Your Complete Guide to London in December

By Ian Packham
Shopping in December lets visitors enjoy the Christmas lights

If you thought London was a city solely for the summer months, think again. Because London in December sees the British capital at probably its most colorful of the year. Few can avoid getting in the Christmas spirit, before turning their attention to the south bank of the River Thames and the nation’s foremost fireworks display to bring in the New Year in style.

With all that in mind, here’s your complete guide to what’s going on in London in December, so you don’t miss a thing.

Shop till you drop

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Forget what you’ve seen in the movies, you’ll need to be lucky to encounter any snowfall in London at Christmas. With average December lows of 5°C, snowmen are more likely in February. But this takes nothing away from the Christmas atmosphere, which sweeps across the capital’s streets and storefronts from the end of November.

From Abbey Road to Lambeth Palace, Carnaby Street to St Katharine Docks, London’s sidewalks are bright with an array of lights, adding a further attraction to the window displays of shops big and small.

Not too far away, London’s largest Christmas tree – an annual gift from the Norwegian capital topping out at around 20 meters high – takes center stage in Trafalgar Square. Christmas markets occupy other well-known spaces, including Leicester Square and the riverbank in front of Tower Bridge and City Hall, where last minute gifts and traditional festive treats jostle for attention.

Never one to rest on its laurels, as soon as the big day is over, the focus moves to the Boxing Day sales of December 26, which has been a date to circle in the diary long before the advent of Black Friday. Aim to get there before sun up for the very best deals.

Enjoy the capital’s historic attractions in a new way

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Even if you’ve visited London before, December offers many new experiences at some of the city’s most famous sites. The UNESCO-enshrined Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew puts on a dazzling display of lights and colorful projected images every evening from dusk.

Hyde Park becomes the location of a huge combined fun fair and Christmas market, perhaps best taken in from its dedicated observation wheel. Alternatively, you might prefer to cheer on the brave souls who take part in the Peter Pan Cup. A swimming competition in Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake, it has taken place on Christmas Day since 1864 in one of the capital’s stranger traditions.

If you prefer your water even colder, look no further than the temporary outdoor ice rinks that appear at many of London’s most-loved attractions during December. Kensington’s Natural History Museum, The Strand’s Somerset House and even Hampton Court Palace provide extraordinary backdrops to a quick spin on the ice followed by a warming mug of hot chocolate.

Experience the UK’s top Christmas events

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Christmas in London sees Christopher Wren’s masterwork, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the thousand-year-old Westminster Abbey both present a series of traditional carol services which fill their august spaces with stunning vocals. The Royal Albert Hall has an equally impressive program of concerts, ranging from Christmas classics played by big bands to performances of Handel’s Messiah.

Heading to a ballet performance is another popular London December tradition. Shows with winter themes such as The Nutcracker grace the stages of several major theaters, and are bound to bring back a sense of childhood glee. For an altogether less-serious evening out, it has to be a panto performance, filled with slap-stick comedy, audience participation and men dressed in drag.

But don’t be misled by the brash colors and fairy-tale plots, there’s serious acting going on here, with everyone from Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings’ Gandalf) to Hollywood ‘giant’ Mickey Rooney having taken to the pantomime stage. Oh no they didn’t – oh yes they did!

But when it comes to events in London in December, few can compete with the capital’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Launched from barges on the Thames and the 32 pods of the London Eye, the display takes eight technicians a week to wire up the seven tons of explosives needed for the 10-minute show. Dazzling audiences since its inception in the year 2000, it can be enjoyed from various high points around the city, as well as the river bank and the comfort of sofas in well-heated bars just about everywhere.

Eat, drink and be merry

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With 60-plus Michelin star restaurants at your fingertips, London’s food scene takes some beating. Even if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to beef aged for 90 days in Himalayan salt chambers and desserts decorated with 24-carat gold leaf, you’ll still find plenty of choice.

