Visiting London at Christmas is without doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences you possibly can have. Town transforms right into a magical environment of fairy lights, festive spirit, and pop-up bars with boozy sizzling 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 massive sufficient to tear you off your couch and away from all these back-to-back Christmas movies. Whether or not 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, ingesting, enjoyable, and procuring.
Festive Issues To Do in London at Christmas
On this information, we’ll inform you the whole lot it’s essential learn about the most effective sights and actions to tick off when visiting London at Christmas. From Christmas lights to boozy sizzling chocolate and looking for handmade items, these are the most effective issues to do in London this December.
1. Covent Backyard
There’s no higher place to have fun a London Christmas than Covent Garden. Covent Backyard is without doubt one of the most famed locations within the metropolis. It’s an ornate procuring and leisure heart in London’s theatrical West Finish 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 faux snow flurries between 12 pm and 9 pm every day. The faux snow is on the hour in West Piazza – you received’t miss it.
Covent Backyard is without doubt one of the greatest locations for undercover Christmas procuring and a dependable white Christmas.
2. Strive Mulled Wine
One other factor you possibly can’t have a London Christmas with out is mulled wine. Fortunately, there’s no scarcity of this tasty festive drink within the metropolis. You’ll find scrumptious mulled wine throughout London. The drink is simply piping sizzling pink wine with spices like cinnamon. You’ll find 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 means of the Christmas markets and see when you can spot some to takeaway, or head for a comfortable seat inside one of many London pubs.
3. Hogwarts within the Snow
Everybody is aware of about London’s Harry Potter studio expertise. However 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 the whole lot from Christmas bushes within the Nice Corridor and Xmas Ball dance classes. In fact, you’ll see faux snow in all places – a particular plus with London’s hit-and-miss white Christmases.
It’s essential to e book tickets prematurely, which prices round $60 per individual. And it may be greatest to e book a guided tour that features transport, as a result of the studio is positioned north of town heart, and is troublesome to succeed in with no 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. Significantly, this place is big. If you wish to embrace the Christmas spirit in central London, this is without doubt one of 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 enormous 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 large ice bar and ice skating rink. Everybody goes to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, however you possibly can see why.
For a little bit of festive cheer, you possibly can’t go incorrect. Bear in mind to e book prematurely (straight on the official web site to keep away from scams), because it sells out shortly.
5. Go Ice Skating
Talking of festive cheer, what about going ice skating as a standalone exercise? Ice rinks are simply one of the vital basic festive actions. When in London, you’ll have dozens at your fingertips. There’s the apparent selection of the ice rink in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. However there’s additionally the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, JW3 Ice Rink, and even one on the foot of Battersea Energy Station. After we say London has numerous ice rinks, we actually imply it. Decide one (or two) and get your skates prepared.
Having fun with the rinks is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in London this Christmas. Here’s a list of all of the rinks in London this season.
6. Watch a Christmas Live performance
You’ll be able to’t be in London at Christmas and never take a look at one of many Christmas concert events. Carol singing and Christmas songs are the most effective methods to get in a festive temper. Lots 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 advice? Plan to attend at the very least one live performance when celebrating Christmas in London. The gorgeous venues and conventional expertise of carol singing make it the perfect addition to your festive itinerary.
7. Leicester Sq.
Leicester Sq. is the place to be this Christmas in London. Yearly, the sq. is decked with an all-action Christmas market that runs for 2 months, promoting the whole lot from meals to mulled wine and providing free entrance. Nevertheless, we’ll cowl Christmas markets in additional element later.
What we actually love about Leicester Sq. are its avenue performers, which tackle further festive inspiration all through December and into January. Leicester Sq. is action-packed and dramatic, and the general public house pulls out all of the stops through the festive season. In order for you free issues to do in London this Christmas, visiting Leicester Sq. needs to be one among your high selections.
8. Westminster Abbey
Everybody is aware of Westminster Abbey – the house of British politics and faith, for higher or worse. You’ll be able to take guided excursions by means of the Abbey all year long, admiring its grand structure. Nevertheless, what’s actually thrilling is Westminster Abbey at Christmas.
You’ll be able to attend quite a few free occasions at Westminster Abbey in December, together with the First Eucharist of Christmas Evening and even the Christmas Day Holy Communion. There’s even a Royal Carol Service, the place HRH hosts the festivities. With regards to 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 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 listing of issues to do in London this December.
The Nineteen Seventies bridge is a basic little bit of structure and an actual hub for Christmas cheer. You’ll be able to 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 Sq.
Trafalgar Sq. is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in London and attracts hundreds of thousands of vacationers every year. At Christmas, although, there’s much more motive to cease by. The sq. has reworked right into a festive masterpiece and presently boasts a 70-foot tree transported from Norway. It’s a part of a practice that has been happening since 1947, with Norway gifting London a Christmas tree every year in alternate for Britain’s help in World Warfare II. Due to the Norwegian hyperlink, it is usually usually embellished in Norwegian fashion with vertical Christmas lights.
