Checking Out London at Christmas is among the most remarkable experiences you can have. The city changes into a wonderful environment of fairy lights, joyful spirit, and pop-up bars with boozy hot chocolate and street food. London commemorates the Christmas season much better than the majority of other cities in Europe.
The quantity of joyful things to do in London for Christmas is big enough to tear you off your couch and far from all those back-to-back Christmas movies. Whether you head to Tower Bridge to take a look at its Christmas market or to among the ice skating rinks dotted around the city, you’ll have a lot enjoyable. London illuminate at this time of year with a lot consuming, drinking, enjoyable, and shopping.
Joyful Things To Do in London at Christmas
In this guide, we’ll inform you whatever you require to understand about the very best destinations and activities to check off when going to London at Christmas. From Christmas lights to boozy hot chocolate and searching for handcrafted presents, these are the very best things to do in London this December.
1. Covent Garden
There’s no much better location to commemorate a London Christmas than Covent Garden Covent Garden is among the most renowned locations in the city. It is an elaborate shopping and home entertainment center in London’s theatrical West End area. At Christmas, however, this wonderful location changes once again, hosting a little Christmas market, countless joyful lights and decors, and even phony snow flurries in between 12 pm and 9 pm every day. The phony snow is on the hour in West Piazza– you will not miss it.
Covent Garden is among the very best locations for undercover Christmas shopping and a trusted white Christmas.
2. Attempt Mulled Red Wine
Another thing you can’t have a London Christmas without is mulled white wine. Thankfully, there’s no scarcity of this delicious joyful beverage in the city. You can discover scrumptious mulled white wine all over London. The beverage is simply piping hot red white wine with spices like cinnamon. You can discover it at pop-up bars and developed drinking holes like The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush. Mr Fogg’s Pub is likewise a terrific area for scrumptious mulled white wine. Roam through the Christmas markets and see if you can identify some to takeaway, or head for a relaxing seat inside among the London bars.
3. Hogwarts in the Snow
Everybody understands about London’s Harry Potter studio experience. However did you understand it hosts a Christmas unique? Hogwarts in the Snow is a method for fans to commemorate Christmas in the wizarding world and runs kindly in between mid-November and mid-January. There’s whatever from Christmas trees in the Great Hall and Yule Ball dance lessons. Obviously, you’ll see phony snow all over– a certain plus with London’s hit-and-miss white Christmases.
You should reserve tickets ahead of time, which costs around $60 per individual. And it may be best to reserve a directed trip that consists of transportation, since the studio lies north of the town hall, and is hard to reach without a vehicle.
Directed Trip: Warner Bros Studio from London
4. Winter Season Wonderland in Hyde Park
Hyde Park Winter Season Wonderland is a Christmas location in its own right. Seriously, this location is huge. If you wish to welcome the Christmas spirit in main London, this is among the most in-demand and well-known joyful occasions to do so at. It changes Hyde Park into a Bavarian-esque winter season wonderland, with big camping tents offering Christmas mixed drinks and German beer, a fairground, food stalls, and rustic pop-up stalls offering handcrafted presents and sweet deals with. Which’s not to discuss its enormous ice bar and ice skating rink. Everybody goes to Hyde Park Winter Season Wonderland, however you can see why.
For a bit of joyful cheer, you can’t fail. Keep in mind to book ahead of time (straight on the main site to prevent frauds), as it offers out rapidly.
5. Go Ice Skating
Mentioning joyful cheer, what about going ice skating as a standalone activity? Ice rinks are quickly among the most traditional joyful activities. When in London, you’ll have lots within your reaches. There’s the apparent option of the ice rink in Hyde Park Winter Season Wonderland. However there’s likewise the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, JW3 Ice Rink, and even one at the foot of Battersea Power Station. When we state London has great deals of ice rinks, we truly imply it. Select one (or 2) and get your skates all set.
Delighting in the rinks is among the very best things to do in London this Christmas. Here is a list of all of the rinks in London this season.
6. See a Christmas Performance
You can’t remain in London at Christmas and not take a look at among the Christmas performances. Carol singing and Christmas tunes are the very best methods to get in a joyful state of mind. Much of London’s occasions are hosted in stunning locations, like the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts standard performances and Christmas carol efficiencies. St. Paul’s Cathedral is another excellent area for Christmas carols in joyful, climatic efficiencies. Our suggestion? Strategy to go to a minimum of one performance when commemorating Christmas in London. The sensational locations and standard experience of carol singing make it the perfect addition to your joyful travel plan.
7. Leicester Square
Leicester Square is where to be this Christmas in London. Every year, the square is decked with an all-action Christmas market that runs for 2 months, offering whatever from food to mulled white wine and using totally free entryway. Nevertheless, we’ll cover Christmas markets in more information later on.
