A couple years ago I got the awesome opportunity to visit London during the holidays with my family. London truly is magical at Christmas, and there are lots of unique activities that occur in London during the holidays.

Looking for a truly British Christmas experience? Try a few of the suggestions below…

• Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Every year from mid-November through early January, Hyde Park transform into a Winter Wonderland…literally. The Winter Wonderland festival has rides, shows (ex: Christmas Circus show), ice skating rink, and a phenomenal Christmas market with all your holiday favorites, including cider and chestnuts. Don’t miss the talking tree…

• Christmas Carol Singalong at Royal Albert Hall

The infamous Royal Albert Hall holds a Christmas Carol Singalong every Christmas season. All the favorites and classics are sung, and the audience really does singalong. Lots of families make this a tradition and decorate their seats/boxes. Make sure to take advantage of the Haagen-Dazs ice cream at intermission. Even if you aren’t in London during the holidays, you should try to see a concert at Royal Albert Hall…it is mesmerizing.

• Look at Christmas Decorations (Buckingham Palace to Downtown London)

Lights are strung up throughout the streets, and Buckingham Palace is done up in style. Bundle up and walk the streets on foot to get the full experience.

• Scavenger Hunt for English Traditions

There are many English Christmas traditions that differ from American Christmas traditions. Write a list of different UK traditions and make a scavenger hunt. Here are a few things to start off your list…find a yule log, try wassail, etc. Need more suggestions? Check out this website.

Wherever you may be this year…from London to Kalamazoo, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!

Featured Image: Personal Photo