The complete guide to a wonderful Christmas in London

Wherever you’re from, experiencing Christmas in London is something you will never forget. With magical Christmas grottos, beautiful outdoor ice rinks, exciting markets and hilarious pantos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. To help you get the best festive experience this Christmas, check out our complete guide to all the seasonal attractions in the city this year.

Dance, jump and play on ice

London boasts a host of enormous outdoor ice rinks where you can show off your moves. Whether you’re an expert on the ice or a complete beginner, have a go and have some fun. Open day and night, you can skate whenever you like! Check out the ice rinks at the Natural History Museum or the Tower of London for daytime fun, or for a truly memorable experience, head over to Somerset House for the late night ice rink to skate beneath the beautiful lights. With a full festive market featuring hot chocolate and mulled wine, there are lots of warming treats to enjoy once you get off the ice.

If you’re stuck on what to give your loved ones this Christmas, then you’ll be able to find the perfect gift this year for them, in one of the fantastic markets taking place across London. Head across to the Southbank Christmas markets, where you’ll discover all kinds of delights – from sweets and baked goodies, to wines and handcrafted decorations. For kids, take a look in the wonderful Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where you’ll find some really unique toys they will love. And for the person who has everything? Check out the exceptional arts markets where you can buy contemporary artwork and prints, as well as interior decorations to make their home beautiful.

Tuck in to a delicious winter feast

Food is right at the heart of the London festive experience, and this year, the offerings are better than ever. Italian food maestros, Forza Win have set up a breathtaking Italian winter feast that will be taking place all through the coming months – have a taste of some delicious Italian panetone as an alternative to Christmas pud. You’ll also find lots of tempting nibbles across the markets in London – from German baked treats to hot dogs and sausages.

Nothing says Christmas quite like a trip to the panto – and in London you can catch the best of the best! See classic fairytales come to life with a hilarious cast of your favourite celebrities. Silly costumes, fairy godmothers and evil villains all come together with some hilarious consequences. If panto is not up your street, then why not check out some of London’s pop up cinemas, where you can enjoy classic Christmas movies like Home Alone, Elf, and It’s a Wonderful Life – with friends, family and some delicious gourmet popcorn too! Bring a blanket, enjoy a hot drink and have an enjoyable movie night under the stars.

I made a recent trip to London and stayed at the Amsterdam Hotel (Ideally located in Earls Court). During the visit I saw London starting to gear up for the Christmas celebrations and that inspired me to write about Christmas celebration in London.