London is magical at Christmas.
The city streets sparkle with thousands of Christmas lights.
Famous department stores create elaborate holiday-themed window displays, and Christmas markets spring up all over the city.
Today, I'd like to take you on a tour of this unique atmosphere.
London Christmas: article summary
London Christmas: visit one of the Christmas markets
In November, Christmas markets in central London. Here you can find :
- Christmas gifts
- Christmas decorations
- Clothes
- Street food
Trafalgar Square market
Located on the terrace in front of the National Gallery, this little market was one of my favorites in London.
What I love most about Christmas in Trafalgar Square is the setting. The view over Trafalgar Square and Whitehall to Big Ben and Parliament is incredible.
Here you can find Christmas decorations, hats and gloves, various types of street food and unique gift ideas for friends and family.
Southbank market
A few steps from the London EyeOn the banks of the Thames is the Southbank Centre Christmas Market.
This is one of London's smallest Christmas markets, and it only takes a few minutes to stroll around. in front of the few stores it houses.
This market is more about food and drink than buying gifts and souvenirs.
If you're planning a trip on the London Eye, it's well worth a quick browse through this market, to try some new dishes or to see what's on offer. warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot cider.
Leicester Square Market
This ephemeral market in Leicester Square is simply magnificent. It's small, it's beautifully decorated and every year there are unique stores you won't find anywhere else.
London Christmas: shopping in department stores
In December, many large London stores have elaborate window displays and decorations.
Harrod's
Harrod's is London's premier department store. Seven floors brimming with luxury goods to buy from all over the world.
They even offer a tea room. Harrod's is located in Knightsbridge on Brompton Road.
Selfridges
Selfridges is an upmarket department store located on Oxford Street.
This store is famous for its creative window displays, so much so that they were photographed and featured in :
- Vogue
- Icon
- Harper's Bazaar
- New York Times.
In December, the windows take on a Christmas theme.
Hamley's
Hamley's is London's largest toy store.
If you visit London with childrendon't miss this colourful and somewhat chaotic during the holiday season. It is located on Regent Street.
See the tree in Trafalgar Square
Every year, Norway presents Great Britain with a tree, a tradition that has lasted since 1947.
This tradition began just after the Second World War. Norway donated the tree to London in gratitude for British support during the war.
The lighting ceremony takes place on the first Thursday in December. It's a popular event to attend.
The tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style, with lights running from the top to the bottom of the tree.
London Christmas: dinner in an igloo
One of the unique things to do in London at Christmas is to dine in an igloo. It's much cozier than it sounds.
These small glass rooms are well heated and feature blankets, just in case you're still a little cold.
There are several places in the city where you can do this.
This is particularly true of the Aviary Rooftop restaurant, located atop the Montcalm Royal House hotel.
Other restaurants of this type can be found all over London. You'll find this type of attraction :
- At the Skylight Tobacco Dock
- At Jimmy's Lodge
- At the Alpine Club.
London at Christmas: visit the gingerbread city
It's another unique thing to do in London this Christmas. The exhibition features an enticing and whimsical village made entirely of gingerbread.
Over 100 architects, designers, artists and engineers work together to create an urban Christmas village of gingerbread, icing and candy.
Each year features a different theme. A visit to Gingerbread Town is a snap, taking about half an hour or less.
Now you know what to do this Christmas in London. Of course, you can also enjoy many other activities and unique experiences once you're here. What to do the perfect Christmas vacation.
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