City Lights Dining and Hotels

Spending Christmas in London

If you're thinking about going away this Christmas, you want to be sure you're going somewhere special. Many people tend to opt for a quiet cottage in the countryside at this time of year, where the hopes of snow are enlivened by the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous British countryside under a white blanket, but just as many prefer to see how other cities treat this magical time of year - and London is one of the best places to go to do this.

So if you're considering London at Christmas, you can rest assured that there are plenty of things to see and do in England's capital such as heading to the West End to see the Christmas lights, which are switched on mid-November so the city can get its celebrations off to an early start. There's nothing like strolling along Oxford Street and Regent Street when both roads are bathed in beautiful Christmas lights - and they make for fantastic photo opportunities too.

London also plays home to many fantastic outdoor ice skating rinks. Ice skating is a fun activity no matter what time of year, but there's something special about being able to take to the rink outside and really enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. These ice rinks appear in various top London locations and tend to stay open late into the night.

If you're heading to London with the kids, there's nothing more exciting for them than to meet Santa in person. Ever year, top London stores Selfridges and Harrods open their doors to a wealth of children hoping to tell him what they really want for Christmas. Even if you don't have little ones, Santa will be just as happy to speak to you.

As for the theatre, the pantomime season will be well underway and you'll be able to enjoy Christmas classics at one of London's inestimable local or large theatres. This time of year is also fantastic for taking in a performance by the English National Ballet, with The Nutcracker having been a firm favourite for over 50 years.

Going away a Christmas time can make way for a short holiday you'll never forget. If city lights are something you never get tired of, London's Christmas could be the ideal one for you. From the moment you step off your flights to London to the moment the big day comes, you'll enjoy being wrapped in Christmas cheer the whole time.