Christmas in London 2018 – Things To Do

Christmas in London is magical. Truly magical.

The capital’s streets are filled with holiday lights and christmas markets open up throughout the city’s different neighbourhoods. Of course though, it wouldn’t quite be Christmas without the return of London Magical Tours’ annual holiday special tours: the 2018 London Christmas Tours dates have now been announced!

To mark the occasion and get your festive appetite going, here are a few of our favourite things to do for Christmas in London during November and December 2018:

Popular London Christmas Markets:

Most of the London Christmas markets open from mid-November and stay open into the new-year (early January). Some of the largest this year will be held at:

  • Leicester Square Christmas Market: In the centre of London’s West End and close to all the shops and theatres
  • Winter Wonderland: The Christmas Market at Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest in London. Set in Hyde Park, there are over 200 kiosks on site to spark your imagination and help you find that perfect christmas gift. Once you’ve found it, you can give into temptation and hop on to one of the many fair ground rides – you won’t regret it!
  • South-Bank Christmas Market: The South Bank’s Winter Market sees the area just south of the river Thames beautifuly transformed into a festive wonderland. With plenty on offer from stocking fillers to mince pies, there is truly something for everyone.

Ice Skating Rinks in London:

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  • The Natural History Museum Ice Rink: Grab your skates and visit this iconic museum in Albertropolis. The rink (pictured above) is a great place to unwind after a day out visiting the museums in South Kensington.
  • Somerset House Ice Rink: Still the most classic of locations to enjoy a winter’s night skating, the Somerset House ice rink has been featured in many a Christmas movie and is the perfect spot for skating under the stars. Look out for the special themed nights – not to be missed!

The London Christmas Lights:

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  • Oxford Street Christmas Lights: World-reknowned, Oxford Street has some of the most spectacular Christmas lights and festive store displays you will find – not just in London – but in the world.
  • Carnaby Street Christmas Lights: Fancy a cracking Christmas neighbourhood? Head down to fashionable Carnaby Street, where central London meets hip Soho for an eclectic festive mix: from great local food to unique holiday gift ideas.

Best places to shop in London during Christmas:

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  • Oxford Street, Regents Street, Piccadilly: Make your way from Oxford Street, down Regents Street though Piccadilly to cover all of the best Christmas themed shops in town.
  • Knightsbridge: From Harrods to Harvey Nicholls and the Sloane Street, there is much to discover in Knightsbridge for the holidays. Make sure to pay a special visit to Christmas World, a whole floor filled with toys, decorations and much, much more.

Christmas Carol’s in London:

  • St. Martins In the Fields: A traditional event where you will find some of the best choral recitals. For an added bonus, opt to go on the day of the annual Christmas Tree installation, courtesy of our Norwegian friends from Oslo.
  • The Royal Albert Hall: The annual Christmas festival is sure to get you in the festive mood. From classical christmas choirs to pop numbers, it’s a sure way to make your Christmas an unforgettable one.

Santa’s Grotto in London:

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  • Harrods Department Store: A christmas tradition like no other going back to 1955 , Harrods hosts Father Christmas in their very own Christmas Grotto. Journey through the gingerbread house where children will make memories that will last them a life time.
  • Hamley’s Toy Store: There’s nothing more exciting than visiting Hamley’s during the Christmas season. Hamley’s is the world’s oldest toy shop, 5 stories and a basement of fun, fun, fun. A must for any child visiting London.

 

London Magical Tours’ annual Christmas tours will run from 10th of November 2018 to 6th of January 2019.

Discover all of the above locations, plus many many more on the capital’s oldest and only fully themed Christmas tours by visiting: http://www.londonmagicaltours.com/london_tours_christmas_london_tour.html


Client of the Month – Part V – London Christmas Tours

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Our client of the month featurette is back and this one is particularly well timed – to coincide with the start of London Magical Tours’ annual Christmas tours!

The Client of the Month places the spotlight on one of our guests to reveal all about their sightseeing experience: no scripts, no gimmicks, no special effects. Its simply an honest review in one of our visitor’s own words.

This month sees the start of our seasonal special and one of the most popular tours of the whole year – the Magical London Christmas Tours.

The capital’s only fully Christmas themed tours has guests provided with their very own professional tour guide and in addition, a chauffeur to avoid all parking problems and discover the best of London during the holiday season.

