The LYBL List of the Best Festive Activities in London

The “turning on the Christmas lights” ceremonies start in early Dec and kick off a season of gorgeous light and window displays all around the West End and Covent Garden.
Note: Covent Garden is my top pick for Dec to Jan in London. Just head to the Piazza near the Christmas tree, and you’ll see what I mean.

New Bond Street looks ideally like a picture-perfect Christmas movie set; snow often makes an appearance, and a whimsical and delightful spirit takes over central London and has us feeling like big kids again, reaching for creature comforts like hot chocolate and mince pies.

Many festive events are happening from December to January to get us in a celebratory and child-like mood. Here’s our Live Your Best Life list of a few great activities to check out in the spirit of the festive season.

ICE SKATING

You can go Ice skating with your family or loved ones at the following places:

(1) Somerset House
Moët & Chandon Skating at Somerset House is back! And it promises to be thrilling and spectacular this season.
Venue: Somerset House, Strand, London, Uk WC2R 1LA
IG: @somersethouse

(2) Glide At Battersea Power Station
Create beautiful picture memories as you experience exceptional views of the Thames and skate around three interconnecting rinks decorated with sparkling lights and a fascinating 30ft Christmas tree.
Website: https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/
IG: @glideatbps

(3) Queen’s House
The Queen’s House Ice Rink is an awe-striking outdoor ice rink in the heart of Greenwich. The rink is open till 8th January. Have fun!
Website: https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/attractions/queens-house-ice-rink
IG: @royalmuseamsgreenwich

(4) Hampton Court Palace
Create beautiful memories and bonds with family as you skate under the stars in this magnificent view of the Tudor palace. Open till 8th January.
Venue: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, Slough, UK KT8 9AU
Website: https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/
IG: @palaceicerink

(5) Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Skate beneath Canary Wharfs Twinkling skyline and treat yourself to one of London’s most captivating winter experiences. Open till 25th February.
Venue: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London
Website: https://icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk/
IG: @icerinkcanarywharf

(6) Beaverbrook
It will be exciting moments of experiencing real ice on “The Lawn at The House’ for the winter season. Effective from 1st December 2022 to 31st January 2023. Go with your family and experience gliding on natural ice while listening to melodies and indulging in festive treats from winter stalls.
Venue: Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX
Website: https://www.beaverbrook.co.uk
Phone No: +44 (0)1372 571300
IG: @beaverbrook

(7) The Grove Hotel
If you would love to experience a country hotel outside London with winter ice skating, visit The Grove Hotel. The Grove Hotel is affixed to Idaho Central Arena – the Northwest’s premier sporting and event arena. Highlighting bowl seating for 5,400 people, entertainment suites, and additional seating on the arena floor, this venue hosts Boise’s top concerts, sporting events, ice shows, and more.
Venue: 245 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://www.grovehotelboise.com/
Phone No: (208) 333-8000
IG: @groovehotelboise

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

(1) Carnaby Street
Immerse yourself in the beauty of a pinky light exhibited from a series of lightboxes in Carnaby Street; each box contains heartwarming words of love, inspiration, and oneness.
IG: @carnabylondon

(2) Oxford Street
The festive switch-on is a great event that officially marks the beginning of the festive season in the capital’s calendar. And this year’s Christmas light display has been switched on! However, it will illuminate Oxford Street for limited hours [3pm-11pm] this year because of the ongoing energy crisis.
IG: @oxfordstreetw1

(3) Regent Street
Christmas is when Regent Street truly illuminates! The Christmas lights and theme on Regent Street never disappoint. These lights will be on until 3rd January [3 – 11 pm], so take a tour and enjoy nature’s beauty.
IG: @regentstreetw1

(4) Seven Dials
The streets of Seven Dials will be warmed up with a colorful, love-igniting festive light that shines through the whole West End Area. Go with your loved ones and create long-lasting memories.
IG: @7dialslondon

(5) Belgravia
Get a feel of Belgravia’s stunning streets brightened with sparkling Christmas lights. You sure will love it! Make sure to take a selfie!
IG: @belgravia_ldn

(6) Bond Street
Expect glitz with over 90,000 LEDs hanging in a necklace and tiara-like strings high over the charming streets.
IG: @bondstreet

(7) South Molton Street
You can’t help but adore the beautiful scenery on South Molton Street this festive season. A mixture of exquisite lighting that expresses the true intent of Christmas. It’s a pedestrian-only street with some lovely small boutiques and a Starbucks.

