18 Festive Things to Do in London at Christmas

Kriszti

Few cities in the world do Christmas quite like London does.

The English capital is a buzzing and vibrant city with endless things to keep you entertained any time of the year, but the months of November and December bring with it a whole array of magical Christmas experiences.

From sipping on festive-inspired cocktails to experiencing London’s famous Winter Wonderland, you’ll have your pick of things to do in London at Christmas. That’s all before mentioning the winter markets, light displays, and ice skating rinks, all of which you have to check out.

If you’ve been thinking about making a trip to London during Christmas, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve pulled together my favorite things to do in London for Christmas and compiled them to make the ultimate list.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Are you planning a last-minute trip to London at Christmas time?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences at Christmas in London

Best Places to Stay in London during Christmas

Planning to visit a handful of attractions? You can save a lot of money by purchasing a London Pass! You have the option to buy a pass for 1-10 days and you can also choose from more than 90 attractions to visit.

Best Things to Do in London at Christmas

1. Admire the Christmas lights

Nothing says Christmas has arrived quite like twinkling light displays, and London has plenty of them for you to gaze at.

Starting with the city’s most beloved shopping district, Oxford Street, the lights usually turn on here early in November, getting you in the Christmas spirit as soon as Halloween comes to a close.

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the lights at Oxford Street don’t tend to come on until the sun has fully gone down, so make sure to time your visit with this time in mind.

You’ll likely spend some of your London visit in the Mayfair area, which hosts the likes of the well-known Picadilly Circus, tonnes of gorgeous architecture, and my favorite Christmas lights at Regent Street.

Here is where you’ll find the famous angels and stars hanging above the street, making for some Instagram-worthy photos. Don’t forget to check out my guide to the best Christmas photo spots in London for more amazing spots!

The lights at Regent Street usually come to life around a week after Oxford Street, and the 300,000 LED bulbs are in place until early January.

Just a few steps over from Regent Street is another set of glowing lights at Carnaby Street. Unlike most collections of lights, the Carnaby Street decorations center around a theme every year, making for some colorful and bewitching displays. Carnaby Street comes alight early each November.

If you would rather skip walking around on foot in the cold, you can join a Christmas Lights by Night Open-Top Bus Tour, which will show you all of the best Christmas light displays in London.

2. Stroll around New Bond Street

Another bustling shopping street that always has a magical atmosphere every Christmas is New Bond Street, London’s hub for designer stores and boutique shops.

New Bond Street has given the city’s other famous streets a run for their money over the last few years when it comes to light displays. The entire avenue is filled with sparking fairy lights and Christmas trees, and each store is decked out with its own unique adornments.

The Cartier store was hands down my favorite and I think it’s one of the most iconic settings on the entire street. Some other stores I recommend checking out are Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.

3. Explore the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

If you do one Christmas-themed outing in London, let it be Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

It’s all in the name here, as this annual event is everything you could imagine a Winter Wonderland to be and so much more.

Dozens of thrilling fairground rides, an ice skating rink, a Christmas circus, and an ice slide, are just some of the things you can look forward to here, and there’s even an option to attend an ice sculpting class.

Every year, heaps of food trucks and cozy bars pop up inside, serving up the likes of hot dogs, fish and chips, juicy burgers, and warm desserts. Of course, mulled wine, draft beer, and hot drinks are also on the cards.

Tickets usually go for between £5.00 – 7.50 ($6.00 – $9.00), but entry is free during off-peak times, which tend to be earlier in the day.

Winter Wonderland is a must if you’re traveling with kids, but don’t skip out on the festivities regardless of your age.

4. Take a festive tour of the Kew Gardens light display

The Kew Gardens hold the title of the world’s largest botanical garden, housing a staggering collection of plants across 300 acres.

Although it’s beautiful in its own right, the Christmas season decor takes Kew Gardens to a whole other level.

