Free or cheap things to do to get in the festive spirit with kids including the clever way to see the Christmas lights
WHEN you're on a tight budget, festive trips for the family to places like Winter Wonderland feel impossible.
But that’s no excuse to overlook the festive places you can visit right here across the capital - they're right on our doorstep and free to visit.
The London based content creator that never stays home, Emma Denley who goes by the name of @dens_destinations, makes it her mission to find magical spots both near and far to tempt her followers into affordable travel plans.
In a clip she shared on social media she reveals some free festive spots to visit in London this December that'll get you and the family in the Christmas mood and provide the most magical photo opportunities too.
Regent Street
If it's 'The Spirit of Christmas' you need then Regent Street is the place to be.
From November 09 to January 02 the prettiest Christmas lights return to the heart of London with new installations that span across Regent Street and St James Street.
More from fabulous
Catch the 139 bus to take in the magic or take a stroll down Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street and glittering Quadrant Arcade to enjoy the new installations.
St James’s Market provides the best photo opportunities for the whole family.
Outernet
From 10am till late everyday Outernet have a festive schedule of entertainment, culture and digital arts on their wrap around screens.
If you feel bogged down with Christmas wrapping head down to Outernet for a free immersive experience that all ages are guaranteed to enjoy.
They've even partnered with Lush to create Lush’s Intergalactic universe and if you download the Outernet app you can pre-order your Bath Bot Lush bomb for the kids.
Ever After Garden
In the heart of Mayfair each year between November 16 - December 19 The Ever After Garden in Grosvenor square is lit with over 250,000 illuminated white roses.
It's a magical sight and heartfelt tribute to the loss of loved ones creating a breathtaking garden of remembrance.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity accept a donation of £10 for anyone who would like to add a white rose, and entry is free for all.
Bond Street lights
Ralph's Coffee is perfectly situated on Bond Street to take in the views of the Bond Street Christmas lights while sipping on a lavish cup of coffee.
They also offer afternoon tea and have a wine list is that's what you prefer.
What more does one need to feel warm, sophisticated and British at Christmas time than this simple picturesque time out moment to enjoy with your partner or even by yourself.
St Pancras Christmas tree
If you and the kids like to tap into the spirit of Christmas through books, then St Pancras 12-metre Christmas Tree is for you.
St Pancras International station has installed a Literary wonderland with this years installation of a masterpiece tree filled with stories and classics like Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe."
There are eight booths available for the public to cosy up inside the tree and listen to an audiobook for free.
Carnaby Street lights
Carnaby is a whole universe of it's own that truly brings the spirit of Christmas alive with spectacular Christmas lights, pop-up shops and events to tap into if you fancy a stroll there's something for everybody.
Covent Garden
Snow or no snow, there's always something magical to see in Covent Garden.
Covent Garden pull out all the stops for Christmas and this year not only do they have an eye catching Christmas tree, but there is a beautiful sleigh hand painted by British artist James Gemmill open to the public.
This Christmas sleigh is the best photo prop to take the best Christmas photo of the family.
Read more on The Sun
Covent Garden also add to the magic by putting on free daily snow showers for the children.