London, the capital city of the UK, is a popular Christmas and winter destination, and there’s a whole range of events to keep all members of the family entertained in 2013.

london winter

 

With the benefit of a local car hire in London, the city offers lots of specific winter-themed attractions, as well as all the entertainment, nightlife and dining opportunities that are available year-round.

On 22nd November, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens its gates to the public, turning one of London’s most expansive green spaces into one of the largest Christmas attractions in the city, if not the country. Ice skating, a giant observation wheel, and a circus are some of the major attractions, but there’s also a brace of smaller attractions; Christmas Markets, the Bavarian Village, live music and festive food and drink amongst them. Early booking is advised for some attractions.

Even though Winter Wonderland has its observation wheel in place for the festive period, it’s still worth a visit to The London Eye, set on the south bank of the Thames. One of the largest observation wheels in the world, the London Eye will give you a commanding view of the capital decked out in its Christmas colours. There are a number of boarding jetties within walking distance of the London Eye, and many operators offering cruises up and down the Thames.

For the children in your party, a visit to Hamleys Toy Shop on Regent Street is almost mandatory. Widely regarded as ‘the finest toy shop in the world’, Hamleys offers a one-hour ‘I met Father Christmas’ experience, for which advance booking will almost definitely be required. Harrods, one of London’s most famous department stores, also has a full programme of Christmas events, including their Christmas parade and Harrods Christmas Grotto. A long-standing traditional event at this famous luxury store, the grotto gives young children the change to meet Santa at his grotto and share their Christmas wish-lists with him. Another popular event is the Harrods Christmas Parade, which makes its way through the streets surrounding the store. Membership requirements apply for some events.

London is famous for its theatres and shows, and theatre land takes on a decidedly festive air, with an abundance of pantomime and children’s’ shows on offer, including Aladdin at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 6th December to 12th January. Cinderella: A Fairy-tale plays at the Unicorn Theatre from 26th November to January 5th, and at the O2 Arena, from 26th December to 5th January, Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream features a full cast of popular Disney characters in a celebration of Disney ‘princess’ stories. Including Cinderella, Snow White and others, with a full supporting cast including the Seven Dwarves and other favourite characters. There’s a whole range of traditional and perennial favourites scattered across a number of other theatre land venues, including Peter Pan at The Richmond, Puss in Boots at Hackney Empire, Jack and the Beanstalk at The Lyric, Hammersmith, and Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells.

The city’s events are far too numerous to explore here in any great detail, but there’s The Spitalfields Festival, operating at various sites, which explores London’s hidden world with traditional and contemporary music, opera, and other free events. The Great Christmas Pudding Race takes place at Covent Garden on Saturday 7th December, a festive relay race with teams in fancy dress competing over an obstacle-filled course whilst balancing their Christmas pudding on a plate. For a grander spectacle, consider the British Military Tournament at Earls Court features battle re-enactments and other displays of military skill and precision.