10 Christmas Things To Do in London 2020

Yay! It’s almost Crimbo, and what better place to spend it than in the fabulous city of London!

Christmas may be a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have bags of fun over the festive period.

When living in our awesome student accommodation in London, you’re never too far away from all the Christmassy action!

You’ll practically be able to smell the mulled wine from your cosy student digs you’ll be so close, hurrah.

We’ve done our research and found 10 Christmas things to do in London in 2020, because it’s the most wonderful time of the year after all 😉

Why Is Christmas In London So Special?

why is christmas in london special

London becomes truly exceptional during Christmas, filled with glittering lights, mulled wine, and extra inviting cosy pubs.

As a city, London is pretty much Christmas obsessed, with plenty to see and do, you’re bound to get into the festive spirit very quickly!

It’s safe to say, the city doesn’t mess around when it comes to Christmas lights, as the weather gets chillier, the streets get lighter.

When you’re doing a spot of shopping down Oxford or Regent Street, you won’t be able to miss the many shimmering lights, destined to put a smile on your face 😊

Keep your eye out for the Coca Cola truck too, a big reminder that Christmas is soon on its way, don’t forget to take a selfie!

There are loads of ice-skating rinks dotted around the city, and a bunch of yummy Christmas food stalls to visit whilst you’re having a mooch, what more could you want?

Current Christmas Lockdown Rules

christmas lockdown rules uk

According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the COVID winter plan will mean the UK returns to the three-tier system with a short break for Christmas, hurray!

Deets on the matter are still being worked out properly, but fingers crossed we’ll be back to some kind of normality over Christmas!

Currently, we’re in lockdown until the 2nd of December, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get into the Christmas spirit as a student living in London.

1. Christmas At Kew Gardens

kew gardens birmingham

From Wednesday 8th November to 20th December, you could visit this Insta-worthy illuminated Rose Garden at Kew Gardens!

However, following Tier 4 restrictions, Christmas at Kew Gardens has been cancelled, though visitors can still walk around the gardens during daylight.

Of course, additional safety measures will be in place to ensure full peace of mind, all you need to do is show up and have fun!

2. Portobello Road Virtual Christmas Market

shopping online christmas market

Current restrictions may mean that retailers selling non-essential items have been forced to close, but don’t worry, because the famous Portobello Road Market is going virtual!

All you need to do is download this app and you can browse the market stalls in the comfort of your own cosy student accommodation.

Market organisers are holding a bunch of virtual fairs until the end of November, and then this weekend (November 29th) there’s a virtual antique fair, pretty cool right?

3. Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Christmas lights bus london things to do

In a regular year you’d be able to hop onboard one of The Original Tour’s double-decker buses and marvel at the fabulous Christmas lights scattered all over the city.

This year, however, with London in Tier 4 restrictions, you are advised to stay home and avoid public transport as well as unnecessary travel. But if you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of our London city accommodations, then the Oxford Circus lights will only be a short walk away, so you can take a stroll and capture some insta-worthy pics on your daily walk.

If you’re staying in Janet Poole House, you will be only a short 15 min walk to the starting point of the journey. Trust us, it’s one of the best things to do in London at Christmas.

5. Have A Cocktail In An Igloo

coppa club igloo cocktail christmas in london

Although there are currently lockdown restrictions throughout the UK, that’s not stopping Coppa Club from taking bookings after the restrictions! Hop on the bus, if you are staying at Landale House and you’re only 20 minutes away!

Sit back, relax, and sip on a cocktail in these Insta-worthy igloos, filled with fluffy blankets and rugs for proper edgy vibes.

Enjoy views of London’s skyline whilst you’re nibbling on some festive snacks from the menu and get ready to feel truly festive!

Find out more details on their website, and remember to book way in advance!

6. A Christmas Carol At The Dominion Theatre
Christmas things to do in London at the Dominion theatre

There’s nothing like spreading a bit of Christmas cheer by visiting the theatre to see an absolute classic!

Starring West End star and TV comedian Brian Conley as Ebenezer Scrooge, this socially distanced theatre performance is bound to put a smile on your face.

With music from the London Theatre Musical orchestra, the Dominion Theatre know how to put on a fabulous show, that’s for sure!

For those staying in our Hawley Crescent property, this is the perfect Christmas thing to do in London this year – only 13 mins on the Northern Line and you’ll be there.

Grab your tickets here, they’re also discounted at the mo, so be fast!

7. Christmas Shopping!

things to do in london at christmas christmas shopping

A bit of an obvious one, but as a student in London, you’re pretty much living and studying in the top spots for Christmas shopping!

Whether it’s hotspots like Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street or Covent Garden, there are shops all over London with something for everyone.

You could always take a trip to Westfield with loads of great shops all under one roof, so you don’t need to worry about getting chilly!

Discover Covent Garden’s Insta-worthy Piazza, with loads of Christmas trees and cute Christmas decorations, as well as quaint shops.

8. Visit Winterland
things to do at christmas in london winterland

This alpine paradise is perfect for students who fancy a cheeky beverage to really get in the festive mood.

This Covid-secure alpine club has a cocktail bar, a gin bar and a restaurant, what more could you want?

Whether you fancy a table, fur-covered sofas, forest cabins, or forest igloos, Winterland has it all!

Staying in Lightfoot Hall? You just can’t miss this proper London Christmas experience. Get ready for a warming mulled wine and book your spot on their website now!

 

9. London Winter Bar Bus

mulled wine winter

Travel through London on this rooftop bar bus and warm yourself up with a hot winter beverage!

Get ready to explore London by bus and see all the beautiful landmarks the city has to offer, a perfect festive celebration for you and your pals.

Tickets are around £25, but they’re not available until December because of the current government restrictions.

Book tickets here!

10. Love Actually In Concert

christmas things to do in london love actually concert

So, we can all agree that Love Actually is legit the best Christmas film ever right?

How do you fancy going to watch it with a live orchestra for added effect, pretty cool right?

Enjoy this Christmas classic with a full orchestra for plenty of Christmas cheer.

It will be performed to a reduced capacity at Hammersmith Apollo for four performances from the 10th-13th December.

Grab your tickets here, and get ready to enjoy this absolute classic with your pals.

Who doesn’t love London? Make sure to follow our blog for all things students in London will love!

 

 

 

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