Forget skiing in the Alps or sun baking in Australia; there is no place more festive to spend Christmas than London. Whether it's late night shopping at Selfridge's, family-friendly visits from Santa and his reindeer, or the traditional carol service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the city is full of Yuletide offerings.
Here’s my guide to the perfect Christmas in London.
Ice-skating at the National History Museum
Ice-skating is a popular family activity this time of year and London offers so many amazing events to skate at (Winter Wonderland, Canary Wharf, Winterville, South Bank and more!) My favourite location this year was ice-skating at the Natural History Museum. Located beneath the ornate terracotta façade of this majestic 19th-century building, the sparkling atmosphere makes for perfect skating conditions. Don’t forget to warm up afterwards in the rink-side café bar and balcony, where you can enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Southbank Christmas Festival
The chalet-style stalls set up beside the Thames between Waterloo Bridge and the London Eye are still worth a visit due to its prime riverside location - strolling along the South Bank at any time of year is one of the best free things you can do in London but with the pretty market lining the pedestrian promenade it becomes a real treat. The traditional wooden chalets sell all kinds of gifts, such as hand-crafted trinkets, wooden toys, jewellery, candles, ceramics, clothes and glass ornamental Christmas tree decorations. Of course, it's also all about the food and drink, with sausages, hog roasts, candy floss, chocolates and sweets all on offer. The Southbank Centre Christmas Market comes under the umbrella of the Southbank Winter Festival, which includes music, theatre and comedy for all ages.
Christmas at Selfridges
The Selfridges Christmas Emporium is a one-stop shop for everything you might need, from twinkly baubles and luxury food items to custom-made jewellery, unique art, and bespoke gingerbread houses. In-store you will be greeted by roller-skating fairies and Selfridges’ very own “Elfridges” whose mission is to find you that perfect last-minute gift. Don’t miss out on the personalised gift-wrapping service also, which lets you choose from a selection of wrappings and luxury gift boxes for the perfect finishing touch.
Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo
Not the typical department store meet-and-greet with the man in red, this year kids can visit Santa and his reindeer at Meet Santa at ZSL London. Visitors can purchase an exclusive Meet Santa ticket that allows children to lend a hand at the daily Keeper’s Little Helpers sessions, and get involved in festive activities such as gingerbread decorating and preparing treats and presents for the Zoo’s many animals.
The Christmas Arcade at Somerset House
For shoppers looking to avoid the annual Oxford Street rush, stop by The Christmas Arcade at Somerset Houseinstead, where you’ll discover a Narnia of boutique shopping options. Participating retailers, which comprise British brands and independent artisans, include the exclusive Scottish cashmere company Brora, florists Pinstripes and Peonies, and traditional hat makers Christys’. The Arcade also includes a Champagne & Chocolate Bar, serving up Piper-Heidsieck bubbles and William Curley cacao creations, so you can polish off the last of your Christmas shopping in style.
