Christmas in London – My Top 3 Must Dos

London during the Christmas period and in the evening is where London is at its most beautiful. There’s something magical about it that amazes me. Apart from the sea of people on the main streets on the weekends (which I will never do again), it is a city I enjoy spending time during the festive period. Here, I list my top 3 things to do whenever you’re down in London during the festive period.

Ice Skating at the Somerset House

Whether you’re new to it, have the foundations, are a seasonal ice skater or a professional, it’s a fun way to spend some time with family and friends. It’s a beautiful area to host a skating rink and has been a yearly tradition for the past 20+ years. Each time slot lasts 45 minutes and at the end, the rink gets resurfaced ready for the next time slot.

I went for the first time this year and let’s say I won’t be going to the Olympics any time soon. I had spent most of the time clutching for dear life on the side but I wasn’t the only one which felt reassuring. After 30 minutes, I did slightly get a hang of it but this time, I was squeezing my partner’s hand tightly and about 1m away from the side – it’s progress. My left shoulder and arm were sore the next day from pulling his hand to keep my balance and not fall. It was a workout! Despite all of this, I genuinely enjoyed it and would want to learn how to ice skate properly.

Somerset House

Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA

Dates
15th Nov 2023 – 14th Jan 2024

Price
Adult: £10 – £25
Children: £8 – £13

Website & Tickets
somersethouse.org.uk

Christmas At Kew

A light trail and Kew Gardens were the trendsetters. Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you stroll around, whilst being drawn in by installations that make you forget about the outside world. With the matching music, it is like a sensory experience. There is a big performance across the lake by Palm House that is hard to miss and if you enter via the Victoria Gate, it’ll be the last performance you’ll see on your trail. It’s magical and joyful, and you’ll be smiling throughout and after.

This year was my second year visiting and I’ve decided that I want to make it a tradition. I had spent around 2 hours admiring my surroundings and stuffing my face. That reminds me, I still need to visit during the day.

Kew Gardens

Victoria Gate (Main) – Kew Road, TW9 3EG
Elizabeth Gate – Kew Green, TW9 3AE
Brentford Gate – Ferry Lane car park, TW9 3AF

Dates
15th Nov 2023 – 7th Jan 2024

Price
Adult: £22.50 – £29
Children (4-15): £15 – £19
Children (under 4): Free
Family (2 adults and 2 children): £69.00 to £86.00

Website & Tickets
kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas

See the Christmas Light Installations

There are various light installations dotted around London and you can devise a route to see them. Just remember to wear comfortable footwear and you may need to fight through crowds depending on the day you see them. Who knows, you might stumble upon a hidden treasure on your walk. I forgot to mention, they’re free!