It’s that time of the year again when Michael Bublé starts to defrost, coffee shops start selling gingerbread lattes and it starts getting really chilly outside! And what better time is there to wrap up warm, go out and explore London? I have curated a list of 5 Christmassy things to do in London to put yourself in the festive spirit. All of them fit a student budget so, no worries, they won’t take a toll on your wallet!
1. Look at the Christmas lights in central London
Whether in Covent Garden, Regent Street or Oxford Circus, in central London, Christmas lights and beautiful Christmas trees are absolutely everywhere…and entirely free! So definitely make the most of them! In my opinion, there is nothing better during this time of the year than strolling through the streets of London and soaking up the festive ambiance! There is just this special, heart-warming atmosphere that I can’t quite describe! My personal favourites are the angel decorations on Regent Street.
2. Go ice-skating at the Natural History Museum or Somerset House
Even though you can, in theory, ice skate all year round, there is something really special about ice skating around Christmas-time! And in London, we are spoilt for choice! The two most well-known ice rinks are in front of the Natural History Museum and in the inner courtyard of Somerset House, on the Strand campus. Both are beautifully decorated and have Christmas music playing! However, tickets can be limited and quite pricey, so make sure to book in advance and maybe opt for an off-peak time (which is usually in the morning or afternoon on weekdays) if you want to spend slightly less!
3. Go to a cute Christmas Market
Here, once again, we are spoilt for choice. London has so many different Christmas markets, some of them even themed. My personal favourite is the Christmas market on the South Bank, located near Waterloo Bridge, with its incredibly cute stalls. It has everything you could ever want in a Christmas market: festive food, mulled wine, stalls where you can buy Christmas decorations, and most importantly, Christmas music playing in the background! An absolute dream!
4. Go to a candlelit concert
Every year, numerous venues such as the Barbican Centre, St Paul’s Cathedral, or the Church St-Martin-in-the-Fields offer some candle-lit concerts, which are, in my eyes, the best way to end the day in the winter months. When booked in advance, tickets are relatively affordable. Very highly recommend it!
5. Go see the Walthamstow living advent calendar
This one is slightly off the beaten track but definitely worth considering: the living advent calendar in Walthamstow, near Highgate in North London. It is a charity initiative to raise awareness about loneliness around Christmas-time, which is more common than one might think and can have a major impact on one’s mental health. This living advent calendar is supposed to provide the feeling of community to people in need. Check it out and support the cause!