Visiting London at Christmas is without doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences you’ll be able to have. The metropolis 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 massive sufficient to tear you off your couch and away from all these back-to-back Christmas movies. Whether 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 right now of yr with a lot consuming, ingesting, enjoyable, and procuring.
Festive Things To Do in London at Christmas
In this information, we’ll let you know every thing it is advisable to find out 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 Garden
There’s no higher place to have a good time a London Christmas than Covent Garden. Covent Garden is without doubt one of the most famed locations within the metropolis. It is an ornate procuring and leisure heart in London’s theatrical West End 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 pretend snow flurries between 12 pm and 9 pm every day. The pretend snow is on the hour in West Piazza – you received’t miss it.
Covent Garden is without doubt one of the finest locations for undercover Christmas procuring and a dependable white Christmas.
2. Try Mulled Wine
Another factor you’ll be able to’t have a London Christmas with out is mulled wine. Luckily, there’s no scarcity of this tasty festive drink within the metropolis. You can discover scrumptious mulled wine throughout London. The drink is simply piping sizzling crimson wine with spices like cinnamon. You can discover it at pop-up bars and established ingesting 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 the Christmas markets and see if you happen to can spot some to takeaway, or head for a comfortable seat inside one of many London pubs.
3. Hogwarts within the Snow
Everyone is aware of about London’s Harry Potter studio expertise. But do you know it hosts a Christmas particular? Hogwarts within the Snow is a method for followers to have a good time Christmas within the wizarding world and runs generously between mid-November and mid-January. There’s every thing from Christmas bushes within the Great Hall and Yule Ball dance classes. Of course, you’ll see pretend snow all over the place – a particular plus with London’s hit-and-miss white Christmases.
You should e-book tickets upfront, which prices round $60 per particular person. And it may be finest to e-book a guided tour that features transport, as a result of the studio is positioned north of the town heart, and is troublesome to achieve with out a 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. Seriously, this place is gigantic. If you need 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. Everyone 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 flawed. Remember to e-book upfront (immediately on the official web site to keep away from scams), because it sells out shortly.
5. Go Ice Skating
Speaking of festive cheer, what about going ice skating as a standalone exercise? Ice rinks are simply one of the vital 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. But there’s additionally the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, JW3 Ice Rink, and even one on the foot of Battersea Power Station. When we are saying London has a lot of ice rinks, we actually imply it. Pick one (or two) and get your skates prepared.
Enjoying the rinks is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in London this Christmas. Here is a listing of the entire rinks in London this season.
6. Watch a Christmas Concert
You can’t be in London at Christmas and never try one of many Christmas concert events. Carol singing and Christmas songs are the most effective methods to get in a festive temper. Many 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 suggestion? Plan to attend a minimum of one live performance when celebrating Christmas in London. The gorgeous venues and conventional expertise of carol singing make it the best addition to your festive itinerary.
7. Leicester Square
Leicester Square is the place to be this Christmas in London. Every yr, the sq. is decked with an all-action Christmas market that runs for 2 months, promoting every thing from meals to mulled wine and providing free entrance. However, we’ll cowl Christmas markets in additional element later.
What we actually love about Leicester Square are its road performers, which tackle further festive inspiration all through December and into January. Leicester Square is action-packed and dramatic, and the general public area pulls out all of the stops through the festive season. If you need free issues to do in London this Christmas, visiting Leicester Square ought to be considered one of your prime selections.
8. Westminster Abbey
Everyone is aware of Westminster Abbey – the house of British politics and faith, for higher or worse. You can take guided excursions by the Abbey all year long, admiring its grand structure. However, what’s actually thrilling is Westminster Abbey at Christmas.
You can attend quite a few free occasions at Westminster Abbey in December, together with the First Eucharist of Christmas Night and even the Christmas Day Holy Communion. There’s even a Royal Carol Service, the place HRH hosts the festivities. When it involves Westminster Abbey, you’ve simply bought 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 complete 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 traditional little bit of structure and an actual hub for Christmas cheer. You 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 Square
Trafalgar Square is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in London and attracts thousands and thousands of vacationers every year. At Christmas, although, there’s much more purpose to cease by. The sq. has remodeled right into a festive masterpiece and at present boasts a 70-foot tree transported from Norway. It is a part of a practice that has been occurring since 1947, with Norway gifting London a Christmas tree every year in change for Britain’s help in World War II. Because of the Norwegian hyperlink, it is usually sometimes embellished in Norwegian model with vertical Christmas lights.
