Christmas in London is always one of the most exceptional ways to experience the city, with a huge variety of festive treats on offer to enjoy. Whatever your age and interests, there’s always plenty to enjoy and discover across the capital during the festive period.
With fantastic deals on at the Park Hotel Kensington, it’s the ideal time to plan a break in the city to soak up the festive atmosphere. Read on to find out why it’s a great idea.
London always puts on a great Christmas show
It’s hard to miss the sight of Christmas in the city, with amazing light displays, decorations and more, everywhere you turn. Each part of the city has its own unique twist during the festive period, and it’s impossible to ever feel bored of it.
The festive period kicks off with the official switching on ceremony for the Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Accompanied by the sound of live music from top performers, celebrity special guests, entertainers and more, the event itself is full of excitement. Be sure to prepare yourself beforehand with a delicious Park Grand Kensington Indian Afternoon Tea to keep you sated and full.
Once the lights are on, of course, Central London undergoes a magical, sparkly makeover, with creative and captivating lit-up decorations across Oxford Street, as well as nearby Regent Street and Carnaby Street. But as well as the fabulous lights, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for the beautifully decorated trees across the city too. Often festooned in association with major art and design brands, London’s Christmas trees never fail to be impressive.
Look out for the traditional gifted tree from Norway, that takes pride of place in Trafalgar Square, or head to the V&A Museum to check out their more whimsical and creative takes on a tree.
The festive markets are magical
A good Christmas market is always the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season, and if you’re staying in Kensington accommodation, then you’re perfectly placed to check out the many great markets on offer across the city.
One of the biggest and best is at nearby Hyde Park, where just a short distance from the Park Grand Kensington, you’ll find the unforgettable Winter Wonderland. Packed with all kinds of festive delights, including an enormous market as well as lots of fun seasonal attractions, it’s the ideal place to soak up the city’s charming Christmas atmosphere. As well as the chance to shop for gifts and festive snacks, you’ll also find Santa’s Grotto and a huge selection of fun rides to experience.
For a more traditional market experience, head to the Southbank, where there are plenty of market stalls alongside the River Thames, as part of the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival. Lit up magnificently in Christmas lights, the area comes to life with the mouth-watering scent of mulled wine and sweet and savoury snacks, as well as all your favourite Christmas tunes in the air. Explore the market to pick up unique and beautifully crafted gifts from local and global artisans.
The city always has the best festive performances
London is world-renowned for having a lively, thriving theatre and performance scene, but at Christmas, it becomes truly exceptional. You’ll be able to enjoy a wealth of shows, from classic pantos to make the whole family laugh, to special festive performances that dazzle and leave you stunned.
Check out the variety of pantomime performances across the city’s West End, where you can enjoy comic retellings of your favourite children’s stories, with a star cast. For a grown-up twist, you’ll also find some adult takes on pantomime, with a more risqué sense of humour on offer.
As well as plenty of laughs, you’ll also find dazzling displays from the world of circus and acrobatics to choose from. Prepare to be awed by the death-defying tricks performed by the vintage-themed circus troupe, at the Southbank Centre’s Circus 1903, or indulge in some classic storytelling with their staging of Black Beauty.
The sound of Christmas is everywhere
The sound of Christmas carols is always the perfect way to get into the seasonal spirit, along with a good mince pie. Luckily, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of both, with several fantastic opportunities to join a choir and sing your favourite Christmas tunes.
You’ll find carol concerts all over London to take part in, from the inspiring acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall to more relaxed outdoor singing with street concerts. And for a distinctive bit of London at Christmas, make sure you head to Westminster Abbey for its own carol concert, for a truly moving night of festive music.
Enjoy a more luxurious take on Christmas
If you’re hoping to treat someone special to a more memorable Christmas, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in a little more luxury this festive season. Book into the exquisite club rooms London to kick start your Christmas with a stylish and beautifully plush suite, before heading out to enjoy some of the best that London has to offer.
Enjoy the special Christmas menus in some of the best restaurants in the city, with many of them offering special choices for the festive period. Whether you’re planning a special dinner for two or want to get together a group of family and friends, most London eateries will have some delicious seasonal treats to enjoy. To make it even more special, head to some of the city’s most sought-after locations – there’s nothing quite like a delicious festive dinner, overlooking the sparkling lights of the city, from a skyscraper restaurant.
London’s top landmarks also get to enjoy a more festive twist and are the perfect place to arrange a special experience if you’re trying to impress someone. Head to the London Eye during the Christmas period, where you can gaze across the magical landscape of the city after dark, and even enjoy a private capsule to yourselves.
Have we convinced you to spend Christmas in London? If so, book your accommodation now!
