15 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON AT CHRISTMAS
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This post is about Christmas in London and what to do in London at Christmas
London is magical at Christmas! There’s Christmas markets, ice skating, Christmas window displays at famous department stores, dazzling displays of Christmas lights… these are all the things to see and do in London at Christmas.
London is one of the best cities in the world at Christmas time. Walking down the famous streets, wrapped up in cosy winter clothes, seeing the streets sparkle with thousands of Christmas lights, strolling through the Christmas markets that pop up throughout the town. There’s a great feel good, festive atmosphere everywhere you go.
London at Christmas is great for people of all ages. For adults there’s shopping at the Christmas markets and sipping mulled wine or dining in amazingly festive restaurants and pubs. For children they can visit Santa, go ice skating, ride the rides at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
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This post is about Christmas in London and what to do in London at Christmas
There’s so much to do in London at Christmas time. You should check out this guide to the best 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I have a guide to where the best London Christmas markets you simply must visit whilst in London. If Christmas lights are your thing then check out the best Christmas lights in London or the best Christmas window displays in London. If you’re stuggling to know what to pack for a trip to London this London packing guide can help.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON AT CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
At the end of November Christmas markets start to pop up all throughout London. The beautifully decorated wooden huts filled with holiday decorations, stocking fillers, sweet treats and street food are everywhere. They’re the perfect place to browse for gifts for family and friends, grab a mug of mulled wine or boozy hot chocolate and get in to the Christmas spirit.
There are markets everywhere and you can’t walk far in London without stumbling across one. Here’s my round up of my favourite options
Christmas by the River
This Christmas market has one of the best backdrops of all London Christmas markets with it’s views over to Tower Bridge and the City Skyline. It’s a beautiful view in the evening when night has fallen and the skyline is all lit up.
Several cute winter cabins line the riverside selling crafty items and street food. There’s two festive bars - The Riverside Lodge at The Scoop and Bar Reflexion at The Pier that will provide you with your favourite festive tipple.
The free entertainment at this beautiful Christmas market is incredible with outdoor Christmas film screenings (Elf, Home Alone and other Christmas goodies) and choir performances.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
This pop-up market in Leicester Square is quite small but beautifully decorated. The huts are selling seasonal sweet treats, delicious festive drinks and plenty of bratwurst.
You can toast marshmallows over an open fire here to really get in the Christmas spirit.
There’s also a Spiegeltent that hosts a variety of performances to entertain you from the Olivier Award winning variety show La Clique to Dance Like Gatsby.
South Bank Christmas Markets
On the bank of the River Thames, just a stones throw from the London Eye is the Southbank Centre Christmas market. This Christmas market is much more about food and drink rather than selling holiday gifts and decorations.
There are cosy wooden chalets selling street food and delicious warming festive drinks.
Jimmy’s Winter Lodge has cosy riverside igloos you can book for fondue, warming drinks and Alpine street food.
If you’re planning to ride the London Eye it’s worth popping over to this market for some mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm you up on a cold London evening.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square Christmas market is located on the terrace in front of the National Gallery. Trafalgar Square is home to THE London Christmas tree - the Norway Spruce that sits all lit up in the middle of the square.
It’s a very touristy market due to it’s location and there are great views down Whitehall to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
You can browse for unique gifts for your friends and family, shop for Christmas decorations and eat delicious street food.
LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
One of my personal favourite things to do in London at Christmas time is to wrap up warm and head out for a walk around the Christmas lights.
From November to early January the streets all around London are lit up with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday decorations so get your comfy walking shoes on to hit the streets and appreciate one of the best free things to do in London at Christmas.
Regent Street & Piccadilly Circus
Regent Street Christmas lights are known as ‘The Spirits of Christmas’ and they are one of the largest displays in the country. Regent Street actually started the tradition of public Christmas lights in London back in 1954.
The display features many ‘spirits’ soaring above your head providing a canopy of 300,000 twinkling lights and are an iconic sight during the holiday period, particularly when you add in a few big, red London double decker buses and the shops decorated for Christmas all around.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping streets in London and from the end of November thousands of stars twinkle overhead to create the ‘Sky Full of Stars’ Christmas lights display.
Whilst you’re on Oxford Street you could do a spot of shopping at some major department stores or just marvel at the amazing window displays in shops such as Selfridges.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a trendy pedestrian shopping street in Soho, quite near to Regent Street.
