Visiting London at Christmas is among the most extraordinary experiences you may have. The metropolis transforms right into a magical ambiance of fairy lights, festive spirit, and pop-up bars with boozy sizzling chocolate and road meals. London celebrates the Christmas season higher than most different cities in Europe.
The quantity of festive issues to do in London for Christmas is giant sufficient to tear you off your couch and away from all these back-to-back Christmas movies. Whether you head to Tower Bridge to take a look at its Christmas market or to one of many ice skating rinks dotted across the metropolis, you’ll have a lot enjoyable. London lights up at the moment of yr with a lot consuming, ingesting, enjoyable, and buying.
Festive Things To Do in London at Christmas
In this information, we’ll let you know every little thing you might want to find out about the perfect points of interest and actions to tick off when visiting London at Christmas. From Christmas lights to boozy sizzling chocolate and looking for handmade presents, these are the perfect issues to do in London this December.
1. Covent Garden
There’s no higher place to rejoice a London Christmas than Covent Garden. Covent Garden is among the most famed locations within the metropolis. It is an ornate buying and leisure middle in London’s theatrical West End neighborhood. At Christmas, although, this magical place transforms once more, internet hosting a small Christmas market, 1000’s of festive lights and decorations, and even pretend snow flurries between 12 pm and 9 pm every day. The pretend snow is on the hour in West Piazza – you received’t miss it.
Covent Garden is among the finest locations for undercover Christmas buying and a dependable white Christmas.
2. Try Mulled Wine
Another factor you may’t have a London Christmas with out is mulled wine. Luckily, there’s no scarcity of this tasty festive drink within the metropolis. You can discover scrumptious mulled wine throughout London. The drink is simply piping sizzling purple wine with spices like cinnamon. You can discover it at pop-up bars and established ingesting holes like The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush. Mr Fogg’s Tavern can be an incredible spot for scrumptious mulled wine. Wander by way of the Christmas markets and see if you happen to can spot some to takeaway, or head for a comfortable seat inside one of many London pubs.
3. Hogwarts within the Snow
Everyone is aware of about London’s Harry Potter studio expertise. But do you know it hosts a Christmas particular? Hogwarts within the Snow is a means for followers to rejoice Christmas within the wizarding world and runs generously between mid-November and mid-January. There’s every little thing from Christmas timber within the Great Hall and Yule Ball dance classes. Of course, you’ll see pretend snow in all places – a particular plus with London’s hit-and-miss white Christmases.
You should guide tickets prematurely, which prices round $60 per individual. And it may be finest to guide a guided tour that features transport, as a result of the studio is positioned north of town middle, and is troublesome to achieve with out a automobile.
Guided Tour: Warner Bros Studio from London
4. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a Christmas vacation spot in its personal proper. Seriously, this place is gigantic. If you wish to embrace the Christmas spirit in central London, this is among the most sought-after and well-known festive occasions to take action at. It transforms Hyde Park right into a Bavarian-esque winter wonderland, with large tents promoting Christmas cocktails and German beer, a fairground, meals stalls, and rustic pop-up stalls promoting handmade presents and candy treats. And that’s to not point out its huge ice bar and ice skating rink. Everyone goes to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, however you may see why.
For a little bit of festive cheer, you may’t go flawed. Remember to guide prematurely (straight on the official web site to keep away from scams), because it sells out rapidly.
5. Go Ice Skating
Speaking of festive cheer, what about going ice skating as a standalone exercise? Ice rinks are simply one of the traditional festive actions. When in London, you’ll have dozens at your fingertips. There’s the plain selection of the ice rink in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. But there’s additionally the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, JW3 Ice Rink, and even one on the foot of Battersea Power Station. When we are saying London has a lot of ice rinks, we actually imply it. Pick one (or two) and get your skates prepared.
Enjoying the rinks is among the finest issues to do in London this Christmas. Here is a listing of all the rinks in London this season.
