About the 10 years ago, I remember my eyes lighting up whenever I approached Southbank near the London Eye and saw the German-style [Christmas market](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40adZghsB0o) (and I was an adult even then)! The company that ran it then moved it to the Tate Modern, which wasn’t the best location and was a bit rubbish if I’m honest. It wasn’t exciting as it was quite remote from the hustle and bustle. And then after two years at the Tate, the company ceased trading altogether. There is something outside Southbank Centre, but it’s nowhere near as magical.

I know Winter Wonderland is super tacky, overcrowded, and overpriced. But it’s like Christmas on steroids! The 10-year anniversary was [particularly spectacular](https://i.imgur.com/9HrkW9t.jpeg). I didn’t do everything, to keep spending to a minimum. I’d grab a snack and a drink, and maybe buy a gift, watch a show and go on a ride. But my favourite thing to do was stroll around and soak in the festive atmosphere. Since lockdown, I can’t do this spontaneously anymore. Even though we no longer have to practice social distancing, we’re still made to book and pay to enter. It’s just another way for [IMG](https://www.img.com/culture) to milk more money.

And then last year, my *favourite* ice rink closed. You all know which one. The one [outside the Natural History Museum](https://pinayflyinghigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Natural-History-Museum-Ice-Skating-Rink-London-PinayFlyingHigh.com-27.jpg). It was such a beautiful location. After visiting the museum or Harrods, it was so relaxing to have a coffee and watch people skate around while the sun was setting, before heading down the road to Winter Wonderland or Oxford Street. There were other beautiful ice rinks that are no longer around ([Tower of London](https://toweroflondonicerink.co.uk/), [Broadgate](https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.c39d81ba4b3d05e219c53e86a3d9ae93?rik=4eWDPe%2bLUOs4sg&pid=ImgRaw&r=0&sres=1&sresct=1)), and other beautiful rinks still around (Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace), but there was something *quaint* about the Natural History Museum ice rink.

We have Christmas at Kew and Eltham Palace light trail nowadays, but we don’t have the one that started it all, [Syon Park](http://www.enchantedwoodland.com/), at least not this year. So r/London, I enjoy Christmastime and I want to fall in love Christmas in London again! But the past several years+ have been a bit shit (Covid made it worse).

# Remind me what else we still have, and tell me what else we have gained that could rival what we had to get me into the Christmas spirit! Make me believe in Father Christmas again! 🎅😞

by Londonerrr

6 comments

  1. Alas. You’re right. If you haven’t got kids to share the joy with than it can get pretty wearisome, especially with the cost of stuff.

    I used to enjoy a stroll around the Christmas markets of London enjoying a mulled wine and a German sausage. But £8 for half a cup of hot wine and a £10 on a sausage each makes it a costly nightmare.

  3. Brilliant Crimbo venue At Wandsworth Bridge,Fulham side of the bridge.Lovely layout for drinks in a group any size.I got a feee tour.

  4. Christmas has always been shit for at least half the population,40% of christmas dinners end in families fighting.

    its always been bollocks.

  5. Go to Kew Gardens. It‘s a wonderful experience for kids and adults.

  6. If it helps, the Natural History Museum is turning the space where the ice rink used to be into a green space and sanctuary for urban wildlife. Think of it as a Christmas gift for future generations that keeps on giving.

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