Christmas in London: How to make your holiday special
If you are going to be in London for Christmas of 2008, there are many things you can do to make your holiday both special and very memorable.
No matter where you decide to spend your Christmas holidays you want to make sure that it is a memorable one. The city of London in Great Britain is one of the liveliest places to spend Christmas when you are abroad. It is filled with colorful characters from literature, Christmas carolers, midnight masses in historical and elegant churches as well ice skating, shopping, and some of the best food to be had.
Trafalgar Square Giant Christmas Pine
Most people take the time to visit Trafalgar Square while in London, so if you happen to be there between December 4, 2008 and January 5, 2009, make it a point to see the Christmas that is there. Each year the city of Oslo sends its friends in the city of London a beautiful Christmas tree that is erected in the Square in an elaborate ceremony that marks the remembrance of England’s aid to the city during World War II. The giant pine is decorated with white lights and there is plenty of activity going on around the tree itself during the setup phase and throughout the holiday season.
Great Christmas Pudding Race
No trip to London at Christmas time would be complete without witnessing the Great Christmas Pudding Race. The race has been held at Covent Gardens for the last 18 years and it raises money for cancer research. Contestants must successfully navigate an obstacle course without dropping their Christmas puddings – balanced on a flimsy plate – to be crowned the winner. Spectators and contestants alike can then tour the shops and enjoy the Christmas festival there afterwards. The race is tentatively set for December 6, 2008, between 11am and 1pm.
Royal Albert Hall Christmas Carols
Visitors to the city who wish to take in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall will enjoy the Christmas Carol Sing-along that is tentatively scheduled from December 14 through December 24, 2008. This event is lighthearted and informal, and the performers get insulted if members of the audience do not sing along to classical and modern Christmas songs. Tickets sell out early for this event so advance purchase is advised.
Midnight Mass at St. Paul’s cathedral
All the activities celebrating the season culminate in the midnight masses at the churches and cathedrals throughout London, none as special as the Midnight Mass beneath the dome of St. Paul’s cathedral. The candlelit mass is a very popular one and anyone wishing to attend it should arrive early to get a seat. If you do not think you will be able to make the midnight mass, you can still enjoy a variety of other Christmas services and events the cathedral and its staff offer through the month of December.
London Christmas Cruises
If you want to have a Christmas luncheon in style, then you may be interested in taking a cruise on the Thames while enjoying a three course meal. The Bateaux London Lunch Cruise ships takes you past the London Eye, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge and many other popular tourist sites along the river. One of the ships, ‘The Symphony’ is an all-glass structured boat, making the sites even more beautiful to behold in an uninterrupted setting.
London Christmas tours
Finally, guests to the city during Christmas time can enjoy a three hour private Christmas tour of London that includes places such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Harrods, Piccadilly Circus and many more. Your guide will provide you with a running commentary on all the places your stop at, their significance in the history of this old city and allow you a chance to stop and enjoy walking around some of the sites to truly get into the holiday spirit.