22 reasons why Londoners love Christmas

‘Christmas in London is the best time of year, so after I head to Oxford Street to check out the Christmas lights, I then head over to Somerset House. I’ll have a skate and look up at the awesome Christmas tree while listening to some Christmas classics.’

‘I like browsing Fortnum & Mason to pretend I’m getting gifts for others, while all the gifts are actually for me!’

Duygu Cook, @eatnlondon

‘I love the mulled wine and festive food in Borough Market at this time of year. It has the beautiful backdrop of Southwark Cathedral nearby –  and with The Globe theatre a short walk away and St Paul’s Cathedral across the river, it’s great to walk down the Thames afterwards.’

‘We love walking along the South Bank, which we do throughout the year, but it’s especially great at Christmas time. Stalls are decked out in their festive best, the air is crisp and chilly, hot toddies are aplenty and you’re right in the heart of the city – there’s nothing better!’ 

Patrick & Russell, www.gastrogays.com

‘While Oxford Street and Regent Street are impressive, I prefer to walk about the more intimate Seven Dials which, in my opinion, consistently has the best lights display in the city!’

Daniel Pharaoh, www.dayoutinlondon.com

‘You have to wait until late evening, when the crowds have gone home and then take a walk down Oxford Street just to walk past Selfridges’ window display. They normally put a magical, perfectly detailed spin on Christmassy tales, which never fails to transport me into a wide-eyed state. It’s like a silent, still movie.’

‘I go to sit at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square on Christmas Eve with a takeaway meal for dinner. When London is empty like this, it’s only us who’s left, and we can lap it up.’

‘This year will see me sporting my Santa and Rudolph dress after numerous Christmas cocktails and taking a dunk in the ball pit at Baillie Ballerson. Who says Christmas is just for kids?’ 

Nadia Ismail, www.egyptna.wordpress.com

‘Londoners treat pubs as an extension of their own living room, so I find it impossible to feel Grinch-like when I’m sipping mulled wine, whiskey or dark beer by an open fire surrounded by fellow rosy-cheeked drinkers. For a festive pub crawl that’ll fill you with charitable cheer, head somewhere scenic like Blackheath or Richmond, but my shout would be to start in the gorgeous Dickens Inn in St Katherine Docks.’ 

‘I live east so for me there’s nothing nicer around Christmas than going west and seeing the gorgeous grand houses all dressed up in lavish festive glory. On my side of town though, I love Redchurch Street in the run-up to Christmas. There are many people scurrying around buying quirky last-minute gifts.’