Top 10 Christmas Things to Do in London

Last updated: October 2026

Christmas in London means twinkling street lights, ice rinks in palace courtyards, glowing garden trails and carol services in centuries-old churches. From mid-November to New Year, the city shifts into full festive mode.

London is huge, so it helps to plan your festive days by area. This guide covers the top 10 Christmas things to do in London, with practical tips on booking and timing. The official guide Visit London also publishes a festive events calendar each year.

Quick answer: What are the best things to do in London at Christmas? Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the West End Christmas lights, Christmas at Kew and ice skating at Somerset House are the highlights. Book ticketed events early, and remember there is no public transport on Christmas Day.

Top 10 Christmas Things to Do in London at a Glance

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s biggest Christmas event, a huge festive fair with rides, Bavarian-style bars, a large outdoor ice rink, circus shows and an ice sculpture kingdom.

Entry is free on some off-peak sessions but requires a timed ticket, and individual attractions cost extra. Book entry slots in advance and go on a weekday afternoon to avoid the long evening queues. Check the latest dates on the official Winter Wonderland site.

Highlights usually include a giant observation wheel, a Bavarian-style village with food and drink, an ice kingdom of carved sculptures and a big outdoor ice rink. It’s fun for families by day and turns into a lively night out for adults in the evening.

• Getting there: Marble Arch (Central line) and Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) are the nearest Tube stations.
• Time needed: Three to four hours.
• Best time to go: A weekday afternoon, before the evening crowds arrive.
• Tickets: Book your entry slot online and buy ride or show tickets as you go.

2. See the Christmas Lights in the West End

London’s West End Christmas lights are switched on in early to mid November and stay up until early January. The most famous displays are on Regent Street, with its huge illuminated angels, and Oxford Street, which stretches for well over a mile.

Don’t miss Carnaby Street, which has a different playful theme each year, and the elegant lights on Bond Street and Mayfair’s smaller lanes. Walking from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly after dark is one of the best free things to do at Christmas.

Smaller streets are often just as pretty, including Seven Dials, St Christopher’s Place near Bond Street and the lanes around Covent Garden. Pop into Hamleys on Regent Street, one of the oldest toy shops in the world, for a dose of festive chaos.

• Getting there: Start at Marble Arch or Oxford Circus Tube station.
• Time needed: Two hours for a full walk.
• Best time to go: Any evening after dark, ideally on a weekday.
• Insider tip: Walk Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and then on to Piccadilly Circus in one loop.

3. Covent Garden at Christmas

Covent Garden has one of the city’s most impressive Christmas trees, along with giant baubles and mistletoe hanging from the market building. Street performers keep crowds entertained in the piazza.

The covered market is full of independent shops and festive food stalls. It’s a great place to start an evening before heading to a West End show.

Inside the market hall, the Apple Market sells handmade crafts and gifts, and the Jubilee Market next door has stalls for antiques and souvenirs. The Royal Opera House is on the edge of the piazza, and its festive ballet performances are a classic London Christmas treat.

• Getting there: Leicester Square station is often easier than Covent Garden station, which gets very crowded.
• Time needed: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Late afternoon, as the lights come on.

4. Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew is an after-dark light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens, with glowing tunnels, illuminated trees and a dramatic finale at the Palm House, where lights dance across the glasshouse and lake.

It’s one of the most magical festive events in the city and sells out quickly, especially at weekends. Book on the Kew website as soon as tickets are released.

The trail is a walk of a couple of kilometres through the gardens, with food and drink stops along the way and a festive fair near the end. Paths can be muddy and the gardens are cold at night, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.

• Getting there: Kew Gardens station on the District line and London Overground, then a short walk.
• Time needed: About two hours.
• Tickets: Timed tickets only. Weekday slots are cheaper and quieter.
• Insider tip: Choose an early evening slot for younger children, as the later slots finish well after bedtime.