6. Watch a Christmas Concert
You can’t be in London at Christmas and never try one of many Christmas concert events. Carol singing and Christmas songs are the perfect methods to get in a festive temper. Many of London’s occasions are hosted in lovely venues, just like the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts conventional concert events and Christmas carol performances. St. Paul’s Cathedral is one other great place for Christmas carols in festive, atmospheric performances. Our suggestion? Plan to attend a minimum of one live performance when celebrating Christmas in London. The beautiful venues and conventional expertise of carol singing make it the best addition to your festive itinerary.
7. Leicester Square
Leicester Square is the place to be this Christmas in London. Every yr, the sq. is decked with an all-action Christmas market that runs for 2 months, promoting every little thing from meals to mulled wine and providing free entrance. However, we’ll cowl Christmas markets in additional element later.
What we actually love about Leicester Square are its road performers, which tackle further festive inspiration all through December and into January. Leicester Square is action-packed and dramatic, and the general public area pulls out all of the stops through the festive season. If you need free issues to do in London this Christmas, visiting Leicester Square ought to be one in all your high decisions.
8. Westminster Abbey
Everyone is aware of Westminster Abbey – the house of British politics and faith, for higher or worse. You can take guided excursions by way of the Abbey all year long, admiring its grand structure. However, what’s actually thrilling is Westminster Abbey at Christmas.
You can attend quite a few free occasions at Westminster Abbey in December, together with the First Eucharist of Christmas Night and even the Christmas Day Holy Communion. There’s even a Royal Carol Service, the place HRH hosts the festivities. When it involves Westminster Abbey, you’ve simply bought to maintain your eye on its calendar. The Abbey actually goes to city with Christmas occasions in December.
Guided Tour: Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey
9. London Bridge
London Bridge is an iconic a part of the London skyline and embraces an annual Christmas theme. Not solely does the well-known landmark run a Christmas market, however the London Bridge Rooftop transforms right into a magical festive expertise for adults. The lined venue whacks out DJ units, mulled wine, baubles, and Christmas lights – plus a packed menu of festive cocktails and meals. The entire space round London Bridge turns into a hive of exercise, so undoubtedly add London Bridge and its surrounding neighborhood to your checklist of issues to do in London this December.
The Seventies bridge is a traditional little bit of structure and an actual hub for Christmas cheer. You can stroll throughout and admire the festive lights alongside the banks of the River Thames. Or you may head to the close by London Bridge Rooftop and Christmas market.
10. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is among the most well-known landmarks in London and attracts tens of millions of vacationers annually. At Christmas, although, there’s much more purpose to cease by. The sq. has remodeled right into a festive masterpiece and at present boasts a 70-foot tree transported from Norway. It is a part of a practice that has been occurring since 1947, with Norway gifting London a Christmas tree annually in alternate for Britain’s help in World War II. Because of the Norwegian hyperlink, it’s also usually adorned in Norwegian model with vertical Christmas lights.
You can head to Trafalgar Square, admire the tree, take heed to the carol singers, and watch any road performers. The story behind Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree is healthful and a poignant reminder of the tragedies of World War II – making visiting one of the widespread issues to do in London at Christmas. Besides, what’s a London Christmas with out a tree or two?
11. Somerset House
Somerset House is a number one attraction in London, and the neoclassical constructing in central London homes loads of inventive and cultural displays. The most well-known of those is the Courtauld Gallery, an artwork gallery that includes the esteemed piece Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by the beloved Vincent Van Gogh. It is an excellent place to go to all yr spherical. Still, there’s one thing about artwork galleries at Christmas that’s simply further particular. Escape from the chilly and moist, and revel in a number of the Most worthy artwork in England.
What actually makes Somerset House so festive, although, is its huge ice skating rink exterior. You can spend a number of hours admiring the artwork, then head out to ice skate and let your hair down.
