Things to do in London on Christmas Eve

We know that Christmas Eve is a great excuse to go out with friends and family and if you find yourself in the capital then we've selected a list of the best things to do in London on Christmas Eve. From theatre shows to light displays and museums, take a look at our picks below. 

Horrible Christmas

When: Tuesday 24th December

Where: Alexandra Palace Theatre, London

Alexandra Palace has a beautiful theatre contained within that is well worth making the trek to North London for. You can catch Horrible Christmas on Christmas Eve, which sees you witness a festive adventure as a young boy aims to save Christmas with some classic historical characters making appearances throughout.  

Find tickets for Horrible Christmas here

Stick Man

When: Tuesday 24th December

Where: Bloomsbury Theatre, London

A beloved Christmas tale that went from a book to a TV show, there's also a theatre adaptation of Stick man. Follow Stick Man as he embarks on a morning run that soon takes a turn for the worst. Follow him on his journey to get home and the characters he meets on the way.  

Find tickets for Stick Man here

Hansel and Gretel

When: Tuesday 24th December

Where: Shakespeare's Globe, London

Immerse yourself in the world of Hansel and Gretel, as The Globe welcomes a new version of the classic story. This is a production full of mayhem and festive magic. A show for ages 5+, expect to see brilliant performances, poetry and songs. 

Find tickets for Hansel and Gretel here

Stroll along the South Bank

Image credit: Southbank Centre

Where: South Bank, London

London's South Bank is a hive activity over the Christmas period and we can't think of a better place to be on Christmas Eve to really make the most of the holiday spirit. There will be some beautiful Christmas lights on display as well as the Christmas markets that will serve you some festive treats.

Visit Prince Charles Cinema

Image credit: The Prince Charles Cinema (Facebook)

Where: The Prince Charles Cinema, London

The Prince Charles Cinema is putting on Christmas films all day on Christmas Eve, so you can really get excited for Christmas day. It's A Wonderful Life, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Die Hard, Home Alone and more will all be shown to put you right in the Christmas spirit. 

Tour the Christmas lights

Image credit: Karam Alani (Pexels)

The Christmas Lights in London are an event all in themselves and we can't think of a more beautiful way to spend Christmas Eve than to have a stroll through central London and take them all in. From Oxford Circus to Covent Garden and the West End, the city has some seriously impressive displays.

Charles Dickens Museum

Image credit: Charles Dickens Museum

Where: Charles Dickens Museum, London

Charles Dickes wrote A Christmas Carol, a story that pretty much everyone knows about. We can't think of a better time to visit the Charles Dickens Museum. You'll even be given a free mince park and mulled wine on entry as you see Dickens' house with its original fittings and furnishings. 

Christmas Shopping

Image credit: Amelia Hallsworth

Now you may think we're insane to suggest shopping on Christmas Eve but we'd hope that the majority of your shopping would be done by then. This is more for stocking fillers, as a stroll down Oxford Street and into the shops could be where you find that last perfect Christmas gift.

For more Christmas inspiration in London, check out our blogs on Boxing Day, Christmas and Family Christmas Events. For inspiration from across the UK, head to our Christmas page.  

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.