Things to do in London at Christmas 2012
Things to do at Christmas in London 2012
Christmas in London is really wonderful. Stunning christmas lights on many of the busiest streets, festive events, christmas markets with treats, gifts and delicious seasonal food - and of course lots of places to hang out with friends and family to soak up the atmosphere. This site covers all the best things to do during Christmas in London 2012.
We have organised the site into (hopefully) helpful sections, with the most popular pages including christmas markets, christmas hotels and things to do with kids at xmas. If you are looking for something a little different to do over the festive season, take a look at the cryptically titled unusual. It's all about what to do at Christmas in London (mainly November and December).
The Heart of Christmas
Trafalgar Square is generally considered not just to be the heart of London, but the focus of the whole of London at Christmas - every year a tree is gifted by Norway to the UK.
Trafalgar Square has also become a huge focus for New Year's Eve where thousands of people celebrate at midnight. Last year was crazy, and
we imagine 2012 will be exactly the same.
In recent years the area has become more pedestrianised so it's much better to walk around, and if you do find yourself there during the day, we recommend visiting the wonderful National Portrait Gallery on the North side.
Key Dates for Christmas 2012
Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2012 is on a Monday
Christmas Day, December 25th, 2012 is on a Tuesday
Boxing Day, December 26th, 2012 is on a Wednesday
New Year's Eve, December 31st, 2012 is on a Monday
New Year's Day, January 1st, 2012 is on a Tuesday
Christmas Insights
Many London stores open late in the run up to Christmas, and some of the smaller boutique stores actually hand out free drinks and cakes to get everyone into the festive mood. The tradition of giving away glasses of mulled wine has almost disappeared in London due to a crackdown on serving alcohol from unlicensed premises!
In the UK the 'Christmas number one' is the highest selling single in the week before Christmas Day. Traditionally novelty songs, charity songs or songs with a Christmas theme have often been at the top of Christmas charts but recently songs from TV talent shows like the X-Factor have taken over.
Santa is a relatively new name for the fellow who brings presents - he was previously known as Old Father Christmas, Sir Christmas, and Lord Christmas. Originally he was pictured wearing a green costume but he was re-branded at the start of the 20th Century and is now generally seen in red.
London and Christmas go hand in hand. The beauty of the Christmas lights, great shopping for those amazing gifts for kids and the fun of walking around the world's greatest city soaking up the festive atmosphere and outdoor Christmas lights. By the way, if you're from America, I think you'll be bemused by all this use of the word Christmas - I think it's now commonly termed the holiday season in the US - so 'Happy Holidays in London'.
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You May Not Know
Many London stores open late in the run up to Christmas, and some of the smaller boutique stores actually hand out free drinks and cakes to get everyone into the festive mood. The tradition of giving away glasses of mulled wine has almost disappeared in London due to a crackdown on serving alcohol from unlicensed premises!
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Don't forget to buy your christmas cards from Hallmark this year.