Can you feel it in the air? That cool, fresh sensation on your face as you walk the banks of the Thames on Christmas Eve?
The cloud of steam of your breath as you sip a mulled wine from a stall in Borough Market? The warmth and mystique of lights dotted throughout trees, across the roofs of houses, snaking up the pillars of grand and famous buildings?
Yep, it’s that time of the year again, but don’t stress that you’re missing out on everything that London has to offer during the festive season. Here at London Bicycle Tour Company, we have you covered.
We’ve listed our top 5 best places to experience the thrill, the wonder, and the spectacle that is Christmas in London, when the nights are long and the magic is all around. From the light displays of Carnaby and Bond Streets through to the glowing, timeless beauty of Covent Garden, let us show you the city’s illuminated double life.
If you want to see all of the best places to experience Christmas in London at once, book our Bike Tour around London’s Awesome Christmas Lights – what are you waiting for?
- Glamour in Sloane Square
Every Christmas, Chelsea doesn’t disappoint with its tasteful lights and sumptuous shop windows. This year is no exception so take your chance to schmooze with the socialites and see how the other half live (and shop!)
(Photo credit: Jess Monson)
- Winter Wonder in Hyde Park
The infectious energy pulsating from Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland can be felt and heard from miles around. The sight of jaw-dropping funfair rides plunging into the night sky and the smell of mulled cider and bratwurst emanating from the Bavarian village will satiate your Christmas needs even from afar.
- Illuminated neighbourhoods in Pimlico
One of the lesser known not-to-be-missed sights are the quaint and quiet residential streets of Pimlico, right on the doorstep of Westminster Cathedral, very pretty yet little visited. Lined with beautiful period terraces, each keeping up with the Jones’s when it comes to decorating for Christmas. For a less commercial side of the Christmas experience look beyond the shops and into the lives of Londoners themselves.
Here’s 2 more of the best places to experience Christmas in London…
(Photo credit: Dan Jordan)
- Cultural Revolution in Carnaby Street
The favoured haunt of the rockers and rollers of the swinging 60s such as Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Carnaby Street rediscovers its roots this year with a Love Revolution for Christmas. Its lights offer messages of peace, love and hope, greatly needed in these troublesome times.
5. Angelic atmosphere in Regent Street
(Photo credit: Jess Monson)
The bustling shopping street is lined with colourful businesses, dressed up in their Sunday best and bursting at the seams with festive wares, while overhead soar 16 majestic angels, twinkling in enjoyment of the whole spectacle. Each angel has an impressive wingspan of 17m but the span of their Christmas joy is unbounded. Not to be missed!
Have we whet your appetite for the festive season in London? All of the best places to experience Christmas in London plus more can be seen on our 3 hour Bike Tour around London’s Awesome Christmas Lights with Funzing.
Looking for more festive experiences? Check our hit-list here.