Winter Experiences In London 2017-2018
London is a stunning city to visit all year round, but during the winter months - when autumn colours make way for festive red and greens, and woolly coats and scarves are dusted off - the city is transformed. This time of year is arguably the best time to visit the English capital, and when it comes to Winter experiences in London, there's such a wide variety to choose from that it can be hard to even know where to begin.
Whether you're visiting with family, alone, or with a loved one, there are plenty of activities, events, and sights to see - and we've compiled a few highlights that are well worth checking out this winter:
1. Winter Wonderland
What:
A fixture for over a decade, Winter Wonderland is a festive fair that annually transforms the centre of Hyde Park into a yuletide paradise. With a huge selection of attractions, rides, food stalls, and games to play, it's the perfect place to get into the festive mood.
Ideal for families, couples, and even lone visitors, Winter Wonderland has become an iconic event in the London winter calendar, drawing visitors from all over the globe. The 2017 offering is sure to be as spectacular as ever, with the UK's largest open-air ice rink, a number of Christmas Markets, and even two different circus performances (if you book in advance!). Winter Wonderland is the perfect festive sampler, and a joyous experience to add to your itinerary.
When:
Winter Wonderland is open from the afternoon of Friday the 17th November, and will remain open every day (with the exception of Christmas Day) until the 1st of January 2018. Opening hours are between 10am and 10pm.
Where:
In the heart of Hyde Park, located in central London.
2. Christmas by the River 2017
What:
Located close to the instantly-recognisable Tower bridge, Christmas by the River is an exceptional winter market that's well worth stopping by, whether it's to warm yourself with a glass of mulled wine or pick up a gift for a loved one.
With over 64 traditional German cabins housing an array of hearty food and artisan crafts, the charm of Christmas by the River is irresistable. With everything from handmade Scandinavian homeware, to bespoke hampers, to wooden toys on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice in picking out something special - and even if you're just browsing, the market is a visual treat. All this is topped off with a variety of traditional and contemporary food to indulge in. Whether you're more partial to a hog roast or a healthy salad or soup, there's something for everyone here.
When:
Christmas by the River runs from the 30th of November, to the 3rd of January, and is open between 11am - 7pm, with later opening until 9pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Where:
The market runs along the Riverside, from Tower Bridge up to the courts, and includes stalls set in the famous Hays Galleria and at the London Bridge City Pier.
3. Southbank Winter festival
What:
The Southbank Winter Festival is a diverse and rich celebration of all things winter. With a range of events to choose from, including a Christmas market and a program of world-class shows and performances, this winter-long event is a great way to see the inspiring and artistic flair of Southbank at its very finest.
Particular highlights of the Southbank Winter Festival include a vintage New Year's Eve Party; the spellbinding Slava's Snowshow, a captivating, dream-like circus performance that's sure to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone; and a Finnish rooftop sauna.
'Sauna' has been honoured as Helsinki's cultural act of the year, and public and pop-up saunas have become immensely popular in Finland as a result. There are few better ways to experience the relaxing effects of authentic steaming stones than with a rooftop view of the Thames.
When:
'Wintertime' on the Southbank in 2017 runs from the 10th of November to the 4th of January, and while many events (such as the market) are open daily from 10am - 10pm, other events are scheduled and ticketed, and require advanced booking.
Where:
The Southbank Wintertime Festival is located at the Southbank Centre, close to the London Eye and a short walk from Westminster Bridge and Big Ben.
4. London Winter Lights
What:
This isn't so much a specific attraction, but rather an aesthetic trend that London embraces each year during the cold winter months. As December rolls in, all across the capital, lights adorn the buildings and hang from the streets. It's a magical sight that is emblematic of London at this time of year. Doing some shopping under the winter lights is an experience to be treasured, and repeated year on year.
While the whole city is a twinkling delight during winter, a few places are particularly worth seeing. Oxford Street and Regent street are usually recognised as the standout examples when it comes to London's winter lights; their designs are artistic and inspiring, year after year. Oxford Street alone will play host to 1,778 decorations this year, and over 750,000 LED bulbs. The ceremony in which the lights are turned on - on November 7th 2017 - is expected to attract close to a million visitors.
