Christmas in London is the stuff of legends, having been presented throughout literary history as a beautiful city in which to spend the festive season. From Oliver Twist to Love Actually, London plays a large part in many british – and international – festive stories. There’s good reason for this too, the city has some of the country’s oldest churches and shopping districts to die for. Hotels like the Park Avenue J Hyde Park play a part in advertising London as a romantic, inviting and above all magical place to enjoy the winter months.
Every December, a wealth of pop up markets, events and decorations take over the city. This blog will explore what guests of Central London hotels with triple rooms for families can expect from their festive season visit.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
With festive markets, a funfair and some of the best pop up restaurants in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is an annual festive treat that touches down in Hyde Park every year. Expect circus shows, ice bars, funfair attractions and more. Winter Wonderland is free to visit at off peak times (week day daytimes) but make sure to book your two hour slot in advance, this is an incredibly popular attraction over the Christmas period.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Situated in the heart of the city, the Leicester Square Christmas Market includes a range of street food and gift stalls as well as a pop up Spiegeltent. This venue programmes daily circus and cabaret acts as well as kids shows in the daytime. The stalls at the Crhist market are open till 10 pm each daily.
Christmas Lights of Oxford Street and Carnaby Street
Each year, the shopping district around Oxford Circus is lit up with beautiful lights to celebrate and illuminate the festive rush for West End gift buying. Most notably, themed light displays are installed on Carnaby Street where previous years have seen underwater dthemed displays, 60s inflatables and giant snowmen. Head down to find out what the theme is this year.
Midnight Mass At Westminster Abbey
One of London’s most famous cathedrals, this Houses of Parliament adjacent landmark is well known for being the royal burial ground for more than 30 monarchs. It’s also famous for its royal weddings, coronations and funerals. For a chance to find out what a Christmas sermon is like here, book tickets for the Christmas Eve midnight mass to enjoy carols by candlelight and one of the most atmospheric Chirsmtas experiences around.
Ice Skating Rinks
London is well known for its historic museums and beautiful architecture. From the South Bank to the museums of South Kensington, the landmarks are especially beautiful in the winter. A great way for guests of hotels near Bond Street and central to enjoy the landmarks of London on a festive trip is through the pop-up ice skating rinks that appear around them. From Somerset House to the Natural History Museum, open air ice skating rinks are a staple of the Christmas scene in London and a lot of fun for friends, families and partners alike.