You’ll be able to head to Trafalgar Sq., admire the tree, take heed to the carol singers, and watch any avenue performers. The story behind Trafalgar Sq.’s Christmas tree is healthful and a poignant reminder of the tragedies of World Warfare II – making visiting one of the vital well-liked issues to do in London at Christmas. In addition to, what’s a London Christmas with no tree or two?
11. Somerset Home
Somerset Home is a number one attraction in London, and the neoclassical constructing in central London homes loads of inventive and cultural displays. Probably 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’s a sensible place to go to all 12 months spherical. Nonetheless, there’s one thing about artwork galleries at Christmas that’s simply further particular. Escape from the chilly and moist, and luxuriate in taking a look at a few of the most dear artwork in England.
What actually makes Somerset Home so festive, although, is its huge ice skating rink exterior. You’ll be able to 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 mild path that wows guests with elaborate mild installations. You stroll by means of the gardens admiring artwork options like a water fountain exploding with illuminated colours or golden mild tunnels. Kew Gardens is a fantastic place to have fun Christmas, and strolling by means of such artistic shows at night time is unbelievable. There are even distributors promoting sizzling chocolate and piping sizzling festive meals alongside the best way.
It’s essential to e book prematurely for Kew Gardens as it’s – understandably – highly regarded. Nevertheless, it runs from November till January, so you possibly can squeeze in there sooner or later.
13. Watch a Musical or West Finish Present
West Finish performs run all 12 months spherical, however nothing feels extra festive than getting dressed up for a West Finish manufacturing in December. The comfy and indulgent vibe is unequalled. And you’ll take pleasure in a champagne and settle right into a heat seat when you loosen up with a night of leisure. West Finish productions run on loops, with common reveals like The Lion King.
Nevertheless, it’s also possible to catch festive movie variations in different theaters throughout London, discovering play variations of classics like Charles Dickens. In order for you a play different to a Christmas movie, that is the most effective thought to your itinerary. Take a look at theater performances that coincide with the dates you go to London.
14. Kensington Palace
In case you are visiting London at Christmas, you need to cease by a royal residence or two. Kensington Palace is dwelling to Will and Kate and their kids, however a part of the palace is open to the general public virtually every day. Reap the benefits of this basic vacationer attraction and peek at a few 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 without doubt one of the greatest Christmas variations of basic London sights.
Guided Tour: Kensington Palace Entrance
15. Hampton Courtroom
Hampton Courtroom 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. Nevertheless, it comes much more to life every Christmas, with a large ice skating rink, gorgeous decorations, and a Christmas market with over 100 artisan producers. Hampton Courtroom Palace at Christmas is gorgeous. There are even carriage rides with shire horses across the palace grounds. And when you catch it on a snow day, simply thank your fortunate stars. The pink brick constructing appears attractive within the snow.
You should buy tickets to Hampton Courtroom Palace on-line. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open from Wednesday till Sunday from 10 am till 4:00 pm.
Guided Excursions: 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 seashore membership by means of summer season and a winter wonderland by means of the festive season. At Christmas, Neverland transforms into an alpine village with igloos, lodges, and even a ski carry that you may dine and drink in.
Neverland is a lot enjoyable, particularly if you wish to take pleasure in cocktails in fashion. It additionally serves meals – a bar-restaurant with a distinction and among the finest 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’s located in stylish Shoreditch – who doesn’t love this cool London neighborhood – and runs a special Christmas theme every year. In 2023, that is gothic Venice, and its winter rooftop beer and cocktail backyard can be suitably decked out.
There’s the whole lot from gondola seating to Italian chandeliers. In order for you someplace to admire the London surroundings and have a flowery drink, the Queen of Hoxton is the perfect place to go to. The pub has three ranges, plus its gorgeous rooftop space.
18. Watch or Take part within the Santa Run London
The Santa Run London is without doubt one of the most hilarious belongings you’ll see. Hundreds of contestants wearing Santa costumes dash their manner by means of town heart on 5k or 10k routes. The entire occasion is designed to lift cash for charity, and the match amongst you possibly can participate, whereas those who desire to observe can benefit from the spectacle of 1000’s of Santas working round London.
Taking part in or watching the Santa Run London is without doubt one of the most unusual and humorous issues to do within the metropolis at Christmas. You received’t see it on the usual vacationer listing, however that’s half the attract. Embrace the British humorousness and get entangled.
There are a handful of Santa working occasions in December, however the principle one is round Victoria Park.
19. Hyde Park’s Serpentine
In case you are 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 potential contestants. The primary race was held in 1864 when the writer of Peter Pan awarded the successful trophy to the triumphant contestant. That is what offers the race its title.
You’ll be able to compete or, when you 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 basic. Don’t get us incorrect, these run all 12 months spherical. However you possibly can e book distinctive dinner cruise experiences particularly devoted to celebrating Christmas. These cruises have festive music blaring, social gathering 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 incredible instance of Christmas dinner cruises in London.
