If you're the first one to put up the Christmas tree and you've got a packed schedule of festive events to explore this month, you'll love the areas in London we're talking about today. These 9 neighbourhoods, from Central to Greater London, have lovely welcoming communities year-round and some exceptional events around the holidays.
1. The West End
Glamorous living at the heart of it allFrom our Foxtons West End Managers to the subject of our latest Local Story, the gauntlet has been thrown: Covent Garden is the most Christmassy spot in London. Beautifully decorated with daily snowfall, giant baubles and a famous 60ft Christmas tree, Covent Garden Market is a great place to get your name brand, London-themed and artistic Christmas gifts, and you can time it to coincide with some of the multitude of events going on through December. It isn't just Covent Garden, though, from pantomimes to the incredible Leicester Square winter festivities, there's so much on in the West End.
2. Kingston-upon-Thames
See how this picturesque market town shinesKingston's ancient market square gets a festive makeover, as charming alpine stalls crop up with tons of sweets, sausages and winter warmers, as well as a stage with live music scheduled on just about every day in December. See the events.
When you're full of Christmas cheer, you can hit the shops. As we say in Best areas to live in South West London, in Kingston, you can "wander through streets and streets of brand name stores mixed in with fine dining, pubs and entertainment."
Photo: Skating away on the thin ice of a new day by Gordon Joly | CC BY-SA | Flickr
3. Canary Wharf
Well wishes on the WarfCanary Wharf has transformed from a 9-to-5 business centre to a brilliant community that's gaining momentum, with excellent transport and so many amenities. Like we mentioned in Spotlight on Canary Wharf: a hidden gem that's starting to shine - around Christmas you can skate among the skyscrapers. Then, if you get too cold, head just across the street and into the giant underground shopping centre connecting many of the buildings through the Wharf for some cosy holiday shopping.
4. Guildford
The benefit of community cheerIf you're looking for community events, Guildford is always a good place to start. For every season and reason, they'll have something family friendly and fun on, and this winter, they knocked it out of the park. Enjoy Christmas Markets, a Christmas cruise, or follow the Nutcracker Trail to explore what festivities Guildford has in store.
5. Hampstead
It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasWith picturesque views and a wide range of natural treasures like woods, meadows, gardens and ponds, you know Hampstead Heath is going to do something special to get you in the Christmas spirit. Bundle up and head over to Christmas at Kenwood for an absolutely magical Christmas Lights Trail.
6. Shepherd's Bush
The one-stop Christmas shopLiving in Shepherd's Bush, you'll always have your pick of restaurants, pubs, shops, and tons of entertainment, but Westfield absolutely takes centre stage around the holidays. Not only are you able to get all your entire gift list sorted at this massive incredible shopping centre, but also, right outside, there's beautiful decorations, exciting wintry events for the whole family and a festive ice rink.
Photo: Battersea Power Station | Foxtons Specialist Photography
7. Battersea
Merry and very bright, the Battersea wayBattersea, self-proclaimed "Nappy Valley" is loved by families for its easy transport, wealth of activities and the exciting, growing momentum around its community, so it's no surprise there's so many family events around the holidays. The shining new community hub in and around the Battersea Power Station opened just a few months ago, and you can bet they're living it up around the holidays. Beautiful installations for your Christmas pictures, a special appearance from Santa in his Christmas hut and free crafts and carols for family fun.
8. Windsor
When it comes to holiday celebrations, Windsor takes the crown.Not quite in London, we had to include Windsor because - along with a famous address, exceptional housing and easy transportation - this area has the best community events. Windsor on Ice is a fantastic family day out, with ice skating, rides and tasty food. Craving more Christmas? Head to Windsor Great Park. It's the second year of this light show, and they've promised it to be even bigger and brighter than last year's stunning show.
Photo: Sweet Dreams | South Bank Christmas Market by Geoff Henson | CC BY-ND | Flickr
9. South Bank
The tinsel on the ThamesEnding on a classic, all you need to do to get in the Christmas spirit is take a walk along the Thames with a hot chocolate in hand, string lights overhead and festive chalets all around. The South Bank Centre also has a whole host of holiday events, from music to art to comedy.
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