9 London Christmas Experiences Everyone Must Have at Least Once

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly

There's no specific event at Fortnum's. It just happens to be the most Christmassy place you'll ever visit. The historic department store has a pretty festive vibe any time of year, thanks to its gorgeous twinkly lights and red carpets (not to mention an all-year-round marzipan fruit section), but at Christmas, it really comes alive. It is the perfect place for Christmas shopping. Even if you don't buy anything, your Christmas spirit levels will be so high when you leave. Despite the swanky reputation and royal crest, Fortnum's is pretty good at covering a variety of price ranges. You might not be able to afford the Wooden Advent Calendar (£125) or a luxe Christmas Hamper (£125), but your budget will definitely stretch to some Fancy Coffee (£12.50) or nice Christmas Biscuits (£5.95).

The Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street

Officially the most decorated pub in London, every other month of the year The Churchill Arms is decked out in flowers and plants. But at Christmas, it becomes the most festive pub in the country. Last year, it had 21,000 lights adorning it. And 90 Christmas trees. It costs tens of thousands each year to decorate the pub, so if you do visit, make sure you buy a drink as well as taking a photo!

Liberty, Regent Street

One of our favourite Christmas traditions is a trip to the Liberty Christmas shop. If you love a festive bauble, you will be in Christmas heaven here. We buy a new one each year, making at least two trips around the shop (form an orderly queue, please) before making our final selection. Yes it's busy (and hot, take water!), but it's always really fun.

Ice Skating at Somerset House, Strand

In Summer, the courtyard at Somerset House is all splashing about in fountains (kids, mostly, but sometimes we'll have a go as well). In Winter, it becomes one of the most popular spots to go ice skating. This year, the ice rink is open from Nov. 13–Jan. 12, 2020, and it's £11 a pop. Hot chocolate and pretty Instagram are really not optional. #Christmasiscoming

Ice Skating at The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road

Not to be outdone by Somerset House, The Natural History Museum is getting in on the icy action, too. Its rink has a beautiful tree in the middle, for extra Christmas points, and it's open much earlier than Somerset House: Oct. 19-Jan. 12, 2020. It's a little more expensive at just under £13.

Southbank Winter Market

Every Christmas, the Southbank turns into a beautiful market, taking its inspiration from European Christmas markets, which means two things: mulled wine in the cold and lots of sausages (hey, when in Rome). Make sure you have a go on the carousel. The fun kicks off on Nov. 9.

The Ritz Festive Afternoon Tea, 150 Piccadilly

Every fancy hotel will offer some sort of variation on afternoon tea, but none will be quite so special as The Ritz. There's something truly wonderful about a posh hotel at Christmas, but The Ritz goes all out for their tea. This means extras of your favourite sandwiches and mince pies in addition to, rather than instead of, the little cakes — very, very important.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Yes, it's tacky. And no, roller coasters have nothing to do with Christmas. Yet we defy you to leave Winter Wonderland without feeling just a tinge of Christmas spirit. Let's be honest: you'll be singing "Jingle Bells" all the way home, and you probably won't stop until New Year. If Christmas to you means gaudy lights and silliness, this is the festive fairground for you. It also has an excellent Bavarian Village where you can down tankards of German beer and scoff bratwurst to your heart's content.

Dennis Severs' House, 18 Folgate Street

One of the lesser-known museums in London, if you haven't been to Dennis Severs' House, Christmas is the perfect time. The museum/art gallery is an 18th Century house that's a rather like a moment frozen in time, as though someone has just left when you enter a room. It's like walking through a still life painting, and at Christmas, it's even more special. Visit in the evening for mulled wine and mince pies with your tour. This is a unique Christmas experience, and it's utterly magical.