You can head to Trafalgar Square, admire the tree, take heed to the carol singers, and watch any road performers. The story behind Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree is healthful and a poignant reminder of the tragedies of World War II – making visiting one of the vital fashionable issues to do in London at Christmas. Besides, what’s a London Christmas with out a tree or two?
11. Somerset House
Somerset House is a number one attraction in London, and the neoclassical constructing in central London homes loads of creative and cultural reveals. 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 is a superb place to go to all yr spherical. Still, there’s one thing about artwork galleries at Christmas that’s simply further particular. Escape from the chilly and moist, and luxuriate in a few of the most beneficial artwork in England.
What actually makes Somerset House so festive, although, is its huge ice skating rink exterior. You can spend just a few 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 the gardens admiring artwork options like a water fountain exploding with illuminated colours or golden mild tunnels. Kew Gardens is a good looking place to have a good time Christmas, and strolling by such artistic shows at night time is improbable. There are even distributors promoting sizzling chocolate and piping sizzling festive meals alongside the way in which.
You should e-book upfront for Kew Gardens as it’s – understandably – very fashionable. However, it runs from November till January, so you’ll be able to squeeze in there sooner or later.
13. Watch a Musical or West End Show
West End performs run all yr spherical, however nothing feels extra festive than getting dressed up for a West End manufacturing in December. The cozy and indulgent vibe is unequalled. And you’ll be able to take pleasure in a champagne and settle right into a heat seat when you calm down with a night of leisure. West End productions run on loops, with common exhibits like The Lion King.
However, you too can catch festive movie diversifications in different theaters throughout London, discovering play diversifications of classics like Charles Dickens. If you need a play various to a Christmas movie, that is the most effective concept in your itinerary. Check out theater performances that coincide with the dates you go to London.
14. Kensington Palace
If you’re visiting London at Christmas, you must cease by a royal residence or two. Kensington Palace is residence to Will and Kate and their kids, however a part of the palace is open to the general public virtually every day. Take benefit of this traditional vacationer attraction and peek at a few of the grandest Christmas decorations within the metropolis.
Kensington Palace additionally opened the Luna Winter Cinema, which exhibits open-air Christmas movies. The complete 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 sights.
Guided Tour: Kensington Palace Entrance
15. Hampton Court
Hampton Court Palace is at all times a good suggestion to go to in London. The palace was really residence to Henry the eighth – a particularly infamous determine in UK historical past. However, it comes much more to life every Christmas, with an enormous ice skating rink, gorgeous decorations, and a Christmas market with over 100 artisan producers. Hampton Court Palace at Christmas is gorgeous. There are even carriage rides with shire horses across the palace grounds. And if you happen to catch it on a snow day, simply thank your fortunate stars. The crimson brick constructing appears attractive within the snow.
You should purchase tickets to Hampton Court Palace on-line. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open from Wednesday till Sunday from 10 am till 4:00 pm.
Guided Tours: Hampton Court Palace Entrance
16. Neverland’s Winterland
This bar is the most effective in London in case you are an grownup however a giant child deep down. Neverland London is the place to embrace your internal Peter Pan, with a synthetic seashore membership by summer time and a winter wonderland by the festive season. At Christmas, Neverland transforms into an alpine village with igloos, lodges, and even a ski elevate that you could dine and drink in.
Neverland is a lot enjoyable, particularly if you wish to get pleasure from cocktails in model. 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 is 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 will probably be suitably decked out.
There’s every thing from gondola seating to Italian chandeliers. If you need someplace to admire the London surroundings and have a elaborate drink, the Queen of Hoxton is the best place to go to. The pub has three ranges, plus its gorgeous rooftop space.
18. Watch or Participate within the Santa Run London
The Santa Run London is without doubt one of the most hilarious stuff you’ll see. Thousands of contestants wearing Santa costumes dash their method by the town heart on 5k or 10k routes. The complete occasion is designed to lift cash for charity, and the match amongst you’ll be able to participate, whereas those who desire to observe can benefit from the spectacle of 1000’s of Santas working round London.
Participating 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 become involved.
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.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 first race was held in 1864 when the creator of Peter Pan awarded the profitable trophy to the triumphant contestant. This is what offers the race its title.
You can compete or, if you happen to 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 flawed, these run all yr spherical. But you’ll be able to e-book distinctive dinner cruise experiences particularly devoted to celebrating Christmas. These cruises have festive music blaring, social gathering hats, decorations, and conventional Christmas food and drinks. This Thames dinner cruise is precisely 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 beneath to see a terrific instance of Christmas dinner cruises in London.