Guided Tour: Courtauld Gallery Entrance at Somerset House
12. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a spot of maximum magnificence on the outskirts of London. The botanical backyard involves life each winter with further particular options, together with a festive mild path that wows guests with elaborate mild installations. You stroll by way of the gardens admiring artwork options like a water fountain exploding with illuminated colours or golden mild tunnels. Kew Gardens is an attractive place to rejoice Christmas, and strolling by way of such artistic shows at night time is improbable. There are even distributors promoting sizzling chocolate and piping sizzling festive meals alongside the best way.
You should guide prematurely for Kew Gardens as it’s – understandably – very talked-about. However, it runs from November till January, so you may squeeze in there sooner or later.
13. Watch a Musical or West End Show
West End performs run all yr spherical, however nothing feels extra festive than getting dressed up for a West End manufacturing in December. The cozy and indulgent vibe is unmatched. And you may bask in a champagne and settle right into a heat seat when you loosen up with a night of leisure. West End productions run on loops, with common reveals like The Lion King.
However, you may as well catch festive movie variations in different theaters throughout London, discovering play variations of classics like Charles Dickens. If you need a play various to a Christmas movie, that is the perfect concept to your itinerary. Check out theater performances that coincide with the dates you go to London.
14. Kensington Palace
If you might be visiting London at Christmas, it’s a must to cease by a royal residence or two. Kensington Palace is dwelling to Will and Kate and their youngsters, however a part of the palace is open to the general public nearly day by day. Take benefit of this traditional vacationer attraction and peek at a number of the grandest Christmas decorations within the metropolis.
Kensington Palace additionally opened the Luna Winter Cinema, which reveals open-air Christmas movies. The entire place comes alive with Christmas cheer. And for a homely – if extraordinarily grand – aesthetic, Kensington Palace is among the finest Christmas variations of traditional London points of interest.
Guided Tour: Kensington Palace Entrance
15. Hampton Court
Hampton Court Palace is all the time a good suggestion to go to in London. The palace was really dwelling to Henry the eighth – an especially infamous determine in UK historical past. However, it comes much more to life every Christmas, with a large ice skating rink, beautiful decorations, and a Christmas market with over 100 artisan producers. Hampton Court Palace at Christmas is gorgeous. There are even carriage rides with shire horses across the palace grounds. And if you happen to catch it on a snow day, simply thank your fortunate stars. The purple brick constructing appears to be like beautiful within the snow.
You should purchase tickets to Hampton Court Palace on-line. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open from Wednesday till Sunday from 10 am till 4:00 pm.
Guided Tours: Hampton Court Palace Entrance
16. Neverland’s Winterland
This bar is the perfect in London in case you are an grownup however an enormous child deep down. Neverland London is the place to embrace your inside Peter Pan, with a man-made seaside membership by way of summer season and a winter wonderland by way of the festive season. At Christmas, Neverland transforms into an alpine village with igloos, lodges, and even a ski raise you could dine and drink in.
Neverland is a lot enjoyable, particularly if you wish to take pleasure in cocktails in model. It additionally serves meals – a bar-restaurant with a distinction and probably the greatest issues to do in London at Christmas.
17. Rooftop Views Queen of Hoxton
When in London at Christmas, the Queen of Hoxton is a must-visit venue. It is located in stylish Shoreditch – who doesn’t love this cool London neighborhood – and runs a distinct Christmas theme annually. In 2023, that is gothic Venice, and its winter rooftop beer and cocktail backyard can be suitably decked out.
There’s every little thing from gondola seating to Italian chandeliers. If you need someplace to admire the London surroundings and have a elaborate drink, the Queen of Hoxton is the best place to go to. The pub has three ranges, plus its beautiful rooftop space.
18. Watch or Participate within the Santa Run London
The Santa Run London is among the most hilarious stuff you’ll see. Thousands of contestants wearing Santa costumes dash their means by way of town middle on 5k or 10k routes. The entire occasion is designed to lift cash for charity, and the match amongst you may participate, whereas those who favor to look at can benefit from the spectacle of 1000’s of Santas operating round London.