Each year there is a different theme to the Christmas lights. Over the years they’ve done Bohemian Rhapsody lights in 2018, light displays made from recycled materials to highlight the oceans in 2019, a butterfly theme in 2021 to signify rebirth, transformation and hope.
Last year in 2022 the theme was ‘Carnaby Celebrates’ with lights used from the past 25 years as well as installations celebrating the Rolling Stones and Queen.
South Molton Street, Mayfair
South Molton Street is a pedestrianised street in Mayfair that from the beginning of November gets lit up blue.
Running along the street are illuminated blue LED arches with blue twinkling lights and stars. It’s a beautiful place to go for Christmas lights as it’s quite different from the other Christmas lights you will see around London.
New Bond Street & Old Bond Street
Along these streets you will find a nod to the Royal family with huge crown and tiara light installations sparkling overhead. As you’re walking along the street taking in the festive Christmas lights you shuld also make sure you look in the windows of some of the shops along the street for some of the best Christmas window displays.
Shops like Cartier, Tiffany and Dior all decorate their storefronts and windows with fancy holiday displays that are a great sight at night.
Bus tour of the London Christmas lights : A popular thing to do in London at Christmas is to take a bus tour of the Christmas lights. If you fancy something a little different you can do the tour on a vintage bus. It’s a great way to see the lights if you’re feeling a little lazy and don’t want to do all the walking or if you have mobility issues.
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LONDON
Lonely Planet Guide to London a fantastic guide book detailing all you need to know about visiting the UK capital.
Kids London Travel Guide is a wonderful book for kids to discover all about London.
DINE IN AN IGLOO
A pretty cool, unique experience you can have in London is to dine in an igloo. These aren’t your snowy kinda igloos, they’re much cosier then that!
Every holiday period small glass igloo shaped pods pop up all over London - on rooftops, riversides and terraces feeding the mases wonderful festive food or warming winter cocktails.
The pods are well heated so you will be out of the Christmassy, crisp, cold air of London and all cosy in your igloo with many providing blankets so you can get extra cosy.
Willows on the Roof have igloos perched above John Lewis on Oxford Street with views looking over central London. You can book a an igloo in advance for 4-6 guests to dine under the starts on a chilly, festive winter evening.
The Secret Garden at Kensington offers an amazing dining experience inside the igloo. Make sure you prebook your experience.
Coppa Club which is around the corner from the Tower of London has fantastic riverside igloos with views of the Shard and the South bank shoreline.
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant is located on the roof top top of Montcalm Royal House Hotel and offers a magical Nordic Night Igloo experience. There are wonderful views of the city skyline and you can dine on delicious festive food such as cheese and chocolate fondues.
FESTIVE WINDOW DISPLAYS
Each year many of the famous shops and department stores around London create elaborate festive window displays. It’s fantastic to do some window shopping and see all these displays and decorations. You could also pop in to the shops to see even more festive displays.
Harrod’s
Harrod’s is in Knightsbridge on Brompton Road and is London’s iconic, premiere department store. It has seven floors that are filled with all manner of luxurious goods.
In 2022 the theme was ‘Witness a Spectacle’ where they had a giant feasting table that ran the whole length of the store. It featured an automation robot that initally appears as a clockwork toy. Midway through the animation the character becomes self aware, removes the mechanical restraints and begins danncing in the window. By the end the robot jumps up and smashes the window before collapsing back to its start position.
Selfridge’s
Selfridges is a high end department store that is located on Oxford Street. This store is famous for its creative window designs at all times of the year, so much so that they have been photographed and featured in Vogue, Icon, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times. In December, the window displays take on a Christmas theme and are definitly worth checking out whilst you’re on Oxford Street.
Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason started off as a small grocery store back in the 1707, first selling exotic goods from around the world. It is now famous for it’s beautiful hampers packed full of luxurious items and is one of the best places in London to shop for tea and biscuits.
Mr Fortnum & his staff developed the world’s first Scotch Egg when they had the smart idea of wrapping a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat and coating it in fried breadcrumbs.
During the holiday season, the outside of Fortnum and Mason is decorated as an advent calendar. Each day in December, another window is illuminated, counting down the days until Christmas.
Liberty
Liberty London is a shop that looks amazing at any time of year. It’s one of my most favourite buildings in London. The exterior looks like a Tudor building with its black pillars. Liberty London is located in the West End on Great Marlborough Street.
