Christmas in London, best things to do

For you time during Christmas in London, we will tell you everything you need to know :

• What are the best places to see Christmas lights in London?
• What are the Christmas Events to not miss in London?
• Is Winter Wonderland free?
• Where to go ice skating?
• Where to eat Christmas dinner in London and festive treats ?
• What Christmas shows to see in London?
• Where to go Christmas Shopping in London?
• Which London Christmas Markets to visit?
• What to do on Christmas Day in London?
   

What are the best places to see Christmas lights in London?

Most of London's Christmas lights switch on during early and mid-November, transforming the city into a festive wonderland.
 

Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Be dazzled this Christmas in London on our London Christmas Lights tour with Tootbus. See the sparkling Christmas lights from up close as we take you past the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street Christmas lights and the world-famous Regent Street.
 
 

Christmas at Kew Gardens 

Step into a magical world at Kew Gardens. Christmas at Kew returns from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, featuring a three-kilometre illuminated trail, immersive installations, festive food and drink, and even appearances by Father Christmas. Advance booking is recommended.
 

What are the Christmas Events to not miss in London?

Some of the best Christmas activities in London are only available around the festive season. Rides, cabaret performances or visits to the world of wizards, make the most of these pop-up Christmas things to do in London during your visit to the capital.
 

Hogwarts in the Snow

From 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, discover Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The Great Hall, Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest are all decorated for Christmas. New for 2026, visitors can discover the secrets behind festive sound effects in the Backlot Stage

Adult tickets start at £56 and the visit lasts around 3.5 hours. Afterwards, see the rest of the Christmas sights on our hop-on hop-off buses.
 

Is Winter Wonderland free?

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and remains London's most famous Christmas attraction.

Entry starts from £1 during off-peak periods and can even be free when purchasing qualifying attractions online in advance. The event features:

• More than 150 rides and attractions
• The UK's largest outdoor ice rink
• Magical Ice Kingdom
• Santa Land and Santa's Grotto
• Christmas markets
• Circus performances
• Festive food and drink

Advance booking is highly recommended.

Where to go ice skating?

This winter, there are several places where you can go ice skating in London. Here are a few ones :

• Skate at Somerset House: 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. 
• Skate Leicester Square: 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027. 
• Glide at Battersea Power Station: 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. 
• Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Book your ice-skating slot before you visit. This is one of the best activities to do in London at Christmas. Then continue your visit around London on an open top bus tour and a cruise on the Thames.
 

Where to eat Christmas dinner in London and festive treats ?

The Christmas season in London is the best time of year to tuck-in to hearty meals and delicious Christmas treats. Indulge in Christmas dinner in a traditional pub, afternoon tea at One Aldwych or a tasty mince pie at St John’s Bakery during your Christmas days out in London.
 

Christmas Dinner in London

Tuck in to a hearty Christmas dinner in London in a traditional English pub, decked out for the holidays. Visit Punch Tavern on Fleet Street over Christmas for festive feasts, cocktails and fine wine. The Christmas feasting menu is £49,5 per person and includes a starter, main and dessert. Vegan options are also available.
 

Christmas Afternoon Tea

Christmas is a time to indulge, so tuck in to a festive afternoon tea. The spread at Tea at One Aldwych is a Roald Dahl lover's dream with a festive twist on a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme.
 

Delicious Mince Pies

You can’t beat a humble mince pie at Christmas. Head to St John’s Bakery in Neal’s Yard to try their warm mince pies over the festive period. It’s a real festive treat! There is also an array of breads, doughnuts and pastries for you to devour.
 

What Christmas shows to see in London?

When it is dark and cold, it can be hard deciding what to do in London at Christmas. Stay indoors and immerse yourself in a traditional British theatre experience by attending a pantomime, ballet or enjoy some of your favourite Christmas carols.
 

The Palladium Pantomime

The famous London Palladium pantomime returns with Cinderella, running from 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. The production stars Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Julian Clary.

Christmas Carols by Candlelight

On 20 December 2026, The Great Hall - Barts North Wing hosts a magical candlelit concert featuring Christmas movie soundtracks performed by a string quartet.
 

The Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet  returns to the London Coliseum from 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. This classic Christmas ballet is one of London's most beloved festive traditions

Where to go Christmas Shopping in London?

