Celebrate the best of the festive season with a selection of traditional Christmas events in London for 2011. From grottos and carol services to buying a real Christmas tree and decorating your home, there's nothing quite like a traditional Christmas.

Christmas trees
Nothing says a traditional Christmas like a real Christmas tree, so before you even think about what to ask Santa to put under it, check out our recommended places to buy a beautiful, real pine tree in London.

Christmas Trees London

Santas grottos
Got the tree? Well done, and now you can take the kids to see Santa for their present wish list to be fullfilled, whilst actually secretly wanting to sit on his lap yourself. Santas grottos come in all shapes and sizes, but for traditional Christmas events in London, you can't beat them.

Santas Grottos London

Christmas lights
You know Christmas is coming when the streets of London are lit up and everything is bathed in a gorgeous festive glow. See the famous (and the not so famous) as they flick the switch on some of the biggest and smallest shopping districts in town. Up until Twelfth Night, the traditional Christmas lights are one of the highlights of any festive season, and even better, they are free to see.

Christmas Lights London

Christmas carols in London
For a really traditional Christmas in London, you simply must take in a carol concert or two. Mostly held in aid of charity and with a fantastic line up of choirs to boost the sound, there is nothing like a traditional carol service to send a Christmassy shiver down your spine. Head to the bigger venues like St Pauls Catherdral and St Martin in the Fields for really spectacular performances.

Christmas Carols London

Ice skating in London
One of the more modern traditional Christmas events in London, getting out on the ice is a great festive treat for those that love their winter sports. Ideal for both kids and families and couples, ice skating can be fun and sporty, or sophisticated and romantic, depending on where you go. London has a fantastic range of ice rinks open again for Christmas 2011, check out the different locations, wrap up warm and then get your skates on.

Ice Skating London

Christmas pantos
Crammed full of soap stars and ex X Factor contestants, Christmas pantomimes are about as traditional as you can get at Christmas time. Colourful scenery, sing a long songs, a camp dame, a lady playing the leading man and plenty of magic and sparkle, the panto is the place to go for some good old fashioned fun over Christmas 2011.

Christmas Pantomimes London

Festive markets
The perfect place to shop for Christmas presents or simply sip on mulled wine after work, these winter markets and fairs are packed full of traditional seasonal goodwill.

Christmas Markets London

Christmas Fairs in London

Other London Christmas events

Christmas Hampers London

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Messiah Concerts London

Harrods Christmas

Christmas Festivals in London

Christmas Shows in London

Regent Street Christmas Lights

Traditional German Christmas Market

Traditional Christmas Market at Southbank Centre

Barbican Christmas Festival

Royal Albert Hall Christmas Festival

Country Living Christmas Fair

Bond Noel

Christmas at London Eye

Royal Philharmonic Christmas Cracker