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If you’re spending Christmas in London, prepare for full-blown festive chaos in the best possible way. As Brits, we’re proud that our capital city doesn’t do anything by halves, and that includes December! Whether you’re into twinkling light trails, steaming cups of mulled wine, or traditional carols in Westminster Abbey, London in December gets better every year, and every corner gets a dose of sparkle.
There’s something satisfyingly over-the-top about Christmas in England, probably because the Victorians pretty much invented it, and London takes the crown as one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. You’ll find enough markets, ice rinks, and rooftop bars to fill a week’s itinerary, and then some. From iconic London Christmas markets to festive afternoon teas, firelit pubs, and even a swim in the Serpentine (yes, really), these are all our favorite activities in an ultimate guide to spending the holiday season in London.
1. Wander Through Covent Garden at Christmas
Covent Garden really leans into its festive role with oversized baubles, a massive Christmas tree, and that glowing reindeer statue that seems to photobomb everyone’s selfies. The vibe? Peak London during Christmas aesthetic. From free live music to fancy hot chocolates and festive pop-ups, it’s an easy win for a December afternoon.
Top Tip: Get there just before sunset to see the lights flicker on, then head to Neal’s Yard for a quieter, tucked-away festive scene.
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2. Glide Around Somerset House Ice Rink
The Somerset House ice skating rink is pure winter romance: a neoclassical courtyard bathed in fairy lights with a 40-foot tree in the centre. If you’re going to fall over in front of strangers, do it here. The Skate Lounge is back this year too; think cocktails with a view of the rink.
Top Tip: Book your session early in the season or during weekdays. Weekends in December sell out fast and are much busier.
3. Sip Mulled Wine at Southbank Winter Market
This London Christmas market blends festive food stalls with riverside views. You’ll find everything from bratwurst and churros to handmade crafts and kitsch decorations. With fairy lights strung across wooden chalets and steam curling from mulled wine mugs, it’s a textbook England Christmas aesthetic.
Top Tip: Stop at the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge for seasonal drinks and fireside seating, it’s ideal for warming up after a riverside stroll.
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4. See the Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Love them or hate the crowds, Oxford Street lights are an essential part of London in December. Over 5,000 stars dazzle above the chaos of Christmas shoppers and red double-decker buses, and if you’re lucky, it might even snow confetti when you least expect it. It’s not subtle, but it’s not supposed to be.
Top Tip: Head to John Lewis’ rooftop for a bird’s eye view of the lights without being elbowed by shoppers.
5. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
The heavyweight of London Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland, is back with its mix of festive food, fairground rides, ice sculpting, live music, and yes, overpriced mulled wine. Love it or loathe it, it’s enormous, ridiculous, and undeniably festive.
Top Tip: Book your entry tickets online in advance; it’s free early in the morning but gets pricier later. The earlier you go, the less intense the crowds.
6. Watch a Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
Few things feel more festive than Charles Dickens, and The Old Vic’s annual staging of A Christmas Carol pulls it off with candlelight, snowfall, and actors weaving through the audience. It’s intimate, emotional, and one of the best-loved shows in London at Christmas.
Top Tip: Sit in the stalls for the full immersive experience. Yes, they really do hand out mince pies. Book here.
7. Explore the Kew Gardens Christmas Trail
Christmas in the UK hits peak magic at Kew Gardens, where a glowing light trail winds through illuminated trees, fire gardens, and laser projections across the lake. Expect seasonal music, spiced treats, and some of the best lights in the city.
Top Tip: Wear waterproof shoes; it’s beautiful but muddy in wet weather, especially in the woodland sections.
8. See the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Every year since 1947, Norway has sent London a massive fir as thanks for Britain’s WWII support. It’s not the flashiest tree in the city, but it’s historic and central. Carols beneath it run almost daily and bring a refreshingly old-school vibe to the London Xmas season.
Top Tip: Combine it with a visit to the National Gallery next door, which is warm, free, and surprisingly festive inside.
9. Visit the Christmas Arcade at Somerset House
Tucked beside the Somerset House ice rink, this pop-up market is a goldmine of design-led gifts, festive fashion, and independent makers. Less touristy than most London Christmas markets, it’s great for picking up something classy that doesn’t scream “airport gift shop.”
Top Tip: Try the on-site embroidery station for personalised gifts, it’s oddly satisfying to watch.
10. Shop the Christmas Windows at Harrods and Selfridges
These department stores don’t mess about. Each year, they unveil intricate themed windows that stop traffic (literally). Expect mechanical mice, snow-dusted staircases, and luxury you can’t afford but still enjoy looking at.
Top Tip: Visit in the evening once the crowds thin and the lights glow. Bonus points if you grab a hot chocolate on the way.
11. Get into the Spirit with a Christmas Gospel Brunch
Swap sleigh bells for soul at one of London’s gospel brunches, where powerhouse choirs belt out festive bangers while you tuck into waffles, mimosas, and spicy eggs. It’s loud, joyful, and ideal if you’ve heard Fairytale of New York one too many times.
Top Tip: Book the earlier sitting for more choir, less chaos, and wear something with stretch. You’ll eat a lot.
