Celebrating Christmas in London on a Budget

Every December, London’s resident elves emerge from their positions in the council to transform the city into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, festive marketing and holiday cheer. But, for many young people starting out in London, you might feel daunted by the cost of Christmas in the capital.

However, embracing the atmosphere doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and there are so many wonderful ways that you can celebrate Christmas in London whilst sticking to your budget. At LHA London, we’ve gathered our best tips on exactly how to do this. So wrap yourself up in your winter cosies and let’s get started.

Budget friendly decorations

When you’re planning Christmas on a budget, one of the first things that gets pushed to the end of the (naughty) list is the decorations. Most people will prioritise presents, and put a little pot of money to the side to go see their family, but decorations don’t have to be expensive. In fact, they can be as cheap as a single sheet of paper.

If you’re struggling to think of ways to decorate your home or student accommodation with minimal funds, then we suggest getting creative:

Do it DIY

Yes, shiny new baubles and twinkly trinkets can make your home look like a shop window, but there is so much fun in designing your own decorations, and they’re so much cheaper. Not to mention, the activity of making your decorations can help get anyone in the Christmas spirit.

Put on some festive music, wrap yourself in a blanket and start crafting.

If you’re struggling for ideas, why not try:

• Using old boxes to create signposts to Santa’s Grotto and the Elves Workshop
• Embroider plain cushions with Christmas patterns
• Print out paper bows and attach them to string to make a garland
• Create origami baubles
• Cut out paper snowflakes
• Wrap ribbon into bows
• Paint wood slices

Buy second hand

If you really want to recreate that classic Christmas feel, you could have a look around charity shops or browse online second hand stores to find decorations that bring cheer but don’t cost an arm and a reindeer.

Look to nature

Where better to look for winter whatsits than on a nature walk, where you can pick up ready made decorations for free. And you won’t be contributing to seasonal waste, because your decorations can biodegrade in your garden once you’re done with them.

Every year, the trees drop acorns and pinecones, pine branches themselves can be put in a jar or used to hand make a wreath, and even plain old leaf-free branches can be put in a vase.

Love your lighting

Atmosphere doesn’t need to be created by tangible, physical objects. You can make it feel like Christmas just by lowering your lighting and adding a few distinct touches to make the room twinkle.

Remember, candlesticks and fairy lights can be bought cheap from supermarkets and certain online shops. You really don’t have to buy into the department shop advertising that tries to sell you colourful lights with different functions. We all have our favourite twinkle pattern anyway.

You can bulk buy some basic, unscented candles and naked fairy lights and let them work their magic when the sun starts to go down. You’ll feel cosy in no time.

If you really want some fun lighting, you could attach some of the acorns you collected on your walk.

Use your presents

Wrapped presents can act as decor. Minimal effort, maximum Christmas vibes.

All you have to do is wrap them early in the month and stack them somewhere so they’re on display. No need to leave them taking up valuable cupboard space any longer.

Consider candles carefully

If you’re the sort of person who likes setting the Christmas scene with spicy scents, then going on a hunt for affordable scented candles could just do the trick.

You could turn your interior into a gingerbread haven, think little Christmas bakery, or even a Christmas tree farm with the smell of fresh pine and berries. Just make sure you’re avoiding the big department shops and look in supermarket shops to find the truly affordable brands.

Budget gifting

When you’re on a budget, gift giving can understandably cause some anxiety, but sometimes the best presents come from small gestures. When a present comes from the heart, it means so much more than any amount of money.

Because, as the Grinch once said: ‘Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.’

You could try:

• Making your own cards
• Suggesting Secret Santa and setting a spending limit
• Creating a scrapbook of memories
• Embracing your inner baker
• Designing Christmas decorations

All of these ideas have a more personal touch, without you needing to spend lots of money. Perfect, really.

Budget christmas activities

Getting your family and friends together for a day of activities is one of the best ways to spend the festive season. And the only cost will be transport, unless you choose to video call.

Some of our favourite ways to spend Christmas with your family with a small budget are:

1. Creating treasure hunts
2. Watching Christmas movies
3. Crafting together
4. Playing board and card games
5. Baking together
6. Gingerbread house competitions
7. Winter walking adventures
8. Christmas carol karaoke

Budget Christmas events in London

There are plenty of ways to embrace the Christmas atmosphere without splashing on decorations

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a true festive treat that every Londoner should experience in their lifetime, and an off peak entry ticket is completely free.

You really shouldn’t leave this off your budget Christmas list, because there is something for everyone. You can go ice skating at the rink, explore the magical ice kingdom, do some light shopping at the open air market, or even jump on one of the many rides. If that’s not enough, there’s an ice bar, Christmas circus, ice sculpting workshop, street food on demand, and much, much more.

Christmas Light Tour

There really is no better sign that Christmas is on the way than London’s Christmas light displays going up, illuminating the streets with a joyous twinkle. But did you know that you can jump on a bus for a 90 minute tour of the most spectacular spots including the world famous Oxford and Regent street lights? 

Well, you absolutely can. And it really is something special.

However, if you want to view these stunning displays for free, you can make note of all the highlights and go for a self guided walking tour and take it all in for yourself.

You absolutely cannot miss:

• Oxford Street
• Regent Streep
• Covent Garden
• Bond Street
• South Bank

Christmas markets

If you’re celebrating Christmas on a budget, then you’re probably tactfully avoiding any and every Christmas market in your vicinity, but we would argue that this is a mistake.

Whilst you might not be able to spend much money, simply strolling through the wooden huts and soaking up the atmosphere with a steaming hot chocolate (with all the trimmings, of course) really is enough to inspire the much needed feeling of cheer.

From November, the Christmas markets pop up in a number of boroughs, so chuck on your mittens and go find your favourite.

Christmas movie screenings

Many cinemas around London display Christmas classics throughout December, and this can be a fantastic way to introduce some nostalgia to your celebrations, and do something that feels a little bit special, without spending an enormous amount of money.

Gather your friends, put on some ugly Christmas jumpers, stock up on your favourite seasonal snacks and swim in the emotion of good cinema.

Ice skating

How could we talk about Christmas in London without mentioning the skating rinks that pop up around the city? Plenty of people come from across the country to wrap up warm and skate to their heart’s content, and you have all of this at your fingertips. Literally only a tube ride away. A walk, if you live close enough.

Ice skating is always exciting for people of all ages, so it can be the perfect excuse to invite younger relatives to visit and get on the ice.

If you’re spending Christmas in London on a tight budget this year, there’s nothing like the comfort of your accommodation to keep you cosy, safe and warm whilst you celebrate in your own way. At LHA London, we provide cheap accommodation across London, covering all major points on the city’s map.

We are proud of the communities we create amongst students and young people beginning their lives in the capital city, and Christmas is the ideal time to celebrate together.