hyde park

It’s the most beautiful and magical time of the year; winter has already set in, and people are gearing up for Christmas celebrations. In this article, we have covered the Top 10 Things to Do in Winter/Christmas in London in 2016. The city is magnificently decked out for Christmas and other winter events. London is the place to be to check out the spectacular Christmas lights. All the famous streets of London are transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period.

Many events are lined up as the city has geared up for the colder weather. So, if you want to spend your winter and Christmas time in London, we provide a helpful guide to some of the best events and places to go. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in winter in London.

1. Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park hosts a massive winter event like every year. This is the 10^th year in 2016. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to experience the best Christmas Spirit in London. This one is on most people?s winter hit lists. This year, Winter Wonderland runs from November 18 2016 – until January 2 2017. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free. However, Tickets for Ice Skating, The Giant Wheel, Magical Ice Kingdom and other shows could be booked in advance. Activities like Ice Skating, a Ferris wheel, a Fairground ride, and stalls and stands brimming with sweets and toys make Winter Wonderland a real treat for kids.

Source: Flickr Winter Wonderland- Hyde Park

2. Go Christmas Shopping

Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s time to shop for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you plan to shop early or like to make it till the last minute, you’ll find everything you need in these stores. If you are looking for original and interesting gifting ideas, pretty baubles and spectacular decorations, then shop till you drop at the very famous Harrods (For Decadent Decoration), Selfridges (for Stylish stocking fillers), Fortnum & Mason (for luxury food hampers), The Conran Shop( for designer home trimmings). Also, do not forget to visit London’s Christmas market and fairs. A few of the best annual Christmas markets are at The Leicester Square, the South Bank Centre Christmas Market, and The Swedish Church Christmas Fair.

Source: Flickr Christmas Shopping at Harrods

3. Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree

This 20 Metres high tree is stunningly decorated every year at the very famous Trafalgar Square. Norway gifted it to London in 1947, and ever since then, this place has attracted tourists. The glistening Christmas tree gifted every year by Oslo, Norway, is a focal point of Christmas in London. Carol Services are held throughout the month around the tree, go check out this beautiful place on one of your beautiful winter evenings in London.

Source: Flickr

4. Ice Skating

A trip to an Ice rink is a must-do for every Londoner and tourist during winter. Pretty Christmas trees and lights set to the backdrop make it quite a view. So head on and twirl around with your pair of skates at some of the best Ice skating rinks in London.

Locations: Broad Gate Ice Rink, Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Somerset House Ice Rink (18th Century Courtyard Ice Rink), Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, and Hyde Park- Winter Wonderland.

Source: Flickr Ice Skating Rink at Somerset House

5. London Illustration Fair

This year, 2016, marks the fourth anniversary of this fair. It? is a three-day illustration extravaganza. Over 65 designers, illustrators and publishers will showcase their work/art. The fair also will host a programme of workshops, talks, Live DJs and a Bar.

Dates: From 1 December 2016 to 4^th December 2016.

Address: Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London, SE1 9PH.

6. The Chocolate Festival

You simply cannot miss this event, as it’s a delight for chocolate lovers. This event hosts an array of chocolatiers and artisan delights, demonstrations, tastings and conversations. Also, there will be a Choco/ Cocoa Spa where the guests can try some cocoa beauty treatments and a health zone where guests will be provided information about the health benefits of chocolate. You also can pick up goodies for Christmas from their Chocolate market. So you know where to go if you are a Chocoholic.

Dates: From 1 December 2016 to 4 December 2016.

Address: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N10QH.

7. Dazzling London Christmas Lights

The Capital’s streets are beautifully lit every year. Christmas lights shimmer in the skies. Plan an evening to gaze upon the glittering London streets. You can spend your evenings just strolling around and watching the lights glitter. Visit these twinkling streets of Oxford, Carnaby, Covent Garden Illuminations, Bond Street, Regent Street, Duke of York Square, and South Bank.

Source?: Flickr Regent Street, London

8. Geffrye Museum:

This is a great place to discover and learn how X-Mas was celebrated in English middle-class homes in the past, around 400 years ago. The living room is authentically decorated. The rooms of the museum are transformed for Christmas using lighting, greenery, and music. Discover the origins and meaning of Christmas traditions such as sending cards, tree decorating, hanging stockings, and Christmas lunch, to name a few. You may also pick up gifts and decorations for Christmas at the Museum shop.

Address: 136, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA

9. Go on a Haunted Pub Tour

This one sounds a little weird to be mentioned in this list since Halloween is over, and we are talking about the haunted tour again, but yes, why not do something different and spooky this winter? Go along with a group of friends to explore all the ghostly things. This tour is conducted by London Walking Tours, and it includes a visit to three haunted historic pubs, which are kind of dark and Quirky. The tour happens only on selected Wednesdays at 7 pm.

Starting Point: Temple Station (watch out for boards and balloons)

Finishing Point: Fleet Street.

10. Christmas at Kew

This famous Royal Botanical Garden is lit up with more than 60,000 lights. Get your family and friends along and follow the long illuminated trail around the gardens. Sing along to the classic Christmas Tunes with Karaoke, admire the crystal flowers and colour-changing reed, enjoy a ride on the Victorian Carousel, and Pass through the shimmering tunnel of dancing lights. Also, delicious Christmas treats and warming winter drinks could be enjoyed, which will lift your festive spirit.

Dates: From 23 November 2016 to 2 January 2017. Between 5 pm to 10 Pm.

Address: Kew, Richmond, TW9 3 AB.

In case you have missed visiting Kew Gardens during Christmas, you can always visit Kew 365 days a year. Check out our Kew with us.

BOOK KEW GARDEN ADMISSION TICKETS

And lastly, If you wish to witness the spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the London Eye, then book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Eat and Drink merry and catch the best of London this winter with our list of best events.