12. Take a Christmas Lights Tour by Open-Top Bus
If your feet are ruined but you still want to soak up those London vibes, hop on an open-top Christmas bus tour. You’ll cruise past Regent Street, Oxford Circus, and Covent Garden in a vintage Routemaster bus with festive music and commentary. It’s cheesy, but in the best way.
Top Tip: Bring a blanket, open-top in December is colder than it looks. Book your London bus tour here.
13. Drink Festive Cocktails at Miracle at Henrietta Hotel
For a full-on London during Christmas aesthetic, head to this cocktail pop-up where kitsch decorations, 80s tinsel, and holiday sweaters are the whole point. Expect spiced eggnogs, candy cane spritzes, and bartenders in elf gear.
Top Tip: It’s tiny, so book ahead or risk being turned away in your sparkly jumper.
14. Catch a Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey
If you’re into history and hymns, you can’t beat a candlelit carol service inside Westminster Abbey. The sound of voices echoing under vaulted ceilings is hard to top for raw seasonal atmosphere.
Top Tip: Arrive early as queues build quickly even with reserved tickets, and seating is first come, first served.
15. Step Back in Time at Dennis Severs’ House
This place is part museum, part art installation, part time machine. Dennis Severs’ House is a restored Georgian home in Spitalfields where each room tells the story of a fictional Huguenot family frozen in time. At Christmas, it’s lit entirely by candles, smells of citrus and clove, and feels like you’ve walked into a Dickens novel just before something mysterious happens.
Top Tip: Silence is part of the experience; phones off, no chatting, just creep slowly through the rooms and take it all in. Book here.
16. Go Ice Skating at Canary Wharf
Less crowded than the central rinks, Canary Wharf’s ice rink sits beneath glittering towers and has a roof, so it’s great on rainy days. It also stays open into the new year, long after others have packed away the skates.
Top Tip: Pair it with street food and hot drinks at nearby Wharf Kitchen, which has indoor seating, too.
17. Stroll Through Carnaby Street’s Christmas Display
Carnaby always does its own thing at Christmas, with quirky themed lights that shift each year. Past years featured disco balls, neon rainbows, and eco-themed designs. It’s colourful, walkable, and full of indie boutiques if you’re doing last-minute shopping.
Top Tip: Grab a snack from Kingly Court just off the main street, where three levels of festive food await.
18. Make Your Own Wreath in a Hackney Greenhouse
If central London feels a bit much, escape to East London for a festive wreath-making workshop in a leafy urban greenhouse. Places like Hackney City Farm or Dalston Curve Garden run small group sessions where you learn to twist pine, eucalyptus, and dried fruit into something that smells incredible and looks like it cost twice the price.
Top Tip: Dress warm; the greenhouses aren’t heated, and pine needles hurt more when your hands are frozen.
19. Browse the Christmas By The River Market
Set between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, this riverside market gives you fairy-lit chalets with London icons in the background. It’s one of the best London Christmas markets for views and vibe, and less rammed than South Bank or Hyde Park.
Top Tip: Walk from London Bridge to Tower Bridge around dusk for the full twilight effect with lights reflected on the Thames.
20. Walk the Christmas Lights on Regent Street
Regent Street’s “Spirit of Christmas” angels have become one of the most photographed sights in London at Christmas. The lights stretch from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus and feel impressively grand without being overdone.
Top Tip: Start at Liberty London for a festive browse, then walk downhill through the lights toward the chaos of Piccadilly.
21. Watch The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House
A classic Christmas in Europe tradition, The Nutcracker is even better in the plush setting of the Royal Opera House. Expect ornate sets, snowflakes, and the full orchestral soundtrack.
Top Tip: Check for Friday Rush tickets on the Royal Opera House site, they’re cheaper and released weekly.
22. Take the Kids to Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys
For pure childhood excitement, Hamleys at Christmas is everything you want, and more. The store is decked out for the season, and their Santa experience is theatrical, interactive, and extremely popular.
- Location: Hamleys, Regent Street, W1B 5BT
- Dates: 23 November to 24 December 2025
- Hours: Grotto slots from 10am to 6pm
Top Tip: Book early in November here, as December slots fill weeks ahead and walk-ins are rare.
23. Visit Windsor Castle at Christmas
While technically outside London, Windsor Castle makes for an easy day trip. It’s dressed up for Christmas with twinkling trees, royal garlands, and the 20-foot Nordmann Fir in St George’s Hall.
Top Tip: Get an early train and visit Windsor & Eton Brewery afterwards for a festive pint.
24. Warm Up with Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
Afternoon tea is always a treat, but The Ritz pulls out the gold-plated stops at Christmas. Expect seasonal finger sandwiches, themed cakes, and live carols sung between courses.
Top Tip: Smart dress is enforced, so leave the Christmas jumper in your bag.
25. Take a Christmas Day Walk Along the South Bank
On 25 December, central London goes eerily quiet. The South Bank remains one of the few places that still has a bit of buzz. Grab a thermos, admire the skyline, and enjoy the rare emptiness.
