Christmas in London 2018 – Things To Do

Christmas in London is magical. Truly magical.

The capital’s streets are filled with holiday lights and christmas markets open up throughout the city’s different neighbourhoods. Of course though, it wouldn’t quite be Christmas without the return of London Magical Tours’ annual holiday special tours: the 2018 London Christmas Tours dates have now been announced!

To mark the occasion and get your festive appetite going, here are a few of our favourite things to do for Christmas in London during November and December 2018:

Popular London Christmas Markets:

Most of the London Christmas markets open from mid-November and stay open into the new-year (early January). Some of the largest this year will be held at:

  • Leicester Square Christmas Market: In the centre of London’s West End and close to all the shops and theatres
  • Winter Wonderland: The Christmas Market at Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest in London. Set in Hyde Park, there are over 200 kiosks on site to spark your imagination and help you find that perfect christmas gift. Once you’ve found it, you can give into temptation and hop on to one of the many fair ground rides – you won’t regret it!
  • South-Bank Christmas Market: The South Bank’s Winter Market sees the area just south of the river Thames beautifuly transformed into a festive wonderland. With plenty on offer from stocking fillers to mince pies, there is truly something for everyone.

Ice Skating Rinks in London:

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  • The Natural History Museum Ice Rink: Grab your skates and visit this iconic museum in Albertropolis. The rink (pictured above) is a great place to unwind after a day out visiting the museums in South Kensington.
  • Somerset House Ice Rink: Still the most classic of locations to enjoy a winter’s night skating, the Somerset House ice rink has been featured in many a Christmas movie and is the perfect spot for skating under the stars. Look out for the special themed nights – not to be missed!

The London Christmas Lights:

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  • Oxford Street Christmas Lights: World-reknowned, Oxford Street has some of the most spectacular Christmas lights and festive store displays you will find – not just in London – but in the world.
  • Carnaby Street Christmas Lights: Fancy a cracking Christmas neighbourhood? Head down to fashionable Carnaby Street, where central London meets hip Soho for an eclectic festive mix: from great local food to unique holiday gift ideas.

Best places to shop in London during Christmas:

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  • Oxford Street, Regents Street, Piccadilly: Make your way from Oxford Street, down Regents Street though Piccadilly to cover all of the best Christmas themed shops in town.
  • Knightsbridge: From Harrods to Harvey Nicholls and the Sloane Street, there is much to discover in Knightsbridge for the holidays. Make sure to pay a special visit to Christmas World, a whole floor filled with toys, decorations and much, much more.

Christmas Carol’s in London:

  • St. Martins In the Fields: A traditional event where you will find some of the best choral recitals. For an added bonus, opt to go on the day of the annual Christmas Tree installation, courtesy of our Norwegian friends from Oslo.
  • The Royal Albert Hall: The annual Christmas festival is sure to get you in the festive mood. From classical christmas choirs to pop numbers, it’s a sure way to make your Christmas an unforgettable one.

Santa’s Grotto in London:

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  • Harrods Department Store: A christmas tradition like no other going back to 1955 , Harrods hosts Father Christmas in their very own Christmas Grotto. Journey through the gingerbread house where children will make memories that will last them a life time.
  • Hamley’s Toy Store: There’s nothing more exciting than visiting Hamley’s during the Christmas season. Hamley’s is the world’s oldest toy shop, 5 stories and a basement of fun, fun, fun. A must for any child visiting London.

 

London Magical Tours’ annual Christmas tours will run from 10th of November 2018 to 6th of January 2019.

Discover all of the above locations, plus many many more on the capital’s oldest and only fully themed Christmas tours by visiting: http://www.londonmagicaltours.com/london_tours_christmas_london_tour.html


Valentines Day in London – How to be Romantic (2018 Style)

Ladies and gentlemen (but mainly gentlemen!) let’s face it, most of us leave Valentines preparations to the very last minute.

If a late dash for a box of chocolates and a bunch of red roses on the night before the 14th of February sounds too familiar, then read on to learn how to surprise your loved one and make this year the best Valentine’s Day ever:

Here are our top tips to bring out the Romantic in you (2018 Style):

1. The Chocolate Hotel:

They say chocolate is one of the best aphrodisiacs. So its’ time to ditch that old box of chocolates trick and go all out – spend the night at a chocolate themed room and earn big romance points.

Best served with: Champagne while Barry White’s ” I’m Gonna Love You Just a little Bit More” plays in the background. The possibilities are endless!

 

2. The London Eye:

A private capsule for two, soaring over the London skyline – what could be more perfect? No wonder over 7000 people have proposed on the London Eye.

Best served with: The London Sunset as your backdrop. Who said Romance was dead?

 

 

3. Romantic Tours for 2:

February is the month of love and London Magical Tours’ romance themed tours are a big highlight of the calendar.

The London Evening Tour takes on a special romantic twist: as part of our London VIP Tours, this private visit travelling in style with a professional tour guide and chauffeur includes the best romantic highlights of London and the option to have the above mentioned experiences such as the London Eye and chocolates all pre-booked for you. There is also the option of including theatre tickets to help make the most of Valentines Day 2018: the perfect way to finish a magical evening.