From mid-November until early January, the gardens are illuminated with golden archways, endless Christmas trees, and multi-colored light shows that have to be seen to be believed.

Unfortunately, the Kew Gardens are far from a hidden gem, and tickets usually book up super quickly. If you’re visiting in December, make sure to book your tickets at least 2-3 months in advance!

I tried to get a ticket in early October for a visit in December, and everything was already sold out so unfortunately we had to miss out on this one. Don’t make the same mistake as we did!

The tickets cost £25.50 ($33 US) for off-peak times and £32 ($42 US) for peak times (which means practically for all of December).

5. Have a drink at The Churchill Arms

I don’t think there’s a pub on the planet with decorations that could rival The Churchill Arms in Kensington!

This adorable bar is covered in pretty flowers all year round, which are swapped for a ton of Christmas trees every year that cover almost every inch of the exterior.

Inside, the pub is every bit as warm and cozy as you’d imagine, with dark wooden furniture, vintage decor, and quite a selection of Winston Churchill memorabilia. This iconic English political figure’s family was believed to have frequented this traditional little haunt.

Located close to the famous Notting Hill district, this is a great spot to grab a drink and escape the London chill, and they even have a delightful menu full of Thai favorites like green curry, pad kee mao, and spring rolls.

The Churchill Arms can get pretty busy so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance to avoid waiting outside for a table to open up.

6. Enjoy the festive window displays at Harrods

If you’re visiting London at Christmas time, you can’t miss a visit to Harrods, one of the world’s most famous luxury department stores.

Their window displays are some of the best in the business when Christmas rolls around, and they’re known to get even better and more creative every year.

Santa’s grotto, a snowy paradise, and the inside of a Polar Express-inspired steam train are just some of the themes Harrods has gone with in the past. They’ve even created displays like huge Christmas dinners and giant sparkly slippers that mimic Dorothy’s in The Wizard of Oz.

The Christmas lights on the building itself are also a sight to behold, and the store’s interior is just as magical with elaborately decorated Christmas trees scattered throughout.

So even if you’re not planning to buy anything, taking a stroll through Harrods is still one of the best things to do in London at Christmas!

7. Splurge on a Christmas-themed afternoon tea

One of the best ways to experience a traditional English Christmas is by booking a spot for a festive afternoon tea.

Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants in London offer special holiday-themed afternoon teas, complete with warm scones, finger sandwiches, and festive treats like mince pies and mulled wine.

If you can only visit one place, I recommend TING at the Shangri-La Hotel. What makes this location so special is that it’s situated in The Shard, a stand-out feature in London’s skyline that I can pretty much guarantee you’ve seen in every second photo of London.

Their Christmas afternoon tea runs from mid-November until mid-January and starts at £89 ($108 US) per person.

Other great options for a Christmas-themed afternoon tea include The Ritz, Claridge’s, and Fortnum & Mason. Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance as these places tend to book up quickly during the holiday season.

8. Check out the festive decorations at Covent Garden

Whether you were visiting London in the height of summer or the middle of winter, I’d tell you to try and give Covent Garden a spot in your itinerary. However, if you’re in London at Christmas time, it’s an absolute essential.

As a focal point for restaurants, shopping, and theater, Covent Garden always attracts a crowd, but the Christmas season takes it up a notch.

The market turns into a yuletide haven, with pop-up stores selling trinkets and ornaments, stalls dishing out mulled wine, and holiday cheer everywhere you look.

The Christmas decoration inside used to feature mistletoe chandeliers, but last year they switched it up to giant Christmas bells and red baubles, and it looks like this theme is going to stay for 2024 as well.

Don’t forget to snap a picture at the old-school sleigh and alongside the 60-foot Christmas tree in the main square!

9. Sip on festive cocktails at Miracle at Henrietta

The Shangri-La isn’t the only place in town that adapts its menu to include Christmas-style fare, as the Henrietta Hotel boasts a range of festive cocktails in one of the most adorable settings around.

