{"id":16160,"date":"2015-12-14T16:04:35","date_gmt":"2015-12-14T20:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=16160"},"modified":"2019-03-19T12:41:07","modified_gmt":"2019-03-19T16:41:07","slug":"london-winter-guide-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/14\/london-winter-guide-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"London Winter Guide 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Christmas lights adorn the path to the London Eye.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Can you feel the chilly breezes grazing your cheeks and the crisp leaves crunching under your boots? There\u2019s no denying it: The holiday season is upon us, and it\u2019s time to start planning your holiday vacation. There\u2019s truly no better time to visit London<\/strong>; it’s a city so rich in culture, history, and diversion that there\u2019s never a lack of sights to see and explore. If you\u2019re wondering what the best winter holiday attractions, markets, and activities are in this exciting European metropolis, look no further than this holiday guide.<\/p>\n

Take part in holiday celebrations and events<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Iconic Christmas lights on Regent Street in London\u2019s West End<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There\u2019s nothing more synonymous with winter in London than its annual carnival and theme park held in one of the city\u2019s most iconic public areas: Winter Wonderland<\/strong> in Hyde Park<\/a>. This annual fair truly lives up to its name, and you\u2019ll find locals and tourists alike happily getting into the Christmas spirit. Ride the Giant Observation Wheel to get a picturesque view of the city, attend the family-friendly Christmas circus, or ride some roller coasters if you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking a thrill. Admission to the park is free, and if you don\u2019t feel like partaking in the games and rides, simply have some hot chocolate and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs as they play throughout the park.<\/p>\n

Riverside views of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye are great reasons alone to visit London\u2019s South Bank<\/a>. During winter, this area hosts one of the best festivals of the season, complete with cultural events, music, shops, food vendors, and parades. The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is open 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, through January 17, 2016. Enjoy striking views of the city\u2019s best landmarks along the River Thames<\/strong> while you explore quirky markets and watch Christmas-themed shows for families<\/a>. For those looking to enjoy a drink, there are plenty of restaurants and vendors offering local brews. You can also simply walk along the riverbank as you dance to the sounds of street performers and musicians.<\/p>\n

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Nothing compares to the cheerful Christmas lights that shine down Oxford Street!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For many people, it\u2019s not Christmas until every street is beaming with decorative lights. If you’re one of them, there\u2019s no better time to walk along Oxford Street<\/strong> in central London. Christmas lights<\/strong> line every building and department store and connect in intricate designs that\u2019ll surely make for great London holiday memories. Don\u2019t forget to walk to nearby Regent Street<\/strong>, which has lights that people come from all around the world to see. There\u2019s no way to resist Christmas cheer when you\u2019re surrounded by the bright glow of London during the holidays.<\/p>\n

Harry Potter lovers<\/a> eager to check out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour<\/strong> and get a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite wizard saga are in luck! This year, this attraction will be transformed into Hogwarts in the Snow<\/em>. Sets will be covered in winter decorations that mimic the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as it appears during the Christmas season in the films. Tickets must be bought online prior to your visit.<\/p>\n

Lastly, don\u2019t miss out on the annual Great Christmas Pudding Race. This quirky London tradition\u2014currently in its 35th year\u2014never fails to put a smile on viewers\u2019 faces. Head over to Covent Garden<\/strong>\u00a0on December 5th and watch as participants don holiday costumes and race across hurdles, all while trying to avoid dropping their plates of pudding. The event benefits cancer research.<\/p>\n

Go holiday shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t forget to browse the Christmas window displays at Harrods, one of London\u2019s best department stores.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The holiday season is about showing your loved ones how much you care by buying them thoughtful gifts! No holiday shopping trip is complete without a visit to one of London\u2019s famous department stores<\/a>, if for no other reason than to look at their beautiful, intricate window displays. Stores famous for their iconic Christmas designs include Harrods, where you can also visit the vast Christmas World Department and shop for lovely decorations, Selfridges, where you can personalize your gifts, Liberty, for those wanting a bit more luxury, and Fortnum & Mason, where you can sip some afternoon tea<\/a> after viewing their festive window displays. Fun fact: Fortnum & Mason is also the Queen\u2019s official grocer!<\/p>\n

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The antique market stalls of Portobello Road sell great gifts for friends and family.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

London also has plenty of great markets that\u2019ll make gift shopping easy for your friends and relatives without breaking the bank. As a bonus, they offer unique and often handmade gifts that won\u2019t be found anywhere else. Here\u2019s a list of the best markets in and around London:<\/p>\n