London comes to life in a whole new way during the winter season. During a December visit to London, you’ll want to make sure you put some time aside to enjoy a visit to Winter Wonderland and many of the other Christmas markets and events that the city is home to. Keep reading to discover some of our favourite things to do in London during December.
Winter Wonderland No winter trip to the city is complete without exploring Winter Wonderland. It’s the ideal day or evening out for visitors of all ages, with rides and attractions for kids and families and bars and dining venues that adults will enjoy visiting. Located close to our Oxford Street hotel, we recommend getting here as early as you can in the day if you don’t want to be fighting the crowds. You can book some of the experiences on offer here ahead of time, which will also help you to plan your day and make the most of your time in London.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival Another of the most picturesque spots to spend some time during the festive season is the Southbank. During the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, you’ll find shows, music and choir performances, artwork and events for families and kids. Take time to browse their Winter Market and pop-up stands, where you’ll enjoy tasty food and drinks and the chance to shop for festive gifts and souvenirs. We love this area at sunset and in the evening, as you can admire the lights across the city and enjoy walking outside with your loved ones soaking in the atmosphere.
Borough Market For foodies who are always looking to try new and exciting offerings, we recommend heading to Borough Market during the festive season. While this market is open all year round, it gets a sprinkle of holiday cheer in December and offers extended opening hours later into the evening. You’ll enjoy delicious mulled wine, cheese, bakery items, and Christmas cakes, so it’s ideal for shopping to take some special items home for your Christmas dinner.
Covent Garden Another of the best spots for Christmas shopping is Covent Garden, which combines market stands and traditional retail stores. You’ll find that this area is decorated throughout December and into January and it’s one of the top places for fun Christmas photos with your loved ones. It’s quieter for shopping in the daytime here, but with the lights on at night, you’ll feel the magic of the holiday season during an evening visit.
Are you planning a stay in London this Christmas season? We recommend booking in advance where possible to avoid disappointment. The start of December is a great time for a quieter trip, and most of the festive events and decorations are in full swing at this point. Contact us today for more information about any of our London hotels or take a look through our site for more information and inspiration for your upcoming trip to the city.
