London is one of the most happening cities in the world and there is so much that this city has to offer that you will be left amazed.
Street artists, delicious world food, beautiful places, iconic monuments, virtual reality, cinema, events, art, culture – you name it and London has something to offer.
Most of the time much more than what you might be expecting.
Holidays are one time when London life comes to a full swing especially during Christmas and New Year time.
There are so many things that you can do in London on a usual day and during holidays these things will just double up your experience.
If you want to visit London, what could be a better time than Christmas or New Year.
Since, London just ups its game during these holidays a list of things to do in London would become so big that one article can simply do no justice on this topic.
To help you out, we thought of putting an article on what to do when in London during Christmas and New Year and there is a bonus idea as well in this article, so just follow along.
Here are five best things to do in London during Christmas and New year holidays
Coca Cola London Eye
Coca Cola London Eye aka The Millenium Wheel is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames.
If you are with your date or with a family, there is nothing better than to plan a visit to this iconic wheel and get the experience to see London from top.
Believe us, it is simply amazing to see the city from top. Since London Eye is open till late evening you can choose to see city during day or night time as well.
We assure you, both the views are fantastic.
Remember, London Eye is a popular tourist destination and booking tickets in advance for a particular day and time will help you avoid the queue.
Don’t miss out on the short 4D movie about London eye which is included in your ticket.
If you would like to add more experience at London Eye then we recommend you to check – London Eye – Whats On Christmas Official Link.
How to Reach Coca Cola London Eye
Tube – Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster. Waterloo being closest
Rail – Waterloo and Charing Cross. Waterloo being closest.
Bus – 211, 77 and 381.
Sometimes due to certain traffic condition or maintenance work there may be changes to tubes, rail and buses serving the destination.
Hence, it is better to check Transport for London Website for most up to date information.
Borough Market
Borough Market near London Bridge underground and rail station is one of the oldest markets (1000 years old) in London.
It is a wholesale and retail market in Southwark, London.
If you are visiting London we recommend paying a visit to the market and see all the different types of spices, food and other local products that London has to offer.
From fruits to vegetables to international delicacies, handmade chocolate, street food, candles etc it is simply amazing to see the diversity in this market.
For Borough Market events check the Borough Market website.
How to Reach Borough Market
Tube – London Bridge, Monument, Bank, Southwark. Closest being London Bridge with just 4 mins walk .
Rail – Cannon Street, London Bridge. London Bridge being closest with just 4 mins walk.
Sometimes due to certain traffic condition or maintenance work there may be changes to tubes, rail and buses serving the destination.
Hence, it is better to check Transport for London Website for most up to date information.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is an iconic bridge that you may have very often seen in movies, postcards, arts and almost everywhere I suppose.
It was built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the river Thames close to another tourist destination in London – The Tower of London.
It is often confused with London Bridge which is ~0.5 miles upstream.
If you are planning a visit here it is best to also check Bridge Lift timings so as not to miss the Bridge lifting which happens at particular times during the day.
During Christmas, there are many local shops and businesses around where you can taste some Mulled wine and also do some shopping.
This is one of the best Christmas market where you can see both the magnificent Tower Bridge and enjoy some Christmas delicacies at the same time.
The market is located near More London Riverside and is a popular tourist destination.
When you are here you may also want to visit HMS Belfast or fancy a river cruise on River Thames.
How to Reach Tower Bridge
Tube – London Bridge, Monument, Bank, Tower Bridge.
Closest being London Bridge (~5 mins walk, if you want to visit Christmas market first) and Tower Hill (~8 mins walk, if you want to visit Tower Bridge first).
Rail – Cannon Street, London Bridge. London Bridge being closest with just 5 mins walk.
Sometimes due to certain traffic condition or maintenance work there may be changes to tubes, rail and buses serving the destination.
Hence, it is better to check Transport for London Website for most up to date information.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is the ultimate shopping destination in London.
It is the world’s biggest High Street with more than 90 flagship stores from world’s biggest fashion, beauty and tech brands.
You get 1.5 miles of unrivaled shopping experience.
There are around 500 restaurants within walking distance offering lots of variety food to choose.
Open 7 days a week – from 09:00 AM until 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and 12:00 PM until 06:00 PM on Sunday, it is one destination that you should not miss.
How to Reach Oxford Street
Tube – Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch underground station. Closest being Oxford Circus and Bond Street.
Rail – Charing Cross, London Paddington Station. You need to take tube to reach to closest tube station mentioned above.
However from Charing cross you can visit Trafalgar Square and walk towards the famous Piccadilly Circus then walk through Regent Street towards Oxford Circus.
Bus – There are plenty of bus routes serving Oxford Street – 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 53, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139 and 159.
Sometimes due to certain traffic condition or maintenance work there may be changes to tubes, rail and buses serving the destination.
Hence, it is better to check Transport for London Website for most up to date information.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
This free to enter family event is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a large annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park, London from mid-Nov until early Jan each year.
The event features a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from ice skating and circus shows to Christmas market and live music to keep you occupied for whole day or an evening.
With plenty of local delicacies to taste and sipping Hot Chocolate or Mulled Wine this event will get you into the right mood for Christmas.
How to Reach Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Tube – Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge with each being ~ 10 – 12 mins walk
Rail – London Paddington Station. You need to take tube to reach to closest tube station mentioned above.
Bus – There are plenty of bus routes serving Winter Wonderland –
North – 6, 7, 16, 19, 23, 36, 52, 73, 82, 98, 113, 274, 390, 414, C2
South – 2, 19, 36, 137, 148, 159, 436
West – 9, 14, 19, 22, 23, 52, 74, 94, 148, 414
East – 30, 38, 274
(as per Hyde Park Winter Wonderland website)
Sometimes due to certain traffic condition or maintenance work there may be changes to tubes, rail and buses serving the destination.
Hence, it is better to check Transport for London Website for most up to date information.
If you have been with us until this point then here is a bonus for you.
If you are planning to be in London until New Year’s day, then we recommend going to the city center and you should be able to see the London New Year parade which is just amazing.
Here you can see school students from different countries performing for you on the streets and many more amazing events.
Don’t miss out on it as this could be one best things to do in London during Christmas and New Year and yes it will happen only in New Year.
Before we conclude, we recommend you to do some local shopping, have a cup of coffee and visit local bars for a pint or two and support local businesses.
London is a great place and Londoners take all the pain to make London one of the most desired places to be in this world.
Welcome to London! Mind the gap!!
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