a Christmas sing-along with an orchestra, band and choir, beginning on the 17th of December with the starting price of about £18.
Taking place on the 2nd and 7th of December, join Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Carol Concert for a carol sing-along in the company of furry friends, tickets starting at £22.
Book tickets to attend the Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival, where performers dress in 18th century costume in a candle-lit setting for a concert of festive classics.
What more can I do? Volunteering
What is Christmas without the gift of giving?
Donate toys to children living in poverty, you can do this in-person or online through the charities wishlist. These will be distributed via schools, social workers, children’s centres, councils, refuges, etc.
The Sick Children’s Trust
Book tickets to a night of traditional carols, performances, choirs and readings at the St Marylebone’s Parish Church in support of the Sick Children’s Trust, which houses families with a sick child in need.
So, if Last Christmas was slightly disappointing, hopefully this guide will get you into the Christmas spirit with activities to do by yourself, with friends and loved ones.
Merry Christmas!