Big cities are exciting places to be at Christmas time, and London is no exception. With ample Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, spontaneous carol concerts, skating rinks and the smell of mulled wine and hot toddies wafting through the air, it's a true winter's paradise.

London is also made for shopping so if you're yet to commence your seasonal shopping spree or need to find a few last minute bits and pieces, it's the ideal destination.

Christmas Activities

It's impossible to list all the seasonal markets taking place in London throughout the months of November and December. From one-day events to month-long markets, there are options for visitors both during the week and at weekends.

The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is open daily from mid-November and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens at the end of the month. These are open until late December.

To stock up on unique gift items, it's also worth considering smaller markets such as the Temple Church Christmas Fair, the Royal College of Art Fete, Wild Winter Fayre and more. Most of these run for just one to three days so make sure to go early to ensure you can still snap up some goodies.

A fabulous family activity is seeing a pantomime. You'll find many theatres both in the city centre and further afield stage seasonal, family-friendly shows but book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Consider venues that can be easily reached by public transport so the kids don't get tired on the way home, or attend a matinee performance. Among the may venues where you can see pantomimes in 2012 are The Queen's Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Hackney Empire and Landor Theatre.

Shopping

For a little something more quirky and unusual, venture to London's markets in areas such as Camden, Brick Lane, Portobello, Bermondsey Square and Piccadilly. Here you can expect to pick up real treasures from handmade soaps to young designer clothing to cut-price antiques.

If you prefer the conventional high street, pay a visit to Westfield Shopping Centre for all the major high street names under one roof, or head to areas such as Bayswater, Shepherd's Bush and Ealing Broadway for less crowded shops.

Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden are the most popular shopping areas all year round. They truly are fantastic, but tend to get overrun in the run up to Christmas. If this is something you're willing to deal with, go ahead as you can find great buys in the area's many stores.

Dining and Accommodation

Some days you may be happy indulging in what's on offer at one of the many seasonal markets. Expect treats such as bratwurst rolls, apple strudel and dough balls with chocolate sauce.

When it comes to sit down meals, the city centre gets very busy in the evenings as Christmas shoppers flock to get themselves energised, and groups go out for end-of-year staff parties.

To avoid the crowds, visit smaller neighbourhood restaurants or pubs in areas such as Battersea, Shoreditch, Fulham, Acton and Clapham. Alternatively, book yourself a table at your hotel restaurant.

Book a room at a hotel near Tower of London so you're never far from the action and are within walking distance of major attractions.