Top 26 Christmas Activities in London for a Joyful Holiday Season

Visiting London at Christmas is one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have. The city transforms into a magical atmosphere of fairy lights, festive spirit, and pop-up bars with boozy hot chocolate and street food. London celebrates the Christmas season better than most other cities in Europe.

The amount of festive things to do in London for Christmas is large enough to pull you off your sofa and away from all those back-to-back Christmas films. Whether you head to Tower Bridge to check out its Christmas market or visit one of the ice skating rinks scattered throughout the city, you’ll have an unforgettable time. London lights up at this time of year with a plethora of eating, drinking, fun, and shopping activities.

Festive Things To Do in London at Christmas

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the best attractions and activities to tick off when visiting London at Christmas. From dazzling Christmas lights to indulgent mulled wine and shopping for handmade gifts, these are the most festive things to do in London this December.

1. Covent Garden

There’s no better place to celebrate a London Christmas than Covent Garden. This renowned shopping and entertainment center in London’s theatrical West End transforms into a festive wonderland, hosting a charming Christmas market, thousands of shimmering lights, and even faux snow flurries daily from 12 pm to 9 pm. The snow falls on the hour in West Piazza – an experience you won’t want to miss.

Covent Garden is one of the best spots for undercover Christmas shopping, ensuring a reliable white Christmas ambiance.

2. Try Mulled Wine

No London Christmas is complete without sampling mulled wine. Fortunately, the city is brimming with this delightful festive beverage. Enjoy piping hot red wine infused with spices like cinnamon at numerous locations across London. The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush and Mr Fogg’s Tavern are excellent choices for delicious mulled wine. Stroll through the Christmas markets and keep an eye out for takeaway options or cozy up inside one of the welcoming London pubs.

3. Hogwarts in the Snow

Many are familiar with London’s Harry Potter studio experience, but did you know it hosts a delightful Christmas special? Hogwarts in the Snow allows fans to celebrate the holiday season in the wizarding world, running from mid-November to mid-January. This enchanting experience features Christmas trees in the Great Hall, Yule Ball dance lessons, and of course, plenty of artificial snow, adding to the festive atmosphere amidst London’s unpredictable winters.

Tickets need to be secured in advance, typically costing around $60 per person. Consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation, as the studio is located north of the city center and can be difficult to reach without a car.

4. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has become a Christmas destination in its own right. This enormous festive event transforms Hyde Park into a Bavarian-inspired winter wonderland, boasting large tents serving Christmas cocktails and German beer, a bustling fairground, food stalls, and rustic pop-up shops offering handmade gifts and sweet treats. Don’t miss the spectacular ice bar and ice skating rink. It’s a quintessential experience, making it easy to see why everyone flocks to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

For a bit of holiday cheer, you can’t go wrong here. Remember to arrange your visit in advance to avoid missing out.

5. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is a timeless festive activity, and London offers countless options for this classic pastime. Among the many choices are the ice rink in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, and even one at the foot of Battersea Power Station. The variety of ice skating rinks in London is impressive, so be sure to lace up your skates and enjoy this winter wonder!

6. Watch a Christmas Concert

Visiting London during Christmas without attending a concert would be a missed opportunity. Carol singing and Christmas songs are fantastic ways to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Many events take place in beautiful venues like the Royal Albert Hall, featuring traditional concerts and carol performances. St. Paul’s Cathedral also offers a picturesque setting for festive musical experiences. Make it a priority to attend at least one concert while you’re in the city, as the combination of stunning venues and traditional carol singing creates an ideal festive outing.

7. Leicester Square

Leicester Square truly shines during Christmas in London. Every year, the square is adorned with a vibrant Christmas market that runs for two months, offering everything from food to mulled wine, all free to enter. Moreover, the street performers take on extra festive flair throughout December and into January, adding to the excitement. If you’re searching for free activities in London this Christmas, visiting Leicester Square should be high on your list.

8. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an iconic site known for UK history, and visiting it during Christmas offers particularly enchanting experiences. Free events abound in December, including the First Eucharist of Christmas Night and Christmas Day Holy Communion. The Royal Carol Service hosted by HRH adds a regal touch to the festivities. To enjoy the full breadth of Westminster Abbey’s Christmas events, be sure to follow its calendar.

9. London Bridge

London Bridge is not only an iconic piece of the city’s skyline but also embraces a festive theme every year. The famous landmark features a Christmas market, and the London Bridge Rooftop transforms into a magical experience complete with DJ sets, mulled wine, baubles, and twinkling Christmas lights. The surrounding area becomes a hub of festive activity, making it an ideal stop on your Christmas itinerary.

10. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square, a beloved landmark, draws millions of visitors annually, particularly during Christmas. The square showcases a stunning 70-foot Christmas tree, generously sent from Norway each year as a gesture of gratitude for Britain’s assistance during World War II. The tree is adorned in traditional Norwegian style, creating a picturesque holiday scene. It’s a must-visit spot to appreciate the spectacular decorations, enjoy the carol singing, and take in the festive ambiance.

11. Somerset House

Somerset House, an artistic hub in central London, is home to numerous exhibitions, most notably the Courtauld Gallery, which showcases remarkable art pieces. While it’s an exceptional place to visit year-round, the festive spirit truly amplifies during Christmas. At Somerset House, visitors can marvel at the large outdoor ice skating rink, offering the perfect combination of art appreciation and winter fun.

12. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, a breathtaking botanical garden, becomes a winter wonderland every December. Featuring an extraordinary light trail with dazzling installations, visitors can marvel at artistic features such as illuminated fountains and golden light tunnels. Walking through Kew Gardens at night is a magical experience, enhanced further by vendors selling hot chocolate and festive treats along the route.

13. Watch a Musical or West End Show

West End productions are available throughout the year, but the festive season makes attending a show even more special. Putting on your best attire and enjoying a warm drink while watching talented performers is a remarkable experience. Consider catching a classic musical or festive theatrical adaptations happening in various theaters across the city.

14. Kensington Palace

If you’re in London at Christmas, a royal residence visit is a must. Kensington Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, boasts some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in the city. The palace also features the Luna Winter Cinema, which screens open-air Christmas films, enhancing the grandeur of this holiday destination.

15. Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace, historically home to King Henry VIII, offers an extraordinary experience during the holiday season. With its sprawling ice skating rink, stunning decorations, and a Christmas market filled with over 100 artisan stalls, Hampton Court is a picturesque destination to enjoy Christmas cheer. If you visit on a snowy day, the red brick building becomes strikingly beautiful against a winter backdrop.

16. Neverland’s Winterland

If you’re searching for a uniquely adult experience, Neverland London is the place to be. This venue embraces the whimsical spirit of Peter Pan, transforming into an alpine village during the festive season. Enjoy cocktails and delicious food while seated in cozy igloos or under charming holiday decorations.

17. Rooftop Views Queen of Hoxton

The Queen of Hoxton offers a vibrant rooftop venue in trendy Shoreditch, featuring a different festive theme each year. In 2023, it transforms into gothic Venice, complete with gondola seating and stunning Italian chandeliers. This location is perfect for savoring scenic views of London while enjoying specialty drinks.

18. Watch or Participate in the Santa Run London

The Santa Run London is a delightful spectacle where thousands of participants don Santa costumes and race through the city center on 5k or 10k routes. This event raises funds for charity, making it a fun and unique festive experience to participate in or watch.

19. Hyde Park’s Serpentine

If you’re adventurous, consider joining the Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day. This quirky tradition involves swimming a 100-meter race in Serpentine Lake, where a trophy is awarded to the winner. Participants can brave the frigid waters, but spectators can enjoy the excitement from the lake’s banks.

