The Holiday’s are a special time of year for nearly everyone. We all love counting down the days, dreaming of snow, and looking at the beautiful lights hung in this joyous season. I had an awesome time in London during this beautiful time of the year and what I can honestly say is that London is a magical and fantastic place to visit during Christmas and new year time. If you’re looking for things to do in London for the holidays, here are some fun and festive things you can do this season.
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Things To Do in London during Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Visit Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park is transformed from ordinary to extraordinary during the Winter Wonderland exhibit. Best of all, it is free to enter, so you can check it out and enjoy the atmosphere with nothing out of pocket.
You will need tickets for the ice rink, shows, or events such as the ice sculpting class however. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a wonderful way to kick off your London visit.
Explore London’s beautiful Christmas Market by The River
Enjoy London’s twinkling skyline as you stroll along a stretch of pop-up booths by the river. You never know what you may find as you peruse shops, try new foods, or learn new things through the Market’s many workshops. What ever you are looking for, it will probably be here at the Christmas Market.
Enjoy the Sparkling Christmas Light at Kew Garden
Light artists from around the world have gathered to produce the incredible light displays at Kew Garden. These include everything from benches that gradually change colours, to a fully lit oak tree detailing every branch. Experience pure magic with a walk through the mesmerizing lights of Kew Garden.
Visit Hogwarts in the Snow
Something I really wanted to do on my visit last year but I did not have the chance was visit Hogwarts. This is one of the popular attractions in UK and if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will absolutely love it. During the holiday time this place will be transformed into a christmas setting decorated with christmas trees and snow. To complete your festive experience, there will be a christmas dinner in Hogwarts Great Hall that you can attend. Just make sure to book the ticket earlier because it gets sold out pretty quick during this festive time.
Enjoy The Beautiful Decoration and Light at London city
When holiday time is coming, this city is full of beautiful, sparkly and glowing lights and the decoration is everywhere. The best of it, is you can enjoy them anytime for free. If you enjoy those beautiful Christmas lights, I recommend to check out some places in London such as Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden. You can also book a Christmas light tour from Viator to fully enjoy the experience.
Hunting for Christmas Traditional food
It’s not just gifts and festive decorations that make a perfect Christmas. Food is an important part of our holiday celebrations as well! M&S have the top rated turkey and fizz according to tests conducted by Good Housekeeping magazine, and Harrods is well known for its luxury Christmas food collections. There’s nothing like food that brings people together, so add these two locations to your Holiday plans for the perfect Christmas.
Skating at Somerset House
Ice skating is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas, and what better place than the beautiful and historical Somerset house? This palace was originally constructed for the Duke of Somerset, and can now be enjoyed today by everyone.
Tickets:
- Adult : From £11.00
- Child (12 yrs – Below) : From £8.50
Check out more info here
Join a New Year’s Eve Cruise and Enjoy the Fireworks from the Cruise
If you’re in town for the New Year, why not ring it in with style on a cruise ship? Watch a spectacular firework display, along with an equally spectacular meal. You can browse and book your new year’s eve cruise through Viator.
Count Down and Enjoy Fireworks at The London Eye
Enjoy the most popular paid tourist attraction in all the UK by celebrating the new year at The London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel will give you a spectacular view of the fireworks.
During the new year time, the road mostly will be closed so in order to enter the place, you need to have a ticket (you can book here). It costs £10 and you can choose your viewing area (Blue, Red, Pink, Green, White and Orange). you can check the map of the the accessible viewing areas and location here.
I suggest to book the ticket as early as possible if you are planning to experience new year’s eve firework and count down at the London Eye because this is such a huge celebration and the tickets are always selling out very fast.
If you miss your chance and are not able to get a ticket, you can check out an alternative options. Previously I did not manage to get the ticket so I booked another package instead. you can check here. There are so many packages to choose and it normally comes in bundle with new year’s eve fireworks ticket and dinner as well.
Book a Special NYE Party at The Shard
Formally known as London Tower, the Shard is a spectacularly designed building that stands out in London. It’s the tallest building in the UK, and a wonderful place to eat and party as the new year begins.
Shop the January Sale
After the New Year comes the wonderful post Christmas sales along with it. Shops with many discounted prices available, and delight in the many options available to you.
My Thoughts
London is undoubtedly a beautiful place and there will always be something special and exciting about London during the holiday time. There are lots of fun things to do in London for the holidays that definitely keep you happy. If you are coming to London for this Christmas and New Year, I hope this post gives you some ideas for your trip planning.
What are your favourite things to do in London during Christmas and New Year? If you have any other suggestions for things to do in London during Christmas and New Year, Please let me know in the comments below 😀
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XOXO
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Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂
Elvira
Thank you so much for your support!
Kadie
Wow! Hogwarts in the snow looks so beautiful! I am a Harry Potter fan and that would be so amazing to see! There is just something about anything Harry Potter in the winter that is so magical! All your pictures are so beautiful. I want to visit London so bad.
Elvira
Omg high five, Kadie! I am Harry Potter fan as well and totally agree with you that it is just so magical to see Harry Potter in the winter. Thank you for your compliment. London is a beautiful place and I’m sure you will love it 🙂