The beauty of London in winter is unmatchable, considering how it comes alive with festive fervour in this period. Winter takes over from mid-November to mid-February every year and London transforms into a wonderland for visitors. While the weather is chilly, you can enjoy several fun activities on your trip. Let us check out some of the best ways to enjoy London’s charms in the cold season. 

Why You Should Visit London During Winter 

Winter London promises visitors magical experiences, from exclusive events to festive enjoyment and more. 

1. A Festive Wonderland

Notwithstanding the chilly temperatures, London hosts some amazing festive events. For example, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland attracts people from all over England. From an ice slide and Giant Wheel to live shows, there’s plenty to do here. You will also find several restaurants and bars along with fire pit bars with live DJs for company. 
Another option is to explore Covent Garden which also transforms into a festive wonderland amidst the cold climate. Visit the famous Piazza Market Building and Seven Dials along with Neal’s Yard. Covent Garden showcases an iconic installation with massive bells, huge baubles and spinning mirror balls. There are also mulled wine stations on Central Avenue along with delicious festive menus across 100+ dining spots. 
Tips: 

• The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens in mid-November and concludes in early January (21st November to 5th January)
• It will be open each day from 10 AM to 10 PM, except for Christmas Day 
• Do not miss the Le Chalet Fondue sit-down experience in The Sleigh-By here
• The Christmas decorations at Covent Garden are on display at the Market Building 
• Do not miss the Christmas tree (60 ft) at the West Piazza in Covent Garden 
• You can find a Serviced Apartment in Hyde Park to make the most out of your visit.

2. Less Crowded 

One of the biggest advantages of visiting London in winter time is the relatively smaller crowds. Speaking from personal experience, winters usually have lower tourist footfalls. You’ll find the underground more bearable while travelling and accommodation and airfares will also be cheaper. The crowds usually start dispersing from the onset of winter and the fading of the fall colours. 

3. Cultural Experiences 

There are plenty of things to do in London if you’re on the lookout for heart-warming cultural experiences. You should explore the Warner Bros. studio to experience Hogwarts in the Snow (a must if you love Harry Potter). Wander through the Forbidden Forest, Gryffindor Common Room and the Great Hall with its decorations and feasts. 
Drop by St Paul’s Cathedral to hear the iconic Christmas carols on the 23rd of December and Christmas Eve. Alternatively, enjoy fun activities at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Some of its most popular attractions include The Joys of Christmas by Candlelight and Carols by Candlelight. If you’re in the mood for fun, attend the annual Tobacco Dock Christmas party. From a food festival to craft beer and Christmas igloos, there’s plenty to engage you here. 
Tips: 

• Hogwarts in the Snow runs till the 14th of January
• The Christmas carols at St Paul’s are broadcast live in nearby Paternoster Square in case you cannot enter. 
• St Martin-in-the-Fields Church is located near Trafalgar Square in Central London. Do not miss the Gingerbread Decoration Workshop here. 
• Don’t miss the gigantic Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square (a popular landmark from 1947 onwards). Also, visit the lights on Regent Street (until the 2nd of January). 

4. Iconic Winter Events

Attending iconic city events is one of the best things to do in London in winter. The Russian Winter Festival is a must-visit with its authentic sabre twirling, military displays and folk music. You will also enjoy the ballet shows and other performances at the event. Southbank is another hot venue in winter, hosting one of the biggest London festivals of the year. This pays tribute to the cocoa bean and all the delightful confectionaries that it produces. You will have a blast with chocolate-making workshops and master classes here. 
Christmas at Kew is another iconic event that usually runs till mid-January. You can enjoy exploring the charming trail of lights and the fire garden. Round it off with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show along the River Thames. Then there’s the New Year’s Day Parade with its colourful performances and diverse activities. 
Tips: 

• Keep an eye out for Russian food and drink stalls at the festival along with souvenirs that you can take back home 
• The Southbank Festival is free for visitors. Don’t miss the chocolate fountain and stalls selling churros and hot chocolate. 
• Book your fireworks spot in advance online (you can get up to four tickets per person). 

5.    Unique Accommodations 

London in winter is even more memorable with diverse and cosy accommodation choices for visitors. Take your pick from stylish apartments in prime locations, offering the best amenities for the holiday season. You can choose from 1, 2, 3 or even 4-bed properties in unique styles, designs and layouts. The best part is that you’ll find them all at reasonable rates in winter. TheSqua.re is a personal choice that deserves a recommendation. You’ll find all Serviced apartments in London all across with numerous configurations and great facilities like Wi-Fi and indoor heating. 