With its over-the-top retro decorations, toasty fireplace, and homely atmosphere, Henrietta’s Miracle bar feels like it belongs in a snowy mountainside lodge rather than in the heart of London.

The menu is a mix of classic cocktails and unique creations, all of which are served in super cute drinkware like Santa pants mugs and Christmas barrels. You’re also able to purchase some of these glasses and cups, which make for a lovely keepsake or gift for your loved ones back home.

If you want to enjoy this festive bar, make sure to book in advance – actually, months in advance, and I’m not kidding! They told us that some people are already calling them in April to make a reservation for December. It’s that popular!

10. Enjoy the views from the London Eye

A trip to the London Eye is among the top things to do in London at Christmas (and any time of year, really!). This world-famous landmark needs no introduction and is a must no matter how touristy people will tell you it is.

It goes without saying that this massive Ferris wheel is a great spot to catch some of the most impressive views in all of London. For 30 minutes, you’ll be able to soak up the city from above in one of the 32 pods that make up the wheel.

If you’re hopping on board during the holiday season, you should check out some upgraded experiences to make your visit extra special. Your options include adding a glass of bubbly or splashing out on a private pod, complete with a bottle of champagne and delicious chocolates.

Whatever you choose, make sure to get your tickets online in advance and beat the queues.

11. Attend a Christmas service at Westminster Abbey 

Odds are, much like the London Eye, Westminister Abbey is already on your London must-see list, but did you know that you can join a Christmas service here during your visit?

There are a bunch of different ceremonies here throughout the month of December, and you’ll be able to keep an eye on the upcoming events on the official site.

The nativity scene and Christmas trees inside the church are just stunning, and the choirs that are such an integral part of the show are sensational.

Most of the services don’t require a booking, but be sure to check ahead of time to see if the gathering you’re hoping to attend requires one. 

12. Try the Christmas cupcakes at Peggy Porschen

Peggy Porschen considers itself to be the world’s prettiest bakery, and it’s hard to argue with that statement!

This perfectly pink cafe is located in Belgravia, where you’ll get your hands on some carefully crafted cupcakes and heavenly sponge cakes in the most exquisite of surroundings.

When the holiday season rolls around, Peggy Porschen fills up with pink decorations and festive treats, like cupcakes topped with snowmen, penguins, and Christmas trees, as well as crunchy gingerbread men and biscuits in the shape of Santa, reindeer, and toy soldiers.

Every dessert and confection here is almost too gorgeous to eat, just take a look at their website, and you’ll understand why! That being said, I can confirm that they taste every bit as good as they look.

We booked a place for brunch but you can also just stop by to take away a couple of treats for your walking tour of London in December.

If you do plan on dining here, bear in mind that this little cafe gets pretty busy even on regular days, so I’d highly recommend making a reservation.

13. Shop at Southbank Winter Market

Right along the River Thames and just steps from the London Eye is the Southbank Winter Market, home to some of the tastiest eats and cutest chalets in London.

Set up as part of the Southbank’s Winter Festival, the market can be enjoyed alongside festive shows, live performances, and art exhibitions.

This is a gorgeous spot to spend an evening and among my top Christmas things to do in London, as the food is just to die for! Classic winter market bites like hotdogs and churros are on offer, but you can’t miss the giant Yorkshire pudding, which packs an entire Christmas dinner inside.

Plenty of international dishes are available too, such as Dutch pancakes, Vietnamese duck, and fresh pizzas. If I can give you one piece of advice, come here on an empty stomach.

The Southbank Winter Market is free to enter and runs for most of November and December.

14. Go ice skating at Somerset House

London’s magnificent art gallery, Somerset House, plays host to a huge ice skating rink every winter.

There’s no need to worry if you’re not the most graceful when you hit the ice, as there’s a team of instructors on-site to show you the ropes, and they also offer lessons for little ones who are first-time skaters.