Don’t get caught out though – many restaurants (and attractions) close their doors on Christmas Day to give their staff a well-earned rest. Even those that do open – and Chinatown is always a good bet – get booked up early and can be difficult to reach without London’s usual transportation options, which also cease for the day.

Roast turkey has been the Christmas Day meal of choice since at least the time of Henry VIII, and will be served with ‘all the trimmings’. These include Brussel sprouts, honey-roasted parsnips, sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets (that’s sausages wrapped in bacon) and roasted potatoes.

Traditionally made with suet, Christmas pudding is another must try, being loaded with dried fruits, spices and a liberal quantity of alcohol before being served with hot custard (crème anglais). You’ll find mince pies (which are nothing to do with ground beef) dusted in icing sugar and on display at pretty much every bakery, café and supermarket in the capital in December.

Many Brits, Londoners included, then head out for a post-meal walk, which may involve a stop off at a local pub. Whether they’re open or not will largely depend on where you’re located – central London takes on the air of a ghost town on December 25. Those on popular walking routes are more likely to be open than those on streets like The Strand, although probably for no more than a few hours in the afternoon. Hotel bars are likely to remain open for longer.

Save on London December attraction admission

Admission to many of London’s top attractions and activities can be enjoyed at a reduced rate with Go City. Our Explorer Pass includes admission to a range of London attractions, while giving you the flexibility to do what you want, when you want, without having to make any decisions beforehand. If London’s December weather lets you down, there’s no need to rearrange the plans for your entire stay. In fact, with Go City you don’t need a plan at all.

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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Best London Souvenirs

You! Yes, you there! Are you a fan of things? Do you like stuff? Perhaps items related to a specific city? Well, you must be a fan of souvenirs! Loveable keepsakes of times past, that help remind you of the exciting adventures you've experienced. If you're visiting London from further shores, or simply from another part of the UK, you might want something to remember your trip. But which are the best souvenirs? Well, pay attention, and take a gander down below, guv'nor. What we will do, is provide you with a list of the best London souvenirs. Tiny Bus You know them; you love them. London's big red buses are one of the most recognisable elements of the country's capital. And, predictably, you'll find little red buses of all shapes and sizes you can buy and put around your house. Big Ben Definitely one of the must-have London souvenirs. Everyone's favourite large clock, Big Ben is another of London's most famous landmarks. Fancy some of that large clock action in your little lounge? Go grab one and put it on a shelf. That way, it will always be there, watching you. And waiting. Waiting for what, you may ask? You'll just have to wait and see. LDN tees Did you love your visit to London? Do you want to memorialise it in clothing form? Go get an 'I Love - or heart - London' t-shirt. That way, you can wear your memories. And when people see it, they'll ask you all about your trip. Maybe. Red Box Another red London motif is the iconic red telephone box. Sadly a dying breed in this modern age of smartphones and texting, there are still a few dotted about the city. Before they die out completely, go pick up a keepsake. Then, put it somewhere so that the red phone box will live on forever. In your bedroom, or other room. Wherever you want it. Union Jacks Is there anything more English than the Union Jack? Probably, as it's actually the flag of the United Kingdom. Never mind that, go grab a flag, mug, or