Guided Tour: Christmas Party Dinner Cruise
21. Walk Down Regent Street
Walking down Regent Street 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 Street can also 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 superb for solo vacationers to discover and embrace a festive night within the metropolis.
Walking down Regent Street is aesthetic and superb for last-minute procuring. It is 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. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is legendary. You’ve undoubtedly heard of it earlier than. It won’t have struck you as a Christmas attraction, however don’t be fooled; this museum has a lot on its sleeve concerning festive cheer. The Natural History Museum has Christmas and winter-themed workshops and pop-up actions. Just 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 classes 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 joy, the music, the crowds, and the Christmas lights, it’s the most energetic time of the yr to buy groceries. Armed with a protracted 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 finest outlets in Europe. At Christmas, Oxford Street is without doubt one of the finest locations to move. In 2023, it’s embellished with 300,000 floating stars strung over the road in scenic zigzags. And you’ll be able to head right down to window store or seize last-minute presents underneath the celebrities.
Oxford Street has further sights, 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 Festival
Southbank Centre Winter Festival is a good looking place to have a good time Christmas with a lot of enjoyable. There is – in fact – a festive market. However, there are additionally choir performances and theatrical productions like The Nutcracker and Christmas Actually. There are dance courses, a free Winter Light artwork exhibition, and free concert events. Southbank Centre actually places the tradition into celebrating Christmas. So, if you happen to 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. But you’ll be able to try the entry necessities for particular occasions and an occasion calendar with a fast Google.
25. Head to London Christmas Markets
We have already touched on Christmas markets whereas discussing the opposite finest issues to do in London at Christmas. However, markets are such a giant a part of the vacation season that we simply had to dedicate a complete part to them. These markets sometimes run for December, however you get the odd early birds working from November and stragglers persevering with into January. The finest markets in London are:
Spitalfields Leadenhall Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland Portobello Fleet Street Covent Garden Leicester Square.
You 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, you must admire the Christmas lights. Dazzling lights and shows dangling throughout the streets are one of the vital well-known varieties of Christmas decorations and one thing for the entire household to get pleasure from. London actually goes to city on Christmas lights. The metropolis virtually lights up with twinkling, extravagant, festive-themed lighting decorations.
The finest method to see as lots 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 supplying you with the most effective seat in the home – watching the lights go from a rooftop perch. The Christmas lights are so shut you’ll be able to virtually contact them, and also you’ll get to see every thing with out the chaos of crowds on the road degree beneath. If you will do only one factor in London this Christmas, this might be our prime suggestion.
Guided Tour: Open Top Bus Tour
FAQs: Festive Things to Do in London
Spending the Christmas holidays in London means you have got 1000’s of festive issues to do. There are Christmas markets, ice rinks, concert events, and thousands and thousands of procuring experiences you’ll be able to match into an itinerary. But earlier than you rush off and luxuriate in that, although, try these frequent FAQs.
Is London place to spend Christmas?
London is an unbelievable place to spend Christmas. There are many Christmas lights, scenic ice rinks, and festive decorations; it has the final word festive aesthetic, and nothing beats wandering its Christmas home windows on Regent Street and the little Christmas markets.
Is Christmas 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 right now of yr. Yes, it will get busy. But 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 e-book every thing upfront to counteract the crowds.
What ought to I do for Christmas in London?
You ought to go to a few of the Christmas markets in London and take a bus tour across the metropolis’s Christmas lights. London’s essential sights are all lovely right now of yr, with large Christmas bushes and decorations, particularly Hampton Court and Kensington Gardens. There are additionally issues like ice skating and the much-adored Winter Wonderland spectacle in Hyde Park.
What is on in London for Christmas 2023?
There are hundreds on at Christmas in London in 2023. Check out the annual occasions like Neverland and Winter Wonderland. But additionally try upcoming West End performances, Christmas movies, and carol-singing occasions. There’s no higher place to have a good time the festive season than in London, and 2023 is ready to be no completely different.
There’s no higher place than London to unfold that Yuletide pleasure. There are so many pop-up occasions and actions between the ice rinks and Christmas markets. Ideally, you’d have a minimum of 3 days to have a good time Christmas in London. This is lengthy sufficient to enterprise out on a day journey to Hampton Court 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? Check these articles out on the finest issues to do year-round, day journeys, and finest London landmarks. It is price 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 gorgeous at Christmas, so make good use of the trains and keep longer.