Things to do at Christmas in London
Here are our tips on where to go in London around Christmas time.
Date published: 7th Dec 2023
London is a great place to be around Christmas. You'll never find yourself shot of anything to do as the whole city light up for over a month. We're into December now and thought we'd share our tips for the best things to do at Christmas in London.
Visit Winter Wonderland
Image credit: Winter Wonderland
So big, you can likely see it from a mile off when flying into London, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland has grown and grown since its beginnings. An all-out bonanza now that features huge attractions as well as activities for the whole family such as fun slides and Santa's grotto.
Find out more about Winter Wonderland here
Go Ice Skating
Image credit: Alexandra Palace
There's no shortage of ice rinks in London, which gives you plenty of options when it comes to learning for the first time. Some of the places we recommend include Alexandra Palace, Glide at Battersea Power Station and Hampton Court Palace
For more ice skating tips in London click here
Visit a Christmas market
Image credit: Southbank Centre
Another seasonal pop up that hits the capital in abundance, there's no shortage of Christmas markets selling gifts, homemade crafts, hot food and mulled wine. The South Bank market is excellent every year, and we recommend Spitalfields and Kingston too.
Find out more information about the markets at South Bank here
Check out a Christmas theatre show
We have a wide range of Christmas and festive-themed theatre shows that you can attend during the rest of December. We have shows for Frozen, which has been adapted into a hugely successful West End show as well as The Snowman and The Gruffalo's Child.
Find out which festive theatre shows you can attend here
Enjoy a Christmas afternoon tea
Image credit: Royal Lancaster London
A goos old afternoon tea is a relaxed approach to enjoying Christmas and why not relax when it's so close to the end of the year. Places such as the Royal Lancaster and The Orchid have mouth-watering options.
Find out more about Christmas afternoon tea in London here
Visit Kew at Christmas
Image credit: Kew Gardens
Whatever the season, Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in London and their annual Christmas light shows are staggering. You can set off down the trail for ages, watching installations lovingly put together that will blow your mind.
Find out more about Christmas at Kew here
Spot some of the iconic Christmas light displays
Image credit: Karam Alani (Pexels)
One thing that most people associate with London is the light displays. Each year, Central London becomes a rush of bright lights across all of its most iconic landmarks. It's part of what makes the city so special at this time of the year, pop down to Regent Street when you get a chance.
Find one of the best spots for mulled wine
Image credit: Ed Hinchcliffe (Unsplash)
There are plenty of places to find mulled wine in London, try any Christmas market. But, some places go above and beyond such as The Queen of Hoxton who put their own signature twist on the seasonal favourite. The Spaniards Inn, Lord Plamerston and Cutty Sark Tavern are also great options.
Get the Christmas shopping sorted
Image credit: Vitalijs Barilo (Unsplash)
Another reason people love London around Christmas is the shopping. No matter what you want, this city will have it with gifts both big and small. Last-minute bits are no problem, you'll find exactly what you're looking for.
If you're looking for more Christmas events in London click here. If you want to see more events from around London then click here
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