some Spice Girls-related memorabilia. Anything with a Union Jack, and display it proudly. No list of the best London souvenirs would be complete without it. Harry Potter The boy wizard who changed the lives of an entire generation. You'll find a sorting hat-load of Harry Potter memorabilia all over London, especially since the success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End. Wands, sweets, hats, and more. Anything a muggle could want! Oyster Card A staple of every Londoner's wallet, you'll probably pick up an Oyster Card so you can get about on the tubes and buses that take you across the city. Keep it, frame it, and display it for your friends and family to see. You went to London, and dared to travel too. And, when you want to come back, you'll be ready to hop on immediately. Marmite. Yes, really Whether you love it or hate it, marmite is the quintessential British spread. So, why not pick up a jar or two, put it somewhere prominent in the kitchen, and then never touch it again. Coasters Do you drink drinks? Do you ever put them on a table only for them to leave a ring stain no matter how hard you tried to avoid it? Then you, my friend, need a coaster. And why not get one that commemorates your trip to the big city of London? There are plenty of coaster options available to you, featuring many of the things we've already discussed. Want a big ben coaster? We're sure you'll find one. Holmes for your home Of course, one reason many of you are travelling to our fair capital is because of the man himself, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The legend himself prowled the streets of London, solving cases and getting up to other Sherlock-related hijinks. Given the recent Sherlock Rennaissance, expect to find a whole host of Sherlock bits and bobs. If you can get the hat, the magnifying glass, and the pipe, you win Sherlock bingo. Your prize? Looking awesome. Royal Family things Another big English export, the Royal Family draws a remarkable amount of tourism to London every year. Arguably the most famous royal family on the planet, millions tune in to watch their weddings. So, you can expect that there's a lot of Royal-themed memorabilia on offer to would-be collectors. Plates, cups, calendars, books, t-shirts, the list goes on. However you want to celebrate this oddball family, you'll find it in London. You can't leave London without one of the best souvenirs! London keyrings If you live in a house or flat, chances are you have keys. They're the things you use to get in, and keep people out. If you have multiple keys, you might be in the market for a keyring. Well, why not combine your love of keys and your love of London with a London-themed keyring? Whether you want one with a bus, Big Ben, or another landmark like the London Eye, you're sure to find one. Keep your keys safe, stylish, and flash them to all your friends. They will envy your keyring, and they will love it. Footie stuff If you are a big fan of the actual football, the one where people hit the ball with their feet, then you're in luck. There are a number of large football clubs that call London home. You've got world-renowned clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, and you'll find a lot of football shirts, training kits, mugs, posters, and much more at their respective stadium shops. Why not combine your shopping spree with a tour of the Emirates or Stamford Bridge? Or, there are lesser-known, but still great clubs, like West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brentford, QPR, the list goes on. Whichever team you like, player you follow, or kit you prefer, you're bound to find it in London. And that's our list of the best London souvenirs! We hope you enjoy your memorabilia bounty, and display it for all to see. Are you wondering what else you can do while in the city? Why not check out London's best markets, art galleries, or museums?
Dom Bewley
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One week in London: your ultimate itinerary