To hear what guests think of the London Magical Tours experience, click on the video link below:

 

For more details on our London Valentines Tours visit the London Magical Tours website.


Client of the Month – Part V – London Christmas Tours

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Our client of the month featurette is back and this one is particularly well timed – to coincide with the start of London Magical Tours’ annual Christmas tours!

The Client of the Month places the spotlight on one of our guests to reveal all about their sightseeing experience: no scripts, no gimmicks, no special effects. Its simply an honest review in one of our visitor’s own words.

This month sees the start of our seasonal special and one of the most popular tours of the whole year – the Magical London Christmas Tours.

The capital’s only fully Christmas themed tours has guests provided with their very own professional tour guide and in addition, a chauffeur to avoid all parking problems and discover the best of London during the holiday season.

Unlike other tours with the word “Christmas” in their title, this is not a regular tour of the London landmarks which happens to take place during the holiday season – this is an actual tour dedicated to what it means to spend Christmas in the greatest city on earth.

So here it is, the latest addition to the Client of the Month series. Simply click on the video link below to watch in glorious Full HD:

 

 

See the spectacular holiday lights and decorations, the capital’s main (as well as hidden) Christmas trees, while also learning the important stories behind how the London’s traditions have gone on to shape the way Christmas is celebrated across the world – including the influence of the Victorians and a certain Mr. Charles Dickens!

London is looking extra special this Christmas season. If you’re still needing to be convinced, see more details by visiting the dedicated section for our London Christmas Tours

Don’t forget to view previous clients of the month by clicking these links:

Client of the Month Part IV
Client of the Month Part III
Client of the Month Part II
Client of the month Part I


London Summer 2017

School is out and the Summer holidays are in full swing. Here is our guide to the best things to do in London this Summer!

Buckingham Palace State Rooms: 22nd July to 1st October 2017 

Buckingham Palace is open to the public only during Summer time. No visit to London could be complete without a sneak peak into life at the most famous palace of them all. Admire the magnificent apartments where so many state functions take place and walk amongst the walls that so many Kings and Queens have called home – from Queen Victoria, all the way to our current Queen Elizabeth II.

Visit Buckingham Palace and look around at your leisure while the Royal Family are on their holidays

Visit Buckingham Palace. Hurry though – its only possible while the Royal Family are on their own holidays!

The BBC Proms: 14th July to 9th September 2017

Every year the Royal Albert Hall presents the Proms – a series of the world’s greatest orchestras and classical music. Whatever you musical taste though, there is certain to be something for everyone!

Running from 15th July to 10th Sep 2016

The BBC Proms live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Notting Hill Carnival: 27th August to 28th August 2017

Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest street festival and represents London’s multiculturalism.

Filled with music, food and drink, the atmosphere is electric and fun for everyone – a sure highlight of the British Summertime!

Notting Hill Carnival, London from Sunday 28th August to Monday 29th August 2016

Notting Hill Carnival, London 2017

The National Art Gallery’s Magic Carpet Ride: July and August 2017

Kids at the National Art Gallery

The  National Art Gallery, London

The National Art Gallery are offering a fantastic way for children to learn all about art. Kids are welcome to listen to the stories behind the famous paintings  – while on a magic carpet ride – it’s not to be missed!

London Magical Tours: 1st July to 1st October 2017 

Young visitors learning about the magical of London on a private tour

Young visitors learning about the magical of London on a private tour

Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to discover the amazing stories of London on a London Magical Tour. Learn all about the capital with your family’s very own tour team: a professional tour guide alongside a qualified chauffeur, travelling in the comfort on a private vehicle – perfect to make the history of London come to life! Private Tours to Windsor, Oxford and surrounding cities are also available.


The Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2017

Summer is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing – the Wimbledon 2017 Tennis Champions are almost upon us!

What are the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships?

Since 1877, Wimbledon in South West London has been home to the oldest tennis tournament in the world. With over 1/2 a million visitors during the 2 weeks of the year, it is the place to be for the very best in world tennis.

Get ready for Wimbledon with a visit to the All Lawn Tennis Club

When is Wimbledon this year?

Wimbledon 2017 will take place from Monday 3rd of July through to Sunday the 16th of July.

What makes Wimbledon different?

Tennis at Wimbledon is the stuff of legend. Apart from being the oldest tennis tournament, some unique characteristics separate a Wimbledon tennis match:

1. Players must be dressed in all white

2. The matches are played on grass courts

3. Spectators must feast on Strawberries dipped in cream with a round of Pimms*

*This last one is not necessarily an obligation, but still great fun!

Royal visitors Kate and William enjoy the tennis at Wimbledon

Royal visitors HRH Princess Catherine and HRH Prince William enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon

Why not visit Wimbledon this year and enjoy the very best in tennis? What’s more, you can join one of London Magical Tours’ professional guides on a special visit through the history of the game at the official lawn tennis museum and tour the beautiful Wimbledon Village. See more of what Wimbledon has on offer on Wimbledon Tennis Tours through London Magical Tours.