Travel & Leisure

1 - Shopping in London

As the saying goes, "If you do not go shopping in London at Christmas, you have missed your life", you can fill your basket at Harrods, a dreamy place since 150 Years, turned into a real "cave" of Christmas overflowing with garlands and presents. It is obviously linked with Hamleys, the temple toys on Regent Street, founded in 1760 and which has provided the royal family for generations. Continued the battle at Liberty, transformed into Ali Baba's Cave in a festival of hand-painted plates, cushions, fabrics, stoles and delightful Christmas decorations. Then, go find some rare pearls in Camden before going up Brick Lane and its shops of clothes and gadgets.

2 - Christmas Markets

If, for the eldest, the Christmas markets feel like "mulled wine" and "thin pies" (candied fruit cakes), for the little ones, they offer the opportunity to alternate between rides and sweets. Among many markets that flourish in Britain, we recommend the famous market of Greenwich and the one of Leicester Square. You leave the British capital ? Go to the Christmas markets of Manchester, German one on St Ann's Square, French one on King Street, craftsmen one on Exchange Street or even worldwide market on Brazennose Street. You are visiting Scotland ? Good news, Christmas magic takes over Edinburgh too. The opportunity to discover the best culinary specialties of the country. Finally, our favorite one, the Christmas Market of Bath. And for good reason, there is no better time to pace the streets of Bath and find some wonders in the Spa town classified as a World Heritage.

3 - Admiring illuminations

In London, Oxford Street witnesses dancing balls, followed closely by Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Marylebone. In Glasgow, Christmas decorations also shine brightly. The most bucolic, however, will prefer the winter illuminations of Waddeston Manor in Buckinghamshire, a magic performed by artist Bruce Munro.

4 - Taking pictures of Christmas giant trees

A legend on Trafalgar Square with this tree of more than 20 meters offered by Norway in 1947 to thank England for its support during World War II. From the 1st of December, the illumination begins with the sound of the choruses of Christmas in a traditional and unforgettable family atmosphere. Others will see the Christmas Tree Festival in St John's Church with its 30 Christmas trees decorated in the charming medieval church of St John in Stamford, Lincolnshire.

5 - Ice-skating in the open air

Our skates take us back to London where we break the ice at Somerset House and at the Natural History Museum. Obviously, difficult to escape from the most popular ice-skating rinks at the heart of the city, illuminated by torches and fairy lights, Canary Wharf sliding paradise or Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace and the London Tower.

6 - Spending Christmas with Harry Potter

The tempting winter program of the Warner Bros Studio Tour London has enough snow and snowflakes to give. As usual, this attraction dedicated to Harry Potter competes with imagination to amaze fans of the young wizard. Maintaining the legend of the literary saga of J. K. Rowling, in relief, this magic place is constantly reinventing itself through new sections and numerous animations. Unescapable.

7 - And why not run in disguise ?

Do not miss the Great Christmas Pudding Race. Departure picked up at the Covent Garden market at 11:00 am for this eccentric event with its costumed participants who compete in an exceptional relay race where runners flageolate and children laugh.

8 - Rush to Brighton for Burning the Clocks

See you on December 21st to see a spectacular procession crossing the city with its beautiful lanterns of paper and willow in the shape of a clock before regrouping on the beach where the lamps are burnt. Wonderful.

9 - Diving into 4 ° water

The winter holidays in the tropics is overrated. On December 25th, go to The Peter Pan Christmas Day Cup where the most adventurous meet in Hyde Park in a swimsuit in a 4 ° water for their 100 yards of Christmas swimming. Obviously, it is necessary to train, but what a joy to continue this tradition which dates back to 1864.

10 - Go to the theater

London, its musicals, its plays, its shows for children. A whole program ! Billy Elliot, We Will Rock You, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Thriller, The Miserable, Mamma Mia, Shrek ... No mentioning qeasonal shows including The Red Shoes (Until January 29th, 2017). There are plenty of choices.