London isn’t just a list of landmarks to tick off but a living entity which has been constantly evolving for over 2000 years. Hugely diverse in origin, Londoners shop, work and worship amidst world-beating attractions. Spend enough time in the capital, and you’ll realize that behind their frosty exterior most of London’s nine million people are also a friendly – if modest – bunch worth taking the time to get to know properly. A week in London it is then! Plan it well and a London 7 day itinerary can provide you with a view of the British capital it’s not possible to get with a two or three day visit. As Samuel Johnson once said, when you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life. Your first day in London With your camera battery fully charged and SD cards empty, ease yourself into the next 7 days in London at Piccadilly Circus. At the junction between the thoroughfare simply known as Piccadilly and Regent Street, it’s a spot that has spun with black cabs, red double decker buses and advertising hoardings for decades, with the Statue of Eros acting as the starting point for countless romances. Piccadilly has its fair share of famous storefronts should you want to start the souvenir shopping early, with Fortnum & Mason as evocative of time in London as afternoon tea at The Ritz a few doors down. Spend the rest of the day taking in the views of Buckingham Palace from the roof of Wellington Arch – once home to London’s smallest police station – and admiring the collections of Apsley House. Also known as No 1 London, it was the home of the Duke of Wellington, victor over Napoleon. A day by the river The views at the Tower of London extend back close to 1000 years. A fortification built by William the Conqueror around 1066 which became a prison to Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes and The Kray twins, the tower is now best known for its ravens, yeomen wardens (beefeaters) and crown jewels. Together they provide an unforgettable morning of heritage, wit and bling. Cross the Thames by Tower Bridge to reach the south side of the river. Opening on average three times a day, with a week in London you can afford to hang around the area for a while just in case, perhaps taking in HMS Belfast at the same time. With nine decks to explore, it’s one of the most detailed displays of life in the navy during peace and war time you’ll encounter. End the day looking down on London from The View from The Shard. Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard’s observation floors stand 250 meters above the riverside, providing panoramas capable of transporting you 40 miles in any direction. The bar makes an extra-special spot from which to enjoy London’s sunsets too. The rainy day The weather in London is fickle enough that you could experience a rainy day at any time of year. But don’t worry, there’s plenty indoors that will keep you busy without them feeling like second-rate options. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are located side by side in Kensington, though with such extensive collections you’re better off sticking to the one that interests you most. Whilst the first two museums are relatively self-explanatory, the Victoria and Albert Museum name doesn’t give much away. Funded by the profits of Hyde Park’s 1851 Great Exhibition, it concentrates on the decorative arts, from ceramics to tapestries and jewelry. The site of performances throughout the year, the Royal Albert Hall really comes into its own in August and September, when it welcomes the Proms. But even when there’s no scheduled performance you can still take in its main auditorium with a behind the scenes tour. Span a millennium in a day For a trip beneath the world’s oceans without the price tag to match, start the fourth day of your London week itinerary at SEA LIFE Center London Aquarium. As well as a coral reef and a shark tunnel, visitors are able to watch the antics of a small colony of penguins. Just outside, the steady rotation of the London Eye has become an irresistible part of anyone’s London experience. The world’s first cantilever Ferris wheel – supported on just one side – its location means it provides some of the clearest views of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey beyond. With origins predating the Norman Conquest of 1066, the abbey has witnessed some of the most important events in British history, from the coronation of over 40 kings and queens, to royal marriages, memorials to national treasures and the burial of the unknown soldier at the end of the First World War. Royal brides continue to place their bouquet on its black marble surface in honor of the fallen. Spend a day at Kew The list of public green spaces that were once the private property of the British monarch extends to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A cherished part of west London, the gardens have gained international recognition through their UNESCO World Heritage status and continuing work to save botany’s rarest plants from extinction. Nor does it matter when you plan to visit London, since Kew provides all-year color and interest. Spring sees tulips, daffodils and cherry blossom take centerstage, before the summer months present its follies – including a ten story Chinese pagoda – in all their glory. Fall sees Kew’s 14,000 trees from around the world turn stunning shades of sunset whilst even the winter isn’t lacking in attractions thanks to its multiple glasshouses and February orchid festival. So slip on a good pair of walking shoes and discover for yourself what Kew is all about! A day in the City of London Begin Day 6 of your odyssey at the northern end of London Bridge. Once the only crossing over the Thames in the city, the current version dates from the 1960s and is a little underwhelming compared to London’s other crossings – but does have clear views towards Tower Bridge and The Shard. Head north from the city of London into the City of London – which has its own police force and ancient ways though not much over two kilometers square – for one of London’s quirkier attractions – The Monument. Located on an easy-to-miss side street, it commemorates the Great Fire of 1666, reputed to have started in Pudding Lane opposite. The ‘new’ St Paul’s Cathedral rose from the ashes of the fire. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, its sightlines are protected by law and its interior considered one of architecture's greatest achievements. End your day in and around the Museum of London, which tells the story of the capital from the time of the mammoths to the latest archeological discoveries. A day of live performances Make sure you haven’t missed anything by spending the morning enjoying the commentary and day ticket opportunities of a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour through the heart of the capital. Follow this up with a matinee performance at one of the West End’s top theaters, where dramas, musicals and comedies switch between coming from and going to New York’s Broadway and attract big names in television and cinema to their stages. On a bright summer night the open-air amphitheater forming Regent’s Park Theater ensures each show is unique, whilst an afternoon at ZSL London Zoo provides another type of entertainment. Its 750 species, from aardvarks to zebra, never fail to charm. A week in London with Go City Capture the essence of the living and breathing British capital with one week in London. Its range of attractions are extensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to watch your bank balance drain. Travel with Go City to take advantage of massive savings on admission to many top attractions!
Ian Packham

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