Inside it is a department store full of clothing, jewellery and Liberty fabric which is famous for its bold, colourful prints. On the 4th floor they feature an entire Christmas shop featuring their collectible baubles and other Christmas decorations.
Hamley’s
Hamley’s is located on Regents Street and is London’s largest toy store. If you’re visiting London with kids you just have to visit this chaotic, crazy store that has so much going on. There are several floors with toys filling the shelves on every one. There are toys out that children are encouraged to have a play with and staff are demonstrating other toys.
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
I’ve attended Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for many years and I love it!
Winter Wonderland is a massive Christmas market / amusement park. These days you have to prebook your ticket online and it is no longer free. You choose your entry time and then can stay as long as you like. The earlier in the day slots tend to be the cheaper. You do get your entrance ticket price back if you spend £25 or more on food or the amusements.
Winter Wonderland does tend to be pretty crowded especially in the evenings, at weekends and as we get closer to Christmas. If you can visit earlier on in the day and month and go mid week you will experience less crowds.
Winter Wonderland is huge and has a little of everything. There are rides, a Magical Ice Kingdom, a Bavarian village, an ice bar, an ice rink a Christmas market and Father Christmas makes a daily apperance at Santaland.
In Magical Ice Kingdom you journey through the nine realms of Norse mythology as you are immersed in a mythical frozen world. In 2023 you can discover a Viking Ice Village and Lands of Giants, Fire and Ice. There are iconic Norse Gods and Goddesses carved from ice reaching up to five metres high. Magical Ice Kingdom is one of the largest ice exhibitions in Europe.
Bar Ice is a unique pop up bar that you’ll need to warm up for. It’s kept at a chilly -10°C but you will be provided with gloves and a winter cloak as you arrive to ensure you keep warm. You can enjoy delicious festive cocktails in a glass carved from ice with a free cocktail included in the entrance price. They’ve adapted Bar Ice over the years and although it’s a great experience I do feel it’s a little expensive now at £15.50 - £17.50 and you only get 20 minutes in the bar.
The Bavarian Village is fantastic and the perfect place to unwind and have fun with its cosy chalets, outdoor seating, bars, cafes and restaurants.
There is evening entertainment in the Bavarian Hall with live music and DJs.
The perfect place for some german food and a beer!
Before you go, visit the official website and purchase your tickets in advance because time slots for the more popular days and times can sell out.
ATTEND A SERVICE AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Westminster Abbey is one of Londons most famous landmarks and is popular with tourists all year round. There are many famous people buried at Westminster Abbey including Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Mary Queen of Scots, Charles Dickens, Issac Newton, Edward the Confessor and many past kings and queens of England.
Many Kings and Queens of England have been crowned at Westminster Abbey over the years, most recently King Charles III as well as many royal weddings including the now Prince and Princess of Wales back in 2011.
As with many places around London, Westminster Abbey is decorated beautifully for Christmas and during December there are several special holiday events that you can attend including Christmas Meditation, Carol Services and Christmas Concerts.
Tickets for special events at Westminster Abbey are free but they do need to be booked in advance. See the website for more information.
GO ICE SKATING
For me a Christmas trip to London isn’t complete without gliding around on one of the capitals many ice rinks. Ice rinks are so much fun and in November they begin to pop up all over London.
Maybe you’re the type of ice skater that we’re all envious of that weaves in and out of the crowds effortlessly or maybe you have to inch your way along, clutching at the barriers or using one of those penguins to help the kids, whichever you are, it’s all good festive fun!
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Hyde Park
Hyde Park have the largest open air ice rink in the UK where you can skate around the Victorian bandstand under a canopy of lights.
Somerset House Ice Rink
Somerset House is one of the most iconic of London’s ice rinks where you skate around a grand neoclassical courtyard with a huge 40ft Christmas tree in the middle. There’s also specially curated music playlists for you to skate along to.
Battersea Power Station Ice Rink
Battersea Power Station ice rink arrives mid November and has a beautiful 30ft Christmas tree, vintage style fairground rides and twinkly lights. There are fantastic views over the Thames and loads of family fun to be had.
The Queens House Ice Rink
Lots of the Royal residences have rice rinks and the Queens House in Greenwich Park is one of them. The ice rink is set in the beautiful surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage site with wonderful views of Greenwich Park.
