Christmas with Emily in London

The most wonderful time of the year is HERE!

While I rave about most things in London year-round, I will say I get extra excited for Christmas. Christmas in London is unlike any other and I think everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime.

If you're coming to London this Christmas season, here are some of my favorite things to do:

See the Christmas Lights

While the sun may set at 4:30pm in the winter, the streets are anything but dark because they are lit up by thousands of twinkling Christmas lights set up all throughout Central London. Take a walk through SoHo and you'll be delighted with a brilliant Christmas light display around every corner.

Check out my blog post London Christmas Lights Walk for the best route to see all the lights!

London Christmas Lights Walk

Try Mulled Wine

While it doesn't get as cold in London as other parts of the world, it still can get quite chilly and what better way to warm yourself up than a hot drink. Mulled wine and hot cider are available throughout the city and are a great way to join in on the Christmas spirit.

My favorites for mulled wine and hot cider are:

1. The Nags Head - quality mulled wine in Covent Garden

2. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market - good mulled wine and great atmosphere

3. The Lamb and Flag - Spiked Cider

Go Ice Skating at Somerset House

This is one of my favorite Christmas activities in the city. During the Christmas season, Somerset House transforms its square into an ice rink with a massive Christmas tree in the middle. Reserve your slot early because this gets booked up quickly. Tickets typically go on sale mid-October.

Book your spot here

Check out the Christmas Markets

There are several Christmas markets that pop up around the city. Here is list of the top ones:

• Covent Garden

• Southbank

• Hay's Gallery & The Queen's Walk (Tower Bridge)

• Trafalgar Square

• Leicester Square (this one gets really crowded during peak times in the evening)

• Grosvenor Square

Walk through Selfridges and Visit the Christmas Shop

When it comes to Christmas, Selfridges knows what they're doing! Not only is the exterior covered in beautiful lights, the inside also is decked out in amazing Christmas spirit. Take the middle escalator up and you'll be surrounded by Christmas music as you're lifted through a display of sparkling disco ball ornaments and dazzling lights. You can also visit the bottom floor and do some Christmas shopping; you can even get a personalized ornament at the Christmas shop.

Visit the Wallace Collection

Most museums will have some type of Christmas decorations but the Wallace Collection is one of my favorites. They set up a Christmas tree in the main room which makes for a beautiful atmosphere.

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If you're wanting to truly immerse yourself in a full-on Christmas experience, there are two larger-scale Christmas activities that you can check out:

Kew Gardens

If you want a true Christmas light show, you can visit Kew Gardens and walk through its extravagant Christmas light setup that is a staple for many families.

Book Kew Gardens Here

Winter Wonderland

During November and December, Hyde Park transforms into a fairground that hosts rollercoasters, beer gardens, arcade games, and so much more. If you're looking for something to do, this is the place to be. There's something for everyone in the family.

Book Winter Wonderland Here