December is fast approaching and so are the festive season. What if this year you decided to get away and discover Christmas elsewhere? AdopteUnParking.com invites you to discover Christmas in the UK and more specifically to London when the city becomes even warmer and more welcoming than the rest of the year.
Christmas markets
What would this celebration be without a Christmas market? Hot wine or chocolate, coated peanuts, roasted chestnuts, stalls well-stocked with toys, clothes, gadgets and other gift ideas. Who doesn't love a stroll through the market, wrapped up in a scarf, to discover the stalls with their festive colours and lights? London has a number of Christmas markets, including Hyde Park, where you can discover the Winter Wonderland guaranteed to delight young and old alike, the market Christmas By The River near London Bridge, the Leicester Square or the Christmas Market in Kingston for a more European feel. If you're looking for a more unique Christmas market, you'll find :
Canopy Christmas Market
Located on the outskirts of King's Cross, the Canopy Market is a covered market open from Friday to Sunday. It features fresh local produce, stalls selling local designers, street food stalls and live music. As Christmas approaches, from 11 November to 1 JanuaryThe Canopy Market is decked out in Christmas colours. You'll be able to enjoy a great festival, sampling good food while listening to music and finding unique gifts. You can also try your hand at the famous game of curling. Whether you're a group or a family, curling promises to be a fun and relaxing experience. Marvel at the light show designed by Liliane Lijn on Granary Square. Discover the Coal Drops Yard Christmas treeThe tower is over 8 metres high and beautifully decorated. To finish off the walk, what better way to warm up than by watching one of your favourite Christmas films on the big screen at the Everyman Cinema, which every year at the festive season brings new and rediscovered Christmas classics.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
L'one of the most enchanting places at Christmas time in London is Kew Gardens. From 15 November to 7 JanuaryCome and discover this little botanical universe, which is calm all year round, and which transforms into a magical place during the festive season. Take a stroll under light tunnelsTake a moment to admire the dance of the flames of the fir tree, on the shores of a lake that looks as if it were adorned with diamonds, and under trees whose leaves seem to glow with a thousand lights. Take a moment to admire the dance of the flames of the Fire Garden. You may be lucky enough to meet Santa Claus come and relax for a while. Please note, however, that admission to the gardens is not free. Remember to book your visit as soon as possible!
Greenwich Christmas Walk
Greenwich Market is open all year round and you'll find everything from street food stalls, antiques and jewellery, to artisan creations, cosmetics and wellness products, you won't want to leave without something to suit you. As well as offering a wide variety of stalls, Greenwich Market also hosts the following events throughout the year events like the famous Oktoberfest or to EasterYou can meet the Easter Bunny. Christmas is no exception. Under the lights of the Christmas market, there will be a magnificent spectacular lantern parade on 15 November. Children from local schools will be on hand to show off their colourful handmade lanterns. The light parade will finish inside the market for the start of the big Christmas countdown.
Venues for festivities
Christmas means conviviality, sharing and festivities ! If crowds aren't your thing, then you really must go to Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus or even King's Cross. These iconic London landmarks are decked out in Christmas colours and lights. These are the must-see places of the moment. Let yourself be dazzled as night falls by the impressive illuminations, concerts and performances by a host of street artists.
Borough Market
You can't visit London without stopping off at Borough Market. This market is specialising in food From cheese and charcuterie to seafood and Persian dishes, wines and coffees, there's plenty to fill your stomach and quench your thirst. At Christmas time, when it's cold and sheltered under the covered market halls, there's nothing better than choosing a small (or large) hot dish to warm you up. You'll find plenty of stalls selling festive products and fresh seasonal ingredients. If a gourmet tour don't forget to carry some cash with you. Many retailers do not accept cards.
Spitalfields and Shoreditch
Spitafields and Shoreditch are two busy parts of London. The originality of London lies in its temporary initiativesand exhibitions as well as restaurants and unique boutiques. At Christmas time, if you're looking for a bit of modernity in this traditional celebration, Spitafields and Shorditch are the places to find it. Lose yourself in the picturesque streets of these districts. Don't hesitate to push open the doors of the shops and pubs you'll come across, each more typical than the last. Music lovers and vinyl collectors, don't forget to pay a visit to Rough Trade East. There's a good chance you'll come across a rare record! For lovers of beer and sordid tales, we recommend a stop at The Ten Bells pub, which, according to legend, was inhabited by two of Jack the Ripper's victims (the Christmas theme is a long way off...).
Ice rinks
How could you enjoy the Christmas festivities without spending at least a few moments on an ice rink? London is full of ice rinks. Don't hesitate to strap on your skates and glide across the ice of the Somerset House. Skate at Somerset House proposes various activities throughout the winter season: skating lessons, DJs at the end of the evening, a restaurant, a skate lounge where you can enjoy rosé, an ephemeral boutique and, last but not least, a "skate park". incredible Christmas tree over 12m high. This year you will also have the privilege of discovering theIce Kensington Palacethe largest ice rink in the UK. In the heart of Kensington Palace, enjoy the palace's historic gardens. You can also enjoy a taste festival with a variety of purely British selections. Of course, Kensington Palace has thought of everything, even the bad London weather, which won't spoil your skating thanks to its ice rink and covered stands.
The magic of a London Christmas sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? But don't forget that from 1 October 2021, it will no longer be possible to enter the UK with just an identity card. You will need a passport. If you don't have one, take the necessary steps in advance. Depending on where you live, it may take longer than expected. Also remember to take your plane tickets before the price goes up too much. And one last piece of advice from AdopteUnParking: think about your airport parking. That's where we come in. Wherever you are, we offer parking close to the airport at low cost. Let's say you want to celebrate Christmas in London and you're in Marseille, in that case don't hesitate to take a look at our valet services for Marseille airport and leave with the peace of mind of knowing that your car is safe for the duration of your stay.
Enjoy your trip!
