There are myriad reasons to visit London at Christmas, from the spectacular decorations and twinkling lights everywhere to the bewitching festive atmosphere.
Here are some more specific reasons to spend at least some of December in the UK’s capital:
1.) Let there be light
The fabulous London Christmas lights are a key reason to visit this city during the holidays. Oxford Street has its world-famous seasonal illuminations, and has been lighting up the area in December since 1959, with rows of more than 5,000 golden stars, powered by 300,000 LED bulbs. There’s also a dazzling display along neighbouring Regent Street, with its “Spirit of Christmas”-themed display. Meanwhile, western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard, has four 15-minute festive sequences nightly between 5.30pm and midnight. And if you can get out to Kew Gardens, their enchanting, creative after-dark light shows are set to music. Other places to check out (and which may be less crowded) include Carnaby Street, Leadenhall Market, The Strand and Sloane Square, where you’ll also find a number of intriguing shops.
2.) Go ice-skating
This is extremely popular over the festive break, and rinks cater for all abilities and levels of experience, while offering warm cafes and bars for breaks or if you are just watching. Somerset House, Canary Wharf and Hampton Court Palace are among the places where you can enjoy this much-loved winter-time activity.
3.) Seasonal markets
If you’re after a Christmas market, there are a number to choose from. Browse the stalls at the Southbank Centre or Covent Garden. Alternatively, stroll around Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
which has everything you need for a few hours of festive fun, from rides and games to shows and numerous mouthwatering food and drink options.
4.) Hit the shops
When it comes to retail therapy, few cities in the world beat London. Whether you’re buying for the kids or showing them, Hamleys, the world’s most celebrated toy shop, or browsing a magically
festive Harrods or the Burlington Arcade on Piccadilly, you’re in for a huge experience. And, of course, the sales start just after Christmas, meaning you can also go bargain-hunting.
Experience it all with London-serviced apartments
1.) A spacious seasonal base: Book a hotel room and that’s literally all you get. And, in central London, it could be a pretty cramped one. With serviced apartments in London, you can look forward to having a kitchen and lounge for your own use, plus all the space you need.
2.) A real home from home: Kick back, relax, enjoy each other’s company and have plenty of room and privacy. It’s also far more homely than a hotel, so you can stay in cosily, eat and watch a movie or three – or dine out and take in all that London has to offer. Or perhaps do a combination of both? You’ll have a huge amount of flexibility. Another benefit of a service apartment is you can have people round and entertain them, whether that’s friends or clients or family members, in a way that’s just not possible with hotel accommodation. Wouldn’t you rather feel at home at this special time of year, and maybe put up a few festive decorations? And if you’re meeting business associates while you’re in town, again you’ll appreciate the privacy and space.
3.) Value for money: Pay for just one apartment rather than several hotel rooms, and save money by eating in your home from home rather than in a restaurant.
London luxury serviced apartments with 37GS Residences – location, location, location
Our 22 specially curated London luxury serviced apartments are design-led and are steps away from the festive lights of Regent and Carnaby Streets and Oxford Circus, while Piccadilly is a two-minute stroll. Or jump in a cab and be at Hyde Park and its Winter Wonderland within five minutes. Equally, if you’re in London to see in 2025, head for Big Ben (a mere 10 minutes away) to watch the spectacular fireworks which usher in the new year.
At 37GS Residences, our luxury serviced apartments allow you to feel as if you are in a home away from home, with a 24/7 front desk always around to help, as well as luggage drop off whenever suits you, you can never be too early or too late. Further to this, our apartments are spacious and fully furnished, making them perfect for family stays this winter.
We offer short or longer-term stays in our luxury serviced residences, all finished to exceptional standards of design. Get in touch today to learn more, or book online.