Guided Tour: Christmas Party Dinner Cruise
21. Stroll Down Regent Road
Strolling down Regent Road is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in London at Christmas. The road is famed for high-end outlets like Burberry, and in December, you possibly can admire all of the decorations in Christmas home windows. Regent Road can be the place you’ll discover a few of the most dramatic Christmas lights within the metropolis. As a busy, secure space of London, it’s supreme for solo vacationers to discover and embrace a festive night within the metropolis.
Strolling down Regent Road is aesthetic and supreme for last-minute procuring. It’s a secure and simple exercise to squeeze into even the busiest London itineraries. Most outlets shut at 8 or 9 pm, so we advise heading there round 5-7 pm.22. Pure Historical past Museum
The Pure Historical past Museum is known. 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 concerning festive cheer. The Pure Historical past Museum has Christmas and winter-themed workshops and pop-up actions. Simply 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 periods from the eleventh to the twenty third of December in 2023. The Santa expertise features a present and a personal photograph alternative. In case you are touring with younger kids, that is an absolute should.
Nothing beats a Christmas store. With the thrill, the music, the crowds, and the Christmas lights, it’s the most energetic time of the 12 months to buy groceries. Armed with an extended listing of current concepts, it’s no marvel that individuals wish to splurge a lot when procuring in London, which has a few of the greatest outlets in Europe. At Christmas, Oxford Road is without doubt one of the greatest locations to move. In 2023, it’s embellished with 300,000 floating stars strung over the road in scenic zigzags. And you’ll head all the way down to window store or seize last-minute presents below the celebs.
Oxford Road 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 Competition
Southbank Centre Winter Festival is a fantastic place to have fun Christmas with numerous enjoyable. There’s – in fact – a festive market. Nevertheless, there are additionally choir performances and theatrical productions like The Nutcracker and Christmas Really. There are dance lessons, a free Winter Mild artwork exhibition, and free concert events. Southbank Centre actually places the tradition into celebrating Christmas. So, when you love something art-related, simply test it out. It is filled with unbelievable actions, and you may get actually caught in.
Most occasions at Southbank are free, and there’s no must e book. However 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’ve got already touched on Christmas markets whereas discussing the opposite greatest issues to do in London at Christmas. Nevertheless, 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 working from November and stragglers persevering with into January. The most effective markets in London are:
- Spitalfields
- Leadenhall
- Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
- Portobello
- Fleet Road
- Covent Backyard
- Leicester Sq..
You’ll be able to 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 vital well-known kinds of Christmas decorations and one thing for the entire household to take pleasure in. London actually goes to city on Christmas lights. Town virtually lights up with twinkling, extravagant, festive-themed lighting decorations.
One of the simplest ways 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 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 the whole lot with out the chaos of crowds on the road stage under. If you will do only one factor in London this Christmas, this might be our high advice.
Guided Tour: Open Top Bus Tour
FAQs: Festive Issues to Do in London
Spending the Christmas holidays in London means you’ve 1000’s of festive issues to do. There are Christmas markets, ice rinks, concert events, and hundreds of thousands of procuring experiences you possibly can match into an itinerary. However earlier than you rush off and luxuriate in that, although, take a look at these widespread FAQs.
Is London a superb place to spend Christmas?
London is an unbelievable place to spend Christmas. There are a lot of 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 Road and the little Christmas markets.
Is Christmas a superb time to go to London?
Christmas is a tremendous time to go to London. The festive occasions and beautiful Christmas aesthetic make it among the finest locations to remain presently of 12 months. Sure, it will get busy. However 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 the whole lot prematurely to counteract the crowds.
What ought to I do for Christmas in London?
It is best to go to a few of the Christmas markets in London and take a bus tour across the metropolis’s Christmas lights. London’s predominant sights are all lovely presently of 12 months, with big Christmas bushes and decorations, particularly Hampton Courtroom and Kensington Gardens. There are additionally issues like ice skating and the much-adored Winter Wonderland spectacle in Hyde Park.
What’s on in London for Christmas 2023?
There are hundreds on at Christmas in London in 2023. Take a look at the annual occasions like Neverland and Winter Wonderland. But in addition take a look at upcoming West Finish 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 such a lot of pop-up occasions and actions between the ice rinks and Christmas markets. Ideally, you’d have at the very least 3 days to have fun Christmas in London. That is lengthy sufficient to enterprise out on a day journey to Hampton Courtroom or Richmond Park and spend 2 days having fun with markets, concert events, Christmas lights, and museums.
Are you in search of extra London inspiration? Test these articles out on the best things to do year-round, day trips, and best London landmarks. It’s price noting that London is simply one of many best places to visit in the UK. Some northern cities like York and Manchester are additionally gorgeous at Christmas, so make good use of the trains and keep longer.