What we truly like about Leicester Square are its street entertainers, which handle additional joyful motivation throughout December and into January. Leicester Square is action-packed and remarkable, and the general public area takes out all the stops throughout the joyful season. If you desire totally free things to do in London this Christmas, going to Leicester Square need to be among your leading options.
8. Westminster Abbey
Everybody understands Westminster Abbey– the home of British politics and faith, for much better or even worse. You can take assisted trips through the Abbey throughout the year, appreciating its grand architecture. Nevertheless, what’s truly interesting is Westminster Abbey at Christmas.
You can go to many totally free occasions at Westminster Abbey in December, consisting of the First Eucharist of Christmas Night and even the Christmas Day Holy Communion. There’s even a Royal Carol Service, where HRH hosts the celebrations. When it concerns Westminster Abbey, you have actually simply got to keep your eye on its calendar. The Abbey truly goes to town with Christmas occasions in December.
Directed Trip: Strolling Trip with Westminster Abbey
9. London Bridge
London Bridge is a renowned part of the London horizon and welcomes a yearly Christmas style. Not just does the well-known landmark run a Christmas market, however the London Bridge Roof changes into a wonderful joyful experience for grownups. The covered place whacks out DJ sets, mulled white wine, baubles, and Christmas lights– plus a jam-packed menu of joyful mixed drinks and meals. The entire location around London Bridge ends up being a hive of activity, so certainly include London Bridge and its surrounding area to your list of things to do in London this December.
The 1970s bridge is a traditional little bit of architecture and a genuine center for Christmas cheer. You can stroll throughout and appreciate the joyful lights along the banks of the River Thames. Or you can head to the neighboring London Bridge Roof and Christmas market.
10. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is among the most well-known landmarks in London and draws in countless travelers each year. At Christmas, however, there’s much more factor to visit. The square has actually changed into a joyful work of art and presently boasts a 70-foot tree carried from Norway. It belongs to a custom that has actually been going on given that 1947, with Norway gifting London a Christmas tree each year in exchange for Britain’s support in The second world war. Since of the Norwegian link, it is likewise usually embellished in Norwegian design with vertical Christmas lights.
You can head to Trafalgar Square, appreciate the tree, listen to the carol vocalists, and enjoy any street entertainers. The story behind Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree is wholesome and a poignant pointer of the disasters of The second world war– making going to among the most popular things to do in London at Christmas. Besides, what’s a London Christmas without a tree or 2?
11. Somerset Home
Somerset Home is a leading tourist attraction in London, and the neoclassical structure in main London homes a lot of creative and cultural displays. The most well-known of these is the Courtauld Gallery, an art gallery including the well-regarded piece Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by the cherished Vincent Van Gogh. It is a fantastic location to check out throughout the year. Still, there’s something about art galleries at Christmas that is simply additional unique. Escape from the cold and damp, and delight in taking a look at a few of the most important art in England.
What truly makes Somerset Home so joyful, however, is its large ice skating rink exterior. You can invest a couple of hours appreciating the art, then go out to ice skate and let your hair down.
Directed Trip: Courtauld Gallery Entryway at Somerset Home
12. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a location of severe charm on the borders of London. The arboretum comes to life every winter season with additional unique functions, consisting of a joyful light path that wows visitors with fancy light setups. You stroll through the gardens admiring art functions like a water fountain blowing up with lit up colors or golden light tunnels. Kew Gardens is a gorgeous location to commemorate Christmas, and strolling through such innovative display screens in the evening is wonderful. There are even suppliers offering hot chocolate and piping hot joyful foods along the method.
You should reserve ahead of time for Kew Gardens as it is– not surprisingly– popular. Nevertheless, it ranges from November up until January, so you can squeeze in there eventually.
13. See a Musical or West End Program
West End plays run throughout the year, however absolutely nothing feels more joyful than getting dressed up for a West End production in December. The relaxing and indulgent ambiance is unparalleled. And you can delight in a champagne and settle into a warm seat while you unwind with a night of home entertainment. West End productions operate on loops, with routine programs like The Lion King.
Nevertheless, you can likewise capture joyful movie adjustments in other theaters throughout London, discovering play adjustments of classics like Charles Dickens. If you desire a play option to a Christmas movie, this is the very best concept for your travel plan. Have a look at theater efficiencies that accompany the dates you check out London.
14. Kensington Palace
If you are going to London at Christmas, you need to visit a royal home or 2. Kensington Palace is home to Will and Kate and their kids, however part of the palace is open to the general public nearly daily. Make the most of this traditional traveler destination and peek at a few of the grandest Christmas decors in the city.
Kensington Palace likewise opened the Luna Winter Season Movie Theater, which reveals outdoor Christmas movies. The entire location comes alive with Christmas cheer. And for a homely– if incredibly grand– visual, Kensington Palace is among the very best Christmas variations of traditional London destinations.
