The BEST Things to Do in London at Christmas
Imagine stepping into a Christmas film! That’s what London feels like in December. Even the most hard-nosed Londoner would struggle to stay a Scrooge here.
Every year, people ask me for the list. It’s the what I think are the best things to do in London at Christmas. This is it. I’ve every year since 2012 doing Christmas activities here and have been writing about them since then. From light trails to candlelit concerts, I’ve seen it all.
These are the ones that still make me feel like I’ve stepped into a Christmas movie. Every time.
If you’re planning a London Christmas trip, you’ve probably already been buried under endless “must-do” lists written by people who spent a weekend here.
The truth? Some of the big attractions are overrated but the right ones still capture that once-in-a-lifetime magic. BUT you have to know where to go and how to plan it.
So, here’s my definitive guide to the very best things to do in London at Christmas. These are the experiences that are worth your time, money and camera roll (well, data plan anyway).
Magical London Experiences
See London’s Famous Christmas Lights
Bond Street, Regent Street, Carnaby and Covent Garden each go big in their own way, with Bond Street’s luxury sparkle and Carnaby’s themed displays leading the charge.
London insider tip: Go around 3.30pm to capture both daylight and night-time photos as the city transforms. If you’d rather skip the crowds, a London Christmas Lights Bus Tour is the best way to see it all without jostling for pavement space.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens transforms every December with laser shows, light tunnels and fire gardens set to music. It’s one of London’s most magical festive events. And it sells out fast.
London insider tip: Book a table at Tap on the Line before your visit. It’s the only pub on a Tube station in London and makes the perfect pre-show stop for dinner or a drink. It’s also a Young’s Pub, one of our favourites for food. We’ve already previewed their Christmas menu lineup this year and it’s a banger!
winter wonderland
Part fairground, part festive escape, Winter Wonderland has everything. You’ll find a Bavarian village, ice bar, circus and giant wheel. Londoners feel it’s become super expensive and do target that quite a bit on social media. There is some truth in that. But, you have to go at least once!
London insider tip: Arrive around 1pm on a weekday to enjoy both daylight and evening views. Buy a ride-and-food package online ahead to save some money.
Festive Food & Drink Things to Do in London at Christmas
enjoy a christmas afternoon tea
London does afternoon tea all year but December adds sparkle and extra warmth. Christmas cakes, spiced scones and champagne. Try Conrad St James, Royal Horseguards Hotel or Intercontinental Park Lane. You can even go to one on a route master bus!
London insider tip: Choose a Christmas Afternoon Tea at a location near your other plans to save time and travel smarter. There are so many excellent options that location matters more than chasing “the best”. Remember, the ‘best’ is only determined but what you’re seeking. That’s what I show you how to determine in the Best Afternoon Teas in London.
have a festive pub dinner & drink
You can’t do a London Christmas without a proper pub visit. The Churchill Arms in Kensington is worth a visit for its exterior alone! It’s covered in hundreds of lights and Christmas trees. Inside, you’ll find excellent Thai food. It’s a Fuller’s pub, one of the few groups in London that consistently serves great food.
London insider tip: Book a table if you plan to eat. The decoration crowds are intense once the lights go up. And if you don’t know what to expect in terms of ordering, drinking and British culture in this atmosphere, read my Tips for Visiting a London Pub for help ahead of time.
visit fortnum & mason
If you love food, shopping and Christmas, you may never leave Fortnum’s. From tea and biscuits to hampers and sparkling wine, everything here feels like an indulgence. The window displays are worth a special trip. And the staircase is always a decoration delight!
London insider tip: Allow extra time. It’s beautiful but busy and the queues for hampers and tea move slowly.
Classic Christmas Traditions
visit london’s christmas markets
London’s markets are about atmosphere, fun and festive food, plus a little shopping.
- London Bridge, unmatched views of Tower Bridge and the skyline
- Southbank Centre, great for drinks and riverside strolling
- St Katharine Docks Victorian Village, new this year, with gin and independent brands
London insider tip: Don’t expect European-style originality. You’ll find the most unique stalls at St Katharine Docks, while London Bridge offers the best setting for photos. To read more about what to expect there (and what to watch out for!) get my in depth look at London Bridge Christmas Market. You also would find interesting ideas to consider ahead of time in my ideas for the Best Things to Buy in London.
go ice skating
Somerset House is London’s classic rink. But Battersea Power Station’s Glide experience feels newer and less crowded. Even if you don’t skate, it’s worth visiting for the view and atmosphere.
London insider tip: Glide is best midweek. You can watch from the sidelines with a drink and still feel part of it. Additionally, I think this one is best for families.
Culture & Entertainment Things to Do in London for Christmas
hogwarts in the snow
The Warner Bros Studio Tour gets a full Christmas makeover, with snow-covered sets and the Great Hall dressed for the season.
London insider tip: If tickets are sold out, check coach tour packages. Operators often hold advance allocations that include transport and entry. I present a detailed review of your options for How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour on this website too.
see a festive show
London’s theatre scene shines brightest at Christmas. Classics like A Christmas Carol, Elf the Musical and The Nutcracker never fail to impress.
London insider tip: Use TodayTix for discounts and last-minute seats. You can often score premium tickets for less if you’re flexible. I give notices on sales they have in my weekly newsletter, sent on SUNdays!
Don’t Miss London News!
attend a candlelight concert
These concerts mix classical and film music under flickering candlelight at venues like Southwark Cathedral or Central Hall Westminster.
London insider tip: You don’t need front-row seats unless you plan to film (which is always my case!). We went to Christmas Movie Theme Songs last year and already have tickets for Christmas Carols by Candlelight for this year. They’re addictive.
Final Thoughts
London at Christmas doesn’t just sparkle, it glows with atmosphere. The lights, the music and the sheer sense of celebration make the city feel like the set of a holiday film. Whether you’re wandering through Kew’s fire gardens, sipping tea under chandeliers or watching snow fall over Hogwarts, London in December is pure magic. It really is a Holiday film!
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!
Ready to plan your Christmas trip? Grab my London Christmas Planner! It includes a 3-day festive itinerary, booking links, and pub recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
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A great list – feeling festive already. I also love Carols for Christmas by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields just off Trafalgar Square
Simon, thank you for reading and for adding the GREAT suggestion! Is it possible for you to add the link to where readers can find this information? 🙂
We did most of these during our visit to London last year. SO much fun! It’s so beautiful at Christmas!
What fun! I’m working on my own list as we speak (and checking it twice, of course).
You forgot to add see a pantomime, a uniquely British piece of theatre I was not familiar with before moving here. It is slapstick comedy based on a fairy tale or nursery rhyme produced at Christmas. Lots of raucous fun from the audience shouting “he’s behind you”.
I’ve visited the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park for the last couple of years and it’s fantastic! I’ve never actually got round to visiting the ice bar, but I really need to do that one year!
Hi there! Thank you for reading. The Ice Bar is a really fun activity for a group of friends, colleagues or even a date. I’d love to go back this season. Anything you’d recommend that isn’t listed?
If you’re a Potter fan, this place can and will entertain you for hours on ends as it unveils all the odds and ends of the franchise and takes you through some of the beloved places many children and adults still, as J.K. Rowling suggested, call home.