Participating in or watching the Santa Run London is among the most original and humorous issues to do within the metropolis at Christmas. You received’t see it on the usual vacationer checklist, however that’s half the attract. Embrace the British humorousness and become involved.
There are a handful of Santa operating occasions in December, however the principle one is round Victoria Park.
19. Hyde Park’s Serpentine
If you might be courageous, you may take part within the Peter Pan Cup – a.okay .a. a mad swim round a 100-meter course in Serpentine Lake on Christmas Day- the place the winner is awarded a trophy. The quirky attraction attracts within the bravest potential contestants. The first race was held in 1864 when the writer of Peter Pan awarded the profitable trophy to the triumphant contestant. This is what offers the race its title.
You can compete or, if you happen to aren’t feeling like freezing water on Christmas Day, watch from the banks of Serpentine Lake.
20. Thames Dinner Cruise
A Thames dinner cruise is one other London traditional. Don’t get us flawed, these run all yr spherical. But you may guide distinctive dinner cruise experiences particularly devoted to celebrating Christmas. These cruises have festive music blaring, celebration hats, decorations, and conventional Christmas foods and drinks. This Thames dinner cruise is strictly what you want on a festive London itinerary. And you continue to get all the thrill of sightseeing, with the London landmarks passing by your window.
You can provide it a Google or simply verify the hyperlink beneath to see an incredible instance of Christmas dinner cruises in London.
Guided Tour: Christmas Party Dinner Cruise
21. Walk Down Regent Street
Walking down Regent Street is among the finest issues to do in London at Christmas. The road is famed for high-end retailers like Burberry, and in December, you may admire all of the decorations in Christmas home windows. Regent Street can be the place you’ll discover a number of the most dramatic Christmas lights within the metropolis. As a busy, secure space of London, it’s superb for solo vacationers to discover and embrace a festive night within the metropolis.
Walking down Regent Street is aesthetic and superb for last-minute buying. It is a secure and simple exercise to squeeze into even the busiest London itineraries. Most retailers shut at 8 or 9 pm, so we advise heading there round 5-7 pm.22. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is legendary. You’ve undoubtedly heard of it earlier than. It may not have struck you as a Christmas attraction, however don’t be fooled; this museum has a lot on its sleeve relating to festive cheer. The Natural History Museum has Christmas and winter-themed workshops and pop-up actions. Just verify its web site to see what’s on when you find yourself in London.
There’s additionally a Christmas on the Museum occasion on the twenty second of December and Storytelling with Santa classes from the eleventh to the twenty third of December in 2023. The Santa expertise features a reward and a non-public picture alternative. If you might be touring with younger youngsters, that is an absolute should.
Nothing beats a Christmas store. With the joy, the music, the crowds, and the Christmas lights, it’s the most full of life time of the yr to buy groceries. Armed with an extended checklist of current concepts, it’s no marvel that individuals wish to splurge a lot when buying in London, which has a number of the finest retailers in Europe. At Christmas, Oxford Street is among the finest locations to go. In 2023, it’s adorned with 300,000 floating stars strung over the road in scenic zigzags. And you may head right down to window store or seize last-minute presents beneath the celebs.
Oxford Street has further points of interest, like a life-sized snow globe you may go inside, Santa’s Grotto inside John Lewis, and an immersive artwork expertise showcasing the northern lights.
24. Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Southbank Centre Winter Festival is an attractive place to rejoice Christmas with a lot of enjoyable. There is – after all – a festive market. However, there are additionally choir performances and theatrical productions like The Nutcracker and Christmas Actually. There are dance courses, a free Winter Light artwork exhibition, and free concert events. Southbank Centre actually places the tradition into celebrating Christmas. So, if you happen to love something art-related, simply test it out. It is stuffed with unimaginable actions, and you will get actually caught in.
