Fun, FREE Christmas Things To Do in London!
Finding free Christmas things to do in London is not as hard as you might think. In fact, when you live in one of the world’s most expensive cities, you are constantly looking out for discounts or free events and opportunities.
For Americans or other travellers to London who have a limited amount of time for a holiday, it’s nice to have a guide to direct you to ways to save money and effort on research. London has so much to offer during the most wonderful time of the year. Quite a few things will put you in the Christmas spirit while not costing anything! There’s neighbourhood light switch-on parties, displays to see and more. Visiting London at Christmas is like being in a holiday film!
But to keep it simple, this guide is arranged by area. Further, all the suggestions are within walking distance of each other and can easily be seen in one day. For the most part, the focus is on the West End and surrounding borders.
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Christmas Things to Do in London: Covent Garden
Naturally, we’ll start with the area that’s my favourite neighbourhood! Packed with theatres, shopping, restaurants, bars and hotels, Covent Garden offers loads of activities year-round. The free Christmas activities range from the obvious to hidden neighbourhood treasures.
The decorations in the Piazza contribute to some of London’s most popular Instagram moments. Themes change often. Since moving toLondon in 2013 I’ve seen giant baubles, mistletoe and spinning mirror balls. And, I’ve loved nearly every one!
After strolling through the Jubilee Market and Apple Market, you can spend some time taking pictures in front of the Covent Garden Christmas tree or sleigh display and watching the very entertaining street performers.
Years ago they had Santa’s reindeer on display for a series of Saturdays. But they did stop that and it’s likely there won’t be any chance of a return.
Walking North from the Piazza, you’ll find The Yards. This is usually a quiet area, even during peak times and has some fantastic restaurants.
And if you’re looking to make your trip easy and stress free, I’ve created an Ultimate Christmas Guide to London and an Insider’s Guide to London Restaurants. You can get them in a BUNDLE too for more savings!
Christmas in London
Don’t ruin your London trip with a bad itinerary! Your dream Christmas in London starts here.
From sparkling lights to perfect itineraries, self-guided walks and everything in between, our brand new Christmas in London guide is packed with festive magic! (and Mr Sunny’s holiday sausage roll recipe)
Don’t miss out on your Christmas like a movie!
Christmas Things to Do in London: Trafalgar Square
In comparison to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the tree in Trafalgar Square isn’t quite as grand. Nonetheless, visiting it is something I make sure to do several times during the holiday season.
The tree is an annual gift from the people of Norway to the people of London for their support during World War II. Oslo sends a Norwegian spruce tree annually to symbolise the close friendship and to say ‘thank you’ for the assistance provided during the way.
You’ll also find the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market. Mr Sunny stops there annually for his first Christmas sausage of the season. And he has included his family’s holiday sausage roll recipe in the Ultimate Guide to Christmas in London. My favourite market for food is the London Bridge Christmas Market.
And, throughout the season more than 40 carol groups will gather for one hour at a time under the tree to sing and raise money for charitable organisations.
Christmas Things to Do in London: Carnaby Street
Carnaby is the area you need to be, if you want your list of free Christmas Things to Do in London to reflect a more eclectic vibe. Their holiday light switch on party is one of the most energetic of the year!
If you can grab a seat outside on a sunny day at Shakespeare’s Head, you’ll enjoy drinks and a spectacular view of the decorations. It’s something I always do around the first week of January to soak in the final moments of the holidays, reflect on the year and get ready for what’s on the way.
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas has Mr Sunny’s list of 12 Pubs of Christmas you’ll want to have also!
Christmas Things to Do in London: Oxford Street
Not too far north of Carnaby is Oxford Street. This street is famous for many retail chains and countless red buses that travel tirelessly under all the strands of Christmas lights. However, the current Mayor of London is trying to pedestrianise it at the time of this article’s publication.
Aside from gazing at the glistening street lights for free, you can also view the displays at Selfridges. It’s well-known for them not just at Christmas but also historically.
The founder (an American) Harry Gordon Selfridge pioneered innovative and elaborate window displays to attract and entice shoppers. And it was the first in the UK to have illuminated Christmas window displays, which are now a famous London attraction.
Christmas Things to Do in London: Regent Street
Finally, the last stop is the biggest shopping street in Europe, Regent Street. Their seasonal events and decorations are the most majestic in London. Something you can do for free on Regent Street is visit Hamleys. At the entrance you are always greeted with something spectacular. The last time I visited I was showered with bubbles.
The Regent Street location has been there since 1881. So it’s absolutely iconic. It’s the oldest toy shop in the world, for this reason it’s always crowded.
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Free Christmas Things to Do in London: Final Thoughts
For a leisurely day out in London during the holidays, that’s the list of free activities I suggest you do. Given countless beautiful photo opportunities (with some of London’s most iconic images) and countless places to eat, you’ll easily have a full day just enjoying them!
And, my Ultimate Guide to Christmas in London has 4-self-guided festive walks (with a printable copy too!)
You’ll get:
- Digital Christmas in London Guide (70+ pages with clickable links)
- 3-Day Itinerary: Budget-friendly + Luxury versions
- 20+ Linked Videos for visual inspiration
- Lists of the best Christmas markets, trees & more!
What’s on your list of free Christmas things to do in London that you would recommend?
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It’s great to have a list of free things to do. Thanks for the suggestions. I definitely have to try Carnaby Street, but I will wait for a more wintery weather: it does not feel like Christmas in these days!
All great ideas! We did these and more during our trip last year. It was so beautiful!
Hi Sunny, thx for the tips. Free is always good 😉 That way I can safe my Sterling pounds for some crazy shopping!
Cheers, Jempi.
Thank you for this article! I’m going to hang onto it as my hubby and I are spending Christmas in London this year. Question – if we wanted to check out these things in your article, what time on Christmas Eve will these places close??
Hi Sarah! London is so beautiful at Christmas. What locations are you considering for a Christmas Eve?
…and I’m also a FL girl living in the UK! Cheers!