5. Southbank Centre Winter Market

The Southbank Centre Winter Market lines the river beside the London Eye with wooden chalets selling mulled wine, street food and gifts. It’s free to enter and open daily through the festive season.

Walk along the Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge for one of London’s best festive walks, taking in the lights reflected in the river. If you want to see London from above, the London Eye is right next door.

The South Bank is one of London’s busiest cultural districts, home to the National Theatre, the BFI cinema and the Southbank Centre’s concert halls, many of which run festive performances in December. Continue east along the river past Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe to Borough Market for some of the best food in the city.

• Getting there: Waterloo or Embankment station, then a short walk across the river.
• Time needed: One to three hours, depending on how far you walk.
• Best time to go: Early evening, when the river and the London Eye are lit up.

6. Go Ice Skating in a Historic Setting

London’s seasonal ice rinks are set in some of the city’s most beautiful locations. Somerset House has a rink in its grand 18th century courtyard, often with DJ nights and a huge Christmas tree.

Other great options include the Natural History Museum’s rink in front of its Victorian facade and the rink at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s former home. Hampton Court also features in our guide to Britain’s most significant historic sites, if you want to learn more about the palace.

Sessions are usually an hour long, with skate hire included in the ticket. Evening sessions at Somerset House often have a DJ, and there are quieter early sessions designed for families and beginners.

• Getting there: Temple or Embankment for Somerset House, South Kensington for the Natural History Museum, and trains from Waterloo for Hampton Court.
• Time needed: About two hours including queuing and skate hire.
• Tickets: Book timed sessions in advance, especially for weekends.
• Insider tip: Weekday daytime sessions are the cheapest and least crowded.

7. Attend a Carol Service

Hearing carols sung in one of London’s historic churches is a festive highlight. St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey both host services through December, and some are free to attend.

St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square runs candlelit concerts throughout the season. Arrive early, as popular services fill up fast. While you’re in Trafalgar Square, look for the Christmas tree, a gift from Norway every year since 1947 as thanks for British support during the Second World War.

For a big night out, the Royal Albert Hall hosts a series of festive concerts and carol singalongs in December. Many church services are free, but popular ones may need tickets or a long queue, so check each venue’s website for details.

• Getting there: St Paul’s station for the cathedral, Westminster for the abbey and Charing Cross for St Martin-in-the-Fields.
• Time needed: About an hour per service.
• Insider tip: Arrive early for free services, as queues can start well before the doors open.

8. See the Department Store Windows

London’s great department stores create elaborate Christmas window displays that are free to admire from the street. Harrods in Knightsbridge is lit up with thousands of bulbs, while Liberty on Regent Street has its own Christmas shop inside a Tudor-revival building.

Visit Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly for festive hampers and beautiful windows, and Selfridges on Oxford Street for its bold, creative displays.

Inside Harrods, the food halls are worth a visit for Christmas treats, while Liberty’s Christmas shop is one of the first in London to open each year. Many stores offer late-night shopping in December, which makes evening window walks even more festive.

• Getting there: Knightsbridge for Harrods, Oxford Circus for Liberty, Green Park or Piccadilly Circus for Fortnum & Mason and Bond Street or Marble Arch for Selfridges.
• Time needed: Half a day to see several stores.
• Best time to go: Weekday mornings for shopping, or after dark for the windows.

9. Enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a very British tradition, and many London hotels and tea rooms add festive menus in December, with mince pies, Christmas cake and seasonal sandwiches.

Classic choices include The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason and The Savoy, while more playful themed teas are offered across the city. Book weeks in advance, especially for dates close to Christmas.

Many venues serve afternoon tea in timed sittings, and some have dress codes, so check before you go. The Ritz, for example, expects smart dress. Themed teas inspired by books, films and Christmas stories are fun options for families.

• Time needed: About two hours.
• Tickets: Book weeks or even months ahead for December weekends.
• Insider tip: Weekday afternoons in early December are the easiest to book and often better value.

10. Watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks

London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Thames and the London Eye are among the most spectacular in the world. Viewing areas along the river are ticketed and sell out months ahead.

If you miss out, you can watch from elevated spots like Primrose Hill or Greenwich Park, though views are more distant. If London’s fireworks are sold out, compare other cities in our guide to the best places in Europe to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Tickets for the official viewing areas are usually released in the autumn, so keep an eye on the Mayor of London’s announcements if you want a riverside spot. Public transport runs late on New Year’s Eve, but stations near the river may close or become exit-only when crowds build.

• Time needed: The whole evening, as viewing areas open hours before midnight.
• Tickets: Only buy from the official ticket site.
• Insider tip: A restaurant or bar with river views can be a more comfortable way to see the show.

What Should You Know Before Visiting London at Christmas?

Book key events early. Christmas at Kew, Winter Wonderland weekend slots, ice rinks and afternoon tea all sell out. Many tickets go on sale in late summer or early autumn.

Avoid Christmas Day transport surprises. The Tube, buses and trains do not run on 25 December, and service is limited on 26 December. Plan to walk, book a taxi or stay local.

Shop early in the day. Oxford Street and Regent Street get extremely crowded on December weekends. Weekday mornings are much calmer.

Use contactless payment. You can tap in and out of the Tube and buses with a contactless bank card or phone, and daily fares are capped.

Pack for rain. London winters are mild but damp, typically 5 to 10°C. A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes are essential.

Where Should You Stay in London at Christmas?

Covent Garden and the West End put you within walking distance of the lights, theatres and festive markets, though hotels here are the most expensive in December.

South Bank is a great choice for river views, the Winter Market and easy access to the New Year’s Eve fireworks area. Kensington is close to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Harrods and the Natural History Museum’s ice rink, with elegant streets and good hotels.

For better value, look at areas with fast Tube links such as King’s Cross, Bloomsbury or Shoreditch. Staying near a Tube station matters more than staying in the very centre, as the network makes it easy to get around. Remember that on Christmas Day there is no public transport, so if you plan to go out, choose somewhere within walking distance of your plans.

A 3-Day London Christmas Itinerary

Three days is enough to enjoy London’s festive highlights without rushing. This plan groups sights by area.

Day 1: West End Lights

Browse the department stores and Liberty during the day, then walk Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street after dark. End in Covent Garden for dinner.

Day 2: Skating and the South Bank

Skate at Somerset House in the morning, then cross the river to the Southbank Centre Winter Market and walk east to Borough Market. In the evening, enjoy a carol concert or a West End show.

Day 3: Hyde Park and Kew

Spend the afternoon at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, then head west to the Christmas at Kew light trail in the evening.

Getting Around London at Christmas

The Tube and buses are the easiest way to get around, and you can tap in and out with a contactless card or phone. Daily fares are capped, so you won’t pay more than a set amount per day.

Walking is often quicker in the West End, where streets are packed in December. Remember there is no public transport on Christmas Day and only a limited service on Boxing Day, so plan taxis or walks for those days.

How Much Does Christmas in London Cost?

London is expensive in December, especially hotels in central areas and ticketed events. Winter Wonderland rides, Kew, skating and afternoon tea all add up quickly.

You can balance the costs with plenty of free experiences, including the West End lights, the Trafalgar Square tree, department store windows, the Southbank market and many carol services. Booking ticketed events for weekday slots also saves money.

Make the Most of a Festive London Trip

London at Christmas rewards planning: book the headline events, then spend your evenings wandering the lights. It’s a city that really comes alive in the festive season.

Want to see more of the UK in winter? Many of the best UK weekend getaways are easy train trips from London, and several of the UK’s top castles host Christmas events and light trails. Heading across the Channel? The Eurostar puts Europe’s most famous Christmas markets, including those in France and Germany, within easy reach.

Featured image: Photo by Jamie Davies on Unsplash