Christmas in London 2021

It is the most wonderful time of year and I firmly believe you can not listen to Michael Bublé songs.  Even though the sun sets before 4pm Christmas in London really is magical.  As there are so many thing to do I have rounded up a list of my favorites.  Many of these I’ve been to (this year already or in the past? Those images are all mine and Where I haven’t, k have sourced in the photos). In no particular order, here we go:

1 |  Visiting Christmas at Kew  This is first as I visited last night (did you see my reel) and it was a wonderful evening. The famed London garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, turns into an after-dark masterpiece every holiday season with a magical Christmas lights trail. Even though it opened mid November Christmas at Kew is on until January 9th (every day from 4ppm to 10pm) and tickets start at £22 – a bit pricey but worth it!

2 |  Seeing the Annabelle Decorations  This private members’ club is worth a visit even if you can not go inside. It’s in Mayfair on Berkeley Square and they update their decorations many times a year but this season, it is a real life gingerbread house in partnership with Swarovski and I can not wait to visit! (Image via the Fairy Musings)

3 |  Visions of Sugar Plums at the Nutcracker – There are many theaters showing the famed Tchaikovsky’s classic this season but the  The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House has to be the pinnacle.  I am trying to find a showing that works for Mark and I to get tickets but thankfully the ballet is being performed through January 8th. (Image via the Royal Opera House)

4 |  Selfridges Christmas Market  You may recall that I visited the Christmas Market on the Mews last year (you can read the post here) and this adorable set up right behind the Oxford Street department store brings Christmas magic right to the heart of London.  This year the tickets are complementary but have to be booked ahead and the fairground rides, vendor stalls and street food will be right at your finger tips.

5 |  Ice Skating at Natural History Museum   This ice rink on the side of theNatural History Museum has been a staple and i am sure one of the most photographed Christmas events in London but after 16 years, this is the final year!  When I heard this I immediately booked tickets and Mark and I will be going skating December 22nd, yay! If you have not booked yet for this final year the rink is open through January 16th. (Image via Visit London)

6 |  Watch a Holiday Movie At both the Battersea Arts Centre and the Kensington Palace the Luna Winter Cinema is showing Christmas classics Elf, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually in their two indoor cinemas. Movies are showing through December 23rd and tickets on their website start at £15 . (Image via Time Out)

7 |  See the Angles on Regent Street   One of the most iconic things to do during Christmas in London is to see the glittering angels on Regent Street. It is formally called The Spirits of Christmas but whatever the name these 300,000 Christmas lights truly do glow and bring the Christmas spirit alive.  While they are free to see, guard your wallet as the street is lined with amazing shops on both sides!

8 |  Eat in an Igloo  Most Londoners love outdoor dining (and drinking) including me.  In order to dine outside this time of year though you need something special.  I have not had the chance to go yet but Coppa Club has five locations and eating in one of their Tower Bridge igloos – hello views – is on my bucket list.  You can see more about their Laurent-Perrier partnership, pink and green decor, and more on their website! (Image via Coppa Instagram)

9 | Take in the Covent Garden Christmas Decorations   Covent Garden is one of my favorite spots in London any time of year.  The building is gorgeous, the shops inside are quaint, and there are hidden gems around every corner. As an added bonus the entire area has now been transformed into a Christmas Village and it is worth going to see the 55 foot tall Christmas tree and the hundreds of ornaments that literally deck the halls.  It was grey and rainy when I visited two weeks ago but even so, I think you will get an idea with the photos below!

11 |  Enjoying Winter Wonderland  Winter Wonderland is back and the Christmas amusement park has everything from live music and parades to ice skating and  100 traditional Christmas markets.  Off peak tickets (mainly weekday mornings) are free and weekend events go up to £7.50 per adult but you must book ahead – it is open until  January 3rd. (Image via Winter Wonderland Instagram)

10 |  Shop and Admire at Liberty of London   While not as large as some of the other department stores on Oxford Street Liberty of London with its’ Tudor style building and history which dates back to the 1870’s is gorgeous any time of year.  During Christmas though the store is transformed and this year the theme  is Chosen With Love, Stamped With Magic. Take a walk around with high-end fashion and luxury homeware as you will find decorations around every corner but don’t miss the hot air balloon! (Image via Liberty of London Instagram)

12 |  Ice Skating at Somerset House – Natural History is on my list but another ice skating option is Somerset House, often the home of London Fashion Week. This year in the courtyard of this 17th Tudor palace there is a 40-foot Christmas tree and the rink will be open until January 16th where tickets for adults are £11 and include rental skates. (Image via the Londonist)

13 |  Butterflies on Carnaby Street –  One of the best shopping destinations in London, Carnaby Street, now has 600+ illuminated 2D and 3D butterflies arching over all six blocks.  The butterflies are all hand decorated and the combination of the reflective wings and bright colors make it an Insta worthy (and free) spot!

14 |  Curling at Coal Drops   I personally have never been curling but if I was to give the wintery sport a try this is where I would go.  There is a small pop up rink in the the middle of the Coal Drops Yard shopping center located just behind Coal Drop Yards and is offering 45-minute slots .  Even if you find it is not your think it is only £5 per ticket and it is open until December 30th but you must pre-book online. (Image via Travel Coal Drop Yards)

15 |  Drinking at a Rooftop Bar – There are so many options this season to book a table at one of London’s pop-up winter rooftop bars. Last month I went to the opening night London Bridge Rooftops’s winter pop-up and it was great to have an Aperol Spritz on a heated rooftop in near freezing temperatures. Talk about a great combination off seasonal cheer and magnificent views – drinks are fairly reasonable but like most things this season, table bookings are essential.

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What is your favorite Christmas in London idea?