Up to date: sixth December 2021
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Wow – the place did 2021 go? It appears solely 5 minutes in the past we have been welcoming in 2021, albeit for many people beneath lockdowns and restrictions, but right here we are actually – able to benefit from the Christmas festivities, presents and magical light-lit winter nights!
With the capital very a lot open for enterprise (for now) – it’s time to benefit from every thing London has to supply this festive season, from epic markets for getting these stocking fillers to squeezing in some wonderland enjoyable or, at minimal, a clumsy fall on an ice rink!
With provide chain points persevering with and on-line deliveries delayed, this yr can be the proper time to assist native artists and shops on the markets and store these extra important purchases in-person to make sure no supply delays.
Whereas we’ve had nice information with the night time tube service returning to the Central and Victoria strains on Fridays & Saturdays, serving to us do London on a finances. Nevertheless, if you happen to nonetheless aren’t eager to cram within the underground with strangers throughout Covid instances, driving into central London may attraction for as soon as – particularly useful in case you are doing all of your Christmas procuring.
A suggestion for individuals who don’t personal their very own automobile can be to rent one for the day with a service like Ubeeqo who provide quick access through an app to native automobiles by the hour or day, already together with gas and insurance coverage and with the bonus of 100 parking places in London – automobiles could be rented as far afield as Hertford or Cambridge, so saves on these prepare fares too.
Right here’s a fast take a look at a few of London’s hottest Christmas spots, markets, occasions and procuring experiences to sink your enamel into this yr, mixed as day journey experiences. I hope these will help you take pleasure in a special occasion of getting your presents for others while additionally giving your self some well-earned enjoyable to finish 2021!
Covent Backyard Market & Somerset Home Skating
I’ll begin with my favorite Christmas Combo, from the a part of London I known as my workplace for a few years – additionally an excellent possibility to incorporate a West Finish Present within the magic!
First, head to the magical backdrop of Somerset Home for probably the greatest Ice Rinks within the metropolis. Set contained in the grand courtyard, you possibly can skate by day or night time – extremely cool with the DJ enjoying and the lights reflecting on the ice! Afterwards, take the brief stroll to the Covent Backyard Christmas Village, the place the scent of mulled wine floats within the air, dancing with the hundreds of festive lights. Discover the Christmas tree avenue, hit up the improbable stalls, and take in Christmas in all its glory!
Tour the Christmas lights and store Carnaby and Central
Leap aboard the Christmas Gentle specific – an open-top bus tour departing from the London Eye to marvel at a few of the most well-known window shows, decorations and lights which adorn the town throughout December. From probably the most well-known monuments such because the Home of Parliament to the important thing shows alongside Regent Road, save your toes the effort of strolling and seize a ticket.
Earlier than or after, mix the lights with some superior Christmas procuring at my favorite central spot of Carnaby Road (make sure you go to the tremendous Christmasy inside of Liberty London) and hit up the mega-stores alongside Oxford Road!)
Winter Wonderland all-in-one
For an multi functional form of expertise, head to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market in Hyde Park, one of many greatest within the metropolis. Get all these stocking fillers and cute presents directly from the pleasant cabins filled with distinctive pressies, and take in the tremendous festive environment.
Whether or not you go ice-skating, catch a Christmas present, or simply indulge within the scrumptious treats on provide, make sure you enable your self sufficient time to actually benefit from it!
Store and Skate in Inexperienced Greenwich
You may’t go incorrect with Greenwich any time of yr, and I particularly find it irresistible at Christmas as you possibly can really feel such as you’re extra in a cute village relatively than nonetheless being in London. This yr’s market guarantees over 100 stalls and outlets, all marvellously decked out in decorations – particularly across the historic maritime neighbourhood.
The Queen’s Home Ice Rink is much from some other ice rink – grand, spectacular and UNESCO listed; it’s the proper option to begin or finish your day in Greenwich – earlier than the mulled wines not less than!
Hogwarts within the Snow and Procuring at The Maltings
Calling all PotterHeads for a really particular wizarding world expertise on the Warner Bros Studios close to Watford. From now till January, the park has had a really festive dress-up – with decorations, layers of snow, and a brand new grand feast of festive dishes! Discover Diagon Alley, be wowed on the fortress, and discover the film units, all with a festive twist!
Only a twenty-minute drive to the beautiful St Albans, hope to the maze-like procuring centre of The Maltings, and the splendidly adorned Christopher Place Procuring Centre.
Late night time procuring at Westfield Stratford Metropolis
With lots of of outlets, late-night opening till 10 pm, and the bonus of not needing into central – the mega-mall that’s Westfield Stratford Metropolis is a little bit of a no brainer to get all of your Christmas procuring accomplished beneath one roof – youngsters are additionally certain to like Santa’s Snowflake Grotto.
Prolong your go to to find the Christmas lights by Stratford, or seize some festive fare from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Begin planning your London New Years Eve celebrations.
Whereas the well-known New 12 months’s Eve fireworks show isn’t happening as a ticketed occasion this yr, there’s nonetheless a lot occurring to welcome within the New 12 months – keep watch over ticket refund insurance policies in case of any new restrictions over the approaching weeks.
Wishing all my family and friends in London a beautiful Christmas – benefit from the metropolis on the most magical time of yr for me!