SHOP AND SEE THE WINDOW DISPLAYS

You can shop and see the window displays at the following places:

(1) Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is a home for extraordinarily delicious meals, fun activities, and unforgettable experiences.
Venue: Fortum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/
IG: @fortnums

(2) Harrods
You can shop elegant designer wear, bags, and other luxury accessories at Harrods Limited; still waiting to be ready to shop? Feel free to feed your eyes and appreciate luxury through the window displays. The store is open Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm.
Venue: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London
Website: https://www.harrods.com/en-ng
IG: @harrods

(3) Liberty
Shop sophisticated fabrics, designer clothing, modern homewares, and magnetic beauty products.
Venue: 210 Regent Street, London, UK W1B 5AH
Website: www.libertylondon.com
IG: @libertylondon

(4) Selfridges
Voted as one of the best department stores in the world, Selfridges has the latest designer collections, toys for kids, and the perfect gifts for your family.
Website: https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/
IG: @theofficialselfridges

(5) Dior At Harrods
Dior and Harrods will leave fashion lovers in awe this Christmas season as they’ve decided to create an enchanting Christmas wonderland and exhibition. The Fabulous World of Dior [open to enjoy at Harrods from now until early January] is a presentation of fashion fantasies. It brings the fashion house’s magic into the iconic department store.
Website: https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/dior
IG: @dior and @harrods

(6) Harvey Nichols
Acknowledged as the UK’s pre-eminent opulent fashion retailer, Harvey Nichols is internationally famous for its artfully edited fashion and beauty products, classic food and wine offer, and top-ranking restaurants. A visit to this location this Christmas will be a good use of time. You can be sure of that.
Venue: 109 – 125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
Website: https://www.harveynichols.com/
IG: @harveynichols

VISIT A CHRISTMAS MARKET

You can visit a Christmas market at the following places:

(1) South Bank
Southbank Centre Winter Market brings cosy wooden chalets, warming street food, hot toddies, and cute arts and crafts to the South Bank. The magical market followed last year’s lead in opening slightly sooner than usual (November 3 to December 26) to offer a decent line-up of winter pop-ups and surprises.
Venue: Southbank Center, Belvedere Road, London
Website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/winter-market
IG: @southbankcentre

(2) Leicester Square
Make sure you go with your appetite! The Leicester Square Christmas Market has an abundance of tasty edibles at all times.
Venue: Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU
IG: @leicestersqxmas

(3) Greenwich
Inside, the market has a glut of stalls to check, including 47 food stalls; three delis; 12 antique stalls; 28 market stalls; 16 for beauty; 69 for arts and crafts; 45 fashion stalls and shops; 24 for jewelry, and 48 lifestyle market stalls. Of course, plenty of places sell everything you could need for your children and pets this Christmas.
Venue: Greenwich Town Center, Close to Main Bus Routes
Website: https://www.greenwichmarket.london/
IG: @greenwichmarket

(4) King’s Cross
King’s Cross is packed with festive fun this Christmas. There are Christmas markets to walk around, loaded with lots of food, drinks, handmade gifts, and incredible designer pieces.
Website: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/christmas
IG: @kingscrossn1c

(5) Borough
Explore the Borough market this Christmas season. Lots of goodies await you. Note that the Borough market will be closed on the 25th and 26th of December.
Venue: 8 Southwark Street, London, UK SE1 1TL
Website: https://boroughmarket.org.uk/christmas-at-borough-market/
IG: @boroughmarket

NOTE: Pick-pocketing is at an all-time high in London, especially in shopping areas and department stores; so please be very vigilant, keep your valuables out of the way, and be super mindful of highly skilled pickpockets.

MAKE IT A DATE AT THESE LONDON DESTINATIONS
You’re guaranteed a fun and festive day out with many restaurants and shops to choose from.

(1) Battersea Power Station:
Brand new and back in the capital after many years of being left abandoned and derelict, the Battersea power station has reopened with residential buildings and a shopping complex full of excellent restaurants such as pancake-themed restaurants. The entire complex makes for a great day out.
Venue: 21 Circus Road West, London SW11 8EZ
Website: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/
IG: @batterseapwrstn

(2) Covent Garden:
Covent Garden House has the loveliest festive experience around the piazza; this is my top pick for Dec in London and a “must-visit” if you have kids. There’s an artificial snowfall show every hour all afternoon around the massive Christmas tree ( the Xmas decor in this area is fab) on one end of the piazza square. kids entertainment on the other end, and lots of stands selling festive food, drinks, and gifts. You also get mulled wine, spiced apple drinks, minced pies, other festive treats, and shows and entertainment for children. The Covent Garden area has endless hotels, restaurants, and shops to keep you busy all day and for many weekends. Some of the best restaurants in London are packed together in the close succession of adjacent and parallel streets around the 7 dials area. It’s a walker’s dream, all you have to do is walk around, and you’re going to bump into some of the best places to try food and drinks in London. This area also includes the seven dials, which have many activities and theatre attractions at exhibitions. This area is very close to Strand, Trafalgar Square, which also has the National portrait gallery, and Leicester Square, which leads you towards Chinatown and Piccadilly Circus. So, there is a potential for an endless Christmas walk-about in the heart of London.
Venue: Covent Garden, London, UK WC2E 8RF
Website: https://www.coventgarden.london/
IG: @coventgardenldn

