12 Festive Things to do at Christmas in London

Looking for something fun and festive to do in London this winter. Here is 12 festive activities to enjoy Christmas in London this year.

Coming to London for a short stay? Here is how we reccomend to see the best of what London has to offer in only 3 Days. Read our 3 Days in London for the full guide.

Winter Wonderland

Every year in the middle of London, Hyde Park transforms in the magical winter festival of Winter Wonderland. It’s one of the most popular Christmas events in the UK and for good reason. With its twinkling lights, festive markets, and thrilling rides, there’s something for everyone at Winter Wonderland.

Hyde Park is transformed into a dazzling display of lights, decorations and rides. There is a wide variety of things to do at Winter Wonderland. You can go ice skating on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, take a ride on the giant observation wheel, or visit Santa’s Grotto. There are also a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, including a roller coaster, a carousel, and a haunted house.

In addition to the rides and attractions, there are also a number of Christmas markets at Winter Wonderland. Here you can find everything from unique gifts and souvenirs to delicious food and drinks. Lastly, there is also a variety of live entertainment on offer, including circus shows, music performances, and ice skating shows. Winter Wonderland truly brings an electric atmosphere to Hyde Park, it is a great place to get into the festive spirit and enjoy the company of friends and family. 

The cost of Winter Wonderland really depends on what activities you do. Peak entry tickets are £7.50 per person but free if you book off peak. This does not cover any of the rides, attractions and food and drink so this will have to be factored in. The bigger attractions like the ferris wheel, or the circus need to be booked ahead of time to ensure that you get a spot as these are popular.

Winter Wonderland is a must visit for anyone looking for a fun and festive Christmas experience in London.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Browns Hotel

Browns Hotel is in located Mayfair. The closest tube station is Green Park where the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines stop. It is a 5min walk from the tube station to the hotel.

Traditional afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream and cakes.

Despite scones having been invented in Scotland afternoon tea is a quintessential English experience. And nowhere is it better to do this than in the drawing room at Browns Hotel. Apparently Queen Victoria used to take her afternoon tea here.

The ritual was invented in 1840 by Anna, the 7^th Duchess of Bedford. When electricity and lighting arrived, dinner started being served later and later. Afternoon tea started as a snack between lunch and dinner. At Browns, arrive hungry because it is much more than a snack. Costing £75 per person it is a special treat and you can ask for as many sandwiches, scones and cakes as you want. For a relaxed experience plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours.

Although afternoon tea is served at Browns Hotel from 12.00 to 6.30pm every day throughout the year it is most atmospheric in the run up to Christmas. The sandwiches and cakes are Christmas themed. The turkey and stuffing sandwiches are a favourite of many. At the end you will also be offered a slice of julelog. To make it even more Christmassy a pianist plays Christmas carols and there is always a fire going.

By Kristin from Scotland Less Explored

Iceskating at Somerset House

An iconic Christmas activity that must make your winter to do list is Ice Skating at Somerset House. The iconic courtyard is transformed into a magical ice rink, surround by festive decorations and the beauty of Somerset House as a backdrop.

When you arrive you can hire your skates on site and there are also skate aids available for beginners. Your skate hire is included within the price of your ticket. If you time your visit around a beautiful blue day, there is nothing better.

You can join one of the many skating sessions available throughout the day or visit for one of the special events held at the rink throughout the season, including disco nights or family fun days. 

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time of your visit. It is advisable to book these in advance, especially if you want to visit during peak times.

Be sure to check out this unique winter festive experience.

Christmas at Kew Gardens

London’s festive spirit comes alive at “Christmas at Kew” in the Royal Botanic Gardens — one of the best things to do in London during the holiday season. And the best part? There is no need for a sleigh ride; just catch the District Line to Kew Gardens station, and you’re set to immerse yourself in festive enchantment.

Embracing the enchanting period from late November to early January, the event truly dazzles in the evening. Picture the gardens adorned with captivating lights, crafting a winter wonderland that’s pure magic. As you meander along the illuminated trail, prepare to be enchanted by delightful light displays and charming fire gardens, all set against the backdrop of a festive soundtrack that fills the air with the joyful sounds of Christmas.

Feeling peckish? While Christmas at Kew isn’t a gourmet affair, stalls offer warm drinks and festive food. For a more substantial meal, consider a detour to Kew Village beforehand. Conveniently located nearby, it boasts a diverse range of dining options to satisfy heartier appetites. Or splurge on a Christmas Dinner at The Botanical inside the gardens.  

Christmas at Kew is more than an event; it’s an immersive experience in the heart of the holiday season. With tickets ranging from £19.50 for member adults during off-peak times to £29.00 for non-member adults during peak hours (family and child tickets also available), it makes for a worthy investment in the enchantment that awaits. 

