Discover the most fun things to do in London at Christmas, and tour London’s Christmas lights and markets – the best places to see in London during Christmas.
London at Christmas is like a mince pie you actually want to eat: glittering, warm, and a little bit nutty. Whether you’re spending time with family, enjoying free seasonal attractions, or seeking a memorable holiday experience, London becomes a festive winter playground.
From twinkling lights to mulled wine‑soaked markets, here’s your guide to exploring the best places to see in London at Christmas without accidentally getting trampled by Santa’s sleigh.
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🎄 Fun Things to Do in London at Christmas
From twinkling markets to wobbly ice rinks and festive feasts, here’s your ultimate guide to fun things to do in London at Christmas.
🎁 Free Things to Do in London at Christmas
Which are the best places to visit in London for free? Discover the best free things to do in London with family, friends, or solo.
- Southbank Christmas Stroll: Riverside walk with lights and street performers.
- Covent Garden Decorations (12 Nov 2025 – 3 Jan 2026): Giant baubles, twinkling lights, and live street acts.
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree & Carol Singing (9 Nov 2025 – 2 Jan 2026): Iconic tree and seasonal tunes.
- Regent Street, Oxford Street & Carnaby Street Lights (1 Nov – 6 Jan 2026): Glittering streets perfect for evening strolls.
- Winter Lights at Canary Wharf (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026): Illuminated art installations.
- Free Museum Exhibitions: Seasonal displays at the British Museum, National Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum.
💡 Tip: Combine a few of these free things to do in London for a full day of festive exploration without spending a penny.
🎇 Things to Do in London in December 2025
Looking for fun things to do in London at Christmas? Some of the city’s most memorable festive experiences do require a ticket, but they’re worth every penny.
- Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park (14 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026): Ice skating, rides, festive stalls, and shows – most attractions are ticketed.
- Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens (14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026): Timed entry for illuminated trails and festive displays.
- Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros Studio Tour (15 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026): Fun Harry Potter things to do in London.
- Jingle Bell Ball, The O2 Arena (6-7 Dec 2025): Concert with headliners – tickets required.
- Christmas Comes to Moominvalley (5 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026): Family theatre production; tickets from £12‑£26.
🎆 Best London Christmas Markets
Stroll through the best London Christmas markets and soak up the festive chaos – twinkling lights, mulled wine, quirky gifts, and enough holiday cheer to make even the Grinch crack a smile.
- The Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-Up (14 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026): Festive gifts, seasonal treats, and decorations in a royal setting.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market (31 Oct – 26 Dec 2025): Artisan gifts, street food, and seasonal cheer.
- Greenwich Christmas Market (19 Nov 2025 – 23 Jan 2026): Crafts, gifts, and tasty seasonal treats.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market (5 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026): Family-friendly rides, stalls, and lights.
- Borough Market Christmas Stalls (1 Dec – 6 Jan 2026): Holiday cheer in the heart of London.
- London Bridge Christmas Market (14 Nov – 5 Jan 2026): Riverside Christmas market.
- Bath Christmas Walk (27 Nov – 14 Dec 2025): Charming winter market stroll.
London Christmas Markets Tours
✨ London Christmas Lights Tours
London’s Christmas light displays are the best places to visit in London. Don’t forget to include these tours of the most beautiful London Christmas decorations in your London Christmas lights walking route:
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree & Lights (9 Nov – 2 Jan 2026): Iconic lights and tree displays.
- Regent Street & Oxford Street Lights (7 Nov – 6 Jan 2026): Sparkling streets for evening walks.
- Carnaby Street Christmas Lights (1 Nov – 5 Jan 2026): Quirky, colorful lights perfect for photos.
- Kew Gardens Enchanted Lights (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026): Wander through illuminated trails that feel like a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure.
- Annabel’s: Extravagant façade displays and themed decorations that attract festive photo-takers from around the world.
- Fortnum & Mason: Iconic window displays and luxury Christmas hampers steeped in tradition.
- Royal Arcade: Elegant decorations and boutique shopping under glittering arches.
- New Bond Street: Upscale designer stores adorned with dazzling holiday lights.
- The Ritz: Lavish decorations and afternoon tea with festive flair.
- Seven Dials: A charming display of twinkling lights and boutique stores.
- Covent Garden: Giant baubles, a glittering Christmas tree, and pop-up stalls in a magical setting.
- Burlington Arcade: Classic British holiday décor and luxury boutiques.
- Neal’s Yard: Whimsical, colorful lights tucked away in a cozy courtyard.
⛸️ London Christmas Ice Skating Rinks
Glide into the festive spirit with some of the coolest ice-skating rinks in the city. From iconic outdoor rinks to seasonal pop-ups, ice-skating is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas for families, couples, and friends.
