Visiting Central London at Winter - 5 top things to do
Halloween is over, the clocks have gone back and your favourite festive menu ranges are out at every coffee shop, bakery and fast food outlet. It is the best time of the year to be visiting central London, and not only because of our upcoming Open Day and Taster Day events. Here are our top reasons to be visiting the capital this winter.
Winter Wonderland (22 November - 6 January)
Let’s start big. Winter Wonderland is arguably the most spectacular event of the year, spreading across the North-Eastern corner of London’s Hyde Park. Entry is free, and you really can spend hours and hours at this magical festive affair. Expect to find fairground rides, seasonal food stalls, markets offering nifty gift ideas, and even the big man himself at Santa’s grotto.
Festive markets
Photo by Arthur Edelman / Unsplash
Winter Market at Southbank (9th November - 27 December) - Expect festive food and drink vendors, gift stalls, and shows and performances at the Southbank Centre. Less than a 5 minute walk from Waterloo station.
Christmas at Leicester Square (10 mins from campus! 9 Nov - 6 Jan) - One of the more central Christmas markets during the winter season, find the usual stalls along with some real wacky shows and performances in the surrounding theatres!
Winterville at Clapham Common (15 Nov - 23 Dec) - A short journey out to Zone 2 on the tube but well worth it. Don’t miss the roller disco, backyard cinema, and festive mini golf.
See the jaw-dropping decorations and displays (November - January)
Photo by Jamie Davies / Unsplash
By mid-November London starts donning its winter gear and becomes an unrecognisable twinkly dreamland. Head to Oxford and Regent Streets for the most spectacular light decorations and window displays in their flagship stores. Covent Garden is also a big player for festive decor, with previous years’ decorations including various forms of giant reindeer, festive scenes built of lego, and visits by the famous Coca-Cola Christmas Truck. Or check out the famous Christmas tree that started a global tradition at Trafalgar Square and join in with regular carol services.
See a festive show on London’s West End
Photo by David Hofmann / Unsplash
For a limited time you can catch a merry musical or classic Christmas panto in the heart of London’s world-famous theatreland. Here are our highlights of this year’s performances:
- The Nutcracker, Royal Opera House (3 December - 15 January)
- The Snowman, Peacock Theatre (22 November - 6 January)
- Snow White Pantomime, London Palladium (8 December - 6 January)
- A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic (27 November - 19 January)
Go ice skating in unlikely surroundings
Photo by Bruce Christianson / Unsplash
While you could hit two birds with one stone and get your skating fix at Winter Wonderland, London offers a number of special pop-up ice rinks for the winter season. If you fancy something a little more special, check out these top locations:
- Natural History Museum (25 October - 6 January)
- Tower of London (23rd November - 6th January)
- Somerset House - 10 mins from campus! (14 November - 13 January)
- Canary Wharf (2nd November - 16th February)
