WHAT TO DO IN LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS

‘TIS THE SEASON

What To Do This Christmas In London

I always look forward to December, work starts to ease down a little, festive traditions start rolling out from the 1st, industry events fill my diary and generally the month just feels magical. Theres nothing like fairy lights, Christmas decorations and national good cheer to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step … even if brexit is trying to bring us all down. I’ve mentioned my Christmas traditions many times before on the blog, and always share my festivities with you on here and on the gram, and this years no different. I love living in London, but never more than at Christmas time. The city is awash with Christmas joy and every street is just enchanting, we didn’t quite get last years beautiful snow this time around, but one things for sure, this years rain isn’t stopping me from doing my annual tour of all Londons best Christmas sights, and I hope it won’t stop you either.

So without further ado, my top list of what to do this Christmas in London.

FIVE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS

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THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Skating, Lights & Kensington

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The Natural History Museum is a must for any trip to London in my eyes, even if it’s just a walk past and stroll into Kensington. The building itself is just stunning and never more so than at Christmas when the trees are lit up with fairy lights, the big tree takes pride of place in the  grounds and festive skaters circle around on the skating rink outside. It’s also the perfect spot to start your festive tour of London, being just a short stroll from Chelsea and Knightsbridge.

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

New Bond Street, Harrods & Fortnums 

Christmas shopping fills me with dread, not least because i’m never organised with it, but if there’s one thing that makes it better its the beautiful stores that put on a great show at this time of year. Whilst weekends can be absolute madness, it wouldn’t be Christmas without my festive trip to Harrods and Fortnums. Both stores are beautiful at this time of year and they’re the perfect place to pick up a few luxury treats, incredible festive hampers and spenny Christmas decorations to gift on the big day itself – and any trip to Fortnum’s is a great excuse to visit the ground floor wine bar for some oysters and fizz.

Another street which is obviously heavenly come Christmas is New Bond Street, Regents Street, Oxford Street & Carnaby Street obviously pull in the crowds but the decorations are so so in reality, but ditch the main road for New Bond Street and Burlington Arcade and the whole street is adorned with beautifully decorated luxury stores. Window shopping has never been prettier (and any instagrammers will love it).

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KEW LIGHTS

Mulled Wine & A Festive Light Display

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It would be amiss of me not to add on my local favourite, Kew Lights. I live in Kew so am lucky enough to visit the gardens a lot, but at Christmas they attract a whole load more people because of the beautiful light show they put on. I didn’t get a chance to go this year, but last year it was such a lovely thing to do in the evening. We had mulled wine and bratwursts on our walk around and the finale is worth it alone.

Of course Winter Wonderland is another big attraction in London and whilst I do tend to go every year with friends or work, Kew Gardens is a much more chilled out and sophisticated take on the Christmas night out.

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SOMERSET HOUSE

Fortnums Pop Up & Ice Skating 

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One of my favourite Christmas spots is of course Somerset House, just like the Natural History museum it’s beautiful all year around, but with the skating rink, Fortnums annual tree and the festive pop up shop it’s one of my favourite spots at this time of year. You can easily spend a couple of hours there, skating, soaking up the festivities, picking up some trinkets at Fortnum’s festive store & of course finishing the evening off with dinner and drinks in the restaurant there. It’s also a lovely date night idea for the festive season.

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FESTIVE COCKTAILS & FOOD

Sketch, Annabels, The Ivy Chelsea, Bluebird

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And on the topic of food and drinks, it wouldn’t be Christmas without over indulging in your favourite festive food right? And where better to do it at Christmas time than at the best decorated restaurants in town. So for those instagram ‘hot spot’ chasers or simply those of us that love nothing better than an over decorated Christmas vibe, then Sketch, Annabel’s, The Ivy Chelsea Garden, Bluebirds and The Ritz are all top of my list for a festive drink post Christmas shopping or a celebratory dinner with friends.

Et Voila, a few of my favourite things to do in London at Christmas time. All of which can be squeezed into a fun festive weekend before Christmas if you’ve been organised and got your shopping done in time that is. As for me, the mad Christmas shop is happening … here’s hoping I make last delivery.