Visiting London at Christmas is among the most extraordinary experiences you possibly can have. The metropolis transforms right into a magical environment of fairy lights, festive spirit, and pop-up bars with boozy scorching chocolate and avenue 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 presently of 12 months with a lot consuming, consuming, enjoyable, and purchasing.
Festive Things To Do in London at Christmas
In this information, we’ll let you know all the pieces it’s good to find out about the most effective sights and actions to tick off when visiting London at Christmas. From Christmas lights to boozy scorching chocolate and looking for handmade items, these are the most effective issues to do in London this December.
1. Covent Garden
There’s no higher place to have fun a London Christmas than Covent Garden. Covent Garden is among the most famed locations within the metropolis. It is an ornate purchasing and leisure heart 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 gained’t miss it.
Covent Garden is among the finest locations for undercover Christmas purchasing and a dependable white Christmas.
2. Try Mulled Wine
Another factor you possibly can’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 scorching pink wine with spices like cinnamon. You can discover it at pop-up bars and established consuming holes like The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush. Mr Fogg’s Tavern can also be an awesome 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 comfy 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 manner for followers to have fun Christmas within the wizarding world and runs generously between mid-November and mid-January. There’s all the pieces from Christmas bushes within the Great Hall and Yule Ball dance classes. Of course, you’ll see pretend snow all over the place – a particular plus with London’s hit-and-miss white Christmases.
You should e-book tickets upfront, which prices round $60 per individual. And it could be finest to e-book a guided tour that features transport, as a result of the studio is situated north of town heart, and is troublesome to achieve with out a automotive.
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 items 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 possibly can see why.
For a little bit of festive cheer, you possibly can’t go fallacious. Remember to e-book upfront (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 numerous 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 an inventory of all the rinks in London this season.
6. Watch a Christmas Concert
You can’t be in London at Christmas and never take a look at one of many Christmas live shows. Carol singing and Christmas songs are the most effective methods to get in a festive temper. Many of London’s occasions are hosted in stunning venues, just like the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts conventional live shows and Christmas carol performances. St. Paul’s Cathedral is one other great place for Christmas carols in festive, atmospheric performances. Our advice? Plan to attend not less than one live performance when celebrating Christmas in London. The beautiful venues and conventional expertise of carol singing make it the perfect addition to your festive itinerary.
7. Leicester Square
Leicester Square is the place to be this Christmas in London. Every 12 months, the sq. is decked with an all-action Christmas market that runs for 2 months, promoting all the pieces 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 avenue 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 in the course of the festive season. If you need free issues to do in London this Christmas, visiting Leicester Square needs to be one in every of 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 received 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 coated venue whacks out DJ units, mulled wine, baubles, and Christmas lights – plus a packed menu of festive cocktails and meals. The complete 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 Nineteen 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 possibly can 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 thousands and thousands of vacationers annually. At Christmas, although, there’s much more motive to cease by. The sq. has remodeled right into a festive masterpiece and presently 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 trade for Britain’s help in World War II. Because of the Norwegian hyperlink, additionally it is 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 avenue 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 standard 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 12 months spherical. Still, there’s one thing about artwork galleries at Christmas that’s simply further particular. Escape from the chilly and moist, and luxuriate in among the most useful artwork in England.
What actually makes Somerset House so festive, although, is its huge ice skating rink outdoors. You can spend a couple 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 utmost magnificence on the outskirts of London. The botanical backyard involves life each winter with further particular options, together with a festive gentle path that wows guests with elaborate gentle installations. You stroll by way of the gardens admiring artwork options like a water fountain exploding with illuminated colours or golden gentle tunnels. Kew Gardens is an exquisite place to have fun Christmas, and strolling by way of such artistic shows at night time is incredible. There are even distributors promoting scorching chocolate and piping scorching festive meals alongside the way in which.
You should e-book upfront for Kew Gardens as it’s – understandably – very fashionable. However, it runs from November till January, so you possibly can squeeze in there sooner or later.
13. Watch a Musical or West End Show
West End performs run all 12 months 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 possibly can take pleasure in a champagne and settle right into a heat seat whilst you chill out with a night of leisure. West End productions run on loops, with common exhibits like The Lion King.
However, you can even catch festive movie variations in different theaters throughout London, discovering play variations of classics like Charles Dickens. If you desire a play various to a Christmas movie, that is the most effective 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, you need 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 virtually day by day. Take benefit of this traditional vacationer attraction and peek at among the grandest Christmas decorations within the metropolis.
Kensington Palace additionally opened the Luna Winter Cinema, which exhibits open-air Christmas movies. The complete 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 sights.
