How to Spend a Magical Winter in London This Year

From twinkling Christmas lights and bustling winter markets to scenic skating rinks and cosy seasonal pop-ups, there’s no shortage of fun to be in the United Kingdom's capital during the colder months of the year. True Londoners would argue that the capital truly comes into its own when the nights are darker and the temperature falls. 

Embrace the cold weather with some icy fun

Glide into the festive spirit with family fun on London's enchanting ice rinks, where memories and laughter are shared on the shimmering ice (Photo: Getty Images)

No festive season in London is complete without a visit to one of the many ice skating rinks that appear around the city for the winter months. From the palatial 900-metre square arena that takes over Somerset House’s magnificent neoclassical courtyard to the already iconic new rink outside Battersea’s revitalised Power Station, there's no shortage of atmospheric pop-ups to glide around on come the winter months.

If you’d prefer to be next to the ice rather than on it, you could try your hand at another increasingly popular winter sport with a visit to The Curling Club’s winter pop-up on the South Bank. With lively après-ski vibes including Alpine-themed street food and a variety of entertainment packages on offer, it’s a great place to indulge in some friendly competition with your loved ones over the winter period.

Create your own traditions this Christmas with Marriott Bonvoy and That Christmas on Netflix

Share a magical moment with family and friends over a delicious afternoon tea (Photo: Marriott International)

Embrace the extraordinary this year. We’ve proudly partnered with That Christmas on Netflix – a festive family film from Richard Curtis (Love Actually) – to unwrap new ways to make memories on your family break. From seasonal savings on room rates to dashing afternoon teas with all the trimmings, it’s time to make your own traditions this Christmas here at Marriott Bonvoy.

Join us this Christmas at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane for an indulgent festive afternoon tea with all the trimmings, brought to life by That Christmas. You’ll find firm family favourites in the festive flavours of our orange, cinnamon and cranberry scones and, of course, the traditional turkey. Then, mix-up those Christmas classics with our salted organic cucumber, black truffle and cream cheese sandwiches, the ‘Officially Nice’ sour cherry and pistachio macaroon and, of course, Dasher the reindeer’s salted caramel cake.

Indulge in some festive foodie treats

From fine dining to street food, London’s vibrant and diverse food scene has something for everyone to sink their teeth into, but never more so than in the festive season, when winter food markets and indulgent seasonal menus start to appear around the city. Christmas shoppers can pick up the very finest festive produce at the historic Borough Market, or pay a visit to the iconic Fortnum and Masons to shop for festive food hampers.

Book the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, which will be served in the Park Room from 19th November 2024 until 2nd January 2025. Inspired by the 200-year-old poem by Clement Clarke Moore, the menu, masterfully created by Head Pastry Chef Anthony Hurst will take guests on a journey of nostalgia, excitement, and festive spirit. Otherwise, book a classic Festive Afternoon Tea at the Library County Hall with direct views to the Big Ben and Westminster Bridge.

Check out the city’s winter festivals

London winter festivals where rides and twinkling lights ignite romantic winter evenings (Photo: Getty Images)

The Christmas markets at King's Cross offer a vibrant holiday atmosphere with a variety of unique gifts from independent homeware, fashion, beauty, food, arts, and crafts brands. You can explore the charming stalls, enjoy live music, participate in workshops, and savor delicious street food. Highlights include the stunning Christmas lights, the Fluorescence winter installation in Granary Square, and the cozy Club Curling lanes at Coal Drops Yard. After immersing yourself in the festive spirit, you can retreat to the luxurious Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, London, just a short walk away. It's the perfect way to experience the magic of the season and make the most of your time in London.

Further west along the Thames, the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival features festive street food stalls, light installations and festive concerts. Alternatively, take a stroll further down the South Bank to Between Two Bridges for a raucous programme of festive events including drag brunches, brass band concerts and Christmas singalongs at Massaoke.

Explore some immersive festive scenes

London is full of atmospheric experiences that will really get you into the Christmas spirit. The Museum of Architecture’s edible Gingerbread City, an annual collaboration between some of the city’s most impressive architecture firms, is an experience not to be missed. There are homely Christmas scenes to explore at Dennis Severs’ House, a quirky Spitalfields property where each room is decorated to reflect a different historic style.

But most Londoners will tell you that no Christmas in the city is truly complete without a visit to Hyde Park’s sprawling seasonal pop-up, Winter Wonderland. A must-visit fixture in the city’s festive calendar, the bustling carnival features everything from theme park rides and a street food village to a festive circus and a magical Ice Kingdom carved from 500 tonnes of ice and snow. Explore it all during a stay at The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel, London in Knightsbridge. Located on the doorstep of Christmas shopping spots like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, its striking circular rooms offer magnificent views over the action in Hyde Park.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year in London

Ushering in the New Year with a spectacular burst of fireworks over London's iconic skyline, a celebration of beginnings and shared moments (Photo: Getty Images)

Christmas Day is one of the rare times when London truly grinds to a halt, with public transport reduced for the day and the usually bustling streets suddenly empty. Make the most of the quiet with a Christmas Day stroll around the city centre to see the twinkling Christmas lights, or do some sightseeing with a guided open-top bus tour, taking in Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and many more of London’s most famous landmarks.

Spending New Year’s Eve in the city? See it in truly unforgettable style at the W London’s glamorous celebration. Located in the heart of Soho just minutes from many of the city’s most celebrated nightlife venues, the hotel has excellent party-throwing credentials, hosting weekly DJ nights and cocktail making classes at its lively in-house bar The Perception. And with its fabulous views over the West End, the hotel’s state-of-the-art sixth floor gym and spa is the perfect place to detox the following morning. An alternative but equally enticing invitation is to the elegant, wood-panelled Gillray's Steakhouse at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, whose New Year's Eve Gala will sweep you off your feet.

Published: October 07, 2024

Last Updated: December 03, 2024