Christmas is about traditions, repetition – and a sense of security. But Christmas also carries much more than these comforting, traditional virtues. The essence of what makes your Christmas a good one – you probably know that best yourself. But we would really like to show you that Christmas can also be found elsewhere than here in Denmark – and that you can embrace the holiday through new and different adventures than the ones you find at home.
This year, we went on a Christmas trip to London with two overnight stays – partly to soak up the festive atmosphere, but also to see The Snowman by Raymond Briggs as a theatre performance – a dream I’ve had for many years. We had many thoughts and expectations about seeing and experiencing a lot in just two days. The reality was that we experienced a great deal of Christmas spirit – but didn’t manage to do everything we had dreamed of. Here, we share with you the things we wanted to experience – both those we did and those still waiting for us.
So here they are – we hope you’ll feel inspired for your next Christmas trip to London.
Experience London wrapped in Christmas decorations
London is cozy – and in December, the city becomes even more magical. The Christmas decorations are truly beautiful and grand. In some places, they go all out – and my eyes simply couldn’t get enough of all the Christmas lights, sparkling in the daylight and glowing warmly and invitingly in the dark.
Of course, not every single corner is decorated – but most shops, restaurants, and cafés make an effort. And the busiest streets and intersections are adorned as well. The decorations are beautifully accompanied by the many sensory impressions you encounter as you move through the city – such as the spiced aromas from stalls and cafés: caramelized almonds, roasted chestnuts, warm spiced drinks – along with Christmas songs and little happenings in the streets.
In many places in London they really go all in. It’s not enough just to decorate buildings with greenery – they also use white-painted branches and garlands to give everything an extra festive look. Plastic Christmas trees, red, green, and blue lights flashing and glowing in an almost artificial sparkle. Santa Clauses spinning around, handing out sweets to children. And I take it all in with pure delight. I know – I’m a bit of a Christmas nerd…
Find the Christmas spirit at the many Christmas markets in London
London is big. And if you don’t immediately stumble upon the Christmas spirit where you are, you can always head out to one of the city’s many Christmas markets. And why would you do that? Well – because they really put their heart into them. They’re like little winter wonderlands, and once you step inside one, it’s almost impossible not to let the festive mood take over, just a little.
The markets are filled with stalls, mulled wine, festive drinks, Christmas music – and (lots of) twinkling lights. Some are small and cosy, while others are quite large and offer events for all ages. It’s a bit like stepping into miniature amusement parks, transformed into Christmas worlds you can wander through and get lost in.
Beyond these, there are many other festive markets to explore in London, such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Christmas market at Tate Modern, and the Greenwich Christmas Market.
See the Christmas lights on Oxford Street
Oxford Street is lively all year round – and in December, it’s no exception. Here you’ll find festive decorations, buzzing crowds, and a full-on Christmas shopping atmosphere. If that’s your thing.
We arrived mid-morning, and I could easily see why it would be worth coming here after dark. That’s when the street really comes alive – with glowing lights, roasted chestnuts being prepared on the street, and the large department stores showcasing their most extravagant Christmas displays.
If, like us, you prefer a bit more atmosphere, calm, and Christmas charm, it makes perfect sense to drift slightly away towards SOHO and explore the smaller streets, where the festive mood feels more intimate and relaxed.
Experience Evening Choir at St Paul’s Cathedral
One of my biggest wishes for this Christmas trip to London was to hear the boys’ choir sing at St Paul’s Cathedral. I have a soft spot for English and American Christmas traditions, and that includes boys’ choirs singing carols. Their sound carries a deep sense of calm, and when I hear it, I feel an almost direct connection to Christmas joy.
Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to go inside this time. During the Christmas season, they sing every day at 5 pm – and it remains one of the experiences I still have to keep for another visit. But perhaps it could be one of your Christmas adventures instead?
See a Christmas show in a theatre in London
London has many exciting theatres. Over the years, we’ve seen several performances here – including “The Lion King”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Misérables” – and now also “The Snowman”. If you visit London, you should absolutely treat yourself to a theatre experience. Their productions are truly outstanding.