KEW GARDENS LIGHT TRAIL
Kew Gardens is to the south west of London and is always a wonderful evening out at Christmas time. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why.
There is a beautiful light trail that is amongst some of the best Christmas light displays in London. The gardens turn into a festive, enchanted woodland.
The trail is a short 2.7km that takes about 40 minutes to walk it. It will take longer to walk as you will be distracted taking in the wonderful sights of the incredible light installations.
There are over a million lights along the pathways to light the way and guide you along the trail.
Check out the Kew Gardens website for information on tickets.
WATCH A FESTIVE FILM
What’s your favourite Christmas film? For me the holiday season hasn’t started until I’ve watched Elf with a cosy hot chocolate.
Watching a festive film is the perfect way to get in to the Christmas spirit. Around London there are many places you can watch a classic Christmas film either open air or indoors.
Backyard Cinema is an immersive cinema that is a wonderful festive treat that’s so much more than just a film showing. As well as the film they’ll be singing and dancing.
Festive films at a royal residence! What more could you want? The Luna Winter Cinema is at Kensington Palace with giant Christmas trees, twinkling lights and falling snow.
GO SHOPPING AT COVENT GARDEN
Covent Garden is one of my favourite places in London. It’s massively touristy but I don’t care, I love it!
During December it becomes a great festive location in London with a huge Christmas tree, Christmas decorations and lights and the usual famous, comedic street performers.
Covent Garden has a great mix of restaurants and shops. There are alot of small boutique shops that are wonderful to browse for Christmas gifts for family and friends.
You can also relax in one of the many restaurants - have a mulled wine at Chez Antoinette, eat a delicious festive feast atThe Ivy Market Grill or taste the chocolate at Neuhaus and Godiva.
SIP ON MULLED WINE
Mulled wine is a Christmas must and you can find mulled wine all throughout London at the Christmas markets and at many of the bars and restaurants.
As you’re at a Christmas market it’s great to grab a mulled wine to warm you up as it’s pretty chilly in December in London.
If you fancy your tipple a little stronger than just mulled wine you can usually ask for a splash of rum or whisky for that extra warming feeling.
SEE THE FAMOUS TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS TREE
A tradition that was started in 1947 is that a tree is gifted from Norway to the UK.
Just after World War II Norway gifted a Norway spruce to London as a thank you for the British support during the war. The tradition stuck and each year Trafalgar Square has a Norway spruce twinkling with Christmas lights.
The lighting ceremony takes place the first Thursday of December. It’s a popular event to attend, with Christmas carols and a band.
The tree has become somewhat of a running joke the past few years as it seems to get less and less spectacular over the years. I’ve been there myself and seen what looked like a very sorry looking, half dead, half drooping tree.
It is however, a fun sight to see and the story behind it is heartwarming.
AFTERNOON TEA WITH A CHRISTMAS THEME
An afternoon tea in London is on alot of peoples to do list when in London and the wonderful thing about the holiday season is that many places give their classic afternoon tea a Christmas twist.
The Ritz is transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland for Christmas where you can eat spectacular Christmas themed finger sandwiches and Christmas treats. You will be entertained by The Ritz Choir singing your favorite Christmas carols.
The Savoy in Covent Garden is the place to go if you want an ultra luxe experience. They collaborate with Champagne Laurent Perrier and offer a very classy afternoon Christmas tea with festive cakes such as Santa’s Hat and The Savoy Bauble.
Christmas afternoon tea at The Wolseley in Piccadilly is a festive treat with goodies such as a coffee, gingerbread and walnut slice, mulled wine poached pear and turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches added to the menu.
35 floors up at TING at Shangri-La The Shard you can enjoy amazing viewsof the Tower Bridge as you indulge in a festive afternoon tea. There is also a vegan option available.
The Lanesborough in Belgravia offers a luxe festive afternoon tea experience with all their items looking like mini baubles, reindeers, presents or other Christmas items.
SEE A HOLIDAY THEMED SHOW
Every holiday season a plethora of Christmas or holiday themed musicals and theatre shows come to London.
There are great family friendly shows like Elf at the Dominon Theatre, Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane or The Gruffalos Child at the Garrick Theatre as well as ones for the adults like A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story at Alexandra Palace Theatre and La Clique in Leicester Square.
You can find out everything that’s on here and book a show for yourself.
