Enjoy Christmas Offerings of Royal Parks in London this Festive Season

London is blessed with eight Royal Parks and many more other parks and gardens that impart a certain freshness to its environment even in the midst of tall skyscrapers, congested rows of townhouses and other residential places, and markets and shopping centres. For people who wish to just get away from the tensions of their professions and the fast-paced city life, these parks which are even located in the heart of the city provide a welcome relief. During the summer, people like to spread out on the lush meadows and indulge in other leisure activities at these parks but when winter is round the corner, the atmosphere suddenly turn bleak, dark and gloomy but the Royal Parks still have a lot to offer. The bated anticipation of the Christmas season and the associated festivities infuse fresh life into these parks that wear a festive spirit. The Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, Santa’s appearance in Bushy Park and winter carriage rides in Richmond Park are all examples of what you can expect from the Royal Parks during Christmas time. Three Royal parks also sell Christmas Trees until 21st December. 

For enjoying the festive spirit and festive fare, this spectacular festive destination is one of the best as it attracts children as well as adults. The festive atmosphere is full of thrilling rides, popular attractions, and trip to Santa Land and Christmas markets. Entry is free but you may have to book ahead for Ice Skating, Zippos Circus, and Giant Wheel and Bar Ice. Moreover, advance tickets get you fast entry to the Wonderland. In view of the rush, it is advisable to visit on weekdays. The main entrance for this event is at Marble Arch and it is open every day except Christmas Day, from 10am to 10pm until 4 January.

If you enjoy swimming events, the Serpentine Swimming Club organises a traditional 100 yard swimming race at the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park on Christmas Day, where members of the club congregate to take part in the race at 9am. The name of the race refers to the creation of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie who presented the first cup in 1904. Although the public can watch the event, only members of the club can participate.

The Duke of York Column at the Mall in St James’s Park is 138 feet tall. It is the tallest structure in the Royal Parks and is a tribute to Prince Frederick, Duke of Albany and York who had fought in the French Revolutionary Wars. The statue has recently been re-patinated, buffed and waxed and the stone columns have been cleaned as natural weathering had created a green pigment on them.

In order to enjoy these Christmas festivities, it is best to avail of The Piccadilly London West End Package that will enable you to stay close to the parks and get an affordable accommodation. 

In December, Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks London, offers a horse drawn carriage ride through it along with hot refreshments and a blanket to keep you warm. In addition to the carriage ride, you can also visit the working stables at the Holly Lodge. The working shire horses, apart from carriage rides, also help to manage parkland sustainably with grass mowing and bracken rolling. 

A fine selection of sustainably grown Highland Christmas trees are sold by Pines and Needles in Bushy Park (Diana Car Park), Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate Car park), and Greenwich Park (Bower Avenue). You can also get other accessories to brighten your tree such as lights and decorations. The trees will be available till Sunday 21 December.

Fifty specially designed statues have arrived at the Royal Parks with the Paddington Trail. The bears have been designed by Sir David Beckham, Julie Walters, Hugh Bonneville, Sir Ian Botham and the England Rugby Team. You can see these bears at Hyde Park, Green Park, Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

For exploring the development of seasonal folklore, traditions and feasts over the centuries, it would be best to join the Royal Parks Foundation for a stroll through Kensington Gardens on December 12. The walk will reveal the various Christmas traditions that Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert had introduced to Britain. You will also come to know why robins appear on Christmas cards and how holly was protected by Kings. The walk costs £5.

A magical film venue, The LookOut, has been created by the Royal Parks Foundation among the winter trees in the heart of Hyde Park. This hidden haven is offering films at the venue this festive season that include Nightmare on Elm Street, Gremlins and It's a Wonderful Life and Edward Scissorhands. All tickets for the first three films have been sold with a few remaining for the last one. The ticket price also includes a glass of mulled wine, a delicious hot meal, Christmas themed activities and a fire pit with marshmallows. The cost of a ticket is £25.

In order to put customers in the Christmas spirit, The Pheasantry in Bushy Park is going all out. Their efforts include placing a twelve foot twinkling Christmas tree in the cafe where customers can get seasonal treats including mulled wine, mince pies and delicious turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce. On 13 and 14 December, children can visit Santa in his grotto.

Popular carols such as Silent Night, O Christmas Tree, and The Holly and the Ivy will be performed by Fieri Consort that comprises of skilled, young ensemble singers from London. The special Christmas consort will take place at Brompton Cemetery Chapel on 14 December at 2:30pm. The tickets are for £15 for adults and £5 for children. Concessions are also available.