There is so much to do at Christmas in London every year. What I love most is the way London empties on Christmas Eve when all the workers leave to see their families across the country. Join us for some crazy shopping throughout December and them some tranquility between Christmas and the New Year. Read on to find out more about what happens over the holiday season in London. Also see
South Bank at Christmas as it's not just for the summer.
Also see
Christmas 2009 in London and
London Christmas Gift Ideas.

© Laura PorterLondon lights up at Christmas - literally! Check out these photos of London's West End taken in the evening when it's really worth visiting the big stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street. And it won't cost you a penny!
When? The lights are switched on in mid-November.

© Gideon Mendel at Somerset HouseEvery winter outdoor ice skating rinks appear all over London. Check out the details here for this year's ice skating opportunities in London. Most are open late in the evening and many have special events happening throughout the season. You'll find all the information you need under each picture.
When? Open from mid-November to mid-January.

© Laura PorterTrafalgar Square benefits from a huge Christmas Tree each year as a present from
Norway for the country's help during the Second World War. The tree is usually over 20 meters high and 50-60 years old. The tree usually stays till the Twelfth Night of Christmas, 6 January, when it is taken down to be chipped and composted.
When? The lights are switched on in the evening on the first Thursday in December.
More:
Trafalgar Square Sights4. Santa's Grottos - Meet Father Christmas!

© Laura PorterYou can meet Santa in
London's department stores and the most popular are:
Sit on Santa's knee and tell him what you want him to bring you for Christmas. Of course, he would prefer you take a small child to meet him but Santa is always happy to meet everyone!
When? Mid-November to 24 December (Christmas Eve).
5. Festive Fairs

© countrylivingfair.com6. English National Ballet

By Michael Garner © ENB
© Hackney EmpireWe have a wonderful English tradition of family theater where men dress as fat ugly women and women star as the lead 'boy'. You'll find plenty of C and D list 'celebrities' from soap operas and the like, who enjoy making complete fools of themselves. Oh, how could you not enjoy this? There's great audience participation when we get to shout, "He's behind you!" when they can't see the baddies. I always try to catch the annual pantomime at
Hackney Empire. Hilarious, and not just for the kids.
When? Throughout December and January.

© Laura PorterOn a Saturday morning in December, about 150 race contestants wear fancy dress and run around
Covent Garden while trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate! Obstacles, such as balloons full of flour, are put in their way to make it even more fun to watch. It's a charity event to raise money for
Cancer Research.
When? Saturday morning in mid-December.

© Laura PorterEach year, the
Geffrye Museum's twelve period rooms are decorated in authentic festive style, providing a magical glimpse into Christmases gone.
Christmas Past explores the origins and meanings of some of our more common customs, from kissing under the mistletoe to decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.
When? Late November to early January.

© Laura Porter