Kiwi Hacks: Making the most out of Christmas in London

While Christmas can be a time when we feel the distance from family and friends in NZ, it is also one of the best times to be in this magnificent city. Read on to discover some of the many ways you can make the most of a London Christmas.

• Volunteering - Christmas can be a very challenging time for those less fortunate in this city; the good news is there are many ways in which you can help. The Londonist has rounded up just some of the ways you can give your time and make a difference this Christmas to those in need.

• Christmas markets - there really is nothing like rugging up and heading out to sip steaming mulled wine amid the excitement of a fairground or Christmas market and London is teeming with them. Check out Secret London’s guide to the top 15 for a market near you.

   

• Christmas lights - arguably the best part of having a winter Christmas is the light displays around the city. Whether it’s enchanted woodlands, botanical wonders or dazzling urban spaces, TimeOut and The Londonist have a selection of the city’s not-to-be-missed displays.

• Christmas windows and high tea - luckily for us Christmas is a time when the city’s major department stores and iconic hotels try to out-do each other with creative window displays and culinary treats that will delight and surprise. Click here for a summary of the top Christmas windows in central London and here to find out where you can get pastries shaped as baubles.