(3) Kew Gardens:
Join the festive celebration at Kew Gardens for an immeasurable fun time of the year as you experience the magical winter trail light up the evening skies for 2022. Book tickets now while you still can.
Venue: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Website: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas
Phone No: 020 8332 5655
IG: @kewgardens

(4) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland:
The world’s best destination for festive fun is back as it has been every year for the last couple of years without the looming threat of Covid hanging over us. Now open until 2nd January 2023 [10 am – 10 pm]. The easiest way to locate Winter Wonderland is through public transport. There are lots of closeby tube and national rail stations. The closest stations are Victoria, Bond Street, Green Park, Paddington, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, and Hyde Park Corner. Plan ahead when travelling to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and try to travel at quieter times. Remember to check before you travel. For full details on public transport, walking, and cycling routes to Hyde Park, visit www.tfl.gov.uk.
Venue: Hyde Park, London, UK W2
Website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
IG: @hydeparkwinterwonderland

(5) London Mithraeum:
How would you like to get the feeling of Rome without leaving the city of London? Sounds interesting? Then don’t miss being at London Mithraeum this Christmas. Visitation is free, but book your entry through the website below.
Venue: 12 Walbrook London, EC4N 8AA
Website: https://www.londonmithraeum.com/
Email: info@londonmithraeum.com

(6) The Christmas Feast:
This iconic London Christmas experience is an experience you can’t miss. It’s gonna be a legendary night of captivating storytelling, festive feasting, and Yuletide mixology unveiled by Charles Dickens.
Venue: The Lost Estate, 9th Beaumont Ave, London, W14 9LP
Website: https://christmasfeast.thelostestate.com/
IG: @lostestateofficial

(7) Winterland At Neverland:
Enjoy hot mulled wine, gin, or cocktails around fire pits, or sip a glass of Prosecco while gazing at the stars. Groove to cool disco from incredible DJs, or enjoy House and Party pleasers on your sofa at their Alpine Lodge.
Venue: Neverland Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 2TY
Website: https://www.neverlandlondon.com/
Phone No: 0203 034 0293 WhatsApp: 074 7065 3548
IG: @neverlandlondon

(8) Gravity Wandsworth:
Is an indoor arena that kids love! In fact, kids, teens, and even adults love it because it gives room for being indoors instead of outside in the cold. They offer brilliant E-karting that’s a hit for young boys and men, as well as endless arcade games, bowling, digital darts, live music, a New York-themed restaurant, and more.
Venue: Southside Wandsworth, Wandsworth High Street, UK SW18 4FT
Website: https://www.gravity-uk.com/southside-wandsworth
Phone No: +44 330 159 5815
IG: @gravitywandsworth

(9) The Alice In Wonderland Experience:
The perfect spot for fun activities for your little ones! Oh! And if you are that adult that loves festive fairy tale activities, then you just found yourself a spot too.
Venue: South Bank, London
IG: @aliceinwonderlandexperience

(10) Christmas Carol At The Old Vic Theatre:
Experience the natural feeling of Christmas and its tidings at The Old Vic. This Christmas Carol promises to fill the auditorium with pies, music, and fun.
Venue: The Old Vic, The Cut, London SE1 8NB
Website: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/
Phone No: 0344 871 7628
IG: @oldvictheatre

(11) The Candle Light Concert:

Enjoy atmospheric, mostly classical music recitals at the candlelight concert this Christmas season.
IG: @candlelight.concerts

NOTE:
London has a reputation for being notoriously expensive; there are endless ways and reasons to spend lots. Just by breathing, you can easily find yourself getting through 100£ for no tangible reasons. As a result, visitors and locals often have cause to budget wisely and opt for economical options where they can respite from the inevitable splurging. If you can’t take Ubers or Bolts endlessly and don’t feel like driving and struggling to find or pay for parking spots, you may wish to make tfl.gov.uk your best friend. Also, consider one of the many brilliant bus apps; simply go into your App Store and search for bus apps. Apps such as:

• Moovit
• London Live Bus Countdown
• Bus Times London
• Uk Bus Checker
• First Bus
• Bus Times Uk
• Stagecoach Bus and others are good.