21 Festive Things to Do in London at Christmas 2026
Looking for the most magical things to do in London at Christmas? As a Londoner who has spent many chilly Decembers wandering through festive markets, ice rinks, and candlelit concerts, I can tell you: this city knows how to do Christmas properly.
From sipping mulled wine along the South Bank to watching panto with my friends and skating at Somerset House, I’ve experienced the best (and the busiest!) that London’s winter season has to offer. In this guide, I’ll share my favourite festive spots – including Christmas markets, light displays, cosy pubs – with tips that only come from spending years exploring the city during the holiday season.
Let’s unwrap the magic.
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🎄 Christmas Markets & Festive Shopping
South Bank Winter Market
I’ve spent a lot of time walking around the South Bank – it’s one of my favourite parts of the city to meander around. Each Christmas there is a market by the river with games, food and drinks.
You can buy a festive drink from one of the stalls and continue on your way – there aren’t any laws banning drinking in public unless there is a public notice in the area.
I’ve spent chilly evenings here sipping mulled wine by the Thames and eyeing up handmade gifts and street food under twinkling lights.
Winter by the River (London Bridge)
The 2025 Christmas event hasn’t been announced yet, but given its popularity I’m sure it’ll go ahead again. Another favorite riverside spot, this market pairs festive shopping with unbeatable views of Tower Bridge.
They’ve also had pop-up bars in previous years, perfect for a festive cocktail. It’s quieter than South Bank, and ideal for snapping postcard-perfect photos.
Covent Garden Christmas Decorations
For most Londers, Covent Garden is a bit of a tourist trap. But I still love it. The market is decorated with giant baubles, Christmas trees and Christmas lights. You can catch street performers singing festive music, and check out what’s on offer to start your Christmas shopping.
I once spent over an hour here just soaking up the atmosphere and listening to live musicians.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall is beautiful all year, but the Christmas decorations make it even more impressive. Step inside this historic Victorian market for a dose of festive nostalgia. The intricate architecture looks incredible when decked out in Christmas lights.
It is different from other London markets. Leadenhall only has market stalls on weekends. Most of the space is used for restaurants and permanent shops rather than stalls.
The other thing to be aware of is that the businesses at Leadenhall cater more for city workers on their lunch breaks and after-work drinks than for visitors. Many of them are only open during the week.
So depending on whether you want to go into the Golden Goose Pub, Brokers Wine Bar and Cheese Leadenhall, or see the festive decorations and market stalls, check the website to see what’s on.
Iconic Department Stores: Liberty, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Harrods, and John Lewis
The London department stores are famous for their Christmas window displays.
If you’re after premium decorations or a dose of over-the-top Christmas charm, these stores deliver. Harrods’ Christmas floor is pure fantasy, and I make a point of visiting Fortnum & Mason for edible gift inspiration every year.
Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross
This one’s for those who like their Christmas shopping more boutique than big-brand. Think indie makers, unique gifts, and festive bites – with a less hectic vibe than Oxford Street.
✨ Christmas Lights & Decor
Oxford Street, Regent Street & Carnaby
The iconic displays are always crowd-pleasers. The lights hung across the roads are impossible to miss and a classic part of London’s winter decor.
But be warned, the closer it gets to Christmas, the busier Oxford Street is on the weekends. I generally avoid Oxford Street on Saturdays at any time of the year, but it’s much more intense as people start to do some Christmas panic buying!
I’ve learned to go late at night on a weekday to avoid the crush – it’s still busy, but much more enjoyable.
Trafalgar Square
This isn’t an area I spend much time in at other times of year, but I do enjoy the Christmas Market in Trafalgar Square, and especially the Christmas Tree.
Trafalgar Square’s towering tree – a gift from Norway since 1947 – always makes me smile. Without some background context, this tree often gets some negative comments, as the decorations are very simple.
If you’d like more information on the history, I have a dedicated article about the annual tradition of Norway gifting a Christmas Tree to the UK.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
A Christmas lights bus tour is a great way to see London without worrying about getting lost or stressing about crowded pavements.
Want to see London’s Christmas lights without the crowds? Book your bus tour here to relax and enjoy the sparkle in comfort.
These tours run from mid-November to early January.
⛸️ Winter Activities & Cosy Experiences
Ice Skating at Somerset House
Skating under the grand neoclassical courtyard was one of my most “London at Christmas” moments. Even if you’re wobbly on skates, it’s worth going for the atmosphere.
Other Christmas open air rinks can be found in Canary Wharf, Hampton Court Palace and Battersea Power Station.
Cozy Pubs & Festive Afternoon Teas
Duck into a pub or book a holiday-themed afternoon tea. London is full of pubs (as is pretty much any town and city in the UK). There are a few around with fireplaces to get the perfect winter feel, but whenever I’ve been in any of those it’s hard to get a place near the fire so doesn’t make a huge amount of different.
Some of my favourite pubs are:
- The Churchill Arms, Kensington (very pretty and can be very busy)
- The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea
- The Mayflower (the oldest pub on the river)
- The Alfred Tennyson in Belgravia
If pubs are an unfamiliar concept, check out my guide to UK pub etiquette.
Claridge’s and The Ritz do stunning festive versions of Afternoon Tea, but they are a pretty expensive activity. Brigit’s Bakery do a much cheaper Christmas tea on a bus tour, which takes you past some of London’s most famous buildings while you enjoy a festive treat.
