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.

London Events – La Clique

When
25^th November 2009 – 17^th January 2010

Where
The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH

Nearest Underground Station
Chalk Farm London tube station

Ticket Price
30£ - 45£ per ticket

Show Timing
Monday Thursday – 8pm, Friday – Saturday – 7pm and 10pm, Sunday – 7pm

Christmas La Clique’s Lineup:

· Illusion and musical comedy by the renowned Swedish magician – Carl Einar Hackner

· Penchant fluorescent lycra with a diva of opera singing in Le Gateau Chocolat

· Hula hoop artist, clown and cabaret singer – Marawa

· Unicycle riding of Freddie Mercury in Mario Queen of the Circus

· Well known prima donna chanteuse in Meow Meow

· Roller skating by Wanda Azzario and Jean Pierre Poissonnet in the Skating Willers

· A spectacular and daring striptease act by the singer, cabaret dancer and actress – Ursula Martinez

· Bravest burlesque duo of New York City – The Wau Wau Sisters

This award winning show of La Clique has been an international sensation since it has won the Best Entertainment Olivier Award 2009. It will be showcased at the London’s renowned Roundhouse for a limited season of few months. It will be a great delight to watch this show in the Christmas season as it offers entertainment for all ages.

It is known to offers some bizarre, outrageous, beautiful and extremely hilarious acts from all over the world. The show suits the royal splendor of Camden’s renowned and historic venue – Roundhouse. At this spectacular show you can expect some glamour, tinsel and glitter. It is amongst the best show running in the city during Christmas. La Clique has already performed at various places including Sydney, Dublin, Montreal and New York but, this time it is expected to be bigger and better. So get ready to savor an act which will be a blend of cabaret, circus, burlesque and contemporary variety of art forms.

Santas Grotto at Selfridges London

When – 22^nd November – 24^th December 2009

Time – Sunday – 12pm – 5pm and 10am – 7pm on other days of the week.

Where - The Ultralounge, Selfridges

400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

Nearest tube station – Marble Arch and Bond Street

A dazzling Santa Grotto will be organized at the well known Selfridges in London. It is going to be one of the most exciting Christmas events in London. This year Santa will make appearances in several parts of the city. At Selfridges you can take an exciting train ride from winter wonderland till the Santa’s grotto. Kids can also take a Christmas tale book while visiting the grotto and they can also click their photo with Santa. Stunning Christmas Windows at Selfridges will also be a major attraction which should not be missed by anyone.

You an also savor the penguin and polar bear animatronics in the Grotto at Selfridges. This years Grotto at Selfridges is special and thus it will also make your Christmas festivities and celebrations special. This year’s Grotto will surely be a magical experience for you and your family. The tickets for Santa Grotto are limited so make sure you grab your share.

Besides Selfridges you can also visit Santa Grotto’s at the following venues:

· Winter Wonderland on 21^st November – 24^th December 2009 at Hyde Park.

· WWT London Wetland Centre Grotto on 5^th – 6^th December 2009 at Wetland Centre.

· Royal Air Force Museum from 19^th – 23^rd December 2009 at Royal Air Force Museum.

· Kew Gardens Grotto from 12^th – 23^rd December 2009 at Kew Garden

· Santa’s Wish Kingdom from 14^th November – 23^rd December at Westfield London.

· Harrods Christmas Grotto from 7^th November in Harrods Christmas Parade.

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.

Christmas Shopping At London Eye

London is a well known exciting and fascinating shopping destination in England. It offers several popular shopping streets, markets and shops. These shopping destinations include a wide variety of branded showrooms as well as street wear brands. London, although is considered to an expensive city but with so many shopping streets located in the city, you also have an option of pocket friendly shopping in London.

Shopping is even more fun when Christmas is around the corner. London itself is well known for its Christmas celebrations as several Christmas fairs, Christmas Shopping Carnivals and Christmas Markets are organized in the city. One such Christmas Shopping Market will be organized at Southbank Centre, London Eye. This market is well known as Cologne Christmas Market at South Centre/London Eye.

You can shop some of the most unique silver jewellery, hand crafted toys, glass ornaments, hand made ceramics, tin toys and beautiful wax candles. This typical Christmas Market will also organize several wooden chalets along the Queens Walk. This will completely give you a feel of German style Christmas Market. You can also relax with the exceptionally delicious German Mulled Wine offered at the Market.

Cologne Christmas Market Details

Opening Date – 20^th November – 23^rd December 2009

Address – Southbank Centre/ London Eye

Nearest tube station – Waterloo London Underground

Market Timings

Monday 11am - 8pm

Tuesday 11am - 8pm

Wednesday 11am - 8pm

Thursday 11am - 8pm

Friday 10am - 10pm

Saturday 10am - 10pm

Sunday 11am - 8pm

Thus you can savor a variety of drinks and dishes while listening to the mesmerizing traditional music. Merry g o round rides are also available at the market which will be enjoyed thoroughly by the kids. Santa at Queen’s Walk is also amongst the major highlights of this spectacular Christmas Market.

Cologne Christmas Market

When
20 November 2009 - 23 December 2009

Timings: 11:00-20:00 Sun - Thurs, 10:00-22:00 Fri - Sat

Where
Cologne German Market

The Cologne Christmas Market brings the real spirit of a German Christmas to London, as the area from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye is transformed into a Christmas walkway for the people of all age groups.

Traditional Christmas presents
Make the most out of this traditionally and beautifully lit Cologne Christmas Market in London. A wide variety of unique Christmas presents and unusual hand crafted gifts are offered by several originally decorated wooden chalets. Tin and wooden toys, candles in all sizes and shapes, fragile Christmas tree grass ornaments and many more Christmassy stuff are on sale in the mesmerizing atmosphere of winter in the market.

German treats
Several German delights, known for the traditions are on sale for hungry Christmas shoppers with warm and mulled German bratwurst available from a number of stalls. Munch on delicious food with Kolsch, the best known Cologne beer, or get indulged with roasted gingerbread hearts, roasted nuts and many other delicious treats.

Festive atmosphere
Along with shopping for festivals, the carousel in the centre of the Cologne Christmas Market will captivate guests and visitors with a pleasant milieu and traditional Christmas music, pleasing everyone with soothing music in the background to add to the Christmas spirit.

Santa’s Secret Village
A Santa Secret Village is also present at the venue, beautifully created and decorated with captivating objects. Exclusively created for children, Santa’s Secret Village is a place where children can seek Santa Claus or decorate a gingerbread card with Mrs.. Claus in a charming show for children. Children will also get to take a photo of their meeting with the joyous Christmas couple at the market.