It’s clear that theatre plays a major role in the cultural life of the city. There is space for both big productions and smaller, more intimate shows – all appealing to those who love an authentic live experience. And if you’re travelling with children, it’s a wonderful shared experience to bring them along.
But which Christmas show should you choose? There are many to pick from. You might experience “The Snowman”, “A Christmas Carol”, “White Christmas” – and plenty more – depending on what feels most festive to you.
Go Christmas gift shopping in the many beautiful shops of London
Whatever you’re dreaming of – you can probably find it, as long as you’ve got enough budget – and you’re in London. Here you’ll find everything the heart (and wallet) could desire. From small second-hand boutiques, toy stores and LEGO shops, to grand department stores, art galleries, design brands, and market stalls filled with handmade treasures… you name it.
Sebastian always has to visit the big LEGO store at Leicester Square, and this time he also got the chance to experience the huge toy store Hamleys, where you’ll find plenty of Harry Potter LEGO sets, toys, robes, wands – and everything you need for a full immersion into the Harry Potter universe.
If you want to combine Christmas shopping with a trip abroad, London is the place to go – here you can have it all.
Oplev julestemningen mellem London- og Tower Bridge
En af de ting, vi endnu ikke havde oplevet i London, var Tower of London – det ville vi opleve denne gang. Derfor sørgede vi for at squeeze en gåtur omkring Tower of London og Tower Bridge for også at opleve stedet sammen med Sebastian. Til vores overraskelse var her masser af julestemning, juletræer, julemarked, boder og ikke mindst en perlerække af statuer af min elskede “The Snowman”.
Du kan stå af ved Tower of Bridge, gå rundt om den langs Themsen, krydse Tower Bridge og komme over på den anden side, hvor du finder juleboderne og (2019) statuerne af “The Snowman”.
Experience the Christmas spirit around Tower Bridge in London
One of the things we had not yet experienced in London was the Tower of London, and this time we made sure to squeeze in a walk around both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, so Sebastian could experience it too.
To our surprise, there was plenty of Christmas atmosphere here as well – Christmas trees, festive stalls, a small market, and not least a beautiful series of statues from my beloved “The Snowman”.
You can get off near Tower Bridge, walk along the Thames, cross the bridge, and continue to the other side where you’ll find Christmas stalls and (in 2019) the Snowman sculptures.
Enjoy high tea or an afternoon cake in one of Covent Garden’s cafés in London
This was unfortunately one of the things we didn’t manage to do on our Christmas trip to London – but nevertheless, it was on our list. Why? Because Covent Garden is simply so atmospheric at Christmas time. We walked right past it (and it looked incredibly festive), but with only two nights in the city – and an early flight at 6 a.m. from Stansted – we chose to spend our final night closer to the airport. And that’s why this little indulgence will have to wait. And we do love high tea…
But perhaps you won’t be in such a hurry as we were? Then keep this in mind.
Warm up in one of the Christmas-decorated cafés in London
One of the things I remember most vividly from our trip as being truly “Christmassy” were our small café breaks around London. I absolutely love cafés in London – and at Christmas time, I love them even more.
Do you know that feeling of having walked and walked for hours… seen and experienced so much – and then suddenly turning into a café? Sitting down, stretching your legs, wiggling your toes in tight shoes or boots, ordering a coffee, and just… watching people go about their daily routines?
That feeling… mixed with cinnamon, cardamom, warmth, Christmas music, and a sense of gratitude for simply being there… that exists here. In London. In December – the month above all months for anyone who loves Christmas. It’s where you gather your thoughts from the past year, your experiences, everything that didn’t go as planned, everything that did.
That’s how it felt for us. And that feeling became the thread that tied our journey together – bringing a sense of calm and joy to simply being in the middle of it all, regardless of circumstances, just enjoying being alive. And that… is Christmas, isn’t it?
Links
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Leicester Christmas Market
- Greenwich Market
- Christmas Market London/Tower Bridge
- Sct Pauls Cathedral: Evening choir
- The Snowman – Peacock Theatre
- The Christmas Carol – The old Vic
- White Christmas – The old Vic
- Hamleys