Directed Trip: Kensington Palace Entryway
15. Hampton Court
Hampton Court Palace is constantly a great concept to check out in London. The palace was in fact home to Henry the 8th– an incredibly infamous figure in UK history. Nevertheless, it comes much more to life each Christmas, with a huge ice skating rink, sensational decors, and a Christmas market with over 100 craftsmen manufacturers. Hampton Court Palace at Christmas is stunning. There are even carriage trips with shire horses around the palace premises. And if you capture it on a snow day, simply thank your fortunate stars. The red brick structure looks beautiful in the snow.
You can purchase tickets to Hampton Court Palace online. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open from Wednesday up until Sunday from 10 am up until 4:00 pm.
Directed Tours: Hampton Court Palace Entryway
16. Neverland’s Winterland
This bar is the very best in London if you are an adult however a huge kid deep down. Neverland London is where to welcome your inner Peter Pan, with a synthetic beach club through summertime and a winter season wonderland through the joyful season. At Christmas, Neverland changes into an alpine town with igloos, lodges, and even a ski lift that you can dine and consume in.
Neverland is a lot enjoyable, particularly if you wish to delight in mixed drinks in design. It likewise serves food– a bar-restaurant with a distinction and among the very best things to do in London at Christmas.
17. Roof Views Queen of Hoxton
When in London at Christmas, the Queen of Hoxton is a must-visit place. It is positioned in stylish Shoreditch– who does not like this cool London area– and runs a various Christmas style each year. In 2023, this is gothic Venice, and its winter season roof beer and mixed drink garden will be appropriately dressed up.
There’s whatever from gondola seating to Italian chandeliers. If you desire someplace to appreciate the London landscapes and have an expensive beverage, the Queen of Hoxton is the perfect location to check out. The club has 3 levels, plus its sensational roof location.
18. See or Take Part In the Santa Run London
The Santa Run London is among the most humorous things you’ll see. Countless entrants worn Santa outfits run their method through the town hall on 5k or 10k paths. The entire occasion is developed to raise cash for charity, and the fit among you can participate, while those that choose to enjoy can delight in the phenomenon of countless Santas running around London.
Taking part in or seeing the Santa Run London is among the most distinct and amusing things to do in the city at Christmas. You will not see it on the basic traveler list, however that’s half the appeal. Accept the British funny bone and get included.
There are a handful of Santa running occasions in December, however the primary one is around Victoria Park.
19. Hyde Park’s Serpentine
If you are brave, you can take part in the Peter Pan Cup– a.k.a. a mad swim around a 100-meter course in Serpentine Lake on Christmas Day- where the winner is granted a prize. The wacky tourist attraction attracts the bravest possible entrants. The very first race was kept in 1864 when the author of Peter Pan granted the winning prize to the victorious candidate. This is what provides the race its name.
You can contend or, if you aren’t seeming like freezing water on Christmas Day, watch from the banks of Serpentine Lake.
20. Thames Supper Cruise
A Thames supper cruise is another London classic. Do not get us incorrect, these run throughout the year. However you can reserve remarkable supper cruise experiences particularly committed to commemorating Christmas. These cruises have joyful music roaring, celebration hats, decors, and standard Christmas food and beverage. This Thames supper cruise is precisely what you require on a joyful London travel plan. And you still get all the happiness of sightseeing, with the London landmarks going by your window.
You can provide it a Google or simply inspect the link listed below to see a terrific example of Christmas supper cruises in London.
Directed Trip: Christmas Celebration Supper Cruise
21. Stroll Down Regent Street
Strolling down Regent Street is among the very best things to do in London at Christmas. The street is renowned for high-end stores like Burberry, and in December, you can appreciate all the decors in Christmas windows. Regent Street is likewise where you’ll discover a few of the most remarkable Christmas lights in the city. As a hectic, safe location of London, it is perfect for solo tourists to check out and welcome a joyful night in the city.
Strolling down Regent Street is visual and perfect for last-minute shopping. It is a safe and simple activity to squeeze into even the busiest London schedules. A lot of stores close at 8 or 9 pm, so we recommend heading there around 5-7 pm.22. Nature Museum
The Nature Museum is well-known. You have actually certainly become aware of it in the past. It may not have actually struck you as a Christmas tourist attraction, however do not be deceived; this museum has much on its sleeve relating to joyful cheer. The Nature Museum has Christmas and winter-themed workshops and pop-up activities. Simply inspect its site to see what’s on when you remain in London.
There’s likewise a Christmas at the Museum occasion on the 22nd of December and Storytelling with Santa sessions from the 11th to the 23rd of December in 2023. The Santa experience consists of a present and a personal picture chance. If you are taking a trip with children, this is an outright must.
