Christmas in London - Top T

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By Laura Porter, About.com Guide

Top 10 Things to Do at Christmas

in LondonChristmas in London

december in london london events christmas in london ice skating

There is so much to do at Christmas in London every year. What I love most is the way London empties on Christmas Eve

when all the workers leave to see their families across the country. Join us for some crazy shopping throughout December

and them some tranquility between Christmas and the New Year. Read on to find out more about what happens over the

holiday season in London. Also see South Bank at Christmas as it's not just for the summer.

Also see Christmas 2009 in London and London Christmas Gift Ideas.

1. West End Christmas Lights

London lights up at Christmas - literally! Check out these photos of London's West End taken in the

evening when it's really worth visiting the big stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street. And it

won't cost you a penny!

When? The lights are switched on in mid-November.

2. Ice Skating Rinks

Every winter outdoor ice skating rinks appear all over London. Check out the details here for this

year's ice skating opportunities in London. Most are open late in the evening and many have special

events happening throughout the season. You'll find all the information you need under each

picture.

When? Open from mid-November to mid-January.

3. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Trafalgar Square benefits from a huge Christmas Tree each year as a present from Norway for the

country's help during the Second World War. The tree is usually over 20 meters high and 50-60

years old. The tree usually stays till the Twelfth Night of Christmas, 6 January, when it is taken

down to be chipped and composted.

When? The lights are switched on in the evening on the first Thursday in December.

More: Trafalgar Square Sights

4. Santa's Grottos - Meet Father Christmas!

You can meet Santa in London's department stores and the most popular are:

London Christmas Lights Annual Galleries

London Christmas Lights 2009

London Christmas Lights 2008London Christmas Lights 2007

London Christmas Lights 2006

Comparison of Harrods and Selfridges 2009 Grottos

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Sit on Santa's knee and tell him what you want him to bring you for Christmas. Of course, he would

prefer you take a small child to meet him but Santa is always happy to meet everyone!

When? Mid-November to 24 December (Christmas Eve).

5. Festive Fairs

Shopping is a national sport throughout December so join in by going to a Festive Fair. The Frost

Fair is becoming more popular every year and the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is the

perfect opportunity to get ready early for Christmas.

More Christmas Fairs are listed here: Christmas 2009 in London.

6. English National BalletThe English National Ballet Christmas season is a fabulous tradition which has included The

Nutcracker for over 50 years.

This December, the Company returns to the London Coliseum with the muchloved Christmas

favorite The Nutcracker, and welcomes back into its repertoire The Snow Queen and Giselle.

When? From mid-December to mid-January.

7. Pantomimes

We have a wonderful English tradition of family theater where men dress as fat ugly women and

women star as the lead 'boy'. You'll find plenty of C and D list 'celebrities' from soap operas and the

like, who enjoy making complete fools of themselves. Oh, how could you not enjoy this? There's

great audience participation when we get to shout, "He's behind you!" when they can't see the

baddies. I always try to catch the annual pantomime at Hackney Empire. Hilarious, and not just for

the kids.

When? Throughout December and January.

8. Great Christmas Pudding Race

On a Saturday morning in December, about 150 race contestants wear fancy dress and run around

Covent Garden while trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate! Obstacles, such as balloons

full of flour, are put in their way to make it even more fun to watch. It's a charity event to raise

money for Cancer Research.

When? Saturday morning in mid-December.

9. Geffrye Museum's 'Christmas Past'

Harrods - Harrods Grotto Review

Selfridges - Selfridges Grotto Review

When?

Spirit of Christmas Fair: 4-8 November 2009

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair: 11-15 November 2009

British Red Cross Christmas Fair: 18-19 November 2009

Greenwich Christmas Market: 2-6, 9-24, 27, 30-31 December 2009

ENB The Nutcracker - Family Friendly Performance Review

ENB The Nutcracker Review

ENB Alice in Wonderland Review

Hackney Empire Panto Review: Aladdin (2009)

Hackney Empire Panto Review: Mother Goose (2008)

Hackney Empire Panto Review: Dick Whittington and his Cat (2007)Hackney Empire Panto Review: Cinderella (2006)

Great Christmas Pudding Race Details

Great Christmas Pudding Race Photos

© Laura Porter

© countrylivingfair.com

By Michael Garner © ENB

© Hackney Empire

© Laura Porter


3 22/12/2009 19:51



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Each year, the Geffrye Museum's twelve period rooms are decorated in authentic festive style,

providing a magical glimpse into Christmases gone. Christmas Past explores the origins and

meanings of some of our more common customs, from kissing under the mistletoe to decorating

the tree and throwing cocktail parties.

When? Late November to early January.

10. Christmas Carols

Carol singers from around the country come to Trafalgar Square to sing and raise money for

charity.

When? Two weeks in mid-December.

The Breast Cancer Care Carols is on 9 December 2009 at St. Paul's Cathedral. Expect over 2,200

people including leading names of stage and screen reading selected excerpts from classicChristmas writing. Find out more: www.breastcancercare.org.uk/carols.

Christmas Past Exhibition Photos

Geffrye Museum Information

More Carol Venues:

St. Paul's Cathedral.

Westminster Abbey.

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London

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© Laura Porter

© Laura Porter


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Christmas in London - Top T