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. After last year’s somewhat quieter Christmas, you can expect London to be filled with more festivities than ever before. 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 15 years, it has been spreading the Christmas spirit throughout London, and this year won’t be any different.

Available from Friday 19^th November – Monday 3^rd January 2022.

(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 – is hosting the 2021 Foundation Carol Service. Guests can expect breath-taking music, festive readings, chilled Champagne and warm mulled wine, organised by a committee headed by Joel Cadbury, Xander Armstrong, Sahar Faber and James Wilcox.

The 2021 Foundation Carol Service is taking place on Tuesday 7th December 2021 at 6.30pm.

(Photo Credit: St Paul’s Knightsbridge)

Hogwarts in The Snow

Harry Potter is synonymous with Christmas.

Imagine the enchanting Great Hall dressed for the occasion with wreaths, garlands and trees topped with witches on broomsticks. The long dining tables will be dressed for a seasonal feast, complete with SFX flaming Christmas puddings. However, this year is extra special. For the very first time, the trees and woodland in the Forbidden Forest will undergo a wintery transformation, draped in layers of film-making snow. Whether you love the movies or not, you’ll be amazed by the festive decorations.

Available from Saturday 13th November – Sunday 16th January 2022.

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 Tuesday 28^th – Friday 31^st December 2021

(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!).

Luckily, there is no shortage of ice rinks in London, but if we were you, we’d head to the Natural History Museum. After an incredible 16 years, this will be the final year of skating against the backdrop of the beautiful Waterhouse building. The museum will be transforming their five-acre gardens into a hub for urban wildlife, as part of a national campaign to encourage people to help nature on their doorsteps. You’ll miss it once it’s gone!

Available from Friday 22nd October – Sunday 16th January 2022

(Photo Credit: Natural History Museum)

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!

Available from Saturday 27^th Nov 2021 until Sunday 2^nd Jan 2022

(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, December’s being ‘One Time in Jaliscoo’ a delightful mix of mix of Maestro Dobel tequila, Prucia liqueur with zesty lime juice and pistachio syrup.

Find out their exciting live music schedule HERE.

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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