During Christmastime, London becomes a jolly place, making for an enchanting Christmas experience. Across the city, ice skating rinks spring up, and the streets are lit up with Christmas lights. You may find great cuisine and a wide selection of one-of-a-kind products at traditional Christmas markets. Historic landmarks like the Tower Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe host festive events, while London’s theaters host unforgettable performances and pantomimes. At Christmastime, London has something for everyone, from Hyde Park’s magical Winter Wonderland to Kew Gardens’ breathtaking displays.
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Christmas Traditions in London
Traditional Christmas celebrations in London have a long history, and the city’s distinctive traditions provide a personal touch to Christmas. The holiday season in London is indeed a lovely time, filled with old traditions, generous giving, and festivities.
Trafalgar Square’s Holiday Light Display
Since 1947, Trafalgar Square has seen the annual erection of a massive Christmas tree which is an iconic part of London. It is a token of gratitude from the people of Oslo to the British government for all the support Norway received from the UK during World War II.
The tree is a Norwegian spruce over 65 feet high and it is carefully selected from the forests surrounding Oslo several months, even years, in advance. The lighting ceremony which takes place in early December marks the countdown to Christmas and brings festive cheer to the city. The tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling.
Christmas Markets
You may find seasonal food, beverages, and shopping options at one of London’s many Christmas markets, including the ones at Hyde Park, South Bank, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Spitalfields. Most of the markets offer handmade crafts, cool gifts, and tempting snacks and stay open until January 7.
Music Performances and Carol Services
When it comes to Christmas music, London is unrivaled. Before Christmas, you may find carol services throughout lunchtimes and nights at London’s churches. The Christmas music schedule at St. Martin-in-the-Fields is jam-packed, with tickets selling out months in advance. Although the majority of the Christmas carols that are familiar to us today originated in the 18th and 19th centuries, the practice of singing them in England and London may be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Christmas Trees
Prince Albert, the German spouse of Queen Victoria, introduced the custom of decorating a Christmas tree to England during the Victorian period, thereby beginning the tradition’s long history. Today, you can see Christmas trees all throughout London. One of the many places that gets a Norwegian spruce every year is also Trafalgar Square.
Crisis at Christmas
Crisis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness, was founded in December 1967. Since its opening in 1972, Christmas shelters in London have provided homeless individuals with refuge, food, and services including dental treatment and healthcare over the Christmas season.
Holiday Light Shows
The first thing Londoners love to do when the holiday season begins is to switch on the Christmas lights. London is known for its stunning holiday light shows during Christmas. The finest Christmas lights in London may be seen on Oxford Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Street, or Covent Garden; local celebrities regularly switch on the lights.
