The festive season is in full swing, and if you’re hosting an international student this December with Londonhomestays, you’ll want to make sure they have an unforgettable time. As a host, it’s always a good idea to have some top recommendations ready for what your guest can get up to in the city during their stay. This is especially true at Christmas when there is so much to do and see in the city!
From Christmas markets to quirky pop-up events to quintessential winter experiences such as panto or even just braving a bit of last-minute shopping on Oxford Street, the choices are endless. To make things a little easier, we at Londonhomestays have handpicked our top 10 things you can recommend to your homestay student this Christmas.
- Recommend the Magic of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
No festive trip to London is complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland. This massive Christmas extravaganza takes over a large area of Hyde Park and is packed with fairground rides, ice sculptures, live shows, and food stalls serving everything from bratwurst to mulled wine, plus a giant observation wheel. The centrepiece is the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, which circles the Victorian bandstand and is illuminated with over 100,000 lights. Advise your students that while it has something for everyone, it does get extremely busy closer to Christmas, so they should book tickets in advance: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
- Share London’s Best Christmas Light Displays
London really goes all out with its Christmas decorations, and students won’t want to miss the breathtaking displays. Recommend they visit the glittering angels along Regent Street, the giant baubles on Oxford Street, the mistletoe chandeliers in Covent Garden, and the neon installations in Carnaby. For something different, suggest the twinkling tunnel of lights in Kew Gardens or the laser display in Granary Square, King’s Cross. Recommend they bring a hot chocolate for their evening walk! Kew Gardens Christmas lights: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas
- Guide them to the Best Festive Markets
Christmas markets offer wonderful opportunities for students to experience British holiday traditions. The Southbank Centre Winter Market stretches along the river with wooden chalets selling gifts, street food, and warming drinks, alongside pop-up shows and free music. Leicester Square’s Christmas market is perfect for quirky stocking fillers, while Greenwich Market features carollers, mulled wine, and a brass band. For foodie gifts, suggest the Real Food Christmas Market at Kings Cross or the Festive Flea at Vinegar Yard. Southbank Centre: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/.
Or the world famous and recently renovated and expanded, Borough Market – https://boroughmarket.org.uk/events/bank-holiday-opening-times-2024/
- Direct them to London’s Incredible Pop-up Ice Rinks
For a truly magical winter experience, recommend one of London’s festive ice rinks. The courtyard at Somerset House transforms into a beautiful ice rink complete with a skate-up bar serving cocktails and fondue. Other excellent recommendations include the Tower of London rink set in the castle’s dry moat, and the Hampton Court Palace rink overlooking the Thames.
Somerset House ice rink: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house
Battersea Power Station ice rink: https://
- Introduce them to the British Tradition of Pantomime
Help your students experience this brilliant British Christmas tradition! Explain that panto is a musical comedy stage show usually based on a fairy tale or nursery rhyme, featuring corny jokes, slapstick comedy, men dressed as women, and plenty of audience interaction. Let them know that audiences cheer the heroes, boo the villains, and participate in call-and-response moments—it’s wonderfully silly and entertaining.
This year, recommend Hackney Empire’s production of ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’, running from November 19th to December 31st. It’s a classic panto tale about a young man and his feline friend who journey to London to seek their fortune, featuring dazzling costumes and toe-tapping tunes.
Book tickets: https://hackneyempire.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington-and-his-cat/
- Suggest a Traditional Carol Concert
A choir singing carols by candlelight offers students a quintessentially British Christmas experience. St Paul’s Cathedral makes an incredible setting with its soaring dome and amazing acoustics. The cathedral hosts various concerts and services throughout December, including a family-friendly carol singalong. Other atmospheric venues worth recommending include the Royal Albert Hall, Union Chapel, and St-Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square. Advise students that while many events are free, booking ahead is essential.
St Paul’s Cathedral Christmas services: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/whats-on
- Point them toward Seasonal Menus
London’s food scene truly shines at Christmas, with special seasonal offerings throughout the city. For students seeking a special experience, suggest the Michelin-starred Sketch’s seven-course Christmas Day menu or the Savoy Grill’s traditional roast goose with all the trimmings. Remember to mention that plenty of restaurants offer creative vegetarian and vegan options. For more casual dining, direct students to the festive street food markets at Winter Wonderland or Southbank Centre.
- Recommend Scenic Winter Walks
Suggest winter walks as a free way to experience London and work off holiday treats. Recommend routes through the big parks like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Greenwich Park, where students can enjoy frosty trees, crisp air, and lovely views. A South Bank evening walk offers another great option, especially when the Christmas market is illuminated. Suggest starting at the London Eye, passing the Tate Modern and Globe Theatre, and finishing at Tower Bridge.
- Highlight the Magic of Christmas at Kew
This annual event makes for an unforgettable evening. Explain to students that as darkness falls, the famous botanic gardens transform with over one million sparkling lights, illuminated trees, singing tunnels, and flickering flames. They can explore a fire garden, spot Santa and his elves, toast marshmallows over fire pits, and enjoy the Palm House Pond finale featuring dancing lights across the water. Remind them to book in advance as it’s extremely popular.
Book tickets: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas
- Direct Them to Covent Garden’s Christmas Experience
Let students know about the dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of lights at Covent Garden, home to three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and unique gifts. The area offers plenty of Christmas activities, including mulled wine stations and festive photo opportunities. The market stalls feature handmade jewelry, accessories, and artisanal food and drink—perfect for finding special gifts. Mention the additional entertainment from street performers, carolers, and the iconic giant Christmas tree. The markets run from November 12th until Christmas Eve.
More info: https://www.coventgarden.london/experience/christmas-in-covent-garden/
Conclusion
This guide covers the essential festive experiences we believe every London homestay student should try during their Christmas stay. While there are countless other incredible events and activities happening across the city, these recommendations will help ensure your student has a fun, festive, and truly memorable time while staying at your London student accommodation.
If you have any questions about hosting or would like to find out more about becoming a host with London Homestays, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team: https://londonhomestays.com/contact-us/
Have a magical Christmas, one and all!
