9 Unmissable Things to Do in London during Christmas! (2026 Guide)
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No where compares to London during Christmas. As winter sets in and the sun begins to dip earlier and earlier, it’s the hope and magic of Christmas that keeps us cosy inside. Goodbye concrete jungle, welcome to a glittering wonderland of twinkling light displays and historic cobblestone streets dusted in artificial snow.
Nights cradling a rich hot chocolate at a bustling festive market, ducking into centuries-old pubs for mulled wine by an open fire, or gathering beneath cathedral domes for candlelit carols. If this sounds like Christmas to you, you’re in the right place. Whether you are visiting London for a weekend festive break or planning a full holiday itinerary, this guide covers the absolute best things to see, do, and experience in London this Christmas.
🎄 Quick Festive Planning & Top Tips
Best Time to Visit: Late November to Early December, before school holidays!
Ice skating is a rite of passage during Christmas in London. It’s normal to feel very wobbly on the ice but think about how you’re surrounded by historic landmarks and twinkling fairy lights. Everyone’s in a good mood and there’s always a supportive team of staff so this is an activity for beginners, kids, adults and pros alike.
Top Ice Skating Rinks in London
Skate at Somerset House (Strand)*: London’s flagship rink set in an 18th-century courtyard with a massive 40ft tree and late-night DJ sessions. → Book Somerset House Tickets
Glide at Battersea Power Station (Battersea)*: Three interconnected ice rinks on the River Thames right in front of the illuminated Power Station. → Book Battersea Glide Tickets
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (Richmond): A regal outdoor skating experience directly in the front courtyard of Henry VIII’s Tudor palace. → Book Hampton Court Tickets
Ice Rink at Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park): The UK’s largest open-air ice rink, set around a lit Victorian bandstand with live music. → Book Winter Wonderland Passes
*my top picks!
2. Walk London’s Most Magical Christmas Light Trails
Imagine walking through a forest and it lights up in a multicoloured array of twinkles and lights and glitter and music? This is what it’s like to experience one of London’s ticketed light trails that brings historic botanical gardens and palace grounds alive!
Most of them include food stops and small rides for the kids as well!
London’s Best Festive Light Trails
Christmas at Kew Gardens (Richmond): My fave, the granddaddy of all light trails featuring over a million twinkling lights, glowing botanical canopies, and a dazzling fire garden. I once flew back home to London during Christmas and could see it from the airplane – it’s that big! Tickets sell out early→ Book Kew Light Trail Tickets
Chelsea Winter Illuminations (Chelsea): A magical trail winding through the gardens of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, ending at a cozy winter village with fire pits and an après-ski bar. You can’t miss the glittering Christmas tress here!→ Book Chelsea Illuminations
Windsor Great Park Illuminated (Near London): A breathtaking woodland trail just outside the city with reimagined light installations and cozy toasted marshmallow stops. → Book Windsor Trail Tickets
RHS Glow at Wisley (Surrey / Greater London): A glowing garden light trail with fountains and light tunnels. → Book RHS Glow at Wisley
3. Take a Central London Christmas Lights Tour
As a born and bred Londoner, I often avoid central London for the comforts of my local neighbourhood. But there’s something enchanting about the Christmas light displays that go up each year, that pulls us all.
You can’t miss the giant angels on Regent Street, the stars of Oxford Street, the quirky displays on Carnaby street, the installations of Convent Garden and of course the luxury store fronts of New Bond Street. Walking through the crowds can be exhausting on a cold night, so booking a dedicated tour lets you see all the top displays comfortably in 90 minutes.
London’s Top Outdoor Christmas Light Displays
Open-Top Vintage Bus Light Tour: Ride along Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus on a decorated open-top double-decker bus with Christmas music playing. → Book Open-Top Bus Tour
Private Black Cab Christmas Lights Tour: Cozy up in a heated, iconic London black taxi with your own private cabbie guide taking you down lit alleyways and main streets. → Book Black Cab Taxi Tour
Guided Festive Walking: Walk with a local guide through hidden festive courtyards like Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard while snapping photo-ops. → Book Festive Walking Tour
Christmas Lights & Bites Food Tour: Combine a nighttime light tour around Soho and Covent Garden with stops for hot churros, minced pies, and mulled wine. → Book Lights & Bites Tour
Thames Evening Illuminations Cruise: Admire the festive lights reflecting off the water along the South Bank, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament from a warm glass boat. → Book Thames Evening Cruise
Alternatively, you can jump on the red bus 139 from stop BZ by Selfridges, Oxford Street and ride it all the way to the Strand. You’ll see an assortment of lights in just 30 minutes.
All you have to do is tap in with your contactless bank card or Oyster card for £1.75
4. Explore the Magical Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are great for getting you into the festive mood. They’re an opportunity to try festive treats, shop for Christmas presents and enjoy a steaming mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine, huddled around loved ones.
