Top 5 festive things to do in London

If you are looking for something amazing to do whilst visiting London or maybe you are a resident that is about to learn something new. Here is our guide to the five top things to do in London that we genuinely have experienced and love.

Santacon

How does hanging out with 1000 Santa look a likes sound for being festive?

Every year there is a huge gathering of around 1000 Santas that essentially go on a long, boozy, friendly parade around some top London sights such as Trafalgar Square (pictured). Get info on this on the organisers' facebook page, event and their twitter feed. This year it is on Saturday 14th December 2013 but will not be passing by Trafalgar Square.

This event has now passed. Read our review on the festivities.

Winter Wonderland

Located in the wonderful Hyde Park, (see our article on London's top parks for more info), Winter Wonderland is fun for all ages, admission is free and it's open daily from 10am to 10pm. It's packed full with rides and not one but two circuses! There's also a big wheel which offers fantastic views to rival the much more expensive London eye.

Winter Wonderland also a large variety of over 200 stalls selling festive treats, sweets, jewellery, clothing and other odd and quirky Xmas gifts.

Inside you'll also find Santa Land where children get to meet the one and only Father Christmas!

Christmas lights

There's nothing more magical than seeing London lit up in a blaze of Christmas spirit and you can't beat Oxford Street, which from 12th November to January 4th will be lit up with 3/4 million lights costing a whopping £1.5m! And need we mention that Oxford street is Mecca for all shopoholics!

Get your skates on!

It's the only time of the year when you can go ice skating at some of London's top attractions such as the Tower of London, Hyde Park, Somerset House and Canary Wharf - how fantastic is that! If you are concerned you are more falling on ice rather than dancing at least you will have amazing scenery to look at. Remember your gloves!

Christmas markets

As well as the markets of Winter Wonderland, there are also others that are definitely worth a look. Visit the markets on the Southbank's Christmas Market for a particularly festive assortment. Borough Market also get's itself into the spirit at this time of year too, so it is a great place to top up some foodies' stockings. See our guide on London's top markets for more.

What about you?

Do any of these tickle your festive itch? Have you done any of these before or do you have any ideas that arent mentioned?