When:
Lights are turned on all over the city at slightly different times, but the majority of central London is decked in a variety of festive and winter lights throughout December.
Where:
Citywide, but a few highlights worth seeing include Oxford, Regent, and Carnaby Street. Bond Street and Covent Garden are also worth a visit!
5. Christmas at Kew
What:
The London city lights are undeniably a sight to behold, but when it comes to light shows, Christmas at Kew is something really special. This year, the majestic Kew Gardens will be transformed as night descends, hosting a spectacular display of lights, lasers, and kaleidoscopic illuminations. Flickering fire gardens, singing trees, and toasted marshmallows around a fire (along with a vintage fairground ride) are all included in this fantastical winter experience.
Set across 2km of the garden trail (which takes approximately 75 minutes to walk, so plan accordingly), Christmas at Kew is a romantic and visually breathtaking experience. As you explore the gardens, you'll be treated to an artistic and inspiring light display, with the illumination of the iconic Palm House a particular spectacle.
Advanced online booking is required, but includes the option of a VIP package; this bags you a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival, overlooking the laser display on the Palm House pond from the Botanical Restaurant. You'll finish your evening with canapés, and fast-track entry to the trail is included as standard.
When:
Christmas at Kew is open between the 22nd November and the 1st January. The gardens will remain open during the day, but will close at 3.30pm to prepare for the evening experience. The event runs from 5-10pm, with last entry at 7.40pm.
Where:
Christmas at Kew can be enjoyed at Kew Gardens, and access can be gained through either the Victoria or Brentford Gates (depending on your prior booking arrangements).
6. Hogwarts in the snow
What:
For fans of the beloved modern classic that is Harry Potter, a winter trip to London could provide a memorable and truly magical opportunity. The hugely popular Warner Bros. Studio Tour, 'The Making of Harry Potter' is transformed during the winter weeks into a winter wonderland: the scale model of Hogwarts is blanketed by snow used during the production of the films, the Gryffindor common room is appropriately festively dressed, and the Great Hall is lined with Christmas trees.
For anyone who fondly remembers the festive scenes from the films, experiencing the tour in winter is a joy; you'll even be able to get hands-on with some samples of the snow used during the production of the films, selected for specific properties like gently falling, or crunching underfoot. This is a delight for fans of the films of all ages.
When:
The Studio Tour is open as usual throughout the winter months, but the transformative Hogwarts in the Snow runs from the 18th November to the 28th of January.
Where:
Hogwarts In The Snow can be enjoyed at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which is located a short drive out of the centre of London, in Watford. Shuttle buses also run every 20 minutes, or the studio is reachable by train, too.
7. New Years Eve fireworks
What:
While the many festive events held throughout the city are a great way to enjoy a winter stay in London, there's only one way to spend New Year's Eve in the city. Taking the time to enjoy the world-famous New Years' Eve firework display over the Thames could make for an unforgettable memory.
Recognised across the globe as one of the best firework displays anywhere, and televised to millions each year, the New Years' Eve display is truly something special. The event is massively popular, however, attracting thousands of visitors - so much so that it's now ticketed, and advanced booking is required. It's well worth it though.
When:
The fireworks, unsurprisingly, take place on the 31st of December, with the evening event begins at 8pm, and finish as the new year rolls in.
Where:
The New Years' Eve fireworks display takes place at the Victoria Embankment in Westminster, but the display is so elaborate that there are viewing stations - with great views guaranteed - set up along the Thames, on Waterloo Bridge, and Westminster Bridge.
8. Outdoor ice rinks
What:
Ice Skating is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a winter afternoon. Whether you're barely able to keep your balance, or a competent skater, it's a lovely family experience, and a romantic staple for couples. This winter, London will host a number of temporary outdoor ice rinks, meaning you can enjoy the experience under the winter stars.
There are a number of rinks to choose from, but a few of the best can be found at Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, Hampton Court, The Tower of London, and Canary Wharf (as well as at Winter Wonderland, as previously mentioned.)
When:
Each ice rink opens at varying times, and between varying dates, so checking in advance is advised. For the most part, the outdoor rinks are open from mid November to early January.
Where:
There are a number of rinks to be found across the city, but the few mentioned above are particularly worth visiting.
