The Best Things to Do in London for Christmas 2024: Festive Fun You Won’t Want to Miss

Christmas in London is magical, full stop. In fact, I would go as far as saying that London is the best city in the world to visit at Christmas. The London Christmas lights are unmatched and there’s just so much to do that’ll get you in the Christmas spirit. So, here are some of my favourite things to do this festive season; and some hidden gems you might not have thought of:

1. See the Christmas Lights on an Open-Top Bus Tour

If you haven’t seen London’s Christmas lights yet, you’re in for a treat! Now, imagine taking it all in while cruising through the city of London on an open-top bus. Yep, it’s as magical as it sounds. Snuggle under a blanket (bring one!) and watch Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden light up!

🎁 Book your London Christmas Lights Bus Tour here

Trust me, it’s the best way to take in the city without battling through the crowds - and sort of romantic too! Side note: try to book a slot outside of rush hour, otherwise you may get a little stuck.

And of course, you can also join a free walking tour of the London Christmas lights, or just research the best London Christmas lights for yourself and head on out - just make sure you don’t miss them. Top Tip: The Regent Street Christmas Angels may be the most famous, but they absolutely should be on everyone’s list!

2. Ice Skating at London’s Best Ice Rinks

You cannot beat a festive ice skate to get in the Christmas mood. Somerset House might be the obvious choice, but if you fancy something a bit different, here are a few of my faves:

• Hampton Court Palace: Skate around with the palace as your backdrop - it’s a little further out but it’s stunning

• Beaverbrook Ice Rink: A hidden gem!

• Glide at Battersea Power Station: It’s got this cool, industrial feel to it, but still packed with Christmas spirit

• Canary Wharf Ice Rink: It’s maybe not the most beautiful ice rink in London, but I love how conveniently it’s located

• Somerset House Ice Rink: A classic!

Go early or late to avoid the crowds, and remember that London’s iconic ice rink at the Natural History Museum is closed!

3. Have a Festive Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at the Four Seasons in London

You can’t come to London and not do afternoon tea, right? And Christmas is arguably the best time to have afternoon tea in London. Here are a few of my favourite festive afternoon teas in London:

• Pan Pacific London: Super chic and festive. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up a bit

• The Four Seasons: Pure indulgence with a Christmas twist - think gold-dusted pastries and more champagne, please!

• The Strand Palace: Check out their Snow Palace Afternoon Tea, which is like stepping into a winter wonderland (and their desserts are too pretty to eat… almost).

To me, it’s the perfect way to escape the cold and feel all festive.

4. Get Lost at the Christmas Market in Greenwich

Winter Wonderland is great and all, but if you’re looking for something a little less touristy, head to Greenwich Christmas Market. It’s smaller, more local, and super charming. There’s live music, arts and crafts, and tons of delicious street food (the mulled cider is SO good).

Plus, the historic backdrop of Greenwich makes it feel a little more magical. It’s perfect for a slower, more relaxed Christmas vibe, and if you’re looking for something to do in London with kids: Greenwich has a lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on event on the 20th of November 2024 - find out more here.

And as a German, I just can’t send you to Winter Wonderland, haha. Christmas markets in Germany just are very different.

5. Visit Covent Garden

You may think ‘now this isn’t exactly a hidden gem is it?’ - Nope, it’s not, but Covent Garden at Christmas is a must visit every year. The decorations, the pop - ups, the photo opportunities and the shopping opportunities make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in London at Christmas for me. If you want to take some beautiful photos without the crowds I highly recommend an early wake up btw.!

6. Have a cocktail at London’s ‘Most Christmassy Bar’ - Miracle at Henrietta

‘Grandma got run over by a T-Rex’ cocktail at Miracle

You may think visiting Miracle at Henrietta is super cheesy, but I’m so sorry to say, it’s definitely the number 1 must do when visiting London for Christmas, and maybe the best thing to do in London for Christmas … ever! It’s a hidden bar within walking distance from Covent Garden and my personal favourite cocktail is the one with the T-Rex. Book well ahead or try to walk in at around 3:00pm.

7. Watch ‘Love Actually’ in Concert

For something to do indoors, don’t miss Love Actually In Concert at Eventim Apollo! This British Christmas classic will be screened with a full orchestra playing the iconic soundtrack live. It’s the perfect way to relive this British classic with a musical twist. I highly recommend this for a cosy date night or an evening with friends!

