London truly comes alive during the festive season, with sparkles and shine, and a wonderful array of activities and experiences to get you into the holiday spirit. Here are some of our favourite things to do in London during this magical time of year.
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See the Christmas lights
London’s Christmas lights are famous worldwide, and they transform the city into a glittering wonderland. London usually switches its famous Christmas lights on from around early November, usually starting with Regent and Oxford Streets.
Take a stroll down Oxford Street and Regent Street to see the dazzling displays, or visit Covent Garden to admire the giant Christmas tree and sparkling decorations. Don’t miss the lights at Carnaby Street, which often feature quirky and creative themes. For a more immersive experience, head to Kew Gardens for their Christmas at Kew event, where you can walk through a stunning light trail set in the beautiful gardens (pre-booking essential).
Don’t forget to snap a selfie with Trafalgar Square’s famous Christmas Tree – the lighting ceremony is on the first Thursday of December every year.
TIP! We recommend a Christmas Lights bus tour to really take in their sparkling beauty. Get in touch and we’ll book it for you!
Treat yourself with fabulous festive nosh
London has a fantastic foodie scene – and the festive season is no exception. Many restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional dishes like roast turkey, mince pies, and Christmas pudding. We highly recommend one of the festive-themed afternoon teas.
Don’t forget to warm up with a cup of mulled wine or cider, hot chocolate or roasted chestnuts from one of the many pop-up stalls and markets around the city.
Visit the Royal Palaces
If you want to see festive decorations at their most luxurious, head for London’s royal palaces. Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace usually host festive events and the halls are decked with boughs of holly and shiny baubles galore. Windsor Castle, just a short trip from London, also offers a magical Christmas experience, with its State Apartments decked out in traditional decorations and a stunning Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.
Go window shopping
At this time of year, major shops in London go all out with their window displays and façade decor. Annabel’s, Harrods, Liberty, Fortnum & Mason, and Hamleys are among the most popular and definitely worth a walk past (preferably with a yummy hot chocolate in hand).
Take in a Christmas show
London’s West End is known for its world-class theatre, and during the festive season, it hosts a variety of Christmas-themed shows, from the sublime to the silly. Here are some of the most fun and festive options scheduled for 2024’s festive season:
- Musical: A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic (09 November 2024 – 04 January 2025)
- Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Barbican (03 December 2024 – 18 January 2025)
- Play: A Sherlock Carol at the Marylebone Theatre (29 November 2024 – 05 January 2025)
- Pantomime: Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith (16 November 2024 – 05 January 2025)
- Pantomime: Cinderella at the Kings Head Theatre (30 November 2024 – 05 January 2025)
- Ballet: Cinderella the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House (03 December 2024 – 09 January 2025)
- Kids (Panto): Father Christmas Needs A Wee (07 December 2024 – 24 December 2024)
- Kids (Science show): Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas – Apollo Theatre (6 December 2024 – 4 January 2025)
- Ballet: The Nutcracker – English National Ballet at the London Coliseum (12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025)
- Ballet: The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall (29 December 2024 – 31 December 2024)
- Pantomime: Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall (4 December 2024 – 4 January 2025)
- Pantomime (Adults only): Homo Alone! At The Other Palace (29 November 2024 – 5 January 2025)
There are also several ‘one-night-only’ options and, of course, the usual line-up of best-selling Broadway shows, like Les Miserables, Wicked and Matilda.
TIP! Christmas theatre and pantomimes sell out very fast, so be sure to book well in advance.
Take to the ice
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity, and London offers several pop-up rinks to choose from, including:
- Somerset House Ice Rink, which also features a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and a lively atmosphere.
- For a unique experience, try the Skylight London rooftop ice rink (10 November 2024 – TBC) offering spectacular views of the city skyline and a heated igloo village.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink is surrounded by the popular amusement park and market.
- Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station (08 Nov 2024 – 05 Jan 2025) is a newer addition set in front of the iconic Battersea Power Station, recently converted into a leisure centre.
- Canary Wharf ice rink (26 October 2024 – 23 February 2025) is the earliest opening rink, where you can skate surrounded by the metropolitan vibe of Canary Wharf.
- Hampton Court Ice Rink (22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025) is an out-of-town option in the grounds of the magnificent castle and gardens.
Take a festive river cruise
Several operators run special festive lunch or dinner cruises on the mighty Thames River, but they do sell like hot cakes, so be sure to book in advance. Even if it isn’t festive-season themed, a champagne, lunch or dinner cruise is always a wonderful way to enjoy England’s capital.
Visit attractions that decorate for the season
One of London’s most popular Christmas visits, the ever-popular Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter decks the halls with gorgeous Hogwarts decorations, trees, and faux snow for the season (16 November 2024 – 19 January 2025). It’s a must-visit for every Potter-verse fan. Tickets go on sale from January & sell fast. Most of the popular attractions deck the halls, like the wonderfully quirky Postal Museum and Mail Rail, the gorgeous Charles Dickens Museum, and
Explore Christmas Markets
Although not renowned for its Christmas markets, London does have a few options. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the most popular, featuring wooden chalets selling gifts, seasonal food, and drinks, and an amusement park with fairground rides, ice skating, and live entertainment. Other markets include the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where you’ll find a range of artisanal products, festive treats, and warming mulled wine overlooking the Thames, or the little Leicester Square Market.
TIP! London has several excellent year-round markets which decorate for the season and offer festive treats. Pop in at Spitalfields Market, Borough Market, and Covent Garden.
Chanukkah in the Square
The Jewish Festival of Light is an important celebration around the world. London’s Jewish community marks the 8-day festival with public menorah lighting & prayers, & Trafalgar Square hosts a 10-metre-tall Menorah. Other events take place in Islington Green, Golders Green and Brent Cross. 25 December 2024 to 02 January 2025.
TIP! Be aware that many attractions do close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with many also having early closing on 24 December. Also remember that public transport schedules can be reduced around this time. Always check before you travel!
The above post is designed to inspire. All information is correct at time of writing, but it is always best to check before you travel to ensure there are no closures or changes.