There is no better place to go Christmas shopping than London. Covent Garden, Hamleys, Oxford Street : hit the high streets, seek out unique gifts and make time to break for delicious food and hot drinks. Discover our top unique things you can only buy in London. 
 

Covent Garden

Home to a grand-looking Christmas tree and more than 115,000 sparkling lights, a trip to Covent Garden will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Admire the lights or visit the high street stores and pretty market buildings for designer labels and independent brands to find the perfect outfit for a Christmas party.

Hamleys

Santa is coming to town and he's chosen the famous Hamleys shop on Regent Street to spread the festive cheer until Christmas Eve before he has to deliver all your presents. Hamleys is every child’s dream and is one of the most exciting places to visit in London at Christmas.

Oxford Street

Find your favourite high street stores on Oxford Street where you can eat, drink and shop until you drop. Whilst Christmas shopping in London, you’ll be blown away by the iconic Oxford Street Christmas lights, window displays in Selfridges and the John Lewis Christmas Roof Garden to get you in the festive spirit.

Which London Christmas Markets to visit?

London is home to many Christmas Markets and winter fairs. Winter by the River, Southbank Center Winter Market, Greenwich Christmas Market… These are the only places where you can sip mulled wine, eat mince pies, admire decorations and arts and craft, go on a fairground ride, and buy that last-minute gift.

Here is our selection of the best Christmas Markets in London, and how to get there.
 

Winter by the River market at London Bridge City

All I want for December is a Christmas market with views of Tower Bridge. Well, we have a winner with this festive market offering vintage chalets, homemade gifts, delicious street food and glühwein.

And with the views of Tower Bridge, it simply makes it one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in London. Some even say it’s the best Christmas market for a first date… Find Christmas by the River at London Bridge City between November 10 and Jaunary 3.

Southbank Center Winter Market

Southbank’s riverside transforms during the festive season and becomes a wintry wonderland for foodies. Winter classics such as raclette and bratwurst will be served up alongside an array of world cuisine. In addition to these delights, the market offers a large selection of homemade crafts, rides, shows and activities like the curling pop-up to entertain the whole family.

Entry is free and the Winter Market is open from November 2 to Januray 3.

Greenwich Christmas Market

Greenwich Market is open all year-round but December is a special time for the UNESCO World Heritage site. When Christmas comes to the market, with the fairy lights, gift stalls and mulled wine stands, it’s just so cheerful!

Travelling to Greenwich might seem a little far from the city, but remember that its location will mean that the market will be less crowded. And it is the opportunity to visit the must-see historical attractions of Greenwich.
 

Kingston Christmas Market

The lovely and picturesque Kingston-upon-Thames will have its own Christmas Market on the Ancient Market Place. The city centre will be filled with festive cheer, food, drink, and handmade stocking fillers. The perfect place for unique Christmas gifts.

This European-style Christmas market is one of the most magical Christmas markets in London. It is open from November 12 to  January 3.

What to do on Christmas Day in London?

If you’re looking for things to do in London on Christmas Day, you’ll find the city much quieter than usual. There is no public transport so the tube is closed on Christmas day. Lots of restaurants are also closed so try to book a hotel offering Christmas dinner and fill your time with some relaxing Christmas day events in London such as church services or strolls.
 

Church Service

If you are looking for church services in London on Christmas Day, visit Great St Bartholomew at 9am and 11am. Other Christmas services in London’s oldest parish church include a Mid-Advent Carol Service and a midnight mass of the Nativity at 11.00pm on Christmas Eve.

Peter Pan Cup

The Peter Pan Cup has been a Christmas tradition for open water swimmers since 1864. Only members of the Serpentine Swimming Club with a handicap can enter and they take to the water to race at 9am on Christmas Day. Head to Hyde Park to experience a unique and exciting Christmas Day tradition in London.

Go for a walk around the city or park

On one of the only days the city sleeps, enjoy a quiet walk through the streets of London on Christmas Day. Stroll along the high streets beneath twinkling Christmas lights or walk off your Christmas dinner in one of London’s beautiful parks before relaxing for the evening with friends and family with some Christmas TV.

On that note, we hope you have a wonderful festive season. Merry Christmas ! 🎄