Relish Christmas 2009 This Season in London

Christmas is one of the happiest festivals in London and it is celebrated with several spectacular festivities and enthusiasm. Various Christmas events such as Grottos and several Christmas markets etc are organized in the city during this occasion. You can also enjoy at the Christmas fairs and fireworks that are organized all over the city. Ice rinks during the Christmas season is also an exciting winter sports to do. It is also a great time to get crafty and learn about the precious traditions and history of Christmas. You can also attend the workshops and exhibitions at the art galleries and museums in London. Some of the museums have specially organized workshops for kids which are extremely interesting and also offers education on Christmas.

Christmas activities that you can look for are listed as under:

· To know about how Dickens actually invented Christmas you can watch the recently released Disney’s A Christmas Carol which will surely sought most of your doubts.

· You can also be a part of the festive walk to be held on 12^th December 2009 which will discover all the major traditions and festivities related to Christmas.

· You can indulge your kids in the creative workshops to be held in the London Museum Docklands. Some of these workshops are Christmas Pomanders on 28^th and 30^th December 2009, Father Christmas Comes to Docklands on 19^th December and Victorian Trinkets on 28^th and 30^th December 2009.

· Museum of London Christmas Celebrations

· This Christmas season, Museum of London is focusing on the London archaeology, culture and history. The workshops organized will focus on the history and traditions of Victorian Christmas. The exhibitions at the museum will also focus on history of Victorian Christmas this year.

So be a part of all these Christmas festivities and activities and make your Christmas celebrations special.

Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square

When
3^rd December 2009

Time
6:30pm

Where
Trafalgar Square,
Central London, Westminster,
London WC2N 5DS

Nearest tube station
Charing Cross London Underground

The lighting of Christmas tree at the Trafalgar Square marks the beginning of Christmas festivities in London. This is the biggest and the brightest Christmas tree in London. It has become a historic tradition as it is been followed since past several years. The Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square celebrates the friendship and goodwill on this festive occasion.

This Christmas tree is decorated in a traditional style with thousands of white lights. The height of this tree is around 20-25 metres which makes it an iconic landmark in the city. Traditional ceremony of lighting the tree is attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster. The ceremony includes a programme of several festive events. Most of these events will last till Christmas and the others will last till the beginning of next year. You can also explore several pre Christmas festivities at Trafalgar Square which includes the Christmas Carol singing which will take place from 7^th December to 20^th December 2009. Entry to both the carol singing ceremony and the tree lighting ceremony is absolutely free of cost.

The brightness of this Christmas tree gives a perfect start to Christmas season in London and thus, the event is a must to visit by all. The lights of the tree will be lit at 6:30pm on 3^rd December and it will remain on from then onwards till midnight. The lights will be on till 5^th January 2009 from 12noon to 12 midnight. So reach early and be a part of this historic traditional festivity of Christmas in London. You can also visit various other events, music concerts and festivities going on at the Trafalgar Square and the regions around throughout the Christmas season.

Christmas Markets in London

London is a globally renowned shopping destination and it attracts millions of tourists every year from all over world for shopping. Every year several shopping fairs and festivals are organized in the city. Shopping becomes even more important and exciting during the festive seasons and thus various shopping fairs are also organized during Christmas. Some of such Christmas markets, exhibitions and fairs are listed below:

· Parklife Oxford Street Christmas Market

Oxford Street offers a variety of wooden chalets offering unique and creative Christmas gifts, jewellery and much more.

Venue – Parklife Oxford Street, Oxford Street, West End, London W1

Date – 20^th November 2009 – 3^rd January

· Hyde Park Christmas Market

At Hyde Park you can explore a traditional German Christmas market. You can enjoy several activities such as funfair and ice skating at this venue.

Venue – Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2

Date – 21^st November 2009 – 3^rd January 2010

· Putney Christmas Market

With more than 30 stalls, Christmas Market at Putney is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the town. You can look for gifts, art and craft and bikes at this market.

Venue – Church Square, Putney High Street, Putney London, SW15

Date – 27^th November 2009, 3pm – 7:30pm

· Christmas Markets at British Red Cross

It hosts more than 80 unique and exceptional stalls offering bags, clothes, accessories and much more.

