Christmas in London
Listen to Christmas carols around the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree or learn how they celebrated Christmas in Victorian or Tudor times in the royal palaces, before visiting one of the popular Christmas markets or taking a festive speedboat ride along the Thames. There’s so much to choose from.
Enjoy a guided tour of London's world-famous Christmas lights while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a minced pie.
Listen to the Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square, around the famous, 20 metre tall, Norwegian Christmas tree.
Visit the Southbank Christmas market for traditional festive treats.
Christmas shopping on Oxford and Regent Streets, with all their well-known stores dressed for Christmas or in more quirky Camden Market. Or take a trip out to Bluewater, with over 300 stores and 50 bars, restaurants and cafes.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. A festive treat for the senses with wonderful rides and carousels, an ice-skating rink, Santa Claus’ grotto and traditional Christmas food and drink.
Ice-skating at Somerset House, one of the most beautiful ice-skating rinks in London, in front of a magnificent 18th century house.
Attend a carol service or the annual Advent procession at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Find out what a medieval Christmas was like at the Tower of London. Spend Christmas with infamous King Richard III and the Lords and Ladies of his court.
Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace. Relive the magic of a Victorian Christmas in the palace where Queen Victoria spent her childhood and which is now the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Tudor Christmas at Hampton Court Palace.
Christmas at Windsor Castle, the Queen's weekend home. Tour the state rooms decorated for the celebrations and admire the 6 metre tall Christmas tree.
Take a trip out to the lovely county of Kent and visit Canterbury Cathedral or Leeds Castle and Hever Castle. Discover the Christmas markets and admire the magnificent decorations.
The awe-inspiring light show at Kew Gardens. A mesmerising trail illuminated by one million glimmering lights. Highlights include a Cathedral of Light, 300 glowing origami boats on Kew’s glistening lake and a show-stopping Palm House finale.
Take a festive speed boat ride along the Thames.
Enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch, finishing with Christmas pudding and brandy butter.
Wreath-making workshop.
Photo credits:
Slideshow: Christmas lights in London © visitlondon.com; Christmas market © visitlondon.com/Ben Pipe; mulled wine and mince pies at Covent Garden ©Visit Britain/Pawel Libera.
Photos the right of the tour: Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square © visitlondon.com/Ben Pipe; Christmas at Covent Garden Market ©VisitBritain/Jessica Lemaitre.
