CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
If you are thinking of a city break for Christmas whether as a couple or a family you are sure to find everything to make the Holiday Season special if you spend Christmas in London this year.
London is of course a world famous city to start with. There are an amazing number of sights to see even before you start looking at all the special events for Christmas. After the regular sightseeing, Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, The Crown Jewels, The London Eye, etc you can settle down and plan which festive sights to see in the run up to Christmas itself.
A major English tradition is the Pantomime. They are hilarious. Supposedly mainly for the kids but believe me adults thoroughly enjoy themselves too. They are usually based on a fairytale, perhaps Cinderella, Peter Pan, Aladdin or Puss in Boots. The principal boy is always a girl, the fatter, uglier character women are always men. There is a lot of audience participation and good triumphs over evil of course.
Another English tradition which is of course worldwide is Christmas shopping. Oxford Street and Regent Street are great and the beautiful Christmas lights and shop displays are worth a visit on their own. All the well known shops are here. My favourite place to spend a day for shopping and eating is Harrods. This is fabulous at any time of the year but Christmas is especially magnificent. Wonderful windows and lights and such fantastic things to buy. Just about everyone would love a Harrods souvenir in their Christmas stocking.
Trafalger Square is famous in its own right and is worth a visit especially to see the Christmas Tree there. Every year Norway sends a huge tree as a thank you for British help during World War 2. It is also the place to be on New Years Eve. Crowds of people, fireworks and a good time for everyone.
If you have the children with you of course you will want to see Santa Claus. Most major Department stores have a Santa and a display. You might also see him at one of the many Christmas Fairs and Christmas Markets that are to be found all over the City.
If you would like a special night out you might enjoy going to see The English National Ballet perform The Nutcracker which has been their tradition for over 50 years now. They are also performing The Snow Queen and Swan Lake this Christmas Season.
If you would like to see Christmas Past go to the Geffrye Museum where they will have 12 period rooms decorated in the authentic festive styles of Christmas past. They also explore the origin and meaning of many of our Christmas customs.
For a very special Christmas experience there are festive concerts and Carols at St.Paul’s Cathedral and Advent and Christmas Services at Westminster Abbey. The Abbey and the Cathedral are the most magnificent buildings steeped in history. Both have tours and information available so you can enjoy your visit there.
For a totally different experience why not try the Absolut Ice Bar. The bar and everything in it even the glasses are made of ice from the Torne River in Sweden, famous for its Ice Hotel. When you arrive at the bar you are given a designer thermal cape and hood to wear during your visit. The bar is completely rebuilt and designed every six months. This is a truly unusual London Experience.
If you still have time for some more sights there are the world famous British Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, the Houses of Parliament, The Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and so much more. There are museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, famous West End Theatres, attractions and sights in profuson. Christmas in London is an experience not to be missed.
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