6. Warm Hospitality

The chillier the weather, the more hospitable London seems to be! You’ll find happy faces all around, along with top-drawer service at hotels, restaurants, pubs and tourist landmarks. What’s more, the feeling of warmth goes up several notches with all the lighting, decorations and buzzing markets around you. No matter what you do, London will be a warm yet wintry paradise that you simply cannot get enough of! 

What You Can Delve Into In London During Winter

There are plenty of things to explore in London in winter. Some of them include: 

1. Heaven for Ice Skating

London turns into an ice skating hotspot every winter. The Hampton Court Palace rink attracts visitors in large numbers every season. You will love the majestic setting of Henry VIII’s famous home while gliding in the snow. Somerset House also opens its winter rink annually and this is another experience worth having! 
Tips: 

• Don’t miss the weekend club nights at Somerset House. Skate to your heart’s content with DJs belting out their popular tunes. 

2. Culinary Delights 

London truly offers a versatile range of culinary delights to gastronomes in winter. Consider visiting the themed winter rooftop pop-up at Queen of Hoxton for some delicious grub and even the Borough Market. The latter is arguably the best food market in the city (speaking from personal experience) and offers finger-licking delights. Some other places worth visiting include Camden Market and the Soho district with its cosmopolitan flavours. 
Afternoon tea is a winter ritual in itself and you should try to book your slot at the Ritz, if possible. Other options include The Rubens at the Palace and also winter cruises along the Thames (that serve delightful tea and goodies). 
Tips: 

• Shop for jams and chutneys at Rubies in the Rubble at the Borough Market. Bianca e Mora is a great place for appetisers, while the Cinnamon Tree offers classic gingerbread. 
• Kingdom Street is a hidden gem in winter. Visit for the amazing decorations and themed food and beverages. 
• Camden Christmas Market is a good place to find artisanal gifts and crafts too. Virginia Woolf fans can visit the Dalloway Terrace (Bloomsbury Hotel) for wonderful experiences.  
• You can visit restaurants like The Cadogan Arms (British classic fare) and Dishoom (Indian meals). For an exotic twist, try Balthazar (French brasserie). 
• Must-have dishes in winter include Shepherd’s Pie, Blackberry Crumble, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Mince Pies. 
• We have Serviced apartments in London which will make your stay comfortable and make your access to all activities easy.

3. Stunning Winter Scenery: Parks and Gardens 

One of the best things to do in London in winter is to take serene strolls through the city’s stunning gardens and parks. While some spaces like Hyde Park transform into festive wonderlands, others deck up with special Christmas lights. A few top choices include Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens and Green Park. You can also try the Avery Hill Winter Garden and Barbican Conservatory. 
Tips: 

• Book your tickets for the Sky Garden or Kew Gardens in advance (online). 
• Entry is free to the Avery Hill Winter Garden and Barbican Conservatory. However, check the opening times carefully before visiting. 
• Explore Serviced apartments in Kew to make your stay comfortable.

4. Cosy Cafes and Pubs 

Nothing matches up to a charming pub with a comforting fire and tasty grub on a winter night. Some of the city’s top pubs include the Spaniards Inn and The Holly Bush (Hampstead). Another noteworthy choice is the Jerusalem Tavern in Soho.
Personally speaking, Soho is a great place for a pub or café crawl. You can visit the Old Coffee House and even Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. The Coppa Club is another option that offers igloo-like seating (for maximum fun). Drop by the Trafalgar in St. James to experience its old-world charm too. 
Café-wise, there are numerous choices like Café Nero, Costa Coffee, Elan Café, LEON and Pret a Manger. If you want a coffee jaunt with a slice of history, head to the Victoria and Albert Museum. It houses one of London’s most beautiful cafes, namely Momo’s Garden Café. 

Visit London in Winter for Mesmerising Experiences

London in winter makes for a compelling proposition for any visitor. Picture the festive decorations, events, markets and delicious food. Now add ice skating, outdoor sightseeing, fireworks and shopping to the list. Put in a pinch of culture and warm hospitality and top it off with fewer crowds. 
And the icing on the cake? Lower airfares and accommodation costs of course! To put it in a nutshell, the cold season is a great time to explore London and its multifarious delights. Here’s to enjoying your time in the UK capital this winter.