The most wonderful time of the year is finally here, and we need it more than ever in 2020. With Covid acting like a little Grinch, most of us are waiting for a Christmas miracle. So the winter wonderland of the UK – London – is a great place to be in December 2020. We know you’re sick of zoom calls and cough scares, so why don’t you sleigh your way to London and celebrate Christmas the right way.
Every Christmas, the city of London comes alive with magical lights, scrumptious food and festive events that could knock the socks off of Santa himself. Sure, this year things might be a little different; you might not be able to kiss just about anyone under the mistletoe or sit on Santa’s lap. But this year is about just spreading the holiday cheer and absolutely nothing else. So strap on your holiday boots and your snow-themed face mask and get going.
Whether you’re from London, visiting London or even Santa delivering gifts, the city has a lot to offer this Christmas. Here’s our pick of the best things you can do in London this month.
1. Skylight Christmas at Tobacco Dock
East London’s famous winter pop-up is back after the lockdown and taking over Tobacco Dock this Christmas. Go ice-skating on a rooftop ice rink, feast on a Christmas supper in cosy igloos and enjoy Christmas cocktails with expert mixologist Sebastian Hollingworth, all completely secure with Covid-safe protocols. Skylight Christmas is ironically the hottest event of the year with their jaw-dropping views and exciting festivities, so make place for it in your London Christmas to-do list.
2. Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew’s botanical gardens are undeniably beautiful all year, but around Christmas, it transforms into a magical illumination that mesmerizes all eyes. In 2020, the Christmas trail will guide guests through the Rose Garden and will have a million dazzling lights to set the festive mood. The fiery sculptures of Fire Garden, the light show of Palm House Pond, and your warm choice of drink will make Christmas feel like Christmas again.
3. Christmas lights across London
The Christmas lights are literally the bright side to the cold, gloomy winters that the English have to deal with every year. Even though big switch-on events aren’t on the schedule this year, the capital city will be made up like the belle of the ball, so catch it at its best and brightest this December. From Oxford Street to Covent Garden the city is lit like one giant Christmas tree. Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting these incredible Christmas lights in London; we all know we need it now more than ever.
4. Carols at Southwark Cathedral
Christmas is incomplete without the melody of carols transporting you to a festive world. If you’re missing your fix of carols this year, we recommend stopping by Southwark Cathedral in London for their socially distanced Christmas concerts. There’s nothing like the power of music paired with the magical backdrop of the Southwark Cathedral to help all your worries melt away. Book your tickets today to ensure a spot for the concert.
5. Nutcracker at the Coliseum
The English National Ballet will be performing Nutcracker Delights this Christmas, from 17th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021. Nutcracker Delights is a specially adapted selection of Nutcracker that you can enjoy in a socially distanced environment. The show will be a memorable Christmas treat with elegant dancing and Tchaikovsky’s famous score played live by musicians. With Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and plenty more of sparkle, enjoy this sight for sore eyes throughout the month. Find out more and book your tickets today instead of the usual last-minute holiday plans.
6. Selfridges Open Christmas Market
We’ve got great news for all you last-minute gift shoppers. Selfridges is hosting ‘Christmas Market on the Mews’ its first-ever open-air Christmas market round the back of its Oxford Street store. Look forward to breath-taking decorations, fun fairground rides, mouth-watering food trucks and of course gift buying opportunities. The market runs all month giving you’ve got plenty of time – so no excuses; it’s a must-visit.
7. Cinema in the Snow
There’s no better feeling than snuggling up in comfort watching Christmas movies in December. This year grab some mulled wine and enjoy these movies in a snowy festive setting with Cinema in the Snow by Pop-Up Screens. Watch Christmas classics like Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Holiday, with your loved ones in the midst of an enchanting winter wonderland. Find out more about the show timings to set up a movie date for this December.
8. Borough Market
After a challenging year for vendors, Borough Market is open 7 days a week this December till Christmas Eve with strict Covid measures in place. Find the best quality produce from Borough Market traders to cook-in on Christmas eve. This year there’s also late night shopping so grab your household bubble and go Christmas dinner shopping while sipping on mulled wine and enjoying the live music.
9. Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square
It’s that time of the year when everyone flocks to the massive, lit up spruce in the middle of Trafalgar Square. This Christmas tree is a constant symbol of Christmas in London, as the lovely people of Norway have been sending it every year since 1947. This year is no different, and the behemoth of a tree stands beautifully lit from 3rd December for everyone to visit. Sure, there may be better-looking trees in London but do those trees have the rich history that this one does?
10. Christmas at The London Zoo
The Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo brings animal-themed season’s greetings to make fun and exciting memories with your family. Watch the zoo’s furry friends feasting on Christmas treats, hop on fun rides, and tell Santa what the other animals would like in their Christmas stocking. Don’t worry, the zoo has strict guidelines and safety precautions in place to make sure you and your family can have a fun-filled and worry-free Christmas. So wrap up warm and get going; you don’t want to keep the animals waiting.
It doesn’t matter what your tastes or interests are, London has got something planned for each and every one of you this Christmas season. Whether you like the cold outside or the warmth inside, bright Christmas decorations or candle-light dinners, wild Christmas parties or quiet Christmas with your family, we have got your Christmas covered.
So for those of you wondering – Christmas has not been cancelled! It has simply adapted to the pandemic. That doesn’t mean less fun, in fact, after the year we’ve had, just about anything can make our year.
This holiday season, Santa won’t be climbing down your chimney. Instead, he’s going to open up your door and give you the perfect gift – the joy of being outside. Make sure to keep safe and make the most of Christmas 2020, and get yourself a good start for the New Year as well.
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