Christmas is coming! Signs of the season are popping up all over London. From wreaths to trees, lights to skating rinks, the city’s on the path to its annual Christmas extravaganza. And because London does so much for it, today I bring you A Lady in London’s 5 reasons to love Christmas in London.
Christmas in London
Whether you love carol concerts or ice skating, lights or trees, there’s something in London that will get you excited about Christmas this season.
The UK capital goes all-out for Christmas, and there’s a lot to enjoy from late October to early January. If you’ll be in the city during this time, I hope you’ll love Christmas in London as much as I do.
1. London Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are some the best things about this time of year. The city comes alive every winter with the glow of angels, baubles, and other seasonal specialties. Seeing them is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas.
It’s always fun when the ceremonies to switch on the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street take place.
It’s also great to see Covent Garden’s mistletoe lights hanging in the piazza. Nearby Slingsby Place gets festooned with golden holly each year, too.
Other streets across the city host events to celebrate the switching on of their seasonal lights as well. Regent Street’s lights illuminate the sky all winter, and it’s always a joy to see them shining.
From the Marylebone lights to the Hampstead lights, London’s Christmas lights bring the capital much-needed brightness as the days get shorter.
2. London Christmas Markets and Fairs
The Christmas markets in London are another highlight of the season. South Bank Winter Market is a great one, and the Christmas markets in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square are always delightful.
The annual extravaganza that is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park opens its doors with Christmas markets and carnival fun each year, too. It’s one of the biggest markets in London.
3. London Ice Skating Rinks
Ice skating rinks are some of my favorite things about Christmas in London.
Every year the rink at Somerset House adds a touch of magic to the city. It’s my favorite place to skate under the winter sky.
4. London Christmas Trees
London’s Christmas trees are also highlights of the season. The ones in Covent Garden and at Somerset House are beautiful, and I love the one in Waterloo Place in St James’s, too.
Every year more trees fill London’s streets, squares, and hotels with seasonal cheer. From Trafalgar Square to Somerset House, they’re some of my favorite things about Christmas in London.
5. Shopping for Christmas in London
London has no shortage of places to go Christmas shopping, and I like to let myself be lured into Fortnum & Mason and the food halls at Harrods.
The ambiance puts me in a festive mood, and I always find great gifts for friends and loved ones. They’re some of the best department stores in London at Christmas.
Best of Christmas in London
Above all, I love this time of year for the spirit that fills the air. From the sound of carol concerts to the scent of mulled wine, this is a time when London shines.
If you want to see more of the season, take a look at my London Christmas video or my guide to Christmas events in London.
Have you been in London at Christmastime? What are the highlights of Christmas in London for you?
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23 Comments on Lady’s 5 Reasons to Love Christmas in London
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yes:) London’s amazing in any season but it gets glittery in Christmas season:))
Yeah!
This post gives me serious wanderlust!
I have been to London once, in autumn, and it was incredible.
It is such a beautiful city and I imagine it being ever more beautiful in Christmas time.
I wish I had the money and time to go there right now!
Thanks for this lovely post!
Kisses, Laura
I hope you can come back sometime!
London is just SO beautiful at Christmas – it really does festive cheer right, don’t you think?? I was there for Boxing Day last year and what a rush! xx
Yeah, I love how festive it is at Christmastime.
I really look foward to seeing all the Christmas lights in London this year! They were so beautiful last year.
Yeah! They’re such fun to see each year.
Sadly, this year I won’t be able to visit London druing the Christmas season… I’m really sad about it 🙁
Snif!
Aw, that’s too bad! Hopefully you can come next year.
This looks so magical!
Yeah, London is amazing this time of year.
So many interesting things to do! Flying to London with the family for Christmas in a few weeks and I can’t wait.
That’s great! I hope you have a good time.
I’ve been to London during the holiday season twice now and you are so right. There is just something about the city that brings out the holiday spirit in me. Since I live in the desert, maybe it’s the chill in the air but, I suspect it has more to do with the beautifully sparkling lights everywhere in the city.
Yeah, the lights are amazing here!
I love London at Christmas time! My favourite time of the year ♥
Amy
Nice! I can see why.
I’m arriving in London on Dec 27,2016. How long do holiday decorations remain out? Will I be able to see any of it during the week leading up to New Years?
Most of them will be up through New Year’s Day at least, so you should be able to see them. Have a great trip!
Thanks! I love your website,
It’s been a great help!
London is becoming my favorite Christmastime destination. London has a reputation for being uber expensive, but with all the mad sales, I still consider it the best gift shopping destination – even post ruble-devaluation! I now know to come with a half-empty suitcase 🙂
And the lights are THE BEST
That’s great! I love this time of year in London.