Alright London, we get it – you have more to do during Christmas than we can poke a candy cane at. We’re excited, you’re excited. But lets face it, with vast choices comes vast amounts of stress. What do to? where to go? The stress of planning out your time can take some of that Christmas joy away. Sometimes it’s just easier to have someone else make the plans. We’ve gone to the trouble of planning out a fantastically festive 48 hours in London, so you don’t have to. Here’s how you can soak up as much Christmas as possible in two days.

DAY 1

Morning

If you’re starting at Astor Hyde Park, take a walk through Hyde Park, past Big Ben and cross the river over the Westminster bridge. Head to the Southbank Centre Winter Market, located on the stunning Thames River. Here you can check out some awesome street food, drinks and Christmas trinkets.

Afternoon

From there, walk up the river and cross over the Waterloo bridge. You should try out the ice skating at the beautiful fountain courtyard of Somerset House. With music, mulled wine and ice skating, this is the definition of festive fun.

Evening

Now you’ve got to see some of the Christmas lights that London has to offer. The Covent Garden Christmas Lights are right on your way back. They are a sight to behold.  If you want Christmas lights, but something a bit different than the norm, why not go and check out ‘After Dark’ at Chiswick house. This is a 45 minute trail of modern light display, with pop up food and drinks stalls along the way.

If you’ve got the energy and are down to drink, here’s a few options for you:

• The Queen of Hoxton Rooftop in Shoreditch, they’ve got you covered in the cold, with lanterns, fire-pits, cushions and drapes.
• On Oxford St, check out the John Lewis Rooftop Garden for mulled wine, pies and even a little ice rink. This is right next to the Oxford St Christmas lights also, so you can knock off two birds with one stone.

• The Crusting Pipe, in the middle of bustling Covent Garden, serving Davy’s traditional mulled wine.

DAY 2

Morning

Wake up and go and get yourself a nice hot chocolate from Choccywoccydoodah. 3.99 gets you dark, milk or white chocolate, marshmallows and a chocolate straw.

Have you got another Christmas market in you? Of course you do! Get down to Leicester Square, in the centre of bustling London for Christmassy markets, shows, food and drinks.

Afternoon

Keen to put your feet up and watch A Nightmare Before Christmas, or Elf? Head to the Hackney Showroom, for Cinema in the Snow (On from the 18th – 23rd December). There will be a Narnia themed wardrobe door, Christmas trees, snow (fake), mulled wine, beer and more.

If you haven’t had your Christmas fill yet, and you love a singalong, get over to Trafalgar Square for Christmas carols in Trafalgar Square. More than 40 carol groups sing under the giant Christmas tree leading up to Christmas. Also, its free! 4-8pm weekdays, 2-6 pm weekends.

Evening

Saving the best for last, wonder back to Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland. This is arguably London’s biggest Christmas fair, with a 150 vendor food market, food and drinks stalls, fairground with a huge observation wheel, and another Ice Rink if your legs aren’t already jelly. The best part? Its super close to Astor Hyde Park and Kensington. You must be exhausted after all this, so why walk back to the hostel, relax, socialize and put your feet up – you deserve it.