When you think of London at holiday time, what comes to mind? The setting for the iconic Christmas Carol play (and musical!)? The incredible holiday pantomime productions in the city (and across the country)? How about hit films like Love, Actually or The Holiday? But then, of course, I always think of the shopping on Oxford Street, the gigantic holiday fairs filled with good eats and good cheer, twinkling lights spanned throughout Soho, bars and pubs filled with song (and pint), and all the holiday cheer we associate with London.
What do born-or-bred Londoners enjoy about their city at holiday time? Similar to 半岛体育's What to Do During the Holidays in New York City article, I have asked a few of my British friends to share with you their favorite places and traditions around the holidays, so you too can experience London like a true Londoner.
半岛体育 and the all-new are excited to take a look at these London locations, in the hopes we can help you discover new and exciting experiences. With iconic landmarks, shopping, activities, and more, the capitol of the United Kingdom, London, has unlimited holiday offerings for audiences of all ages. See what these West End stars have to share below!
Frances Ruffelle (Tony winner and original Epinone in Les Mis茅rables)
鈥淎fter a long day of Christmas shopping鈥擨 recommend a martini at the traditional Dukes Bar at the Dukes Hotel, Mayfair (a Christmas tradition of mine). Frequently visited by James Bond author Ian Fleming, the legendary Dukes Bar is said to be the inspiration for the classic line 鈥榮haken, not stirred.鈥� The intimate and timeless surroundings, the world-class bartender team in perfect white dinner jackets make the cocktails right there in front of you in the old traditional style. Pure class. Also, Primrose Hill. Walk to the top and see one of the best panoramic views of London. If it snows, there鈥檒l be sledding. Then, walk down hill to Primrose Hill Village and pop into the local shops, pubs and cafes. And don鈥檛 forget to check out Chalcot Crescent鈥攊t鈥檚 where Paddington Bear lives. Primrose Hill is only a few minutes鈥� walk to Regent鈥檚 Park, which is stunning. (The 101 Dalmatians lived in Regent鈥檚 Park, said the author, Dodie Smith).鈥�
Norman Bowman (Les Mis茅rables in the West End)
鈥淚 know it seems clich茅, but Covent Garden really does come into its own at Christmas time. The entire place lights up and the market stalls have great Christmas gift ideas. You can have a warm drink on the upper floor of the Royal Opera House which overlooks the market and neighboring London. Alongside, there鈥檚 always a huge Christmas tree and the ubiquitous and ever-fantastic street entertainers. You can visit the Transport Museum featuring the oldest underground system in the world. Exit the market in any direction and you get more of London鈥檚 magic. The theaters: Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, The Lyceum, The Strand, The Cambridge. A couple of minutes鈥� walk and you鈥檙e by the Thames, Neals Yard, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square. It鈥檚 the true heart of central London.鈥�
Leanne Robinson (Book of Mormon
in the West End)
鈥淐hristmas in London is truly magical. Some of my personal favorite things are the Christmas markets, especially the one in Leicester Square
as it's moderately sized, and not too overwhelming. The stalls are incredible with food, sweets, and trinkets. Secondly, Mulled Wine tasting! So many vendors have warm, delicious, fragrant Mulled Wine outside and I like to try them all!鈥�
Janie Dee (Olivier Award winner, Carousel in the West End)
鈥淜ew Gardens is so, so special鈥s a place of interest anyway. And they are doing great work with saving species of plants and encouraging us to be closer to nature. For the last three years, I have gone there with my friend to experience the Christmas lights which includes hot apple juice , and candles, amazing music and a light show; it鈥檚 very special. Also, St. Johns Church (in Holland Park) is a favorite; they always have the most moving Festival of Light Service a few weeks before Christmas. I used to go ice skating in Somerset House
which I loved. I might do it this year if I can convince my children to join me!鈥�
The entire original cast of the Olivier Award-winning Operation Mincemeat, coming to Broadway this spring, brings you their favorite places.
Natasha Hodgson
鈥淚 spent my youth on arcade consoles, and absolutely refuse to develop as a person. NQ64 in Soho is a haven of every video game you loved as a kid: Mario, Guitar Hero, the 鈥渟hooty ones鈥� I am still too scared to play and (of course) Dance, Dance Revolution. If you're sick of speaking to your friends and instead wish to destroy them via the medium of Karts, there is no better place in London.鈥�
Zo毛 Roberts
鈥淭丑别 Broadway Market is the perfect place to visit at the weekends for a buzzy, delicious slice of East London life鈥攈it the amazing food stalls then grab a coffee and take a stroll round London Fields, making friends with as many dogs (and their owners) as you can.鈥�
David Cumming
鈥淚f, like me, you enjoy your evenings full of cute queers and ridiculous drag, then get yourself down to either Dalston Superstore
or The Divine (both in Hackney) for the freshest, messiest night of queer joy. Be prepared to sweat.鈥�
Claire-Marie Hall
鈥淚n Postman鈥檚 Park, a small garden near St Paul鈥檚 Cathedral, there鈥檚 a memorial wall called The Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice made up of plaques decorated to 鈥榦rdinary鈥� people who each have given their lives to save another; reading the different plaques is such a humbling experience and I find it鈥檚 just a lovely place to sit and reflect.鈥�
Jak Malone
鈥淐atch a cabaret at Crazy Coq鈥檚! It might be the best spot in the city to enjoy world class performance in a bougie intimate setting. I can often be found on the bill myself!鈥�
On behalf of the entire 半岛体育 team, no matter what holiday(s) you celebrate and with whom, we wish you a wonderful season filled with joy, and a start to a great new year. From all of us to all of you, Cheers!
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