London’s Christmas markets pop up all across the city, ranging from massive winter festivals to charming riverside artisan fairs. The best times to visit are before 5pm on weekdays (if possible!)
London’s iconic Christmas Markets
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park): London’s biggest festive extravaganza featuring hundreds of Bavarian-style wooden chalets, rides, street food, and ice bars. Entrance is ticketed → Book Winter Wonderland Entry & Attraction Passes
Southbank Centre Winter Market (South Bank): A picturesque riverside market along the Thames filled with global street food, craft gifts, and cosy alpine bars. Free entry!
Leicester Square Christmas Market (Central London): A traditional Bavarian-style market set right in the heart of the West End, featuring cabaret shows, hot spiced cider stalls and an ice rink! Free entry!
Greenwich Christmas Market (Greenwich): A historic covered market packed with independent artisans, vintage fashion, street food, and festive lights in Maritime Greenwich. Free entry!
Nothing feels quite as quintessential London as dressing up for afternoon tea, and during the holidays, luxury hotels and tea rooms go all out.
Think warm cranberry scones, turkey finger sandwiches, and intricate pastry art served under towering Christmas trees with a glass of chilled champagne.
They’re not cheap, but they are special for a precious moment with loved ones.
London’s Best Festive Afternoon Teas
Claridge’s Christmas Afternoon Tea (Mayfair): The ultimate festive tea experience in London, famous for its grand lobby tree, live carol singers, and legendary seasonal pastry tier. You must book well in advance → Book Festive Tea
The Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea (Piccadilly): This iconic Christmas afternoon tea sells out month in advance. It’s ultra luxurious and set inside the Palm Court, featuring towering Christmas trees, classical harpists, and champagne pairings. → Reserve Table
B Bakery Festive Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (Central London): Sip tea and eat mini mince pies on a vintage Routemaster double-decker bus while driving past London’s best light displays. I did the Grinch themed one and it was so fun! → Book B Bakery Tea Bus Tour
Peter Pan Festive Tea at Aqua Shard (The Shard): Enjoy a playful, themed afternoon tea served on the 31st floor with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of London’s skyline. → Book Aqua Shard Afternoon Tea
Sketch Gallery Christmas Tea (Mayfair): A modern, whimsical, and wildly Instagrammable festive tea served in an artful pastel dining space with holiday installations. → Reserve Table
The Savoy Festive Tea (Strand): Elegant, traditional tea service in the Thames Foyer accompanied by a pianist and gorgeous seasonal decorations. → Book Savoy Dining
6. Watch a Traditional British Panto or Festive Stage Show
If you want a night of pure entertainment, London’s seasonal stage shows are an absolute must. Beyond traditional British pantomimes with their hilarious audience participation, London’s premier concert halls and theatres host spectacular festive ballet, live orchestral film screenings, and West End holiday productions.
Last year I watched Home Alone at the Royal Albert Hall, with a live orchestra playing the film score. I get goosebumps just thinking about how cool that was – don’t miss out!
London’s best Christmas shows to watch
Home Alone in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (Kensington): Watch the holiday classic on a massive screen while the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score live beneath the hall’s grand dome. → Book Royal Albert Hall Concert Tickets
The London Palladium Panto (Soho): The undisputed heavyweight champion of West End pantos, featuring huge star-studded casts, jaw-dropping special effects, and West End production value. This year it’s Cinderella! → Book London Palladium Panto Tickets
Lyric Hammersmith Panto (West London): A hilarious, modern twist on classic fairy tales that’s hugely popular with families and local Londoners.They also have Cinderella one! → Book Lyric Hammersmith Tickets
Nutcracker by the English National Ballet (London Coliseum): A magical high-culture alternative to traditional panto, featuring over 100 dancers and a full orchestra in a magnificent venue. → Book Nutcracker Ballet Tickets
Stratford East Panto (East London): Known for its original, inclusive, and ridiculously funny productions that break traditional theatre rules. It’s Robin Hood this year! → Book Stratford East Panto Tickets
Richmond Theatre Panto (South West London): Traditional family panto starring TV favorites inside a gorgeous Victorian grade-II listed venue. → Book Richmond Theatre Tickets
7. Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Dinner
There’s the Sunday roast…and then theres the Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Whether you’re eating roast goose by an open fireplace, or celebrating a festive feast on the water, dining out during the London holiday season is a memorable highlight.
Many top restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, but tables sell out well in advance. You can still experience a Christmas menu at many restaurants throughout the month of December!