For all the details and to secure your spot in this holiday spectacle, check out the official Christmas at Kew website and don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories amid the beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens!

By Goya from Goya Galeotta

South Bank Christmas Markets

The South Bank Christmas Market is in a prime position with stunning views of London’s skyline. This market usually opens in early November and runs until a day or so after Christmas. With nearby Big Ben and other iconic landmarks of the city, it has to be one of the best markets when it comes to location. 

Featuring wooden chalets filled with arts and crafts,  gifts and tonnes of street food, the market has all the festive vibes. Scents of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine fill the cold air beneath the London Eye to Waterloo Bridge. Expect hot chocolate, gourmet burgers, waffles, mac & cheese, fondue, bratwurst, Dutch pancakes, mince pies, and more festive treats.

Aside from the market itself, the South Bank Centre has a full schedule over the winter period with exhibitions carol singing, art sessions, raves and so much more. 

In previous years, there have been riverside snow globes set up, which are a real treat. They are super cosy, especially at sunset with insane views, enjoy a glass of vino and hearty alpine food. Tickets for the globes can be booked on the Design My Night website. 

If you are in London at Christmas with kids, there are also tonnes of rides at the Southbank amongst the Christmas Markets. 

To get to the Southbank Markets, travel to Waterloo Station via overground or underground. It is served by the Jubilee, Northern and Bakerloo lines. From the station, it’s just a 3-minute walk to the Southbank. Alternatively, take any bus to St Thomas Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road stop and walk down the steps close to the London Eye, which is simply across the road. These buses include 159, 453, 148 and 211.

By Karen from Travel Mad Mum

Not sure what bring home with you from London? Check out our 15 Best London Souvenirs: Unique Gifts to Take Home

Fortnum & Mason Christmas Afternoon Tea

Fortnum & Mason, founded in 1707, is a vast department store which covers several floors and takes up much of Piccadily in central London. Always an immaculate and stylish place to visit, at Christmas they go overboard with tasteful decorations, turning the whole place into a veritable winter wonderland. It is easy to get to Fortnum & Mason – just get the tube to Piccadilly Circus from anywhere in London.

The festive afternoon tea is held in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the 4^th floor, the finest of all the restaurants within the shop. Guests are welcomed into the sound of the resident pianist tinkling the ivories on the Steinway piano before being seated at a table with linen cloths, their signature eau-de-nil crockery, spotless glasses and besuited waiting staff.

The afternoon tea costs about £75 per head, more if you want champagne, and bear in mind that they add a service charge to the bill. It must be booked in advance and allow about two hours for the whole experience.

The service is impeccable and the food is glorious, with a three tier stand of dainty finger sandwiches, fresh scones with cream and delicate cakes topped with gold leaf, all washed down with their famous tea and finest champagne. The festive tunes from the piano, the pop of corks and clinking of crystal, the twinkling of lights on the Christmas decorations make it a truly festive experience.

Afterwards you can follow with a stroll through the rest of the shop to admire the colourful displays and maybe buy some of their wonderful food for gifts. 

By Sarah from Slow Travel

Christmas Theatre

Over Christmas London’s arts scene becomes filled with an array of Christmas-themed shows, ranging from things for adults to children and everyone in between.

For all ages why not check out the tale of Elf The Musical. A festive theatrical event claiming to be London’s “ultimate Christmas show”. Based on the film of the same name, go on a journey with Buddy from the North Pole to New York City.

If you are looking for something else for children then there is also The Snowman and Wishmas: A Fantastical Christmas Adventure.

For the adults there is Christmas Actually  is filled with humour, music, stories, and a star cast. This funny and magical evening with all of the holiday spirit you could ask for.

Meanwhile The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House gracefully unfolds its timeless magic, captivating audiences with its exquisite choreography and amazing performances. These shows filled with dazzling sets and enchanting music, transport you into the spirit of the season, making for unforgettable evenings filled with joy, wonder, and the true essence of Christmas magic.

Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace is a little out of the city centre, but it’s without a doubt one of the most magical places to visit in London at Christmas! 

This palace was once a royal residence, with Henry VIII spending part of his childhood there. A Tudor Hall remains, but much of the palace was redeveloped in the 1930s for the wealthy couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. 

If you’re visiting London in December, you’ll find that the grounds are bedecked in festive lights of all different colours, depicting Christmas scenes as festive songs meet your ears! 

The sun sets early in England in winter, leaving you more time to enjoy the lights; the trail is open from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day throughout December.

The route is family-friendly and takes around an hour to walk around!

