Staff Writer and Broadcaster Penelope Spencer-Simpson shines a light on the shadows cast by London’s Christmas costly glow.
Christmas has been named the most “magical time of the year” to visit London. The grandeur of its annual Christmas Markets, Winter Wonderland, enchanting gardens, ice rinks and twinkling Christmas lights. The picturesque, festive holiday celebrations form the seasonal pulse of the city.
Yet, an over-romanticisation of our capital underlies our rose-tinted appreciation. TikToks, Instagram Reels, YouTube Vlogs and Movies such as “Love Actually” and “The Holiday“, spin a narrative of London’s Christmas charm—and it’s a winner with a 15% boost in tourists annually seeking that Christmas spirit.
Like ‘Santa Claus coming to town’, tourism works up a sensation for the city’s festivities, but this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year for all.
In light of recent fiscal changes, students are likely to be ostracised from a plethora of seasonal activities. The government’s announcement of an increase in tuition fees simultaneous to high inflation rates, exacerbates students’ ‘eat or heat’ dilemma. The September Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rates for September 2025 sit at 3.8%. Combined with Christmas consumerism, such heinous amounts of seasonal shopping and soirées are unaffordable for students.
Priced out of Advent activities, the general public are becoming increasingly alone and isolated amidst the festivities. A study conducted by King’s own Policy Institute revealed twice as many people are spending Christmas alone, compared to over 50 years prior.
International students in particular suffer: increasing travel costs, isolation from family and living costs force students to stay in their university city over the winter months. This impacts King’s students immensely, with international students making up 50% of the student demographic.
Universities should take further responsibility to provide opportunities for students to connect over the winter period. Over the last few years, King’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities have created Christmas events to bring students together during the academic moratorium. These include the Winter Buddy scheme, Christmas dinners and tours of the Christmas markets. Nonetheless, this is the bare minimum of what institutions should be doing to support students.
As degrees become more expensive to fund, the winter months intensify these pressures. According to the Higher Education Policy Institute, funding a three-year degree in London requires a budget of £77,000, yet social pressures likely entail a higher cost than this. With Christmas decorations going up as early as mid-October, there is an unspoken tension to be immersed in the occasion as soon as possible.
However, the festive season is meeting more resistance than in previous decades. King’s Policy Institute found that six in ten (62%) people today think parents should encourage their children to believe in Santa Claus, down from 75% in 1969. On one hand, it highlights culture shifts—potentially the rise in Christian secularism, disbelief in Santa or commercialisation suppressing the true altruistic nature of the season, has escalated public discontent towards the holiday. On the other hand, rising living costs actively dictate who and how many people can enjoy the festivities.
Average spending during the season in London adds up to over £300. This includes food and drink, gifts, decorations, entertainment and travel. As a student, unless there is a Christmas miracle, it sets unrealistic monetary standards to live by. It reinforces over-consumption and adds additional stress on those who fall behind or feel like they are ‘missing out’. All students want for Christmas is to take in the holiday spirit without facing the worrisome choice of eating or heating.
If you or someone else is alone in London this Christmas, there is support in place to prevent feelings of isolation. Speak out to friends and colleagues about struggles and anxieties, or reach out to the University about their student support networks.
Let’s make sure it really is ‘Merry Christmas’ for everyone.
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