London’s Top Festive Meals
Clos Maggiore (Covent Garden): Often dubbed “London’s most romantic restaurant,” featuring a fairy-lit blossom conservatory, a roaring stone fireplace, and a legendary festive French-European menu. → Reserve Table
Alto at Selfridges (Oxford Street): An Italian rooftop sanctuary set atop Selfridges with seasonal festive decor—the ultimate lunch or dinner stop after shopping for gifts on Oxford Street. → Reserve Table
Daphne’s (Chelsea): A stylish South Kensington staple famous for its lavish annual Christmas installations, cozy open fire, and elevated Italian festive dishes. → Reserve Table via OpenTable
Rules Restaurant (Covent Garden): London’s oldest restaurant (est. 1798) offering the ultimate traditional British Christmas feast with roast game, turkey, and historic Dickensian charm. → Reserve Table via Seven Rooms
Thames Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner Cruise: Celebrate on the water with a festive 3-course dinner, free-flowing wine, live carols, and views of London’s skyline. → Book Thames Festive Dining Cruise
The Guinea Grill (Mayfair): Famous for traditional British roasts, dry-aged steaks, and seasonal pies served in an atmospheric historic Mayfair pub setting. → Reserve Table
Duck & Waffle (City of London): Enjoy festive high-altitude dining with panoramic views of the city skyline, featuring modern twists on traditional holiday menus available 24/7. → Reserve Table
The Holly Bush (Hampstead): A cozy 18th-century neighbourhood pub with roaring open fireplaces, mulled wine, and gourmet festive roast menus. → Reserve Table
8. Cozy Up with Festive Christmas Drinks & Rooftop Igloos
When dusk falls over London, there’s nothing better than slipping into a historic pub wrapped in thousands of fairy lights, enjoying artisan hot chocolates at floral cafes, or sipping drinks at rooftop bars overlooking lit landmarks.
Coffee catch ups with friends finally get an elevated status during Christmas as there are so many hot options on menus! Book early 🙂
Top Festive Bars & Rooftops
The Churchill Arms (Kensington): London’s most famous festive pub, legendary for being covered in dozens of exterior Christmas trees and over 20,000 twinkling lights. Free entry for drinks
Miracle at Henrietta (Covent Garden): An over-the-top, nostalgia-filled 1970s Christmas pop-up cocktail bar serving holiday drinks in festive kitsch glassware. Book in advance!→ Reserve Bar Spot Piazza Terrace Bar at the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden): A hidden gem rooftop terrace offering sweeping views directly over the glowing Covent Garden piazza, serving festive mulled wine and seasonal cocktails. Walk in
Le Pont de la Tour (Tower Bridge): A classic fine-dining staple set right on the riverbank with a heated outdoor terrace offering uninterrupted views of Tower Bridge lit up for Christmas. → Reserve Table
Pergola On The Wharf (Canary Wharf): Heated indoor-outdoor botanic garden rooftop overlooking the docks with festive food, winter cocktails, and group booking spaces. → Reserve a Table
Festive Cafes & Non-Alcoholic Spots
Peggy Porschen Parlour (Chelsea & Belgravia): Famous for its extravagant pastel pink exterior floral displays, serving festive gingerbread lattes, seasonal teas, and Instagram-worthy holiday cupcakes. Walk ins only
Ralph’s Coffee at Ralph Lauren (New Bond Street): Tucked away on luxury Bond Street, grab an artisan hot chocolate or espresso in an ultra-chic, festive setting right in the heart of the light displays. Arrive before 10am for a seat or prepare to queue! Walk ins only
The Holly Bush (Hampstead): A centuries-old Grade II listed pub tucked away on cobblestone streets, perfect for non-alcoholic hot spiced apple cider beside roaring open fires. → Reserve Table
9. Attend an Atmospheric Christmas Carol Service
Jesus is the reason for the season so a London Christmas trip isn’t complete without gathering inside a historic cathedral or candlelit church for Christmas carols. And thankfully despite how expensive London is, most Carols services are free to attend!
Top Carols services in London
St Paul’s Cathedral Carol Service (City of London): World-class acoustics beneath Sir Christopher Wren’s grand dome, featuring traditional choral music and free unticketed entry options (arrive well in advance). → Book St Paul’s 23rd December Carols
Westminster Abbey Christmas Carols (Westminster): Experience traditional holiday carols inside Britain’s iconic royal coronation venue alongside the world-renowned Abbey Choir. Services are usually unticketed so arrive in advance → Direct Info
Royal Albert Hall Carols (Kensington): Grand sing-along Christmas concerts accompanied by the Royal Choral Society and full orchestral brass inside an iconic amphitheater. Book well in advance! → Book Royal Albert Hall Tickets
St Martin-in-the-Fields (Trafalgar Square): Atmospheric candlelit carol concerts and festive brass performances set in an 18th-century church right on Trafalgar Square. → Direct info
Southwark Cathedral Carols (London Bridge): A stunning gothic setting on the South Bank featuring candlelit services, organ recitals, and close proximity to Borough Market. → Direct info
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Carols (Trafalgar Square): Free outdoor carol performances taking place daily beneath London’s iconic Norwegian pine tree.
p.s. if you live in London, I encourage you to support your local churches and attend Carols there instead. 100s of services are held around the capital in the lead up to Christmas but congregating around a few leads to overcrowding.
