Visiting London at Christmas is without doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences you’ll be able to have. The town transforms right into a magical ambiance of fairy lights, festive spirit, and pop-up bars with boozy sizzling chocolate and road 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 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 at the moment of 12 months with a lot consuming, consuming, enjoyable, and purchasing.

Festive Issues To Do in London at Christmas

On this information, we’ll inform you all the pieces it’s worthwhile to learn about one of the best points of interest and actions to tick off when visiting London at Christmas. From Christmas lights to boozy sizzling chocolate and purchasing for handmade items, these are one of the best issues to do in London this December.

1. Covent Backyard

There’s no higher place to have fun a London Christmas than Covent Backyard. Covent Backyard is without doubt one of the most famed locations within the metropolis. It’s an ornate purchasing and leisure middle 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 gained’t miss it.

Covent Backyard is without doubt one of the finest locations for undercover Christmas purchasing and a dependable white Christmas.

2. Strive Mulled Wine

One other factor you’ll be able to’t have a London Christmas with out is mulled wine. Fortunately, there’s no scarcity of this tasty festive drink within the metropolis. You could find scrumptious mulled wine throughout London. The drink is simply piping sizzling crimson wine with spices like cinnamon. You could find 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 a terrific 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 comfy 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 all the pieces from Christmas bushes within the Nice Corridor and Yuletide Ball dance classes. After all, you’ll see faux snow all over the place – a particular plus with London’s hit-and-miss white Christmases.

You will need to guide tickets upfront, which prices round $60 per particular person. And it may be finest to guide a guided tour that features transport, as a result of the studio is situated north of the town middle, and is troublesome to achieve 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. Critically, 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 big 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. Everybody goes to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, however you’ll be able to see why.

For a little bit of festive cheer, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken. Bear in mind to guide upfront (instantly on the official web site to keep away from scams), because it sells out rapidly.

5. Go Ice Skating

Talking of festive cheer, what about going ice skating as a standalone exercise? Ice rinks are simply one of the crucial traditional festive actions. When in London, you’ll have dozens at your fingertips. There’s the apparent alternative 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 plenty of ice rinks, we actually imply it. Choose one (or two) and get your skates prepared.

Having fun with the rinks is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in London this Christmas. Here’s a record of the entire rinks in London this season.

6. Watch a Christmas Live performance

You possibly 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 one of the best methods to get in a festive temper. Lots of London’s occasions are hosted in lovely venues, just like the Royal Albert Corridor, 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 a minimum of 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 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 all the pieces 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 road 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 throughout the festive season. In order for you free issues to do in London this Christmas, visiting Leicester Sq. must be considered one of your prime decisions.

8. Westminster Abbey

Everybody is aware of Westminster Abbey – the house of British politics and faith, for higher or worse. You possibly can 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 possibly can attend quite a few free occasions at Westminster Abbey in December, together with the First Eucharist of Christmas Night time 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: Strolling 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 record of issues to do in London this December.

The Seventies bridge is a traditional little bit of structure and an actual hub for Christmas cheer. You possibly can stroll throughout and admire the festive lights alongside the banks of the River Thames. Or you’ll be able to 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 remodeled 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 occurring since 1947, with Norway gifting London a Christmas tree every year in alternate for Britain’s help in World Battle II. Due to the Norwegian hyperlink, it is usually usually adorned in Norwegian fashion with vertical Christmas lights.

You possibly can head to Trafalgar Sq., admire the tree, hearken to the carol singers, and watch any road performers. The story behind Trafalgar Sq.’s Christmas tree is healthful and a poignant reminder of the tragedies of World Battle II – making visiting one of the crucial fashionable 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 reveals. Essentially 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 revel in among the most beneficial artwork in England.

What actually makes Somerset Home so festive, although, is its huge ice skating rink outdoors. You possibly can spend a number of hours admiring the artwork, then head out to ice skate and let your hair down.

Guided Tour: Courtauld Gallery Entrance at Somerset Home

12. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a spot of maximum 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 an exquisite place to have fun Christmas, and strolling by means of such inventive shows at night time is incredible. There are even distributors promoting sizzling chocolate and piping sizzling festive meals alongside the best way.

You will need to guide upfront for Kew Gardens as it’s – understandably – highly regarded. Nevertheless, it runs from November till January, so you’ll be able to 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 comfortable and indulgent vibe is unmatched. And you’ll take pleasure in a champagne and settle right into a heat seat when you chill out 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 various to a Christmas movie, that is one of the best thought on your itinerary. Take a look at theater performances that coincide with the dates you go to London.

14. Kensington Palace

If you’re visiting London at Christmas, it’s important 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 nearly every day. Reap the benefits 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 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 finest Christmas variations of traditional London points of interest.

Guided Tour: Kensington Palace Entrance

15. Hampton Court docket

Hampton Court docket Palace is at all times a good suggestion to go to in London. The palace was really dwelling to Henry the eighth – a particularly infamous determine in UK historical past. Nevertheless, it comes much more to life every Christmas, with a large ice skating rink, beautiful decorations, and a Christmas market with over 100 artisan producers. Hampton Court docket 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 crimson brick constructing seems to be attractive within the snow.

You should purchase tickets to Hampton Court docket 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 docket Palace Entrance

16. Neverland’s Winterland

This bar is one of the best in London in case you are 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 time 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 elevate that you would be able to dine and drink in.

