By Isabel H, Year 10 Journalist Leader

With the Christmas holidays fast approaching it is no wonder that you may have started to anticipate their arrival! Here are twelve days of ideas for things to do over the Christmas holidays in London (mainly on a budget!).

On the first day of Christmas venture into the centre to see the Christmas lights! London is never more magical than at Christmas with lights illuminating the bustling streets. Take a walk and marvel at the enchanting displays of stars that dazzle on Oxford Street, and at the majestic angels that shimmer on Regent Street. Don’t forget to stop off at Carnaby Street where you will be mesmerised by amazing displays of technicolour lights. And if walking is not for you, the top of a double decker bus will allow you to have an equally breathtaking view of the glowing city.

On the second day of Christmas head to the wondrous Southbank Christmas Market! Indulge in sampled delicious drinks and street food, toast marshmallows and be tempted by the many Christmas gifts as you immerse yourself in this festive experience. Wander through this market free of charge alongside the Thames and under twinkling lights.

On the third day of Christmas why don’t you go and roam the Museum of the Home! The Museum of the Home located in East London is a more unusual Christmas activity but one that is just as interesting and nostalgic. Take a journey through decades of Christmas decorations and experience Christmas unlike ever before, the Museum of the Home reveals a snapshot of Christmas Eve through the generations. 

On the fourth day of Christmas bake some goodies, how about Christmas cookies? There are recipes all over the internet to make delicious cookies but here is a great option to get you going: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-chunk-cookies 

Don’t get a mix, make them from scratch!

On the fifth day of Christmas, head to Battersea Power Station where ice skating has been awaiting. Whether you glide or fall on the ice, enjoy this ultimate Christmas experience with your friends – don’t worry about crash landing once or twice, it is part of the ice skating experience! 

On the sixth day of Christmas be sure to have planned for Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland! Winter Wonderland is renowned as the ultimate London Christmas destination with plenty to do from attractions, activities, entertainment, food and more. Be sure to go before it closes to make the most of the festive season!

On the seventh day of Christmas, wander through arrays of Christmas window displays. From Selfridges and Harrods to Fortnum and Mason, London department stores are known for their beautiful show windows. Enjoy a wondrous festive afternoon when walking through London and be awed by all that you see!

On the eighth day of Christmas go walking in the air to find where the 12 sculptures of The Snowman stare. Download a map to track the snowman or stroll around Chancery Lane, Fleet Street, Ludgate Hill and their surrounding areas to target all twelve snowmen! Each of these snowmen have been decorated by different individual artists so this is the perfect way to spend an arty afternoon with your family out in London – and why not combine this search with some Christmas shopping?  

On the ninth day of Christmas make a festive decoration – how about a Christmas wreath?  Forage for berries, pine cones, holly, ivy and whatever else you wish for in your local park, and then follow these simple instructions to make your Christmas wreath! This will be a relaxing but fun activity and will hopefully not involve much hassle! https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/how-to-make-a-christmas-wreath 

On the tenth day of Christmas take a moment to witness the Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square. Though this won’t be an activity to take up the day, it is certainly worth making an effort to see the magical 20000 white silk roses lit up to commemorate loved ones this Christmas. This beautiful garden will take your breath away and allow you to take a minute to pause amongst the Christmas mayhem. 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, visit all of London’s famous Christmas trees but wrap up or you may freeze! Over the holidays, be sure to see the best trees lighting up the capital whether this be in St Pancras’, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square or Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross, these twinkling trees are all equally enchanting and will enhance your Christmas experience in London.

And on the twelfth day of Christmas, take a break! Make a hot chocolate, get warm, and have a movie marathon of all time Christmas classics: the Grinch, the Polar Express, Elf, Love Actually, the Holiday, Nativity, the Christmas Chronicles, Santa Claus the Movie, Home Alone (the best one). Whatever your preference, enjoy an afternoon of uninterrupted film watching!