Blogmas Day Seventeen - Budget Things To Do In London at Christmas Time

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Christmas is obviously a wonderful time of year but it can also be quite strenuous on our bank accounts so it can be quite hard to find things to do during the season that doesn’t have you running a mile in the opposite direction because of the price. For today’s Blogmas, I thought I would talk through a few things that you could do this Christmas in London on a budget.

Markets
Obviously markets such as the infamous Borough Market are open to people all year round but there’s something so much more magical and Christmassy about going to a market at Christmas time. You wrap up warm and walk through to the different traders with plenty of cheese, mulled wine and mince pies available to your hearts content. Even if you don’t want to, or can’t afford to buy anything – it still feels special to just walk through a market at Christmas time and take in all of the festive touches; perhaps even treating yourself to a warm drink to help combat the cold and crisp winter air. As well as the normal markets, London has also some fabulous Christmas markets ranging from areas like South Bank to Greenwich and Clapham Common.

Coffee Shop Outings
I did a whole post about this for Blogmas Day Six, but this is something that you can do relatively cheaply and still feel Christmassy whilst you do it. Lots of the chain coffee shops get into the festive spirit by having their own Christmas menus and it’s the perfect excuse to go and grab a Gingerbread Latte or a Hazelnut and Praline Hot chocolate when you get a moment.

Christmas Decorations
Perhaps my favourite thing about London is how different areas and businesses get onboard with decorating for Christmas. Covent Garden is beautiful all year round but this time of the year is even more spectacular with the thought they put into the Christmas themed decorations around; which means lots of photo opportunities. Mayfair is another area that’s good for their exquisite decorations. Places such as Annabel’s is definitely noteworthy for their festive decorations and I would highly recommend you check them out for photos. Other note worthy places for photo opportunities of Christmas Decorations is the Disney Store on Oxford Street and lots of cafes such as Peggy Porschen, Elan and The Ivy Chelsea Garden.

Christmas Lights
London is famous for its Christmas lights and each year people will flock to some of London’s most famous streets to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Christmas lights. From Oxford Street to Carnaby to Regent’s Street – London has you covered for all things Christmassy with our dazzling lights and the best part is – you don’t have to pay anything! Unless of course you get tempted by the surrounding shops and go on a shopping spree. In which case, I hold no responsibility over your actions…


What are you favourite cheap/free things to do in London or in your hometown at Christmas? Let me know!

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