It rarely snows in England in December, but it’ll likely be chilly enough to need some warming food! At the end, there’s the chance to purchase festive food such as mince pies and warm drinks (including mulled wine) to fend off the cold. 

It’s recommended to book your tickets online, as the event often sells out. 

To reach Eltham Palace from Central London, take a train from London Bridge to Mottingham (17 minutes) and walk around 15 minutes to reach the palace. 

By Claire from Europe in Winter

Chelseas Christmas Decorations

Enjoy the holiday spirit by strolling through the captivating Christmas decorations and displays adorning the shop fronts in London’s picturesque boroughs. Throughout Chelsea storefronts and houses have enlisted the design and decoration work of several companies to transform their space to a festive Christmas world.

The Boltons offers a range of different designs around its courtyard while The Ivy always goes big with its creative and innovative decor. Carlyle Square always offers a selection of Christmas decorations to help brighten the road throughout holiday season.

On Kings Road Chelsea you enjoy the different festive themed shop fronts some which make great backdrops for a photo.

Leister Square Markets

If you’re looking for an alternative to Winter Wonderland then try Leicester Square Christmas Market.

Leicester Square Christmas Market is a traditional German Christmas market located in the heart of London. It is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the city, and it attracts over 3 million visitors each year. The market is open from mid-November to early January, and it features over 100 stalls selling a variety of Christmas gifts, food, and drinks.

One of the main attractions of the market is the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, a few minutes walk in centre of the square. The tree is over 20 meters tall, and it is decorated with thousands of lights .

In addition to the stalls and attractions, the market also hosts a number of live performances such as a circus act Cirque du Soleil. The market is also a great place to people-watch, as it is always bustling with activity.

If you are looking for a traditional Christmas experience in London, then Leicester Square Christmas Market is the perfect place to visit. The market is a great place to buy Christmas gifts, enjoy some festive food and drink, and soak up the atmosphere of the season.

Here are some tips for visiting Leicester Square Christmas Market:

• The market is very popular, so there’s never a quiet time to visit as it’s always busy.
• The market is open from 10am to 10pm, but it is best to arrive early if you want to get the best selection of gifts.
• There are a number of food and drink stalls at the market, so you can enjoy a traditional German meal or a festive drink.
• The market is located in the heart of London, so it is easy to get to by public transport. The nearest tube stations are Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
• The market is a great place to people-watch, so take some time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

By Annisa from London Traveller

Christmas Lights Walk

Seeing the Christmas lights in London is one of the most iconic things to do during the holiday season in the city. From early November, London transforms into a holiday wonderland, with dazzling displays that light up the cityscape. The lights run throughout central London, from Somerset House to Regents Street, and over to Bond Street and St James.

The most well known light displays include: 

• Regent Street, with its ethereal golden angels
• Oxford Street’s falling stars
• Carnaby Street’s ostentatious and colourful displays that change each year
• Bond Street, with its luxury shops decked out for the holidays

While these streets boast renowned displays, don’t miss the hidden gems and smaller areas adorned with beautiful Christmas lights throughout central London. Inner Temple has some of the most beautiful and refined decorations in London. Neal’s Yard is a tiny courtyard tucked away with twinkling lights, which is just off of Seven Dials, a showstopper in itself. The shopping arcades in Mayfair are always beautifully decked for the holidays, and are great pit stops on the way to see major lights. 

Seeing the lights in London is popular and therefore extremely busy. To escape the crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or during the late evening. No matter when you visit, it will be magical — nothing beats the Christmas cheer in London.

By Hannah from Art Distance

Warner Brothers Harry Potter World

Experience the Magic of Christmas at Warner Brothers Harry Potter World Studio Tour in London.

From November to January the Warner Brothers Harry Potter World in London transforms into a winter wonderland where you can see Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry covered in a blanket of snow.

To get to Warner Brothers Studio London you can choose to combine your ticket with hassle-free transfer service from London or you can get the train from London Euston to Watford Junction where you then hop on a shuttle bus (that is included with your ticket) with a journey time of around 15 minutes.

When you arrive at Warner Brothers, immerse yourself in the sight of Hogwarts Castle covered in its wintry landscape. Enjoy the Great Hall, elegantly decorated for a festive feast, as well as other sets decorated with some of your favourite Christmas memorabilia from the films.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate Christmas fest by attending the Christmas Dinner in the Great Hall priced at £275 per person, be sure to book this ahead as the events sell out fast. For a full list of all the exciting events, visit their ‘What’s On‘ page.

All tickets must be booked in advance as ticket times and dates will sell out. Tickets can be booked through the official website or consider the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour with transfer from London ensuring a seamless and unforgettable Christmas adventure.

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Want to go somewhere after your time in London? Read our Best Day Trips from London By Train

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