Absolutely nothing beats a Christmas store. With the enjoyment, the music, the crowds, and the Christmas lights, it is the most vibrant time of the year to shop. Equipped with a long list of present concepts, it is not surprising that that individuals like to spend lavishly a lot when shopping in London, which has a few of the very best stores in Europe. At Christmas, Oxford Street is among the very best locations to head. In 2023, it is embellished with 300,000 drifting stars strung over the street in beautiful zigzags. And you can head down to window store or get last-minute presents under the stars.
Oxford Street has additional destinations, like a life-sized snow world you can go within, Santa’s Grotto inside John Lewis, and an immersive art experience showcasing the northern lights.
24. Southbank Centre Winter Season Celebration
Southbank Centre Winter Season Celebration is a gorgeous location to commemorate Christmas with great deals of enjoyable. There is– obviously– a joyful market. Nevertheless, there are likewise choir efficiencies and theatrical productions like The Nutcracker and Christmas Really. There are dance classes, a complimentary Winter season Light art exhibit, and totally free performances. Southbank Centre truly puts the culture into commemorating Christmas. So, if you like anything art-related, simply inspect it out. It has plenty of amazing activities, and you can get truly stuck in.
A lot of occasions at Southbank are totally free, and there is no requirement to book. However you can take a look at the entry requirements for particular occasions and an occasion calendar with a fast Google.
25. Head to London Christmas Markets
We have actually currently discussed Christmas markets while talking about the other finest things to do in London at Christmas. Nevertheless, markets are such a huge part of the holiday that we simply had to devote a whole area to them. These markets usually run for December, however you get the odd early risers ranging from November and laggers continuing into January. The very best markets in London are:
- Spitalfields
- Leadenhall
- Hyde Park’s Winter season Wonderland
- Portobello
- Fleet Street
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square.
You can get beverages and food from joyful takeaway stalls. Or you can look for craftsmen and handmade presents or decors like hand-painted baubles.
26. London Christmas Lights Bus Trip
When going to London, you need to appreciate the Christmas lights. Amazing lights and display screens hanging throughout the streets are among the most well-known kinds of Christmas decors and something for the entire household to delight in. London truly goes to town on Christmas lights. The city almost illuminate with twinkling, lavish, festive-themed lighting decors.
The very best method to view as a lot of London’s Christmas lights as possible is with an open-top bus trip. These buses take you through the center of London, passing the most stunning lights and providing you the very best seat in your house– seeing the lights pass from a roof perch. The Christmas lights are so close you can nearly touch them, and you’ll get to see whatever without the mayhem of crowds on the street level listed below. If you are going to do simply something in London this Christmas, this would be our leading suggestion.
Directed Trip: Open Top Bus Trip
Frequently Asked Questions: Joyful Things to Do in London
Investing the Christmas vacations in London suggests you have countless joyful things to do. There are Christmas markets, ice rinks, performances, and countless shopping experiences you can suit a schedule. However before you scamper and delight in that, though, take a look at these typical Frequently asked questions.
Is London a great location to invest Christmas?
London is an amazing location to invest Christmas. There are numerous Christmas lights, beautiful ice rinks, and joyful decors; it has the supreme joyful visual, and absolutely nothing beats roaming its Christmas windows on Regent Street and the little Christmas markets.
Is Christmas a great time to go to London?
Christmas is a remarkable time to check out London. The joyful occasions and beautiful Christmas visual make it among the very best locations to remain at this time of year. Yes, it gets hectic. However that’s the entire point of Christmas; it produces a joyful and friendly environment. We ‘d state that Christmas is a best time to experience London– simply be arranged and book whatever ahead of time to neutralize the crowds.
What should I provide for Christmas in London?
You need to check out a few of the Christmas markets in London and take a bus trip around the city’s Christmas lights. London’s piece de resistances are all stunning at this time of year, with huge Christmas trees and decors, particularly Hampton Court and Kensington Gardens. There are likewise things like ice skating and the much-adored Winter season Wonderland phenomenon in Hyde Park.
What is on in London for Christmas 2023?
There are loads on at Christmas in London in 2023. Have a look at the yearly occasions like Neverland and Winter Season Wonderland. However likewise take a look at upcoming West End efficiencies, Christmas movies, and carol-singing occasions. There’s no much better location to commemorate the joyful season than in London, and 2023 is set to be no various.
There’s no much better location than London to spread out that Yuletide happiness. There are a lot of pop-up occasions and activities in between the ice rinks and Christmas markets. Preferably, you ‘d have at least 3 days to commemorate Christmas in London. This is long enough to venture out on a day journey to Hampton Court or Richmond Park and invest 2 days taking pleasure in markets, performances, Christmas lights, and museums.
Are you searching for more London motivation? Inspect these short articles out on the finest things to do year-round, excursion, and finest London landmarks. It deserves keeping in mind that London is simply among the finest locations to check out in the UK Some northern cities like York and Manchester are likewise sensational at Christmas, so make excellent usage of the trains and remain longer.