London, the capital city of England, is one metropolis that really lights up at Christmas time. And with there being so many festive activities, you’ll never be short of something to do – and a lot of them are often free or can cost very little.
One of the best ways to begin your festive season in London is to visit the West End Christmas lights. The switching on of the Christmas lights attracts thousands of revellers each year and has become something of a London Christmas tradition. Millions of twinkling fairy lights and Christmas installations are strung up along Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, making any stroll through the West End a festive experience.
Another great sight to see at Christmas time in London is the Harrods shop front in Knightsbridge. Adorned in more glittering lights, the department store really turns on the festive charm. The window displays have long been a tourist attraction and their Christmas editions show you why. And don’t forget to take the kids in for a visit with Santa in his very own grotto!
Trafalgar Square is also the location of another of London’s great Christmas light traditions. Since the end of World War Two, Norway has supplied a Christmas tree to Great Britain as a thank you for helping them during the war; the tree is normally over 20 metres tall. To make the Christmas wonderland complete, there are many traditional Christmas carollers in the square in the lead up to Christmas as well.
Ice skating at some of London’s great landmarks is another great way to add some festive fervour to your year. As such, ice rinks appear across London at key landmarks such as the Natural History Museum, Tower of London and Somerset House.
For something a bit more unusual, why not try out the Great Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden? In aid of charity, people wear elaborate fancy dress costumes and run around Covent Garden trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate. Even if you don’t participate, you can imagine it is quite an entertaining sight to see.
As for the children, it is good to know that there are many pantomime’s available to see. Christmas is the traditional panto-season across the UK and there are hundreds in London itself. You never know – you might even catch your favourite soap star in one of them.
In addition, navigating through London is easy with the Tube and the bus services available. Also, finding suitable accommodation amongst the wide range of London hotels should not be as difficult as perhaps expected during the festive season. So why not get into the festive spirit and grab a hot chocolate or a mulled wine when you head to London, and make your Christmas a truly special one.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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