Yuletide tunes are a guarantee, and you’ll even be able to pick up a post-skating drink at the pop-up bar or get a bite to each at the Chalet Suisse restaurant. 

Somerset House has teamed up with Switzerland Tourism, giving you the closest thing you’ll get to the Swiss Alps outside of Switzerland this Christmas in London.

Tickets cost between £15-26.5 ($20-35 US) for adults and £10-15 ($13-20 US) for kids, depending on when you plan to visit. You can book your tickets in advance or buy them at the entrance.

15. Visit the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square

Often referred to as the nation’s Christmas tree, Trafalgar Square is where you’ll find a towering Norwegian spruce tree standing tall every Christmas.

The tradition of this tree has an interesting backstory. During the 1940s, Norway was invaded by Nazi Germany, and the president and many government officials took cover in Britain. Today, the tree marks the bond between Britain and Norway during these turbulent years.

Every year, an old spruce tree makes its way from the Nordmarka forest in Oslo all the way to Trafalgar Square, and the lights are usually switched on in early December.

This tree itself usually exceeds 60 feet in height and is decorated a little differently every year.

If your trip coincides with the opening ceremony, be sure to pop along to Trafalgar Square after the sun goes down to see the tree light up for the first time.

16. Take in the views from Sky Garden

London’s Sky Garden is an excellent spot to soak up some outstanding views over the city, and entry happens to be free of charge outside of specific times.

While it’s primarily a viewpoint, most visitors make a stop at one of the three restaurants, which consists of a casual British eatery, a contemporary Italian brasserie, and a fine dining bistro. 

You’ll also find two lively bars on-site featuring mouthwatering cocktails, nightly DJ sets, and unbeatable vistas of London.

The Sky Garden regularly hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so be sure to take a look at their upcoming events before you visit. From mid-November onwards, festive gatherings will take place on a number of nights leading up to Christmas.

Although the tickets are free, you still need to make a reservation in advance. Tickets are released every Monday for the next three weeks and they go rather quickly, so be sure to book in advance and secure your spot.

If you have a reservation for any of the on-site restaurants, you don’t need a separate ticket to visit the gardens.

17. Dine at an igloo at Coppa Club Tower Bridge

Have you ever dreamt of dining in an igloo filled with twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and comfy blankets? At the Coppa Club, you’ll be able to turn that fantasy into a reality.

Their Tower Bridge location has nine igloos set up on the terrace all year round, but they’re especially magical when the temperatures get a little chilly, and Christmas festivities kick off.

This is for sure one of the best things to do in London at Christmas and was a highlight of my visit for me. As you’ve probably guessed, these igloos are often in high demand, so secure your spot online for the ultimate dining experience for you and your crew.

Regarding the food, the Coppa Club mostly focuses on European classics, so you’ll have your choice between homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and superb pizzas made with a sourdough base.

Don’t forget to take a look at their cocktail menu while you’re here, as their crème brulée martinis and raspberry mules are simply divine.

18. Explore Leadenhall Market

The final spot that needs to be on everyone’s list of things to do in London at Christmas is a trip to the Leadenhall Market, which becomes even more captivating when it’s filled with garlands, trees, and golden lights.

Though it’s now nestled amongst soaring skyscrapers, this marketplace has been thriving for centuries and dates back over 800 years. Having once stood as the go-to spot for meats and poultry, the Leadenhall Market is now an epicenter for shopping and dining.

Fabulous restaurants, bars, and boutiques line this charming building, which happens to have been a filming location for Harry Potter. 

Some of the spots you should look out for include the aptly named bar Cheese, which offers excellent Christmas-themed cheese and wine tastings, and Hagen, a Danish coffee house.

Another exciting activity that takes place at Leadenhall Market is the wreath-making classes, which is such a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon if you’re in London at Christmas time.

More Christmas Travel Guides

Pin It for Later!

Leave a Comment