London at Christmas: a magical atmosphere

If you've landed on this article, you're probably wondering what it looks like. London over Christmas.

Today, I'm here with you to answer that question.

Here we go!

London at Christmas: article summary

London at Christmas: Harry Potter, a character with a strong Christmas presence

Warner Bros Harry Potter studios are holding special exhibitions during the Christmas period.

Hogwarts in the snow is the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios special event. Before you go, you'll need to reserve your time slot. However, I can assure you that this is the best Harry Potter experience in the world.

The Christmas event is open until January 14, 2024. What to please the little ones as well as fans of the saga.

Visit the city's theaters

What's on in London this year? The Nutcracker (London National Ballet) is at the London Coliseum until January 7, 2024 and Elf the Musical is at the Dominion Theatre until January 6, 2024.

If you want to see a traditional British pantomime, the London Palladium offers a bouquet of huge stars.

Peter Pan is here for Christmas 2023 with Julian Clary and Jennifer Saunders, among others! You can see this play until the second week of January 2024.

This is just a brief overview of some of our most popular activities for Christmas and the New Year.

London at Christmas: enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations

London is lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree early on, and you'll see lights on almost every street in the city.

The lights are normally switched on from the first week of November. In 2023, Oxford Street's Christmas lights began Christmas on November 2.

Some of my favorite places to enjoy the beautiful festive lights and decorations include:

• Covent Garden
• Oxford Street
• Regent Street
• Carnaby Street

Probably the best way to see these lights this year and avoid the crowds would be to book this open-top bus tour. Find out more about London buses, I suggest you read my article on the subject.

End-of-year shopping

London's stores are really bringing out the heavy artillery this Christmas, and you're in for a treat with window-decorating art in stores like :

• John Lewis on Oxford Street
• Fortnum and Mason at Piccadilly
• Harrods in Knightsbridge
• Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge

London at Christmas: enjoy London's magnificent Christmas tree

The tree is an annual gift from Norway to the UK in gratitude for its help during the Second World War.

Covent Garden also boasts a large and impressive Christmas tree, which you must visit once if you want to see it. you're heading to the English capital at the end of the year.

Take a moment to enjoy the outdoor skating rinks

Most of the London ice rinks should be back this year.

The palace of Hampton Court and the Queen's House skating rink in Greenwich are already open. If you're not in this part of town, don't panic! There are plenty of other places where you can find this kind of activity. For example, you can skate at :

• Canary Wharf
• Visit London Eye
• Hyde Park

London at Christmas: discover London's Christmas markets

Borough Market will be open, as will Selfridges' Christmas market, Pexmas in Peckham and Festive Flea in Vinegar Yard.

The Covent Garden market takes place all year round, but it's special at Christmas. Christmas by The River at London Bridge offers exceptional views and over 100 wooden stands.

Leicester Square has a small market, a carousel and a spooky merry-go-round.

Finally, outside the Tate Modern, there's a large market, with lots of food, alcoholic beverages and crafts.

More Christmas activities in London

If you'd like to book a tour of London's most popular Christmas sights, you can. Walking tours and open-top bus cab tours are available. There are also special Christmas cruises and restaurants.

Of course, most of London's attractions and places of interest will be open around Christmas.

Don't forget that very few things will be open in London on Christmas Day, so I recommend booking a hotel with Christmas lunch or dinner included.

What's Christmas Day like in London?

Christmas Day is the quietest day of the year in London, so take the opportunity to stroll through the parks and admire the windows and Christmas lights.

There's something special about being in London at Christmas time, but Christmas Day itself in the city is a unique experience.

The annual Serpentine swim in Hyde Park on Christmas Day is well worth a visit if you're out and about at 9am.

Do museums open on Christmas Day?

No, most, if not all, of London's museums close on Christmas Day.

According to its website, the Natural History Museum does not open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Visit British Museum does not offer tickets during the Christmas period on December 24, 25 and 26.

London is home to dozens of museums, some of which are open on Christmas Day. major museums close for the vacations.

London at Christmas: what to expect on the public transport front

Visit getting around London is difficult at Christmas, London's public transport system is excellent, cheap and efficient, but Christmas is the worst time to experience it.

The huge crowds of customers make life very difficult during most of the Christmas school vacations and every weekend.

Don't forget that there is generally no metroThis means that there is no air or bus service on Christmas Day in central London, and that service is reduced over the vacation period.

London at Christmas time is a magical time to experience and share with your loved ones. By following my advice, you'll be able to spend an exceptional festive season in the English capital.

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