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Adventuring With Friends

Top Things to Do in London at the Holidays

/ England, Europe, United Kingdom / By

While the Krank’s may have thought that the ideal Christmas vacation was a Caribbean Cruise with tropical cocktails and colorful shirts, this author believes in diving head first into the festivities. Londoners envelope their city in a warm blanket of holiday cheer that creates a Christmas haven. Further, you can often appreciate cheaper flights and hotel rates in the winter months, so you’ll have some savings to stock up your suitcase with stocking stuffers. Keep reading to find the top things to do in London at the Holidays.

Christmas Markets

Picture this: you’re strolling through wooden, Bavarian style market stalls, Christmas lights are shimmering in every direction, a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) warms your hands. Yes, pause here and go book your flights. There are few things more spectacular than Europe’s Christmas markets, and London seemingly has one around every corner. Gaze at the icicle lights overhead at the Leicester Square Market, have a hot toddy by the Thames at the Southbank Christmas Market, or go all out at the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Winter Wonderland requires ticketed entry by time slot with prices ranging from £0.00 to £7.50. You can additionally pre book attractions such as ice skating, the big wheel, bar ice, and carnival rides. Drink your mulled wine in Thor’s Tipi, grab a bite in the Bavarian Village, and jam out at Explorer’s Rest for an unforgettable experience.

London Essentials

Whether it’s your first time in London or you’re practically a pro on tube routes, the traditional tourist destinations dazzle in the winter and are always worth revisiting. To see the top locations, head to Westminster. Start your day with a viewing of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace before walking on to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. If time permits, take a tour of Westminster Abbey or enter for free for daily service. Just across the river, take a ride on the London Eye (note that visibility can be worse in winter months and mornings). From here, walk to Embankment pier to catch a ferry (boardable using your Oyster card) that takes you on a budget river “cruise” under London Bridge and all the way up to Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

Cozy Afternoon Tea

Get a bite other than winter’s chill. There are few things as quintessentially English as enjoying an afternoon tea. Find reprieve at one of the many offerings around London. Some of the most famous hosts are The Langham, Fortnum & Mason, The Goring, Harrods, and The Lanesborough. Indulge in preset menus of savory tea sandwiches, delicately designed deserts, and, of course, a plethora of tea types for your choosing. Many also allow the option for upgrading, adding a glass of champagne or crafted cocktail. Those with dietary restrictions don’t have to miss out. Indigo at One Aldwych Restaurant offers a completely gluten free menu and dairy free afternoon tea that would fool anyone’s taste buds. If you plan on trying to hit one of the most popular spots, make sure to get your reservations in advance and be warned that they can come at a hefty price.

Harry Potter Studios Tour

For those who have fallen in love with the wizarding world, there is no more magical place than Hogwarts, especially Hogwarts at Christmas. Fans from all over the world have fallen in love with the Harry Potter series and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour allows them to walk through the most iconic locations from the film franchise. Just an hour outside of London, fans get to experience original sets, extended exhibits on the making of the films, and of course, butterbeer. Made even more enchanting for the holidays, visitors can experience Hogwarts in the Snow. With the Great Hall decked in festive trees, original Yule Ball costumes on display, and insights on how the sets were transformed for Christmas, this is a must do for fans. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities and there is food available for purchase on site. Tickets start at £51.50 and book up MONTHS in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

Day Trip to Oxford and the Cotswolds

Oxford

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit of low-key festive flair, consider taking a day trip to Oxford and the Cotswolds via Rabbie’s tours. Enjoy a succulent Christmas special pizza at the White Rabbit pub in Oxford and bundle up to walk the grounds of the famed Oxford University. Then head out to the Cotswolds, a quaint collection of villages seemingly out of a Hallmark film or The Holiday. Have a boozy hot chocolate just steps from Arlington Row before doing some final gift shopping in Burford. This tour from Rabbie’s starts at £73.00 per person and you can read our full blog on it HERE.

Holiday Lights

Seven Dials

The most budget friendly way to enjoy the holiday atmosphere in London will only cost you £1.65. Hop into the 139 bus’ front seats on the upper level for a first-class view of Regent Streets Angels and to pass by the Trafalgar Tree. You can ride this all the way to Covent Garden to window shop under the massive baubles and pick faux snow flurries out of your hair. Just a few blocks away is Seven Dials. Here, seven roads converge with Christmas lights and cheer. Head down any which way to sip and peruse through the local pubs and shops, but don’t leave before walking down Neil’s Yard to experience a hidden London gem. Another short walk away is Carnaby Street. Whilst the lights aren’t solely for the winter holidays (you can view installations year round), you simply must wander under this decorative joy. 2022 is their 25 year anniversary, to which they will be paying an ode to their past displays by bringing together an arrangement of favorites. Experience 25 years of brightness in one night.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

Waltz through the grand state apartments adorned with fabric walls and ceiling murals. Be dazzled by the gems in the jewel room and the carving of the king’s gallery’s fireplace. While you’ll enjoy all this typical glamor of a royal residence, visiting Kensington Palace at the holidays makes for an even more momentous occasion. Currently home to Prince William and Princess Kate, this was once the palace of some of their most beloved relatives, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Victoria’s reign lasted from 1837 to her death in 1901. In 1848, a famous engraving which depicted the couple decorating a Christmas tree with their family popularized the tradition in Britain. An ever artistic family, Victoria and Albert’s children were also encouraged to make their own Christmas cards. Historic Royal Palaces staff pay tribute to these histories every year and deck Kensington Palace with lights, ornaments, and evergreens.  

Football Game

Visiting London in December plants you directly in the middle of the Premier League season. Given the fan base and demand for English soccer, or football as they call it, tickets aren’t cheap and sometimes impossible to get for non-members. If you aren’t a fanatic yourself, try buying for games between lower ranked, less popular teams. You’ll have a better chance of scoring seats and for much cheaper. Even if you are not an avid football follower, the energetic, jovial atmosphere of the crowd creates a memorable and entertaining evening. Make sure to always buy tickets directly from a club or a confirmed authorized reseller. If you simply cannot get tickets or are on a tight budget, there are plenty of skillful English Football League (the step below Premier League) teams that you can snag tickets to.

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