Hot Chocolate at Borough Market
Grab a hot chocolate from Rabot 1745 or a mulled cider as you weave through food stalls. I once found the perfect Christmas dessert gift here – a brandy-soaked fruit tart I still dream about.
I recommend getting to Borough Market early in the day – it can get very busy around lunchtime.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
I’ve reviewed this one in full, but I’ll start by saying it’s not for everyone. I very much enjoyed my visit last year, especially the incredible Alice in Wonderland ice sculptures. From Bavarian bars to circus shows, it’s chaotic and commercial, but also incredibly fun.
But the costs can add up quickly. If you go at the beginning of the festive season your entrance fee is fairly cheap, but that doesn’t get you anything other than entrance. You have to add on any activities or games. If you are on a budget, then I’d skip this one.
Take a look at my full Winter Wonderland guide to see if this is one for you.
🎶 Shows, Concerts & Cultural Events
Christmas Pantomimes
You haven’t truly experienced a British Christmas until you’ve shouted “he’s behind you!” at a panto. I’ve seen a few over the years – from hilarious Cinderella renditions to cheeky takes on Aladdin.
Pantos are a bit of a weird British tradition. Audience participation is welcome, they are often family friendly but with enough jokes thrown in that only the adults will understand. Go with an open mind and
West End Christmas Shows
London’s theatre scene is world-class, and there are festive performances on each year. Check out Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, a comedy about an amateur theatre group whose attempts at a Christmas play face constant mishaps.
I’d really love to go to the Great Christmas Feast, a combined theatre and restaurant experience. But alas, they use flashing lights and I have photosensitive epilepsy so it’s a no go for you. If you make it, let me know what it’s like!
Another great option is to check out what the Royal Ballet and Opera are performing. In 2025 they’ll be performing the classic Christmas ballet – The Nutcracker.
Candlelight Concerts & Carol Services
If you’re after a more reflective and traditional way to celebrate Christmas in London, nothing beats a carol service or classical concert in one of the city’s historic churches.
St Paul’s Cathedral is the pinnacle of festive grandeur. It’s one of London’s most iconic buildings, and the perfect place to attend a carol service. The most popular services are ticketed, so check the website in advance. Other services are free and unticketed.
Westminster Abbey also hosts a series of beautiful Christmas services, including Lessons & Carols. These are more formal and often ticketed, but worth it if you want to experience a more ceremonial feel. Services here are usually accompanied by one of the finest choirs in the UK.
St Martin-in-the-Fields, near Trafalgar Square, offers a full programme of candlelight concerts throughout December. These range from classic Christmas carols to full orchestral performances of Vivaldi, Handel, and other seasonal works — all performed by candlelight. It’s more intimate and often a bit easier to get tickets for than the cathedrals.
Many local churches across the city also hold carol services or singalongs. These are often less crowded and can feel more community-oriented — worth looking up if you want something a little more low-key or are staying outside central London.
V&A Museum Exhibits
Need a cultural (and warm) break? The V&A often runs festive exhibitions, from historic holiday fashion to design showcases.
The V&A is one of the best London museums. It’s packed full of beautiful things, including a chandelier by my favourite artist, Dale Chihuly. Entry to the permanent collection is free, but you will have to book and pay extra for the temporary exhibitions.
🎅 Family-Friendly Festive Fun
Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys or the Zoo
If you’re traveling with kids, these grottos are top-tier. Hamleys is chaotic but magical – and the ZSL London Zoo adds an animal twist.
Cosy Christmas Films & Bus Tours
Everyman Cinemas do an excellent job of creating a festive film-watching experience – velvet chairs, cocktails, and all. The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square is also usually a good bet for a festive film.
The Royal Albert Hall does film screenings with live orchestra music, but you have to plan that well in advance. I’m writing this in the summer and lots of the tickets for the live Home Alone performance are already sold.
Eventim Apollo also has some live orchestra film performances. In 2025 they are running performances of Love Actually and The Holiday. It’s easier to get those tickets than the Royal Albert Hall, but still something you need to book well in advance.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens are to the west of Central London, and a but of a hassle for me to get to from East London so I don’t get there as often as I’d like. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours, although it is a paid attraction rather than a free London park.
The light trail at Kew Gardens is one of London’s most beautiful winter activities. It’s family-friendly, but also romantic enough for date night.
If you are in London at other times of year, they often do special events, mixing in lights and artwork with the plants.
🌆 Classic London with a Winter Twist
Riverside Walks & Skyline Views
Bundle up, grab a mulled drink from one of the stalls on the South Bank, and walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge. It’s peaceful, especially after dark, and one of my favourite ways to wind down.
Seasonal Historic Events
The Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace offer seasonal events – think carol singers and historic-themed crafts.
Christmas Bars
Try Miracle at Henrietta Hotel for kitsch overload – tinsel on the ceiling, Christmas cocktails, and more jingle than you thought possible. Their website will start to release tickets in September for you to book a Christmas 2025 slot.
Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Things to Do in London
Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights, sipping mulled wine by the Thames, or skating under historic arches, spending Christmas in London is a truly unforgettable experience. The city glows with festive spirit – and there’s something magical around every corner.
If you’re planning your trip and want to stretch your budget, don’t miss my guide to free things to do in London. Need help choosing where to base yourself? I’ve broken it all down in my where to stay in London post.
And if you’re looking for more general information on visiting London in winter, check out my guides to London in December and London in January – both packed with seasonal tips and real experiences to help you plan the perfect visit.
Wherever you go and however you celebrate, I hope your London Christmas is full of warmth, wonder, and a few surprises along the way.
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