Seasonal travel
Vanessa

Our Favourite Things to Do in London this Winter

The days may be shorter but that doesn't mean there's any less fun to be had - check out our top picks for things to do in London this Winter!

A hop, skip and a jump, suddenly it's November - the Christmas decorations are starting to go up around town, the layers are starting to pile on and everyone's looking for pubs with warming open fires to cosy up to. If you're there lamenting the arrival of colder weather and shorter days, don't despair, because there's a whole host of entertaining events happening around town this Winter. Whether you're feeling festive, looking to hide from the cold or plan to frolic in the London chill, we've picked some of our favourite things to do in London this Winter that'll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside and out!

Bonfire Night

"Remember, remember the 5th of November", wrap up warm, celebrate the foiling of the Gunpowder plot and get ready to welcome Winter as bonfires and fireworks displays light up the November sky. Some of the city's best displays include Battersea Park, Southwark Park, Blackheath, Wimbledon Park and the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival! Want to find out more about this historical date? Check out our interesting facts about Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night. When: 5 NovemberWhere: Multiple locations

Oxford Street Christmas Lights

Whether you think it's too early to start feeling festive or not, the city's most famous Christmas lights are illuminating the streets, more specifically, Oxford Street. with over 1770 glowing snowballs and 750,000 LED lightbulbs lighting the way, the Oxford Street Christmas Lights are back for a 57th year with singer Craig David overseeing the illumination festivities. When: 6 November, 12pm - 7pm Where: Oxford Street

Lord Mayor's Show and Fireworks

Us Brits certainly know how to do pomp and circumstance, and the Lord Mayor's Show is no exception. Dating back centuries, this historical procession includes more than 7000 performers with 200 horses, more than 150 floars, live music and more. Head between Bank and Aldwych on 12 November from 11am - 2.30pm to catch a glimpse of this colourful parade and don't forget to see the stunning riverside fireworks display from 5pm. When: 12 November, 11amWhere: Multiple locations

British Museum

If you haven't already, head to the British Museum and catch the last few weeks of the British Museum's awe-inspiring exhibition Sunken Cities: Egypts's Lost Worlds (closing November 27), that unveils the lost cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus with artefacts recovered from under the sea. And that's not all! November sees the start of the British Museum's latest exhibition - South Africa: the art of a nation. Explore a diverse range of art dating back 100,000 years. From rock art to cultural objects, this exhibition is a fascinating look into South Africa's rich history. When: 27 October - 26 February 2017Where: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DD

London Jazz Festival

Celebrating its 24th year, the London Jazz Festival is one of the world's most celebrated jazz events, featuring international artists, jazz legends as well as emerging musicians. For 10 days, the capital plays host to a range of live events from concerts and intimate gigs to learning programmes, improv and more. One for the culture vultures out there! When: 11 - 20 NovemberWhere: Multiple locations

Ice-Skating

Undoubtedly one of the best winter events happening in London - outdoor ice-skating takes over a number of iconic landmarks. Enjoy a truly magical outdoor experience this winter at one of the capital's best outdoor rinks. Our favourites include, The Tower of London (16 November - 3 January), The National History Museum (27 October - 8 January), Somerset House (17 November - 15 January) and Hampton Court Palace (25 November - 8 January) When: 27 October - January 2017Where: Multiple locations

Image sourced via Natural History Museum facebook

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Check out some of the best wildlife photographs as the iconic Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition returns for a 52nd year. Hosted by the Natural History Museum, this exhibition features photos of some of the most incredible animals on the planet, including elusive and endangered species by a range of professional and amateur photographers around the world. When: Now - September 2017Where: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 5BD

Festive Taste of London

Steady your tastebuds because this November, Tobacco Dock is set to be transformed into a festive culinary wonderland for the winter season at Taste of London. Sample signature small dishes from some of London's best chefs and restaurants, learn tricks of the trade in interactive masterclasses and start your Christmas shopping early at the boutique food and Christmas gift market with artisan products on offer. When: 17 - 20 NovemberWhere: Tobacco Dock, Wapping, E1W 2DA

Credit: James Burns. Image sourced via Winter Wonderland facebook

Winter Wonderland

Celebrating their 10th year, London's iconic Winter Wonderland is returning to Hyde Park. From ice-skating and live shows to rides, Christmas markets and more, there's something for everyone, that's sure to get you feeling festive. When: 18 November - 2 January 2017Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Christmas @ Kew Gardens

While most gardens go quiet and bare during the winter months, Kew Gardens will be transformed into a botanical after-dark wonderland! With colourful laser beam shows, a twinkling Tunnel of Lights, scented Fire Garden and illuminated avenues, Christmas at Kew Gardens is a truly magical spectacle to behold. Get a glimpse of Santa and his elves at the North Pole village and take a trip down memory lane on their vintage rides. When: 23 November - 2 January 2017 (Closed 28-29 Nov, 2-6, 12-23 & 24-25 December)Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 Don't forget to wrap up warm as you venture around the capital this winter! Did we miss your favourite event? Let us know in the comments...

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