There’s no denying it, we are inching closer to Christmas. November is here and it is all about the run up to the festive season across London. Are you ready?
A festive trip to London is the perfect way to start your holiday season. Stay with us at Euston Square Hotel and get in the Christmas spirit. Hit up the shops and get your presents bought, or maybe take in a show in the West End? Why not meet-up with friends from afar? It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Here’s three big Christmas hitters that we think should be on your list…
More of a gigantic festive theme park than a traditional Christmas market, the sheer scale of of Winter Wonderland is awe inspiring. Filled with family fun, but you don’t need to take the kids to have a great time. This year Winter Wonderland even includes the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, where you can skate to live music.
There is also a festive circus, plus a traditional fairground with a carousel, various rollercoasters and the iconic giant wheel with its panoramic views.
How about exploring the Magical Ice Kingdom? Over 500 tonnes of ice, sculpted and carved into secret passages, an ice slide, and even an ice carriage. Or perhaps you will choose the Edelweiss Funhouse? A vast walk-through experience with an alpine obstacle course and mind-boggling illusion rooms. There’s even a fully immersive VR experience for those willing to take the challenge…
Don’t miss the traditional Christmas Market, probably the largest in London, with charming chalets packed with festive goods of all sorts. Ideal for seeking out those unusual and unique gifts for Christmas Day.
You can expect to spend a good many hours at Winter Wonderland, with festive food and drinks on site too. Tickets always sell fast, so get in quickly to secure your spot – this really isn’t one to miss!
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park runs from 17th November 2023 until 1st January 2024. Book your tickets and discover more HERE
For something a little less hectic, we can recommend a visit to Christmas at Kew, at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. For the festive season, this year-round must-see hosts a stunning after-dark light trail that will thrill all ages, with twinkling lights, projections, and music for a fully immersive experience.
Walk through tunnels of light, see stunning reflections in the lake and breathtaking colours all around, and keep eye out for father Christmas!
Along the route you will find an array of independent street food vendors offering tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.
Get together with family or friends to follow the illuminated path around the gardens and enjoy the immersive installations and spectacular displays, it’s a great evening out. We suggest you allow up to 90 minutes to walk the trail and enjoy some tasty treats, so bear that in mind when planing your visit. Christmas at Kew runs from 15th November 2023 until 7th January 2024, and you can book tickets and learn more HERE
You can’t fail to be dazzled and amazed by the Christmas shop window displays, sparkling fairy lights and famous landmarks lit up come nightfall when you visit London at this festive time of year. Different areas now have their own specific lighting themes and events, so there’s lots to discover, and it won’t cost you a penny. We suggest choosing an area then heading out, maybe grab a bite to eat, have a drink, hit some shops, and soak it all in.
Oxford Street is the most famous London district for Christmas lights, and this year the big switch on is on Thursday 2nd November. Stars are the theme again this year, when 300,000 of them return, filling the sky. For 2023 there is a focus on sustainability, with reduced operating hours and LED lights, aiming to use two-thirds less energy than previous years. Just off Oxford Circus, Carnaby Street has its own very distinctive Christmas lights, and the narrow, pedestrianised streets filled with boutique shops, restaurants and quaint pubs make for a great festive destination. Not wishing to be outshone, this year the Carnaby Street lights will also be illuminated from 2nd November.
Managing to hold out for an extra week, Covent Garden switches on their new lights on Tuesday 7th November. This year they have brand new Christmas decorations, including 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and eight spinning mirror balls, all made from over 29 miles of gold leaf and 275 kilos of glitter. The Piazza will also be brighter than ever before, with over 140,000 LED lights, in addition to the 30,000 adorning the 60ft Christmas tree. If that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, we don’t know what will…
As always, we’d love to hear from you, so please get in touch with any questions. Have a great November.