Neverland is a lot enjoyable, particularly if you wish to get pleasure from cocktails in fashion. It additionally serves meals – a bar-restaurant with a distinction and top-of-the-line 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 distinct Christmas theme every year. In 2023, that is gothic Venice, and its winter rooftop beer and cocktail backyard will likely be suitably decked out.

There’s all the pieces 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 beautiful 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 the town middle on 5k or 10k routes. The entire occasion is designed to boost cash for charity, and the match amongst you’ll be able to participate, whereas those who choose 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 original and humorous issues to do within the metropolis at Christmas. You gained’t see it on the usual vacationer record, 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

If you’re courageous, you’ll be able to take part within the Peter Pan Cup – a.okay .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 attainable contestants. The primary race was held in 1864 when the writer of Peter Pan awarded the profitable trophy to the triumphant contestant. That is what offers the race its title.

You possibly can 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 traditional. Don’t get us mistaken, these run all 12 months spherical. However you’ll be able to guide 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 thrill of sightseeing, with the London landmarks passing by your window.

You can provide it a Google or simply examine the hyperlink under to see a terrific instance of Christmas dinner cruises in London.

Guided Tour: Christmas Social gathering Dinner Cruise

21. Stroll Down Regent Avenue

Strolling down Regent Avenue is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in London at Christmas. The road is famed for high-end outlets like Burberry, and in December, you’ll be able to admire all of the decorations in Christmas home windows. Regent Avenue can also be the place you’ll discover among the most dramatic Christmas lights within the metropolis. As a busy, secure space of London, it’s ideally suited for solo vacationers to discover and embrace a festive night within the metropolis.

Strolling down Regent Avenue is aesthetic and ideally suited for last-minute purchasing. It’s a secure 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. 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 examine its web site to see what’s on if 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 reward and a non-public picture alternative. If you’re 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 vigorous time of the 12 months to buy groceries. Armed with a protracted record of current concepts, it’s no surprise that individuals wish to splurge a lot when purchasing in London, which has among the finest outlets in Europe. At Christmas, Oxford Avenue is without doubt one of the finest locations to move. In 2023, it’s adorned with 300,000 floating stars strung over the road in scenic zigzags. And you’ll head right down to window store or seize last-minute presents below the celebs.

Oxford Avenue has further points of interest, like a life-sized snow globe you’ll be able to go inside, Santa’s Grotto inside John Lewis, and an immersive artwork expertise showcasing the northern lights.

24. Southbank Centre Winter Pageant

Southbank Centre Winter Pageant is an exquisite place to have fun Christmas with plenty of enjoyable. There may be – after all – 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 Gentle artwork exhibition, and free live shows. 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 have to guide. However you’ll be able to take a look at the entry necessities for particular occasions and an occasion calendar with a fast Google.

25. Head to London Christmas Markets

Now we have already touched on Christmas markets whereas discussing the opposite finest 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 whole 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 perfect markets in London are:

• Spitalfields
• Leadenhall
• Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
• Portobello
• Fleet Avenue
• Covent Backyard
• Leicester Sq..

You possibly can seize drinks and meals from festive takeaway stalls. Or you’ll be able to store for artisan and handmade presents or decorations like hand-painted baubles.

26. London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

When visiting London, it’s important to admire the Christmas lights. Dazzling lights and shows dangling throughout the streets are one of the crucial well-known forms of Christmas decorations and one thing for the entire household to get pleasure from. London actually goes to city on Christmas lights. The town virtually lights up with twinkling, extravagant, festive-themed lighting decorations.

One of the simplest ways to see as lots of London’s Christmas lights as attainable is with an open-top bus tour. These buses take you thru the middle of London, passing probably the most lovely lights and supplying you with one of the best seat in the home – watching the lights go from a rooftop perch. The Christmas lights are so shut you’ll be able to nearly 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’ll do only one factor in London this Christmas, this is able to be our prime advice.

Guided Tour: Open High Bus Tour

FAQs: Festive Issues to Do in London

Spending the Christmas holidays in London means you will have 1000’s of festive issues to do. There are Christmas markets, ice rinks, live shows, and hundreds of thousands of purchasing experiences you’ll be able to match into an itinerary. However earlier than you rush off and revel in that, although, take a look at these widespread FAQs.

Is London an excellent place to spend Christmas?

London is an unbelievable place to spend Christmas. There are lots 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 Avenue and the little Christmas markets.

Is Christmas an excellent time to go to London?

Christmas is a tremendous time to go to London. The festive occasions and beautiful Christmas aesthetic make it top-of-the-line locations to remain at the moment of 12 months. Sure, it will get busy. However that’s the entire level of Christmas; it creates a festive and sociable ambiance. We’d say that Christmas is an ideal time to expertise London – simply be organized and guide all the pieces upfront to counteract the crowds.

What ought to I do for Christmas in London?

It is best to go to among the Christmas markets in London and take a bus tour across the metropolis’s Christmas lights. London’s important points of interest are all lovely at the moment of 12 months, with big Christmas bushes and decorations, particularly Hampton Court docket 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 ready 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 a minimum of 3 days to have fun Christmas in London. That is lengthy sufficient to enterprise out on a day journey to Hampton Court docket or Richmond Park and spend 2 days having fun with markets, live shows, Christmas lights, and museums.

Are you searching for extra London inspiration? Verify these articles out on the finest issues to do year-round, day journeys, and finest London landmarks. It’s 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.