Tis the season to be jolly and at this time of year I LOVE getting festive!
For some of us it comes naturally but… sometimes we struggle to snuggle into that all magical spirit and have to seek it out instead.
Seeking it out however, can be overwhelming…so that’s why I’m here!
Whether you live close by or you’re just visiting…
From my own experience, here’s 7 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
1. Mooch around a Christmas Market
Starting with an obvious but a good one…
There’re a number of different Christmas markets to choose from in London including Leicester Square, Hyde Park, Greenwich, Ally Pally, Southbank and many more!
It’s a great way to kick start the festive feeling and the bonus is- it usually means street food and a mulled wine for dinner!
2. Have a Festive Cinema Experience
If like me you’re not a huge fan of going out out but DO want to do something a little special, Backyard Cinema is a magical way to jazz up more of a casual plan and at Christmas it’s especially magical!
Offering a Winter Night Garden and Snow Kingdom experience you can enjoy some of the Christmas classics in an extra special way! Usually including beanbags, mince pies and a festive cocktail of your choice!
3. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea
Any excuse for an afternoon tea!
Granted they do wack the prices up at Christmas but if treating yourself to a bit of high tea is your thing then it’s always worth checking out a more jollied up version, right?
Here are a few other festive AF Afternoon Tea suggestions:
4. Take a Trip to Covent Garden
You don’t have to splash out in order to join in on the festive feels, London (like most places) gets all dressed up for the occasion! For the small price of a train ticket you can soak up the Christmas spirit simply by walking around!
As mentioned in one of my blogmas posts last year, Covent Garden especially has a special place in my heart- you could spend the whole day there just sitting comfy with a hot chocolate somewhere!
You won’t have to go far in London to enjoy the twinkles though… Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and pretty much every other street you turn down will be lit! Just wrap up and enjoy!
5. See a Festive Show
You guessed it! We are talking about the West End after all…
Once again, potentially on the pricier side but you can always fit it into your Christmas plans, or treat yourself/others as a present!
You could also check out White Christmas or A Christmas Carol
6. Go Ice Skating
Another Christmas cliche I just couldn’t leave out! I have to admit the older I get the crapper my ice skating skills are BUT…it’s Christmas isn’t it…you’ve gotta just suck it up! Once again, top it off with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and you’re well on your way!
A few places you can get ya skating on in London are:
7. Walk the Winter Trail at Kew Gardens
Kews Winter Trail has been on my festive bucket list for a good few years now and it’s one you need to grab your tickets early for…BUT it’s definitely worth it for a twinkly evening, complete with street food, marshmallow toasting and adventuring through the winter trail with your favourites.
8. Swing by and Enjoy Some Christmas Carols
Every year me and my friends go into London for a Christmas day out and although the plan differs each year, one thing we do religiously is pop by Trafalgar Square to have a listen to the Christmas Carols!
Now I have to admit they’re not what I had in mind where someone hands out lyric sheets and everyone gets involved- it more of a …cop a squat and admire the different signing groups that turn up during the day/evening.
So although it’s a lovely little festive tradition, usually I wouldn’t base your plans solely around it as it’s a very casual thing. HOWEVER this year they are going to have their own Christmas market for the very first time!
It’s also a nice winter walk away from Southbank Christmas Market, Covent Garden and Leicester Square so why not even go and grab yourself a pre or post mulled cider?
To see what’s on my Festive Bucket List this year CLICK HERE
