Christmassy Events In London
Walking through London, you have no choice but to be in a festive mood. Christmas is everywhere: lights, Santa, reindeers. It sure cheers you up when the darkness falls at 16.30pm! If you are coming for a few days (or even hours) and do not know where to start, here are a few tips to enjoy the season.
The lights are all on; a galaxy of stars on Regent street, giant baubles and digital nativity scene in Covent Garden, beautiful bows on Bond Street. Fortnum and Mason have one of the most spectacular shop windows to go and see; this year they are all about spectacular partying! Burlington Arcade also is worth a look – it feels like traveling through time. Each shop makes a point of decorating richly, even putting Christmas wreaths. Tiffany’s (25 Old Bond Street) takes special care in exquisite landscape; last year they were all cut into paper and proved particularly magical.
Take the kids to Covent Garden on Saturdays to see real reindeers. They can pet them and even have a picture taken with them. Those are the cutest thing you can imagine and even adults come nearer to caress them. If you are in a pantomime mood, the Puppet Barge is another place to bring the children. This narrow-boat in Little Venice hides an amazing stage with exquisite puppets, some intricately carved, and other the tiniest you have ever seen. They will tell Christmas stories of course but it’s not to be missed!
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park could be summed up as a kid’s heaven, with its huge number of colourful roundabout and games. My daughter particularly loves the giant observation wheel; it’s best at night where you can gaze over the lights as they pass under your feet.
If you’re in London then there has to be some gift shopping too. Look for alternative ideas in craft markets such as Duckies. The Gourmet of you will prefer the Real Food market on Southbank especially as you can try before you buy.
Feeling chilly? Warm up with a wintery drink. The Hide Bar serves eggnogs, blazers and mulled wine. For more of a “wow” factor, head for the One Aldwych with its beautiful 5 star hotel set in heart of Theatreland. Sit at it’s magnificent bar and watch the bartenders create warm cocktails such as the Wild Essence: a dry vanilla and honey foundation with Armagnac, orange and cacao liqueur, finished with a touch of bergamot essence and flamed. Sounds amazing does it not?
Be generous! Many churches will sell cards which profit goes to charities but you could also join the Christmas Pudding race in Covent Garden on December 03rd. Participants usually run in the funniest costumes.
Many historical houses will dress up for the occasion. One of the most fascinating is the Geffrye Museum – each room represents a different era and the decorations will follow the trend. Discover how it really was celebrated in the 19th century!
Christmas carols are in Trafalgar Square is a must. It’s the obvious first choice as it’s free, but if you do not mind investing a little money, try Westminster Abbey and the Royal Albert Hall. There are quite a festival of events there; a truly memorable experience.
Have I missed anything? Share your tips and most festive London activities!
Photography by: aurélien, su lin, aloha orangeneko and SPakhrin
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