With everyone tightening their belts a little more this year it’s good to have so many spectacles and events taking place in London this year which don’t cost the earth... in fact we’ve put together a list of some great things to do in the run up to Christmas and over the entire festive period which are absolutely free!
See our guide below:
Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square
When: throughout December
Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas. The lighting of the Christmas tree will take place on 3rd December 2008 in the early evening.
Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square
When: throughout December
Christmas choirs are performing in one hour slots from Monday 7th December – Monday 21st December 2009, bringing traditional festive cheer to Trafalgar Square, by the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree. A large variety of groups from across the country take part, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. All are welcome to come to the square to listen - and perhaps join in.
London’s Christmas Lights
When: throughout December
Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit better than to see the evening sky lit up with thousands upon thousands of twinkly Christmas lights... and London is full of such displays... and all of them free. Amongst the best are the Christmas lights at: Regent Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Marylebone.
Christmas Markets
When: throughout December
OK, so nobodysaid you have to buy anything... it’s free to look. Take a stroll around the many Christmas markets in London and soak in the festive atmosphere. Read our guide here to Christmas Markets in London here.
Christmas Carol Concerts
When: throughout December
There are plenty of free Christmas carol events taking place across the capital in the run up to Christmas this year, such as at: St Pauls Catherdral, Southwark Cathedral, Canary Wharf and Horniman Museum as well as the Globe Theatre’s Concert for Winter.
Concert for Advent and Christmas by Handel Society
When: Friday the 11th Dec 2009
This excellent choir of 45 singers from the university of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire USA will perform at St James's Piccadilly as part of a European Tour.
Family Fun: Victorian Christmas
When: Saturday the 5th Dec 2009
Make beautiful Victorian-style Christmas cards like Charles Dickens would have known, to give to friends and family, using decoupage and your own artistic talent!
Hampstead Christmas Festival
When: Tuesday the 22nd Dec 2009
A Christmas Street Party featuring live reindeer, Vintage children's Carrousel, Music, various Choirs (Afro Carribean, Opera, Rock), Fire dance display, Switching of Christmas Lights by mystery local celebrity, Chocolate factory, Sleigh Ride with Santa, Treasure Hunt, Stalls, Birds of Prey display, Punch & Judy show and more.
Primrose Hill Christmas Fair
When: Sunday the 29th Nov 2009
Following the success of our first ‘Summer Fete’ Primrose Hill Business Association will be holding its first annual ‘CHRISTMAS FAIR’
The 29th Great Christmas Pudding Race
When: Saturday the 5th Dec 2009
The 29th Great Christmas Pudding Race will take place on Saturday, 5th December 2009 at 11.30 a.m. in Covent Garden Market, London. The event is organised by CRAC on behalf of Cancer Research UK and supported by Matthew Walker and Covent Garden Market.
The Christmas Eco Fair
When: Saturday the 5th Dec 2009 to Sunday the 6th Dec 2009
The first ever Christmas Eco Fair at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) will offer a great opportunity to buy Christmas presents with a conscience. Expect to see a wide range of contemporary, eco-friendly and quirky products from all over the world ranging from designer luxury to pocket money purchases.
West End VIP Christmas Shopping
When: Saturday the 5th Dec 2009
The most famous shopping streets in the UK will be traffic-free to help Christmas shoppers or "VIPs" (Very Important Pedestrians!) Oxford Street and Regent Street (and surrounding areas) will be free of vehicles on 5th December.
That’s just a taster... to see the full list of all the free events taking place in London over the coming weeks see our Free Events Section here
And for more Christmas-related events see our full What’s On section here
...plus see our guide to London’s Christmas Ice Skating Rinks
... plus take a look at our comprehensive article for spending London and New Year in Christmas this year... from dining to parties, things to do, the best offers, present ideas and much more:
Everything You’ll Need In London This Christmas >>>