- Somerset House Ice Rink (14 Nov 2025 – 12 Jan 2026): Classic courtyard with music and skating lessons.
- Natural History Museum Ice Rink (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026): Skating with dinosaur views and festive lights.
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Hyde Park: Part of the larger park festival; ticketed skating.
❤️ Unique Things to Do in London at Christmas
Looking for cool things to do in London this Christmas? From magical lights to festive storytelling, the city offers experiences you won’t forget.
- London Christmas Carol & Charles Dickens Walking Tour: Follow in Scrooge’s footsteps on a Charles Dickens walking tour.
- Salisbury & Winchester Christmas Markets Tour – Head out from London and explore the twinkling lights of the Christmas markets in both cities on this full-day tour.
- Canterbury Christmas Market – Spend an unforgettable Christmas Eve sightseeing around Leeds Castle, Canterbury, and Dover on this coach tour from London.
- Harry Potter Studio Tour – Christmas Edition: Hogwarts’ sets are beautifully decorated for the season, a must for fans and a standout festive activity.
- Fairytale Christmas Day with Food & Christmas Concert – Learn Christmas trivia from your guide, including about the city’s real-life Grinch.
- London Thames Christmas Lunch Party – Enjoy elegant surroundings, a 3-course meal, festive entertainment, and spectacular views of London landmarks.
- London Christmas Party Dinner Cruise – Enjoy a 3-course festive dinner with wine along London’s beautifully illuminated landmarks while a DJ spins tunes.
- 5-Course Christmas Cooking Class – Learn how to prepare four delightful dishes from an exclusive Christmas Special menu in a fun cooking class.
- London Historical Pubs Tour – Pop into centuries-old alehouses, see literary haunts favored by writers such as Charles Dickens.
- Winter-themed Afternoon Teas: Enjoy seasonal treats and festive flavors in iconic venues, a uniquely London holiday experience.
🍽️ Best Food in London at Christmas
From markets to iconic eateries, there are endless things to do in London this Christmas for food lovers. London’s Christmas food scene is a feast for the senses, with festive treats, seasonal drinks, and hearty meals around every corner.
- Borough Market: Seasonal pies, roasted chestnuts, and hot drinks.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: Artisan chocolates, festive street food, and mulled wine.
- Fortnum & Mason: Luxury mince pies, teas, and Christmas hampers.
- Dishoom Carnaby: Festive Indian-inspired dishes and cocktails.
- Sketch London: Whimsical afternoon teas with a Christmas twist.
🏨 Where to Stay in London at Christmas
From cozy hostels to luxury hotels, London offers the perfect base for exploring festive markets, lights, and holiday events. Finding the best places to stay in London ensures you’re close to all the Christmas fun and seasonal attractions.
Budget / Hostels:
- YHA London St Pancras: Affordable, central, family-friendly.
- Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage: Beautiful Victorian Grade II historic building.
Mid-range Hotels:
- citizenM London Bankside: Stylish, near Southbank Christmas Market.
- Z Hotel Shoreditch: Perfect for exploring festive lights.
Luxury Hotels:
- The Savoy: Iconic, luxuriously decorated for the holidays.
- The Ritz London: Afternoon teas, festive décor, central location.
🚄 Day Trips from London
Looking to escape the city buzz for a day? London’s location makes it perfect for quick getaways, from historic towns to scenic countryside, all just a train ride away.
- Windsor: Explore Windsor Castle, stroll along the River Thames, and soak up the festive decorations in this royal town.
- Bath: Famous for its Georgian architecture and Roman baths, Bath offers charming Christmas markets and cozy cafés.
- Cambridge: Wander the cobbled streets, punting along the River Cam, and enjoy the city’s seasonal charm.
- Oxford: Visit historic colleges, browse quaint bookshops, and enjoy a festive afternoon tea.
- Blenheim Palace: Visit the splendid Blenheim Palace, the fictional “Downton Abbey” village, and the picturesque Cotswolds.
- Brighton: For a coastal twist, explore Brighton Pier, quirky shops, and Christmas pop-ups along the seafront.
- Canterbury: Discover medieval streets, the stunning cathedral, and festive markets in this historic city.
Whether you’re after history, shopping, or a cozy winter stroll, these day trips from London are ideal for adding variety to your festive itinerary.
London at Christmas is impossible not to love. From free activities with kids to festive markets, ice-skating, seasonal feasts, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the city sparkles with holiday magic at every turn. Wrap up warm, sip your mulled wine, and soak in the chaos and charm of London’s unforgettable festive spirit.
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