London’s a magical time at Christmas. If you’re planning a visit or have friends and family coming to stay in December then here is Clarendon’s top five for Christmas in London.
1. A Covent Garden Christmas
Apart from the Great Christmas Pudding race (a must-see!) Covent Garden is a beautiful place to visit at Christmas and there is plenty to do. From early November the centre square is decorated with a 60ft Christmas tree, a 15ft topiary reindeer and thousands of twinkling lights. If that doesn’t inspire a Christmassy mood then a new LEGO creation is unveiled in mid-November as an advent calendar. Children (and adults) can pet and feed live reindeer in the West Piazza right up until they need to leave to help Santa deliver presents on 21st December. Acclaimed theatre company Look Left Look Right will provide entertainment with the world premiere of their pantomime ‘Once Upon a Christmas’.
2. Christmas at Kew
At Kew there is an opportunity to see the Botanic gardens in a new light with an illuminated trail. Artists from across the UK have created installation intended to express the beauty of winter, and to give people a place to play. No more details have been revealed, except that the gardens will be a feast for each of the five senses with Kew’s tree collection at the heart of the experience and a treasure trail element.
Richmond is close to the illuminated train and the town will feature its own Christmas lights and decorations offering a picturesque and festive place to visit.
3. Spitalfields Music Festival
For the 6th to the 17th December Spitalfields will add the soundtrack to winter with a music line-up combining the old and the new. In open spaces and hidden corners there will be intimate performances, early masterpieces and contemporary sounds. There are lunchtime concerts for those who want to drop by during work as well as live sessions in the market. For individuals, families or just the curious there will be something for everyone.
http://www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
4. Oxford Street Christmas Lights
One of the most famous festive displays in the UK, the Oxford Street Christmas Lights provide a dazzling show in the heart of the capital, wowing shoppers as they pick up gifts. The theme this year is falling snow and the mile of Oxford Street will be covered in a blanket of bright lights. Costing £1.5m the display includes three quarter of a million LED lights and 1778 baubles.
5. Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Voted as one of the best ice rinks in the capital, Canary Wharf’s has a unique skate path leading skaters under trees lit by fairy lights before taking them back to the main rink. If you tire of skating the onsite bar is brought by Boisdale complete with viewing terrace. No visit to London during the festive season is complete without a few ice skating bruises.
If you’re staying in London this Winter, be sure to check out these great events. We have a selection of medium term and extended stay apartments in Tower Hill, Spitalfields, Canary Wharf , Richmond/Kew, at Goodge Street near Oxford Street and Covent Garden. It’s the ideal home away from home experience.