Venue – Guildhall, Off Gresham Street, London EC2

Date – 1^st December 2009, 10:30am – 8pm

Ticket Price - 5£

· Rich Mix Christmas Design Market

At Rich Mix you can pick some stylish and designer clothes for yourself and your loved ones.

Venue – Rich Mix, 35 – 47, Brethnal Green Road, Shadwell, London E1

Date – 7^th December 2009, 11am – 5:30pm

· Greenwich Christmas Market

This covered market will offer art and craft and food stalls.

Venue – College Approach, Greenwich, London SE10

Date – 9^th – 31^st December 2009

· Slow Food Christmas Market

You can give a luxury treat to your taste buds at this Christmas Market as it offers a wide variety of food stalls including British Ham, Italian Olive Oil, French Cheese and much more.

Venue – Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1

Date – 19^th – 22^nd December 2009

Besides a wide range of trendy and designer clothe, home ware, food items, jewellery and accessories you can also enjoy some entertaining activities and food stalls at these venues.

Ice Skating Rink at Tower of London

When – 21^st November 2009 – 10^th January 2010

Where – Tower of London

Nearest tube station – Tower Hill London Underground

This Christmas season you can indulge yourself in the London Ice Rinks and make the most out of it. You can enjoy some great skating at various ice rinks in the city including one of the bests at Tower of London. Most of these ice rinks offer spectacular sightseeing in the city with exceptional ice skating. Ice skating near the famous London landmarks offers a great experience especially during the festive season of Christmas. Besides Tower of London, the Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf and Somerset House are some other places where you can enjoy Ice skating.

You can also enjoy outdoor London ice rinks at night with your friends and family. Various ice rinks offer late night sessions for skating during this festive season of Christmas. It is truly a mesmerizing experience with festive decorations all around. Ice skating is amongst the best activities that can offer maximum fun to a family.

This will be the 4^th year of Ice skating rink at the Tower of London. Indeed it is even bigger and better this year. This probably is one of the best rinks in the city. This breathtaking ice skating venue will offer deliciously festive activities. You can also visit the Moat Café available at the rink and enjoy a variety of delightful food and drinks. You can also watch the skaters from the free viewing galleries.

Tickets for Ice skating at Tower of London

Adult: off peak @10£ and peak days @12£

Family: off peak @30£ and peak days @32£

Kids under 16 years of age: off peak @ 7.50£ and peak days @ 8£

Peak Tickets:
All Saturdays and Sundays, evening sessions from 5.15pm,
21^st , 22^nd and 23^rd Dec, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, 28^th , 29^th and 30^th January, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Off Peak Tickets:
Weekdays morning and afternoon sessions up to 4.00pm.session The ice rink is closed on Christmas Day.

Christmas in London Winter Wonderland

When - 21^st November 2009 – 3^rd January 2010

Opening Time – 5pm – midnight

Where – Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Nearest tube station – Hyde Park London Underground

This is the third consecutive year when the Winter Wonderland is in London during the Christmas. It will again set you all in the festive spirit with spectacular rides, sparkling attractions, dazzling lights and fascinating Christmas markets. Last year also this beautiful wonderland attracted 1.5 million visitors and this year it is expected to be even bigger and better as the festival will cover around 32 acres of land.

You can enjoy 200 unique and truly amazing rides with your friends and family at this year’s Winter Wonderland. Besides these exotic rides you can also explore the sparkling festive attractions, phenomenal observation wheel and the simply outstanding German Christmas Market.

Winter Wonderland Highlights

· Choirs and Live bands

· Santa’s Village

· Ice Skating Rink

· 50m high Observation Wheel and 40 heated gondolas

· 66m Power Tower

· Snow Ball Bungee Dome

· Zippo’s Christmas Circus

· Giant Ice Monster

Kids can also get a chance to meet Santa and get a special gift. Besides all the above major highlights the restaurant and bars at the Winter Wonderland will also be a delight to be at you can avail several exclusive Christmas dining offers. These bars and restaurants will also dazzle with stunning decorations and thus, you can savor a delightful dinner in a mesmerizing ambience. Winter Wonderland will also offer several festive food treats which can be enjoyed at Café Grell, Bavarian Village, German Christmas Market and House of St Nikolas.

Also enjoy an exceptional shopping experience at the 50 wooden chalet style huts hosted at the Winter Wonderland. Christmas celebrations will remain incomplete without the Mulled wines so also taste them at the Winter Wonderland.