Are you starting to feel festive? Hoorah! December is almost upon us, and with that, comes the wonderful world of Christmas delights to get stuck into. And if you’re heading to London during this period, you really are in for an extra treat. The city is amazing regardless of what time of year you visit, but there’s something super special about the capital during Christmas.
From world-class festive markets to iconic shows, shopping havens to just taking it all in and enjoying the pretty lights, there’s something for everyone to do here in the big build-up.
If you’re interested in checking out the lights we mentioned, you’re in luck as we’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots for doing just that.
And before you get stuck into the festive fun, make sure you check out our fabulous Montcalm Hotel London – the perfect base for your London Christmas holiday. Our rooms are tastefully designed with an emphasis on comfort and style. Chic and contemporary, the bedrooms come complete with state of the art amenities including complimentary broadband and Wi-Fi, LCD TV with international and satellite channels, pillow menu and in-room aroma choices for a memorable stay.
Check out the gallery here!
Carnaby Street
Carnaby is an area like nowhere else in the city, so it’s no surprise that its Christmas decorations are normally among the most unique in town. Last year’s theme brought Freddie Mercury’s lyrics to the street, where they cascaded from above in giant colourful neon over the area. This year’s lights – set to be switched on Thursday, November 7th – are sure to be just as amazing, so make sure you check this one out.
There are lots of great pubs nearby, but for those looking for a super authentic London pub experience with a slightly more refined twist, join us at the bar at The Brewery London. No cocktail request is too much for our amazing troupe of bartenders, so ask away! Or, if you prefer your drinks with a view, you certainly won’t want to miss checking out our rooftop terrace bar – Aviary London, where the drinks are just as delightful as the surroundings.
King’s Road and Sloane Square, Chelsea
Chelsea is a really impressive place to visit all year round, but residents and visitors are in for an extra special treat this year, as a new Christmas light events program is due to be revealed. This includes new ‘gateway’ displays which will be unveiled on King’s Road and will consist of decorative lights that draw inspiration from the crown of King Charles II, for whom the road was primarily built. It was first used as a private route to travel between the city’s palaces. The switch-on is due to be celebrated on Saturday 23rd of November, with carol singers, performers and other free festive activities around the area from 2 pm. At 5 pm, Father Christmas will make an appearance to switch on the lights of Duke of York Square, Pavilion Road, Sloane Street, and King’s Road, assisted by a local child in need of a special Christmas treat. And what a treat indeed.
Oxford Street
Possible the most famous lights in the city, the Oxford Street Christmas lights are generally the capital’s first to be switched on — it was Tuesday 6 November 2018, with exact timings for the 2019 switch-on still TBC. The display usually has in-store gigs and pop-up performances also happening on the night as well as shopping and dining special offers – perfect as this really is the city’s shopping mecca. There’s also usually a famous face who switches on the lights so make sure to bring your camera, as you never know who it might be!
Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s cobbled streets and iconic markets are even more appealing during this season if that’s even possible! In spite of the fact that the current year’s topic is yet to be disclosed, one thing that is guaranteed is that you can expect another gigantic hand-picked Christmas tree sparkling with lovely lights and a somewhat radiant silver reindeer taking pride of place again on the east side of the piazza.
Covent Garden is a particularly tiring place though, however, as it’s always super busy. But don’t worry – at the Montcalm Spa we’ll be there to welcome you back to a sumptuous list of tempting treatments to help you relax and recuperate for another day of exploring the next day!
Kew Gardens
Kew’s unbelievable botanical gardens will experience another heavenly regular makeover in 2019, as Christmas at Kew lights up the space’s most loved spots and the quirky and unique plants that call it home. This year, the mile-long, twinkling trail holds some new mazes. Guests will be guided along an alternate course from past releases, yet anticipate that it should be similarly as spectacular. There will be a shower of gleaming vines at the Treetop Walkway while down beneath you’ll have the option to spy folkloric enlightenments of legendary pixie animals and Will-o’the Wisps. What’s more, there will be new sparkling winding trees and laser projections brightening up the notable Temperate House.
Seven Dials
Another amazing shopping destination that has been going to town on festive celebrations in recent years, Seven Dials will launch Christmas with a brand new light installation and shopping event. The fun will be complete with live music, Christmas gifts and delicious festive food. Save the date for Thursday 15 November, for the countdown to the special light switch on with a live orchestra, free wreath-making classes, a pop-up curling rink and more, taking place between 5 pm and 9 pm. The celebration will continue through the traffic-free streets, filled with activities, live music, 20% discounts at the area’s top shops, as well as offers and promotions in over 80 shops, bars, cafés and restaurants. The actual light switch-on will take place around the iconic Seven Dials monument, which will transform the area into a festive wonderland to be enjoyed throughout the season.
