Christmas Break English Practice Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Holiday

Christmas is a lovely time to be in London (although be aware that there’s no public transport on Christmas Day!) It’s also a great opportunity to work on your English and reinforce everything you’ve learnt at the English Studio, a leading English language school in London! Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your Christmas break.

🇬🇧 Explore London: Fun English learning activities

First, go out and explore London during the festive season—there’s so much to see! You could go ice skating at Somerset House (just 15 minutes’ walk from the school) or see the magnificent light trail at Kew Gardens (although be sure to book first). There are also Christmas markets, such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or the Southbank Christmas Market, where you can practise speaking English with the stallholders; even short conversations can help you feel more confident. To keep you warm, try a glass of mulled wine (a delicious hot red wine). Or perhaps a mince pie—a crumbly pastry filled with sweet fruit.

If you are staying with a host family or sharing a flat with other students, use every opportunity to speak English.

If you are staying with a host family or sharing a flat with other students, use every opportunity to speak English. Embracing student life in London means connecting with others, so you can also meet people through Meet Up, where you can get together with people who share the same interests as you!

🎬 Improve your English skills daily with Christmas media.

Second, be sure to work on your English in some way every day. You can watch Christmas films or TV shows with English subtitles—there are lots of choices on Netflix and the BBC. Choose something simple and enjoyable, like family movies or Christmas comedies. Listen to English songs, too. Many Christmas songs have clear and slow lyrics, so they are perfect for practising your listening skills while you learn English in London. Check out this site for the lyrics of some of the most popular Christmas songs.

• Listen first and try to understand as much as you can.
• After this, look at the lyrics and read along as you listen.
• If you don’t know the meaning of any words, try to understand them from the context.
• If you still don’t know the meaning, Cambridge’s free online Learner’s Dictionary is a good place to start. Don’t worry about understanding every word, but if you keep seeing an unfamiliar word or phrase, it’s worth spending a moment checking its meaning.

Be sure to read one or two texts a day as well. You could read some Christmas stories, short news articles, or learn about the history of London—or Christmas! Reading a little every day can help you learn new words and improve your grammar naturally.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Finally, remember to rest and enjoy your break. Learning English does not have to be hard work. With a little practice each day, you can have a wonderful Christmas holiday and return to your English language school or English course feeling ready and confident.

Improve your English speaking skills 

If you’re planning to study English in London in the new year, or join a central London English school like The English Studio, this is the perfect time to build good habits.

Unlock your full potential with The English Studio! Our experienced teachers offer personalised English language training for everyone, helping you to improve your work and to grow your social, business and career opportunities . Find out how our specialised lessons can help you to reach your goals. Call us on +44 20 7299 1700 or email us at [email protected] for more information. You can also complete our online test to check your English level or to  meet with our Education Advisors for tailored advice.