Top Tip: Nothing’s open, so bring your own snacks and hot drinks. Public transport won’t be running, so plan to walk.
26. Tour London’s Historic Pubs by Candlelight
Some of London’s oldest pubs go full Dickensian in December, with candles on the bar, fireplaces lit, and mulled cider on tap. It’s less about events, more about atmosphere.
Top Tip: Try Ye Olde Mitre or The Seven Stars for full historical charm without the corporate crowd.
27. Browse Fortnum & Mason’s Christmas Food Hall
If you’re into old-world charm, Fortnum’s is festive catnip. The whole store is an ode to Christmas tradition, but the lower-ground food hall is where the real magic (and mince pies) happens.
Top Tip: Try their Christmas Scotch egg and avoid the gift section unless you want to cry at the prices.
28. Visit the Leadenhall Market Light Display
This covered Victorian market, famous as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, glows with festive lights and red ribbons in December. The glass roof makes it weatherproof, and the vibe is quietly magical.
Top Tip: Pop by on a weekday evening when it’s quieter, then head to nearby Sky Garden for a free skyline view.
29. See a Pantomime at the Palladium
Christmas pantos are a uniquely British tradition: loud, silly, innuendo-filled, and full of glitter. The London Palladium does the biggest and boldest, this year it’s Sleeping Beauty, with big-name celebs and lots of shouting from the audience.
Top Tip: Go with a group; it’s 10 times more fun when you’re all shouting “he’s behind you.” Book here.
30. Ride the Christmas Cable Car Over the Thames
It’s not the first thing that comes to mind, but the IFS Cloud Cable Car between Greenwich and the Royal Docks gets a festive makeover, with evening light rides and skyline views.
Top Tip: Ride just after sunset for the best combo of city lights and sky glow.
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31. Experience the Light Festival at Battersea Power Station
Newly reopened and reimagined, Battersea’s festive light trail mixes art, architecture, and riverside markets. It’s part of the modern wave of London in December highlights.
Top Tip: Finish with dinner at one of the nearby riverside restaurants, many have heated outdoor seating.
32. Go Christmas Shopping at Coal Drops Yard
Tired of Oxford Street? Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross offers indie brands, pop-up stalls, and festive lighting without the tourist stampede. It’s modern, walkable, and beautifully lit in December.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the Canopy Market for small makers and festive snacks.
33. Take a Harry Potter Christmas Walking Tour
If you want a dash of magic with your London Christmas lights, a Harry Potter walking tour is a fun way to see filming locations sprinkled with festive sparkle. You’ll visit spots like the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, the real-life Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾, while getting London trivia and a few cheesy wand jokes thrown in. Bonus points if you go after dark when the city feels extra enchanted.
Top Tip: Wear comfy shoes and a scarf worthy of your Hogwarts house; it’s cold, and you’ll want good photos at the final stop. Book here.
34. Browse Christmas Gifts at Liberty London
If Christmas had a scent, Liberty’s would bottle it. This Tudor-style department store is made for December: creaky wooden staircases, flickering chandeliers, and the most beautiful Christmas shop in London tucked under the rafters. You’ll find tree ornaments, posh advent calendars, and the kind of gifts people remember forever (even if you can’t afford most of them).
Top Tip: Go mid-morning on a weekday. Weekends in December get wild, and you’ll want time to explore the upper floors properly.
35. Hear Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s during the holiday season is the sort of place that gives you goosebumps before the music even starts. The building itself is stunning, but at Christmas it becomes one of the most powerful places to hear live carols, classical concerts, and the full nativity story delivered with real gravity. Services are free, but people queue around the block for a reason.
Top Tip: Arrive at least 90 minutes early for free services as seating isn’t reserved, and the queue wraps fast, especially in the final week before Christmas.
36. Catch a Festive Film in a Heated Rooftop Igloo
At Roof East in Stratford, you can huddle inside a transparent igloo pod and watch Christmas films like Elf or Love Actually while sipping cocktails and dodging the wind. The outdoor cinema comes with heaters, blankets, fairy lights, and full London Xmas energy, minus the crowds you get in central.
Top Tip: Book an early slot for sunset views across East London. The rooftop games are open beforehand if you fancy a Christmassy round of shuffleboard.
37. Watch the Peter Pan Cup in the Serpentine
Every Christmas morning, a crowd of hardy club swimmers plunge into Hyde Park’s Serpentine lake for the annual Peter Pan Cup. This quirky tradition dates back to 1864 and sees members of the Serpentine Swimming Club racing in icy water while a festive crowd cheers from the bank. If you’re keen to try wild swimming yourself, the Serpentine Lido is open to the public in summer, or year-round if you join the club.
Top tip: Bring a flask and get there early for a front-row spot. The race is over quickly, but it’s one of the most eccentric ways to start Christmas in London.
38. Celebrate New Year’s Eve by the Thames
If you’re staying until New Year, book a spot at one of the many riverside ticketed zones to watch the fireworks blast off behind the London Eye. It’s loud, chaotic, and unforgettable.
Top Tip: Public areas are now fully ticketed, and they do sell out so book well in advance.
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