12 Things to do in London this Christmas

🎁 If you’re looking for my 2024 Christmas in London Guide - click here 🎁

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. In the most wonderful city in this world! Here is a list of my personal favourite things to do for Christmas 2019 in London:

1. Ice skating at Bar Elba - It’s a tiny ice rink but the cocktails are amazing!

2. Ice skating in Greenwich - Perfect for bigger groups or days out in London with Kids.

3. Visit Winterland London - A cosy ski hut inspired bar with outdoor hot tub! Fancy it?

4. Have crazy Christmas Cocktails at Henrietta Hotel - Kitsch par excellence! I love it!

5. Have mulled wine and explore Borough Market - Also very good for Christmas presents!

6. Eat Christmas dinner in a wrap at Underbelly - It’s in a giant Yorkshire Pudding!

7. Visit Royal Botanic Gardens or Kew Gardens - I do think it is mostly sold out but worth a try!

8. The Emerald City in London for Christmas - Crazy? Yes! Fun? Yes!

9. See a Christmas Show at the Old Vic Theatre - We saw a Christmas Carol and oh it was just so London!

10. See the Carnaby Street Christmas lights - This year’s theme is Project Zero.

11. Go shopping at Selfridges - My favourite department store! Oh and do make sure you visit the food hall, too!

12. Have a cosy Hot Chocolate at Said Dal - London’s best hot chocolate?

The Best Pancake Places In London!

It’s pancake day! Or even if you’re reading this and it’s not - pancakes make us happy! So I have teamed up with Clink Hostels to bring you the most unreal pancake restaurants in our beautiful city!

1. The Wolseley, Green Park - High end, high expectations! I had scrumptious pancakes with seasonal berries in an interior so London, I wanted to move in! I was not disappointed - come here for a special occasion.

2. Senzala, Brixton - Brazilian cuisine meets French cuisine? It works! And combined with the vibe of one of the most vibrant markets - Brixton Village - in London, you might be tempted into having a cocktail or two, too!

3. Where the Pancakes are, Borough - Cute! Nestled in close to the Shard and hidden in the depths of Flat Iron Square Where the Pancakes are offer you buttermilk creations for every occasion! After the gym, breakfast, lunch, dinner and all!

4. Granger & Co., Kings Cross - Wow! Fluffy to the moon and back is the only way I can describe their Ricotta Hotcakes! So bouncy, so yummy and paired with a fresh orange juice and ginger shot in the morning, this is one of my favourite sweet breakfasts in London!

For more mouthwatering tips, check out this blogpost by Clink Hostels and watch my vlog below! Happy eating! :)

My Favourite Restaurants In London

London’s restaurant scene is the most diverse one I have ever experienced. Living in London is like living in a foodie heaven where every single day you are surprised with a brand new and exciting restaurant, from anywhere in the world. Yum!

This is a list of my personal top 7 favourite restaurants in London. Are they the best restaurants in London? Depends on what you consider as best, but if you are looking for fun, affordable and delicious then, jackpot:

1. Franco Manca - A sourdough pizza place par excellence. Simple menu, simple design, unbeatable taste and prices! It is and has always been the best pizza in London for me. They have recently added their vegan special so now it really is a restaurant for everybody! I am a fan. In fact, writing about it makes me crave it so much, ha!

2. Flat Iron - London’s best steak restaurant, if you ask me! A high quality flat iron steak for £10. You read correctly. It’s popular though, so my tip would be to arrive as early as you can for dinner, or arrive at odd times, because otherwise you might have to wait for quite a while - worth it though.

3. Bone Daddies - It’s Ramen! Everybody loves Ramen and so do I. You will have tons of fun visiting Bone Daddies, that is guaranteed. Bibs, hair-ties and everything you need to prepare yourself for the Noodles! Rich in taste and oh so filling, Bone Daddies Ramen combined with Sake to drink guarantee an epic eating out experience.

4. Señor Ceviche - Let’s go to Peru! This probably is the priciest restaurant on the list. It’s Peruvian cuisine for a special occasion. The flavours range from spicy to sour to sweet, or all 3 combined. Every time I have visited I was left saying: ‘This flavour though! I have never tasted anything like it before!’ Drink a Pisco Sour (cocktail) when you’re there and I promise this will become your new favourite poison of choice! I made a vlog about it here.

5. Martello Hall - Bottomless Brunch recommendation no. 1! Pizzas for every taste (and I mean EVERY taste), brunch dishes that make your mouth water and service quality like no other! I have been twice for Bottomless Brunch and every time I was absolutely amazed by the service. Often waiters are stingy whilst you’re trying to get the best out of your 2 hours - not here! Fun, delicious and I mean the interior … THAT is a whole other story! A visit will instantly turn you into a hipster, hurray :)

6. Coin Laundry - Bottomless Brunch recommendation no. 2! Understated, colourful and cool. Coin Laundry comes at you with delicious brunch choices, hilarious waiters that will make your brunch that little bit extra special and a vibe I can only describe as: ‘You’re in London, Baby!’