Most occasions at Southbank are free, and there’s no have to guide. But you may try the entry necessities for particular occasions and an occasion calendar with a fast Google.
25. Head to London Christmas Markets
We have already touched on Christmas markets whereas discussing the opposite finest issues to do in London at Christmas. However, markets are such an enormous a part of the vacation season that we simply had to dedicate a whole part to them. These markets usually run for December, however you get the odd early birds operating from November and stragglers persevering with into January. The finest markets in London are:
Spitalfields Leadenhall Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland Portobello Fleet Street Covent Garden Leicester Square.
You can seize drinks and meals from festive takeaway stalls. Or you may store for artisan and handmade presents or decorations like hand-painted baubles.
26. London Christmas Lights Bus Tour
When visiting London, it’s a must to admire the Christmas lights. Dazzling lights and shows dangling throughout the streets are one of the well-known sorts of Christmas decorations and one thing for the entire household to take pleasure in. London actually goes to city on Christmas lights. The metropolis virtually lights up with twinkling, extravagant, festive-themed lighting decorations.
The finest strategy to see as a lot of London’s Christmas lights as potential is with an open-top bus tour. These buses take you thru the middle of London, passing essentially the most lovely lights and providing you with the perfect seat in the home – watching the lights cross from a rooftop perch. The Christmas lights are so shut you may nearly contact them, and also you’ll get to see every little thing with out the chaos of crowds on the road degree beneath. If you’re going to do only one factor in London this Christmas, this may be our high suggestion.
Guided Tour: Open Top Bus Tour
FAQs: Festive Things to Do in London
Spending the Christmas holidays in London means you will have 1000’s of festive issues to do. There are Christmas markets, ice rinks, concert events, and tens of millions of buying experiences you may match into an itinerary. But earlier than you rush off and revel in that, although, try these frequent FAQs.
Is London a very good place to spend Christmas?
London is an unimaginable place to spend Christmas. There are many Christmas lights, scenic ice rinks, and festive decorations; it has the final word festive aesthetic, and nothing beats wandering its Christmas home windows on Regent Street and the little Christmas markets.
Is Christmas a very good time to go to London?
Christmas is an incredible time to go to London. The festive occasions and beautiful Christmas aesthetic make it probably the greatest locations to remain at the moment of yr. Yes, it will get busy. But that’s the entire level of Christmas; it creates a festive and sociable ambiance. We’d say that Christmas is an ideal time to expertise London – simply be organized and guide every little thing prematurely to counteract the crowds.
What ought to I do for Christmas in London?
You ought to go to a number of the Christmas markets in London and take a bus tour across the metropolis’s Christmas lights. London’s foremost points of interest are all lovely at the moment of yr, with large Christmas timber and decorations, particularly Hampton Court and Kensington Gardens. There are additionally issues like ice skating and the much-adored Winter Wonderland spectacle in Hyde Park.
What is on in London for Christmas 2023?
There are hundreds on at Christmas in London in 2023. Check out the annual occasions like Neverland and Winter Wonderland. But additionally try upcoming West End performances, Christmas movies, and carol-singing occasions. There’s no higher place to rejoice the festive season than in London, and 2023 is ready to be no completely different.
There’s no higher place than London to unfold that Yuletide pleasure. There are so many pop-up occasions and actions between the ice rinks and Christmas markets. Ideally, you’d have a minimum of 3 days to rejoice Christmas in London. This is lengthy sufficient to enterprise out on a day journey to Hampton Court or Richmond Park and spend 2 days having fun with markets, concert events, Christmas lights, and museums.
Are you searching for extra London inspiration? Check these articles out on the finest issues to do year-round, day journeys, and finest London landmarks. It is value noting that London is simply one of many finest locations to go to within the UK. Some northern cities like York and Manchester are additionally beautiful at Christmas, so make good use of the trains and keep longer.