Christmas Events in and around London
If you are taking a London theatre break this Christmas with Show and Stay®, why not add an extra night at the hotel and make the most of the festive events taking place around the capital.
Winter trips to London are magical with the streets festooned with twinkling lights, vibrant window displays and an abundance of events to keep every generation amused. Here are a few recommendations for a sparkling Christmas trip to London.
Christmas Lights and Displays 2008
The turning on of the Christmas lights is an event in London, thousands crowd into the streets, many dressed in Yuletide fashion. Everyone sings carols and enjoys the entertainment put on to mark the occasion.
This year the lights are being switched on at the following places and times;
- Oxford Street;November 12
- Regent Street; November 6
- Bond Street;November 20
- Spitalfields; November 23
Last year, thousands of people turned out to watch the spectacular display in Oxford Street where the lovely soul diva and X Factor winner, Leona Lewis, turned on the lights. 2008 looks set to be another impressive year with more celebrities on hand to get the party started.
For an alternative Christmas event in London, why not investigate the Medieval Christmas at the Tower of London. In addition to the traditional Beefeater tours, the crown jewels and special exhibitions, you also have the chance to step back in time to 1284 and enjoy Christmas festivities with the court of King Edward I. Christmas feasts, fools and fun bring the magic of this medieval Christmas alive.
Whilst strolling through London's streets take a look at the window displays in shops such as, Hamleys, Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Fortnum and Mason's. At Christmas, the shops in London make a concerted effort with their window designs, using mechanical displays to bright colourful lights and materials.
Of course, Christmas shopping trips to London provide a real spectacle for everyone in your party. From dazzling lights to jaw-dropping displays, London is the best place to enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping.
Did you know that electric Christmas lights were first used in 1895? The electric lights replaced candles as a safer option
Christmas Attractions
With so many festive attractions taking place in London this year including the magnificent Christmas lights and shopping trips, window displays, temporary ice rinks and festivals, it is difficult to know what to do first! We have compiled a list of our top Christmas attractions in London for 2008.
Christmas Attractions in London - a quick peak:
Did you know that kissing under the misletoe started in Pagan times? The plant represented peace and if enemies met beneath it they had to observe a truce until the next day. The plant was also believed to be closely related to health and fertility!
Spitalfields Festival runs from December 9 - 19, 2008, with performances from local choirs, bands and performers.
Spitalfields is situated in the East End of London and is famous for its market and the spectacular church that dominates the main square. For the Winter Festival the whole community get involved with funding from local businesses as well as sponsors. The Christ Church bell is rung to announce the beginning of each Christmas concert and the shops and local market join in the festive fun with decorations and Christmas offers.
Spitalfields is worth a walk around at any time of year and is particularly enchanting during the winter.
The Great Christmas Pudding Race takes place in Covent Garden and has done for the past 27 years.
This hilarious race takes place on Saturday, December 6 and involves 150 contestants dressed in festive costumes racing through the Garden Piazza balancing Christmas Puddings on flimsy plates. Local schools and businesses enter teams and the whole day is accompanied by music and entertainment and of course Santa. The event raises money for Cancer Research UK.
Did you know that due to the time difference Santa has 31 hours to do his deliveries? That's 832 houses a second!
Around Christmas, a number of temporary ice rinks are placed around London, from Kew Gardens and Greenwich Old Royal Naval College to the Tower of London.
Whether you choose to ice skate around the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew or upon the dry moat that runs beneath the outer wall of the Tower of London, outdoor ice skating is a festive attraction that is guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas.
What could be more seasonal than watching a pantomime production of Cinderella or a ballet performance of Nutcracker. The classic fairytale Cinderella will be playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre from December 5 until January 6, 2009. Rewritten for a modern day audience, Cinderella boasts an impressive cast of major stars and celebrities. Starring Richard Wilson, Susan Hampshire and John Barrowman, this pantomime will surely be the fairest of them all! Tickets are available online from the New Wimbledon.
If you are a fan of ballet or indeed Matthew Bourne then make sure you book tickets to the Nutcracker, performing at the Royal Opera House between December 15 and January 10, 2009. This shimmering winter production combines inspirational interpretation from Matthew Bourne and Tchaikovsky's sensational score to create a Christmas masterpiece. Tickets can be purchased online with the Royal Opera House.
Did you know that Bing Crosby's White Christmas sold over 100 million copies worldwide? Making it the best selling Christmas single of all time
This annual event takes place at Hampton Court Palace and really sets the mood for a spot of festive fun in nation's capital city.
Join the crowds and sing traditional and contemporary carols, accompanied by a silver band. The palace's grounds and gardens will be full of the sound of carol-singing as everyone gets their song on in this festive event. Christmas Carols at Hampton Court run from December 20 through to December 23.
One of the most famous services at one of the most famous London landmarks.
This amazing building provides the perfect environment to hold the service that reminds us what Christmas is all about. Midnight Mass is a Christmas church service that leads you into Christmas Day, it takes place on December 24 at 11.30pm at Westminster Abbey. Churches all across the country will be holding the service and we have chosen the Westminster Abbey service due to the atmosphere, weight of people and the history of the abbey - William the Conqueror was crowned here on Christmas Day in 1066.
Since 1947 the people of Norway have donated a Christmas tree to Britain due to our support for the country during World War II.
The 62nd Christmas tree will be lit on December 4, traditional Christmas carols are sang at the ceremony, and the Major of Westminster attends.
The tree lights are all white in keeping with Norwegian tradition and the National Gallery dim their lights during the ceremony so that spectators can feel the full affect of the Christmas tree - which is usually over 25 metres high.
Did you know that hanging a Christmas wreath upon your door is a sign of welcome?
The busy man makes time to meet and greet as many children as he can (and adults too of course!) every year, taking up residency in one or more of London's shops. Santa will be waiting to hear who's been good and who's been bad at the famous London stores Selfridges and Harrods.
Selfridges:
The Santa Express on the lower ground floor of Selfridges will take you on a magical journey to meet Santa. Children can have their photo taken with the great man himself as well as let him (and you) know what they want for Christmas.
Harrods:
Santa will be in his Grotto at the famous London store Harrods at various dates over the christmas period. Tickets allocating a half hour slot are bookable with Harrods directly.
Did you know that the sharp points of the holly leaf represent Christ's crown of thorns, and the red berries his blood?
The London Frost Fair is located between the Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern offering a slice of festive spirit in the heart of the capital. This sixth annual fair will have a range of events including carols, live music and ice sculptures, as well as a winter market providing gift ideas to make this Christmas memorable. The Frost Fair is open from December 12 - 13 and is free of charge.
As always, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a magical event the whole family can enjoy. Open between November 22 and January 4, 2009, this winter event includes 25 individual chalets selling traditional German Christmas fayre, an outdoor ice skating rink, fairground rides and a bungy dome. One of the best Christmas events in London, the Winter Wonderland is a must for everyone, young and old.
If you want to treat your little ones to a great show in London this Christmas, then check out The Gruffalo at the Duchess Theatre. Running from November 26 until January 9, 2009, this rendition of the award-winning children's book is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. The show runs at various times during the day and lasts 55 minutes. What happens when Mouse comes face-to-face with the creature of his vivid imagination? Find out at the Duchess Theatre this Christmas.