7. Homeslice - Wagon Wheel Pizza! Pizza so huge you will have to share it. Really, do share! I tried to eat one on my own which was a bad idea! If you are coming to eat Hawaiian pizza I’m sorry to disappoint you. The toppings are everything but usual. You will find things like ‘Spice Lamb, Savoy Cabbage & Sumac Yoghurt’ or ‘Kimchi, Porcini Cream & Basil’ and they are all oh so scrumptious you really don’t want to share. But you have to, remember? :)

How to do NYE in London right!

London is one of the most popular cities in the world. And on New Year’s eve, every year, it becomes even more popular. Thousands of people travel to London to see the world famous firework display at the London Eye. Understandably. I have done it, too.

However, this is an honest guide to NYE in London and how to get the best out of it - because maybe just maybe, the firework at the London Eye isn’t too high on my list of recommendations, and here is why:

1. If you really want to see the London Eye firework display properly, book and come EARLY. For NYE 2019, you can still book tickets today! Click the link above to see the options. However, once you have clicked through you will find out that the latest entry time available is around 3:00pm. This means you will have to be at the London Eye at 3:00pm and will have to spend money and exactly 8 hours there outside in the cold, until the firework starts. If it is your dream to see it up close, if you have gloves and a hat and a bit of cash to spend on mulled wine to keep you warm, then go ahead and enjoy every minute! :) Tickets cost £25 and upwards.

2. If you’re thinking about just watching the London Eye display from afar and not spend any money, then I’m sorry to let you know this will be very, very difficult. I have tried it. The good places in the city are all bridges, all hills like Primrose Hill or Greenwich, all free skyscrapers, or anywhere along the Thames, if you’re lucky. The problem however is that you and I are not the only people who will have this idea. All of these places, and I do mean everywhere, gets crowded from about 6/7pm onwards. Tube stations anywhere close to Embankment will shut down for entry and thousands of people will try to get a ‘good spot’ just like you. Unfortunately this means overcrowding, harsh police regulations in terms of where you can even go, and potentially that will also mean you miss the firework :( If you are willing to reserve a seat on, for instance, Primrose Hill from 4:00pm onwards then you will have a great night! :) But again, bring your gloves!

What I really recommend:

1. The splash the cash version - Book a table in one of London’s most exciting restaurants, bars or clubs with a view. Each year there are many options to do so. Madison or OXO Tower are just two places that guarantee you a first class view with first class service, often a welcome drink or canapés and, obviously, no crowds. You can check Design my Night for more inspiration. Now, please be aware that this is the splash the cash version. It will be totally worth it, but you will need to be ready to spend roughly £150 or more per person.

2. The budget version - And this is my favourite one and the one I recommend the most. Stay at home :) Buy a fondue set and invite all your friends over. Get some sparklers, buy ingredients for £10 a head and drink Prosecco! Honestly guys, this is by far the best way to celebrate NYE in London. If you are visiting, and you don’t have a ‘home’, how about doing something in your hotel room or in your airbnb? You can go to a pub, have a delicious NYE dinner and toast at midnight, how about that? :) You could also ‘just’ go out for dinner to your favourite restaurant and celebrate there? Most restaurants will offer somewhat of a NYE menu and close around 22:30pm to give you enough time to head back ‘home’ for midnight (you and them I might say). Last year I went to Mac and Wild and tried their NYE menu which was ootw - out of this world!

Enjoy! x Sandy

5 of the best Tourist Attractions in London

London has been my home for more than 5 years. Naturally I am now a huge fan of telling people about hidden gems, but let’s face it, when I go to Paris, I want to see the Eiffel Tower. So I understand that when you go to London you want to see equally famous landmarks and sights. Here are my top 5 most exciting tourist attractions in London.

1. Royal Albert Hall - It’s grand! Book a tour and take your most music loving family member or friend.

2. Shakespeare's Globe - For everyone, not just a theatre fan!

3. Tower of London - Are the crown jewels real? We will never know!

4. Borough Market - Much a away on goodies from all over Great Britain.

5. Sky Garden - Book ahead for free skyline views of London.

The best things to do in London! My top 5 of popular tourist attractions that are actually worth visiting! Subscribe to my channel for more living in London videos: https://www.youtube.com/subscribe_widget?p=sandymakessense Are your visiting London as a tourist? Are you already living here and have never visited these places?