SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: THE 9 MUST NOT TO BE MISSED – CIAO VALENTINA
London, during the Christmas period, there are so many things to do and see that it’s difficult to make a choice. Here is a complete list of things not to be missed for a sustainable Christmas.
It’s Christmas and London doesn’t hold back with its decorations. Every year it seems to sparkle more than the previous year but where to go and what to see in order not to miss anything out?
I have created a list with the 9 MUST NOT to be missed if you decide to visit London during the Christmas period.
Nr 9: Kew Garden Christmas Lights
Get ready to spend 75-minutes walking around every corner this large, decked park (I spent 4 hours there instead of 75-minutes announced by the website!! Oops! Each light was a photo!). I can guarantee you that you will be amazed from the moment you enter until the end of the route. Shimmering ribbons, trees that light up in time with music, bows and parcels, laser projections on the famous Temperate House, cascades of lights. In short, a marvel!
Kew Garden isn’t located in central London, but it’s worth heading west on the District line or the Overground! The ticket price is £16 for adults and £12 for children if booked in advance. Check the website (https://www.kew.org/)
Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Closest tube: Richmond
Nr. 8: Leicester Square Christmas market
Cute and small – in this market in the centre of Leicester Square you will find handmade products and beautiful handmade objects. Enjoy the Mulled Wine and hot Cider, right in the heart of London. Entry is free and be prepared to have your bag checked.
Address: Leicester Square, West End, London WC2H 7DE
Closest tube: Leicester Square
Nr. 7: Covent Garden Christmas market
Probably the best place to feel the Christmas spirit in London. A selfie in front of the iconic 17-meter high Christmas tree – grown in Britain and cut by hand and decorated with over 30,000 lights – is a MUST. Here you will surely find the perfect gift given the large variety of handmade items sold from small luxury boutiques.
Address: The Market Building, London WC2E 8RF
Closest tube: Covent Garden
Nr 6: Regent’s and Oxford Street Lights
You can’t miss these iconic London streets: the elegant buildings, the black taxis, red buses and the lights. Such a thrill, walking along these main streets, being enchanted by the original shop window designs. Be prepared to be sucked in by the crowd – these streets are flooded with tourists and also by locals, nobody can resist all this beauty.
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.
Nr 5: Carnaby Street
Since you’re in the area, take a small detour to Carnaby Street which turned really sustainable in 2019 with its ocean theme. You will be immersed in the seas – every single piece of coral and fish is made with recycled products. You can leave the cap of your plastic bottle in one of the donation points such as the JinJuu restaurant, The Shakespeare’s Head, The White Horse or the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs. Also, because it is Christmas it’s important to have an eye on sustainability. This is the period of consumerism so let’s be good with our planet!
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.
Nr 4: Ice skating in Hyde Park
Whether you are a lover of ice skating or not, this is an opportunity to throw yourself into something new. So, jump into the Hyde Park ice rink! Highly recommended to book well in advance as it usually sells out within a few hours. Open from 10 in the morning until 10 in the evening, the price for adults is £15, for children the price is £10.
Closest tube: Hyde Park Corner
Nr 3: The Ever After Garden in Mayfair
A walk in this small square in Mayfair is a must to see this extraordinary installation of symbolic illuminated roses to commemorate loved ones who are no longer with us. You can buy a rose in the nearby wooden hut with a suggested donation of £10. The proceeds will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Admission is free.
Address: Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London W1K 2HP
Closest tube: Bond Street Station
Nr 2: Mercato Metropolitano Mayfair.
Not far from Grosvenor Square you will find this “cultural hub and sustainable community market” in the deconsecrated St Mark’s church on North Audley Street. A must, especially at Christmas, if only to admire the extraordinary decorated tree! Here the mission is to have fresh, artisanal and sustainable ingredients, as far as possible. Visit the 2nd floor and the crypt. Prices are slightly expensive but it is also worth a look.
Address: St Mark’s, North Audley Street, London W1K 6ZA
Closest tube: Bond Street Station
Nr 1: Winter Wonderland
Probably the most sought after and popular event in London. I have never missed a Winter Wonderland since I arrived in London. Lose yourself among the gastronomic perfumes from all over the world and stalls with objects of all kinds. I suggest you don’t come here with large bags because they will be checked at the entrance. A word of advice: don’t miss the Bavarian Village inside Hyde Park – here you will find typical Bavarian dishes and live music. Very beautiful!
Closest tube: Hyde Park Corner
And remember: Live, Travel, Laugh and Repeat
in a responsible way
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