CAROLS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Royal Albert Hall is situated next to Hyde Park and is one of the most distinctive buildings in the UK. Throughout December there is a programme of Christmas events that you can enjoy to really get in to the festive season.
There are events such as an evening of Christmas Jazz, a good old pantomine or a rendition of A Christmas Carol.
One of the best festive things to do is Carols at Royal Albert Hall. The surroundings are just spectacular and there is an impressive line up of musicians including the British Imperial Military Band, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Choral Society.
To have the chance to join in the the carols at the Royal Albert Hall you will need to book your ticket in advance here.
VISIT THE CHURCHILL ARMS
The Churchill Arms is a local pub in Kensington that does Christmas in an epic way. They add an incredible 22,000 lights to their already elaborate façade.
Churchill Arms was built in 1750 and was frequented often by Winston Churchills grandparents.
It has become a very Insta hotspot at Christmas time (or every other time of year to be honest!) with many people gathering outside to get a perfect Christmassy themed shot for the Gram. Behind these photo hunters there is a wonderful, traditional, British pub.
Head through the crowds and go inside to enjoy a pint in the Churchill Arms. Is a true traditional pub with nods to Winston Churchill and Great Britain all around. There is a wonderful atmosphere, with locals and tourists chatting at the busy bar.
You can order some delicious, authentic Thai food washed down with a pint of real ale.
COLOMBIA ROAD CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAYS
The rest of the year Colombia Road is a flower market but during December they remain open on Wednesdays from 5pm - 9pm and turn into a festive Christmas market.
There are Christmas trees on sale from the flower vendors and carol singing takes place on the street accompanied by the brass quintet from the Guildhall. There’s plenty of mulled wine you can enjoy and street food stalls to fill your belly.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON ON A MAP
This map shows the best Christmas markets, Christmas lights and Christmas window displays in London. As well as 3 walking tours you can follow to see the best of London at Christmas.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth visiting London at Christmas?
I absolutely love London and would recommend visiting at any time of year but there’s something magical about London at Christmas. It’s full of dazzling light displays, festive markets, ice skating rinks and so many other Christmas themed activities you can take part in to really get in the mood for the holidays.
What is the weather like in London at Christmas?
The weather is England is famously unpredictable but for the month of December the average high is 9°C/49°F and the average low is 5°C/41°F.
The days are short in December with the shortest day of the year on December 21st. Sunrise is around 8am and sunset is 3:30 - 4pm. This may seem like it could be a problem but a lot of the activities to do in London at Christmas are better in the dark - the Christmas trees, the lights, the markets etc.
It can be quite rainy in December with an average of 9 rainy days each month. Snow can fall in December but it is quite rare. If you’re lucky enough to be in London at Christmas time during the snow you’re in for a rare treat - and I’m very jealous as I’ve not managed to be there during a snowy December yet.
What are the best things to do in London at Christmas with kids?
If you will be visiting London during the Christmas holiday season, there is plenty of child friendly activites for all ages. You can visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, have Christmas-themed afternoon tea, go ice skating, visit Hamley’s, see the Christmas lights, and watch a holiday musical. All great activities for kids and adults alike.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOURS
BOAT TRIPS
TOP 10 LONDON EXPERIENCES
WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON
These are my favourite hotels for a range of budgets in London.
BUDGET TRAVELLER
Dover Castle Hotel is great for budget travellers costing around £40 per night during the festive season. It’s less than a mile from the Tower and London and Tower Bridge and offers dorm rooms at a great price in a handy location.
The Walrus Bar and Hostel is on the south side of the river just across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It offers twin rooms with breakfast available close to Lambeth North and Southwark tube stations.
MID RANGE BUDGET
The Portico Hotel is located in Westminster so excellent for Big Ben and Houses and Parliament and most of the central London tourist attractions. Room are available for around £150 per night during the festive season.
Inhabit, Southwick Street is near Paddington Station and offers beautiful rooms. Breakfast is available at the hotel should you wish to eat before you head out on your day exploring the capital.
LUXURY ACCOMODATION
is located right by Hyde Park. It has breath taking views over the famous London skyline. There is a gym on site and two award winning restaurants.
this superb luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city overlooking the impressive Somerset House. You can stay here from £450 per night over the festive season. There is an amazing rooftop bar with spectacular views over London.
LONDON ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to London? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in London but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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