12 Days of Christmas in London

Can you believe that Christmas is 12 days away?!

Me neither!

If you feel like you’ve been behind on the festive fun, here are some ideas to get you in the holiday spirit 🤗

12 London Christmas Activities

1.Ice skating

While there is no longer ice-skating at the natural history Museum, there are some great alternatives including Somerset house, glide at Battersea power station, and Canary wharf.

2. Winter Wonderland

This is one of my favorite things to do in London at Christmastime. Think of a state fair & german beer festival combined with Christmas markets. I always like to do the ice slide & big wheel for views. Make sure to book your tickets for activities well in advance as peak days sell out quick!

3. The Nutcracker

I was a ballerina as a child, and ever since I played a party girl in the Carolina Ballet, The Nutcracker has always continued to capture Christmas magic to me. A tradition for the whole fam.

4. Christmas lights bus ride

It’s been absolutely baltic here in London, so if you don’t want to walk to see the lights, you can opt for a front row ride on the 139 bus route from Waterloo to catch them all!

5. Christmas at Kew Gardens

Speaking of Christmas lights, this is a SW London gem. It takes about 75 min to walk, but the displays are worth it, especially the water & music show.

6. Christmas markets

There are multiple little Christmassy markets scattered around London. Top choices are the one between London & Tower Bridge, Southbank, and Leicester Square. Also highly suggest the mini pancakes with warm nutella drizzled on top. Yummm.

7. Festive afternoon tea

London does the best afternoon teas year round, but at Christmas they step it up a next level with magical decorations & festive displays of flavor. Not all teas are the same though, so check pricing & menus. The most famous Christmas teas are The Lanesborough, Claridge’s, and The Dorchester. Good luck getting one of these coveted reservations!

8. Walk festive displays

• Chelsea

• Annabels

• New bond street

• Mayfair

9. Covent garden (snow!)

If you were lucky enough to be in London this weekend, we got REAL SNOW ❄️ and it was magical. However, snow is not typical for London especially this early, so to get your festive fix, head over to covent garden where there’s fake snow that falls down on the hour. Get a spiked hot chocolate and enjoy.

10. Daphne’s for baubles decorations

In my opinion, Daphne’s has the best restaurant Christmas decorations in London. There’s baubles all over the ceiling, draping down the pillars to the ground. Plus then you can go walk through Chelsea to see their displays after!

11. British Christmas movies

What’s Christmas without watching some Christmas movies?? Here’s a few good British ones for your list:

• The Holiday

• Love Actually

• Last Christmas

• Arthur Christmas

12. Christmas traditional treats

Holidays, especially with my family, are all about the food. A couple of festive foods to try when in London are a mince pie (don’t be scared by the name, it has no beef haha). Some other Christmas treats would be celebrations, after eights, Christmas pudding, and my favorite, a yule log.

That should keep ya busy leading up to Christmas!

Sincerely,

Sarah

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