Unlike other tours with the word “Christmas” in their title, this is not a regular tour of the London landmarks which happens to take place during the holiday season – this is an actual tour dedicated to what it means to spend Christmas in the greatest city on earth.

So here it is, the latest addition to the Client of the Month series. Simply click on the video link below to watch in glorious Full HD:

 

 

See the spectacular holiday lights and decorations, the capital’s main (as well as hidden) Christmas trees, while also learning the important stories behind how the London’s traditions have gone on to shape the way Christmas is celebrated across the world – including the influence of the Victorians and a certain Mr. Charles Dickens!

London is looking extra special this Christmas season. If you’re still needing to be convinced, see more details by visiting the dedicated section for our London Christmas Tours

Don’t forget to view previous clients of the month by clicking these links:

Client of the Month Part IV
Client of the Month Part III
Client of the Month Part II
Client of the month Part I


Happy Easter 2017!

London Magical Tour's guests celebrating their Easter Egg Hunt victory at the London Eye

London Magical Tour’s guests celebrating their Easter Egg Hunt victory at the London Eye

Easter is an egg-cellent time to be in London. Get ready for an egg-ceptional Easter blog update (Ed comment: ok – at this point we had to step in. To ensure quality of material we had to scale down the egg related one liners – they’re not all they’re cracked up to be!)

From indulging in chocolates and easter egg hunts to sightseeing over the bank holiday weekend, there is something to do for everyone. Whats more, the first Bank-Holiday weekend of the year in the UK falls over the Easter weekend  – a great time to unwind and soak in the spring sunshine.

Here’s a look at the best things to do in London this Easter 2017:

London Magical Tours: From March through to April 2017

Discover London’s famous landmarks with an Easter theme. Spoil the kids (and adults alike) and book your very on London Tour with Easter Egg hunt experience.

For more on our Easter Activities visit London Magical Tours and add the Easter Egg Hunt to any of the London Tours!

LMT's Magical Golden Eggs - where in London will you find them!

LMT’s Magical Golden Eggs – where in London will you find them?

 

Easter Egg prizes galore with London Magical Tours

Chocolate Heaven: Giant Easter Egg Hunts with London Magical Tours

London Easter Egg Hunts: March 24th to April 28th 2017 

Throughout April and the Easter weekend, there are a number of Easter Egg hunts going on in London. Our personal favourite will take place in the spectacular Parlour at our partners Fortnum and Mason. Keep your eyes pealed for the Golden Egg which will be hidden among the treats. Winners will receive the honour of being named Fortnum’s ‘Ice Cream Taster of the Year’. Now that’s Egg-tastic!

Enjoy some of the finest chocolate treats in London's Fortnum and Mason

Enjoy some of the finest chocolate treats in London’s Fortnum and Mason

The Passion of the Christ: April 14th 2017:

Let’s not forget the real reason why we celebrate Easter. The passion of Jesus Christ will be performed at Trafalgar Square on the 14th of April and admission is free of charge. A true London spectacle.

 

Why not book a day out in London for your family and friends this Spring? Booking a personal private London tour to enjoy a truly memorable day out.


The Magic of London

A young girl appears to lose her pet dog in central London. But all may not be as it seems ….

Filmed as part of our Magic of London series, simply click on the video link below to watch the short video in Full HD:

Our special thanks to Fortnum and Mason, Piccadilly Arcade, the Royal Albert Hall and all of the London Magical Tours team who helped with filming.

Are you thinking of visiting London soon? Why not treat yourself to our range of Private London Tours, all of which are available with complimentary pickup and return to your central London hotel. The difference is indeed Magical!




Blessings from Her Majesty

We are delighted to share a lovely letter that our director Ana Cartland recently received from Her Majesty The Queen in response to the wonderful works of art made by the young visitors on our tours during 2016.

Earlier this year Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday and London Magical Tours helped mark the special occasion by showing Her Majesty some of the many wonderful examples of art work made on our London tours for children.

Our expert team of family friendly guides love to interact with young visitors, not just teaching them about the history of London and England but also making it a fun and memorable experience. Our specialist children’s program focuses on the use of art and colour to help with learning – many wonderful examples are frequently published on the blog.

We are delighted to share The Queen’s response below:

 

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A big thank you to all our young visitors who submitted entries. We would like to wish Her Majesty continued health and many happy returns from everyone at London Magical Tours.

Let the planning for the 100th birthday celebrations begin!