Over the next few weeks we'll be showcasing the best of the holiday season in cities around the world. Today we're taking you to London, and we've asked local experts for the essential ways to enjoy the winter's best. In London, whether you take in a choir performance at Westminster Abbey or join carolers at Trafalgar Square, visitors and locals alike come together to celebrate the holidays and the New Year. We encourage you to share your own favorites with us as well. Guillaume Couchou-Meillot, Concierge
Sofitel London St. James
- The Christmas Shop is the only shop in London dedicated to Christmas open throughout the year. It offers a variety of Christmas decorations and gifts and is situated inside Hay's Galleria, near London Bridge station.
- From now through January 18, there is a beautiful Christmas fair featuring handmade gifts and food (try the fish and chips) and a very popular ice skating rink (with a separate rink for young children) outside the Natural History Museum.
- Traffic Free West End: On Dec 6th the boutique-lined Regent and Oxford Streets become a pedestrian-only area, ideal for Christmas shopping and feeling the excitement of the season.
- The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree will remain at the square until January 5, 2009. Choral groups perform Christmas carols by the tree, and visitors can join in the singing.
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: Set between Hyde Park Corner and the Serpentine, Winter Wonderland features London's largest outdoor ice rink, a toboggan slide, a traditional German Christmas Market, numerous cafés and bars, and a giant observation wheel offering magnificent views of Hyde Park, a carousel, carol concerts, and a selection of amusement rides to entertain all ages.
Sara Cadavid and Jessica McCormack, Concierge
- A Christmas tradition in East London is the annual Greenwich Christmas Market. Pick up original gifts, enjoy Santa's Grotto, sing Christmas carols, and visit with characters from Greenwich Theatre's Jack and the Beanstalk. While there, stop in at the Queen's House at the Old Royal Naval College. Make Christmas cards and gifts for your friends and take part in baroque dancing.
- Sing carols by candlelight at Canary Wharf (Dec. 16). Enjoy the evening with wine and mince pies in the East Wintergarden starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Beginning December 12 (through the 21st) don't miss the Bankside Winter Festival, located just outside the Tate Modern. This popular festival opens with the Frost Fair's lantern parade on Friday, Dec. 12 (4:30 p.m.). Buy roasted chestnuts from vendors before the parade. Afterward, shop dozens of craft stalls for handmade gifts. On Saturday December 13, there is a celebratory procession of Traditional Thames Cutters carrying Frost Fair flags on the River Thames. The festival features a variety of seasonal food and drinks.
- Make Christmas pomanders (decorating oranges with cloves) at the London Docklands Museum.
- London's top culinary market, Borough Market, will include holiday treats and choir performances. Some of our favorite food stalls include the hot chorizo rolls and Spanish tapas bar at Brindisa, the array of olive oils and other Italian specialties from Danilo Manco, and the homemade breads at Flour Power City Bakery. Go early for a breakfast (try the Orkney kippers) at Roast.
- London is the place to be on New Year's Eve, especially with the annual fireworks celebration over the river Thames. The show starts at 11:50 p.m. and we recommend you get there no later than 9:00 p.m. The best views of the New Year's Eve fireworks are from Victoria Embankment as well as South Bank and the Embankment at Westminster. Waterloo Bridge is also a good viewing spot.
Faruck Valli, Assistant head concierge
- Somerset House is one of the most beautiful settings for an ice rink. The late-night skating sessions under the Christmas tree and with torch-lights all around, are absolutely magical. Children can join the Breakfast at Tiffany's skate.
- Go for a ride at Hyde Park Stables. Children and adults alike can horseback ride on trails in Hyde Park along Serpentine Lake.
- In the East End, on the border of Tower Hill, off Commercial Road, the Indian/Pakistani restaurant Lahore Kebab House has been open for more than 40 years and is famous for its lamb dish. The menu is kept simple and has not changed much over the years. No tourist ventures there but it's packed with locals.
- Visit the classics: Many of the obvious attractions are still the favorites over the holidays including Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, House of Parliament, and Big Ben.
- Take a flight on the London Eye with a glass of warm mulled wine to enjoy the views of the city's skyline.
Do you have your favorite holiday traditions in London? Let us know below!
Photo: Justin Bailey via the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool
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thanks for the info! this is neat.
If we could only choose one thing to do in London at Christmas time, it would be to pay a visit to the Christmas exhibition at the Geffrye Museum on Kingsland Road in Shoreditch.
Every year for the past 19 years, this magical small museum of English interiors has decorated its 12 period rooms in the festive style of the season, providing a wealth of information about the development of English Christmas customs.
We always find it strangely calming, and at the same time inspiring, to observe these past celebrations. We’re transported back in time, theirs and ours, and instead of thinking about what we have to do to get ready for Christmas, we think about England’s Christmas memories and our own.
It’s a rich experience yet admission to the museum is free and we always think how nice it is, particularly at Christmas, to have a warm hearted and authentic experience without having to open one's wallet.
It's so nice that you've published this info, I think that too many London visitors are drawn into the year-round tourist traps when so many of these unique events can be the highlight of any trip. The caroling at Canary Wharf and Christmas specials at Borough Market are two of my favourites.
London is one of my favorite places to be around Christmas time! Last Christmas I took my dog Ralfie to a choir performance at Westminster Abbey. It would one of the best experiences of my life, but I had a bit of an issue finding London Pet Friendly Hotel. It seems like London Hotels are not very conducive to pets which I believe is a real shame! Other than that snafu I had a chance to visit the classics: Many of the obvious attractions are still the favorites over the holidays including Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, House of Parliament, and Big Ben which was a great deal of fun. Traveling to London during the holidays can be a great time, but don't forget your coat!
That is so nice..lot's of information..