The Most Wonderful Time of the Year -10 Christmas Activities in London

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 10 Christmas Activities in London

Nowhere does Christmas quite like London! The moment Halloween is over, the capital is transformed into a wintery wonderland, decorated with glittery lights, festive pop-ups and markets around every corner. Which is why, we have put together 10 Christmas activities in London to make your winter magical.

All activities below are either moments from our hotel doors or just an train ride away!

Christmas Lights

London boasts some of the country’s most dazzling Christmas displays, and admiring them is just one way to get into the festive spirit. From the twinkling lights of Oxford Street, to the beautiful decorations that illuminate Covent Garden, you’ll be blown away with the sparkling array of Christmas lights that embellish the capital.

Close by however, is the ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ for both Motcomb and Elizabeth Street, two of our favourite streets in London! Visitors can expect a roaming steel band, Christmas carols, as well as delicious mulled wine or a warming hot chocolate. The dates are yet to be confirmed, but be sure to keep an eye out, as it is an evening not to be missed.

Photo credit: @oxfordstreetw1

Christmas Shopping

Christmas shopping is a dreamlike experience. Whether you like to get your shopping done early or you leave it till the last minute, the streets of London will be jam-packed with festive gifts, twinkling Christmas lights and picture-perfect window displays in the run-up to the big day.

Our charm, is that we’re only a stone’s throw away from the luxury destination of Knightsbridge, home to the world-famous department store – Harrods, sparkling with more than 12,000 light bulbs, and the lavish department store Harvey Nichols. We’ll even help you with all those gift bags!

Photo Credit: Chris Dorney at Adobe Stock

Winter Wonderland

The ultimate Christmas destination in London!

Soon Hyde Park will be lit with fairy lights, and filled to the brim with Londoners and visitors alike. If you’ve never been before, this place has everything you can dream of… With humble beginnings as an open-air Christmas market, Winter Wonderland has since grown into an extravaganza with ice-skating, roller-coaster rides, street-food stalls, festive bars and live music and shows. For 16 years, it has been spreading the Christmas spirit throughout London, and this year won’t be any different.

Usually beginning mid-November, be sure to come back for the 2022 dates.

Photo Credit: Winter Wonderland

Christmas Carols

Who doesn’t love a Christmas Carol? You can enjoy traditional music recitals with a seasonal twist, be entertained by star performers at festive concerts, or sing along to classic carols in beautiful cathedrals. Either way, attending one of the many heart-warming live events in London with your loved ones is the perfect way to spend some quality time together.

And if you’re looking for somewhere local, St Paul’s – one of the most beautiful churches, in the heart of Belgravia – hosts an annual Foundation Carol Service. Guests can expect breath-taking music, festive readings, chilled Champagne and warm mulled wine.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 2022 dates!

Photo Credit: St Paul’s Knightsbridge

Hogwarts in The Snow

Harry Potter is synonymous with Christmas.

This year, 2022 will conclude with the return of the Yule Ball as the Great Hall is transformed with the icy silvers of the iconic Yule Ball scene. The Gryffindor common room will be dressed for the season and a blanket of filmmaking snow will cover the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and the magnificent Hogwarts castle model.

Available from Saturday 12th November – Thursday 15th January 20223.

Christmas Markets

One of the many delights of Christmas are the Christmas Markets, and London has plenty of them! Whether you go for the heart-warming food stalls, the festive atmosphere, or the artisan gifts, a Christmas market is a must-do activity each year. Imagine a mulled wine (or cider) in one hand, a mince pie in the other, listening to joyous carols as you buy presents for your loved-ones. It doesn’t get much merrier than that!

What’s more, Belgravia has its very own Christmas Market. Pimlico Road and the newly refurbished Elizabeth Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland as the unique boutiques, bars and restaurants celebrate the festive season. So, make sure to take pay them a visit this year!

Dates TBC.

Photo Credit: @Belgravia_ldn

Christmas Shows

London theatres are back to their best, ready for this year’s Christmas performances and we couldn’t be more excited! Whether you’re looking for a traditional pantomime, a dazzling night at the circus, or an enchanting ballet performance, there is something for everyone.

One of our favourites is The Nutcracker, performed at one of London’s most iconic buildings – the Royal Albert Hall. This captivating production, featuring Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, is the quintessential Christmas treat for all the family. What makes it so special, is that it was created exclusively for the Royal Albert Hall, with gorgeous period costumes, stunning lighting, and dazzling projections.

Available from Wednesday 28 – Saturday 31 December 2022

Photo Credit: Royal Albert Hall

Ice-Skating

Experience the thrill of ice-skating at one of London’s magical ice rinks this winter. You can skate surrounded by sparkling fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees, and cabins serving heart-warming beverages with the whole family (even if you’re like Bambi on ice!).

Sadly, The Natural History Museum’s iconic ice rink is no more. However you can choose to glide at one of London’s most picturesque locations – Somerset House. Spin around the neoclassical courtyard with views of a giant Christmas tree, surrounded by music from DJ soundtracks. Afterwards, warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat, or sip on a cocktail or two in the Moët & Chandon Skate Lounge.

Dates TBC (Nov-Jan)

Photo Credit: SomersetHouse.org

Winter Shire Horse Carriage Rides

Enjoy 75-minutes of pure Christmas magic, with a horse drawn carriage ride through Richmond Park.

Head to Holly Lodge, where you’ll be greeted with slow gin and mince pies, before taking your place in the carriage drawn by 6 majestic Shire Horses. As you trot around the park in all it’s winter glory, let your senses go to work. Enjoy the sounds of hoofs and bells, feel the warmth snuggled under a blanket, and watch the wildlife in their natural habitat. (If you’re lucky, you may even get to experience some snow!). What’s more, you’ll also be treated to a unique behind-the-scenes visit of the working stables. An experience not to be missed!

Dates TBC.

Photo Credit: Royal Parks

'From The Top' at Harvey Nichols

Discover a host of festive drinks and live music at the Fifth Floor Bar of Harvey Nichols!

Overlooking the majestic Knightsbridge skyline, the Fifth Floor Bar provides the perfect setting for a shopping pit-stop or special occasion with work colleagues, family or friends. What’s more, the bar introduces a new cocktail each month. Last December being ‘One Time in Jaliscoo’ a delightful mix of mix of Maestro Dobel tequila, Prucia liqueur with zesty lime juice and pistachio syrup.

Keep an eye on their schedule HERE – New dates and cocktail TBC.

A Stay at The Hari

Christmas in London isn’t complete without an overnight stay at The Hari. You will be greeted with a beautiful window display, making you feel festive from the moment you arrive. You can indulge in festive cocktails on our Winter Terrace, or Christmas treats in our Italian restaurant il Pampero, before heading out to explore the wonders that Christmas in London has to offer.

And best of all, the hotel is located in the heart of Belgravia, nearby some of the greatest attractions and shopping destinations, including Winter Wonderland, the Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods to name a few! Just click the button below to book your stay

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