Watching the snow fall outside the window in the warmth of a fireplace, the lights and garlands that adorn the fir tree, the overflow of good feelings, sending Christmas…
Much of what we understand Christmas today is a Victorian invention, very British. It was Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert (both of German origin) who popularized the German custom of decorating trees to celebrate this festival in the United Kingdom. And from there, to the rest of the world.
One of his subjects, Charles Dickens, contributed more than anyone to the configuration of that imaginary. His Christmas Carol, published in 1843 – Queen Victoria had only been on the throne for six years, which she would occupy until 1901 – achieved enormous success and propagated the idea of ​​this celebration as a brief time of solidarity, compassion and redemption of hearts of stone. The many film versions of the narrative have kept the story alive to this day.
Kew Gardens, Christmas comes to London’s enchanted garden
If modern Christmas has a lot to do with English, why not travel to London to enjoy it? The capital that inspired many of Dickens’ works, has an extensive Christmas offer for all audiences, almost endless. But you have to choose. And keep in mind that many of the attractions require buying tickets in advance. Let’s go!
Get drunk on light
The Christmas lighting of London streets is one of the most spectacular in Europe. Enjoying it straight away will immerse you in the spirit of the holidays, and for that, nothing better than getting on an open-top bus, such as the Christmas Lights London by Night bus that runs through Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, among other essential places, in addition to pass the London Eye, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. 
Chritsmas lights Oxford Street and Oxford Circus.
An onboard guide tells the details of the city’s history and monuments during the tour. The departure and arrival point is at the 77 Belvedere Road bus stop, near the London Eye. Duration? Between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on traffic. And bundle up!
Skate in unique settings
London is full of ice rinks at this time. And the best: many are in special places. To put just four (the list is long): you can slide down the one that is mounted right in front of the beautiful Hampton Court Palace, built in the 16th century; or the one at the entrance to Battersea Power Station, the old power station (yes, the one on the cover of Animals, the famous Pink Floyd album).
Ice rink in Canary Wharf surrounded by buildings.
Skating along the Ice Rink Canary Wharf, flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, is unforgettable. And you won’t forget the panoramic views of the banks of the Thames from the ice rink on the roof of the Tobacco Road warehouse. Many of these facilities have bars and restaurants.
Kick the Christmas markets
The offer is overwhelming, and the temptation irresistible. Why market start? Perhaps because of the three that work under hundreds of thousands of lights in Covent Garden, one of the most touristy districts of the city. Impossible to leave there empty-handed: surprising gifts and the best crafts abound. At the Southbank Center Winter Festival you will find a market with stalls that mimic the shapes of traditional Alpine-style chalets.
The Greenwich market, in addition to selling all kinds of crafts, works of art and fashion items, gives us the perfect excuse to stroll through the riverside neighborhood of Greenwich, where the famous Observatory is located.
We would need a lot more space to talk about London Christmas markets, but write down some names: Borough Market, the Winter Wonderland market (one of the largest in the city), or Christmas by the River, which offers wonderful views of the bridge and the Tower of London, and the skyline of the city.
New Year’s Eve fireworks from the Thames
It is a recent tradition, but it has already become famous in the world. Just as Big Ben chimes to herald a new year, a dazzling (in colours, shapes and extent) fireworks launch near the . Be careful, to see it up close you have to buy tickets in advance, capacity is limited for security reasons.
Just as Big Ben chimes to herald a new year, a dazzling (fireworks launch) begins.
Are you looking for an original way to transition into the new year? Do it on the water. There is a wide range of cruises in which New Year’s Eve is celebrated while navigating the Thames. Dine, drink and dance touring a unique environment.
Visit the World of Wonders
For 15 years, Hyde Park has hosted Winter Wonderland, a kind of ephemeral amusement park that is one of the highlights of London Christmas. It offers more than a hundred activities for the whole family: a huge ice skating rink (with live music), a circus with acrobats, nine roller coasters (and a carousel, if you have heart problems), virtual reality experiences, a big wheel…
You can lose yourself for half an hour in the galleries of the Magic Kingdom of Ice, where 500 tons of ice and snow sculpted in curious shapes await you; Or dare yourself with the Edelweiss Funhouse, a Bavarian-style house with a 300-meter course full of obstacles and optical illusions.
Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland, a kind of ephemeral Christmas amusement park.
Live the magic among the plants
At sunset, the 120-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew become a fascinating space. The visitor follows a 2.6 kilometer route (it is suggested to complete it in about 75 minutes) in which he comes across spectacular projections, immersive installations and all kinds of light effects that combine with the vegetation and water to create an environment fairy tale. The kids will love it (and you).