20. Thames Dinner Cruise

A Thames dinner cruise is a lovely idea to combine sightseeing with festive dining. While these cruises operate year-round, ones dedicated to the Christmas season offer festive music, party hats, and traditional holiday fare. This is an enjoyable way to soak in London’s landmark views while celebrating the holidays.

21. Walk Down Regent Street

Strolling down Regent Street is one of the most delightful activities during Christmas in London. Renowned for its high-end shops, the street is beautifully decorated, with dramatic Christmas lights illuminating the way. This safe, busy area is perfect for solo travelers to explore while soaking in the holiday spirit.

22. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum might not immediately spring to mind as a Christmas attraction, but it offers seasonal workshops and pop-up activities during this time. In 2023, there is a special Christmas at the Museum event on December 22nd, alongside Storytelling with Santa sessions from December 11th to 23rd, making it a fantastic experience for families with young children.

23. Shopping on Oxford Street

There’s nothing quite like shopping during Christmas. With festive music and dazzling lights, Oxford Street is a vibrant place to find gifts. In 2023, it features 300,000 floating stars that create a magical atmosphere. Window shopping, visiting Santa’s Grotto inside John Lewis, and discovering immersive art experiences are highlights during the holiday shopping season.

24. Southbank Centre Winter Festival

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is an excellent venue for celebrating Christmas, featuring a festive market, choir performances, and theatrical productions like The Nutcracker and Christmas Actually. Join dance classes or enjoy free winter art exhibitions and concerts. Most events at Southbank Centre are free, making it easy to join in on the festive fun.

25. Head to London Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are such a vital part of the holiday season that they deserve their own section here. They typically run throughout December, with some starting in November and continuing into January. The best markets in London include:

• Spitalfields
• Leadenhall
• Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
• Portobello
• Fleet Street
• Covent Garden
• Leicester Square

At these markets, you can find delicious drinks, festive food, and artisan gifts to take home.

26. London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Admiring the dazzling Christmas lights while wandering through the streets is a family-friendly activity every visitor must experience. The city’s Christmas lights are twinkling spectacles of festive-themed decorations, and the best way to see them all is through an open-top bus tour. Enjoy a comfortable ride while witnessing the stunning displays up close – an unforgettable way to kick off your holiday explorations in London.

FAQs: Festive Things to Do in London

Spending the Christmas holidays in London offers countless festive opportunities, from Christmas markets to ice rinks and concerts. Before you head off for your adventure, let’s address some common questions.

Is London a good place to spend Christmas?

Absolutely! London is a spectacular destination for Christmas, featuring magnificent lights, charming ice rinks, and wonderful decorations. The atmosphere while wandering through the festive windows on Regent Street or exploring Christmas markets is simply magical.

Is Christmas a good time to go to London?

Without a doubt! The festive events and gorgeous Christmas décor make it an ideal time to visit. While London does get busy during the holidays, this vibrant energy adds to the sociability of the atmosphere. Just be well-organized and plan ahead to make the most of your trip.

What should I do for Christmas in London?

You should definitely visit Christmas markets and take a bus tour to view the twinkling lights. Major attractions are stunning this season, particularly Hampton Court and Kensington Gardens, with their giant Christmas trees and decorations. Don’t miss out on ice skating and the delightful Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park!

What is on in London for Christmas 2023?

London is set to host many exciting events this Christmas, including notable attractions like Neverland and Winter Wonderland. Be sure to check out upcoming West End shows, Christmas films, and carol-singing events that will fill the festive calendar with joy.

There is no better place to spread the festive cheer than in London during the holidays. Between the pop-up events, ice rinks, and Christmas markets, you’ll find there’s something for everyone. Ideally, you’d want at least three days to truly relish in the Christmas spirit – enough time to explore a day trip to Hampton Court or Richmond Park while dedicating two days to enjoy markets, concerts, lights, and museums.

For more London inspiration, consider looking into the best things to do year-round, day trips, and best London landmarks. London is just one of the best places to visit in the UK, with other northern cities like York and Manchester also providing breathtaking Christmas experiences, making travel around the UK worthwhile.