Guided Tour: Kensington Palace Entrance
15. Hampton Court
Hampton Court Palace is at all times a good suggestion to go to in London. The palace was truly dwelling to Henry the eighth – an especially infamous determine in UK historical past. However, it comes much more to life every Christmas, with an enormous 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 pink brick constructing seems attractive within the snow.
You should buy 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 most effective in London if you’re an grownup however a giant child deep down. Neverland London is the place to embrace your inside Peter Pan, with a synthetic seaside membership by way of summer time 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 special Christmas theme annually. In 2023, that is gothic Venice, and its winter rooftop beer and cocktail backyard can be suitably decked out.
There’s all the pieces 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 perfect 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 belongings you’ll see. Thousands of contestants wearing Santa costumes dash their manner by way of town heart on 5k or 10k routes. The complete occasion is designed to boost cash for charity, and the match amongst you possibly can participate, whereas people who desire 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 gained’t see it on the usual vacationer checklist, however that’s half the attract. Embrace the British humorousness and get entangled.
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 possibly can take part within the Peter Pan Cup – a.ok .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 doable 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 provides the race its identify.
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 fallacious, these run all 12 months spherical. But you possibly can e-book distinctive dinner cruise experiences particularly devoted to celebrating Christmas. These cruises have festive music blaring, get together 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 fun of sightseeing, with the London landmarks passing by your window.
You can provide it a Google or simply verify the hyperlink under to see an awesome 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 avenue is famed for high-end outlets like Burberry, and in December, you possibly can admire all of the decorations in Christmas home windows. Regent Street can also be the place you’ll discover among the most dramatic Christmas lights within the metropolis. As a busy, protected space of London, it’s perfect for solo vacationers to discover and embrace a festive night within the metropolis.
Walking down Regent Street is aesthetic and perfect for last-minute purchasing. It is a protected and straightforward exercise to squeeze into even the busiest London itineraries. Most outlets shut at 8 or 9 pm, so we propose heading there round 5-7 pm.22. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is known. You’ve undoubtedly heard of it earlier than. It won’t 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 present and a personal 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 vigorous time of the 12 months to buy groceries. Armed with an extended checklist of current concepts, it’s no surprise that folks wish to splurge a lot when purchasing in London, which has among the finest outlets in Europe. At Christmas, Oxford Street is among the finest locations to move. In 2023, it’s adorned with 300,000 floating stars strung over the road in scenic zigzags. And you possibly can head right down to window store or seize last-minute presents beneath the celebrities.
Oxford Street has further sights, like a life-sized snow globe you possibly can 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 exquisite place to have fun Christmas with numerous 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 live shows. 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 e-book. But you possibly can take a look at 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 a giant a part of the vacation season that we simply had to dedicate a complete 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 possibly can store for artisan and handmade presents or decorations like hand-painted baubles.
26. London Christmas Lights Bus Tour
When visiting London, you need 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 doable is with an open-top bus tour. These buses take you thru the middle of London, passing essentially the most stunning lights and providing you with the most effective seat in the home – watching the lights move from a rooftop perch. The Christmas lights are so shut you possibly can virtually contact them, and also you’ll get to see all the pieces with out the chaos of crowds on the road degree under. If you will do only one factor in London this Christmas, this is able to be our high advice.
Guided Tour: Open Top Bus Tour
FAQs: Festive Things to Do in London
Spending the Christmas holidays in London means you have got 1000’s of festive issues to do. There are Christmas markets, ice rinks, live shows, and thousands and thousands of purchasing experiences you possibly can match into an itinerary. But earlier than you rush off and luxuriate in that, although, take a look at these widespread 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 last 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 lovely Christmas aesthetic make it probably the greatest locations to remain presently of 12 months. Yes, it will get busy. But that’s the entire level of Christmas; it creates a festive and sociable environment. We’d say that Christmas is an ideal time to expertise London – simply be organized and e-book all the pieces upfront to counteract the crowds.
What ought to I do for Christmas in London?
You ought to go to among the Christmas markets in London and take a bus tour across the metropolis’s Christmas lights. London’s most important sights are all stunning presently of 12 months, with big Christmas bushes 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 masses on at Christmas in London in 2023. Check out the annual occasions like Neverland and Winter Wonderland. But additionally take a look at upcoming West End performances, Christmas movies, and carol-singing occasions. There’s no higher place to have fun the festive season than in London, and 2023 is about to be no totally 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 not less than 3 days to have fun 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, live shows, Christmas lights, and museums.
Are you in search of 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.