Christmas in London is truly a magical experience. From sparkling lights brightening the streets to lively Christmas markets and stunning light installations, there’s so much to discover and enjoy in the city during the festive season. Here’s a list of the best things to do in London at Christmas.
- 1. Marvel at London’s Christmas Lights
- New Bond Street
- Regent Street
- Carnaby Street
- 2. Explore the Christmas Markets
- Winter Wonderland
- Christmas by the River
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
- 3. Go to a Christmas Concert
- Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
- Carols by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields
- 4. Enjoy a Festive Show at the Theatre
- The Nutcracker
- La Clique at Spiegeltent
- 5. Visit the Iconic Department Stores
- Harrods
- Fortnum & Mason
- Selfridges
- 6. Go Ice Skating
- Queen’s House Ice Rink
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
- 7. Savor Delicious Christmas Treats
- Chestnut Bakery
- Doughnut Time
- The Black Pig
- 8. Visit a Stately Home Covered in Christmas Decorations
- Waddesdon Manor
- Kew Gardens
- 9. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
- 10. Treat Yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea
- B Bakery
- Park Room
- Ting
- 11. Experience a Festive-Themed Bar or Restaurant
- Miracle at Henrietta
- Daphne’s in Chelsea
- 12. Admire the Christmas Decorations
- Harrods
- Selfridges
1. Marvel at London’s Christmas Lights
New Bond Street
A top Christmas activity in London is soaking up the spectacular Christmas lights. New Bond Street, famous for its luxury boutiques, turns into a dazzling wonderland every year. Brands like Cartier regularly outdo themselves with breathtaking illuminated displays and festive façades.
Regent Street
The iconic Regent Street, dressed in sparkling angels, is a must for Christmas lovers. With dozens of elegant shops, the street is aglow with thousands of lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Carnaby Street
Famed for its creative shopfronts, Carnaby Street is another unmissable Christmas lights hotspot. Every year, the street lights up with unique and artistic installations, putting a fresh twist on holiday themes.
2. Explore the Christmas Markets
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s “Winter Wonderland” is among the most famous London Christmas markets. This vast fairground delights with rides, carnival games, a Bavarian village, and charming festive chalets. There’s an entry fee, but it’s worth it for a full London Christmas experience.
Christmas by the River
Looking for a more relaxed vibe? “Christmas by the River“, set along the Thames, offers a spread of food and gift stalls plus covered areas for keeping warm.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Facing the renowned National Gallery, Trafalgar Square‘s Christmas market is a festive gem with a handful of stalls and an inviting space for seasonal treats and drinks.
3. Go to a Christmas Concert
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall—one of the UK’s most iconic venues—hosts a season of special events every year. The “Carols at Royal Albert Hall” are an emotional highlight, where you can enjoy traditional carol singing in an unforgettable setting.
Carols by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields
St Martin-in-the-Fields, a neoclassical church in Trafalgar Square, offers enchanting carol concerts. The centerpiece is “Carols by Candlelight“, which fills the church with a magical festive glow.
4. Enjoy a Festive Show at the Theatre
The Nutcracker
You don’t need to be a ballet fan to love “The Nutcracker“. Its enchanting Edwardian London scenery, dreamy choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s famous music are captivating whether you’re a newcomer or a regular theatre-goer.
La Clique at Spiegeltent
“La Clique” is a spectacular late-night show featuring daring circus acts, outstanding cabaret, and award-winning entertainment. Hosted at Spiegeltent—a vintage cabaret tent—inside the Leicester Square Christmas market.
5. Visit the Iconic Department Stores
Harrods
With over 300 departments, Harrods offers everything from luxury fashion and homeware to technology and rare finds. Its Christmas Food Hall and festive shop provide a more accessible taste of luxury than the big-name designer boutiques.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason, a historic retailer dating back to 1707, brims with luxury goods. Their Christmas hampers are particularly coveted gifts.
Selfridges
Selfridges, one of London’s most exclusive department stores, is bright and modern with premier designer brands. After shopping, you can unwind in their in-house cinema.
6. Go Ice Skating
Queen’s House Ice Rink
Skating at Queen’s House is a staple of London’s Christmas calendar. The rink is often considered the best in town, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and each evening, the city lights of Canary Wharf to the north.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park also features a large ice skating rink for the holidays. Glide along to festive music and twinkling lights, surrounded by the market’s seasonal buzz.
7. Savor Delicious Christmas Treats
From early November, London comes alive with festive food. Tasting some of the city’s Christmas specialties is an absolute must during the holiday season.
Chestnut Bakery
Chestnut Bakery serves incredible pastries, unveiling a new specialty each month—look out for the December Christmas flavors.
Doughnut Time
If you’re a doughnut lover, Doughnut Time is the place to be for cute, festive-themed doughnuts.
The Black Pig
The Black Pig is famous for its Christmas sandwich—a holiday feast in a bun.
8. Visit a Stately Home Covered in Christmas Decorations
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor is a stunning destination all year, but at Christmas it truly shines. Tour the decorated East Wing rooms, explore the Christmas fair, and enjoy the illuminated garden path with enchanting projections.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, among the world’s top botanical gardens, becomes an enchanted forest at Christmas. Walk through spectacular light and sound displays that transform the gardens into a unique festive wonderland.
9. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Looking for something extra special? A horse-drawn carriage ride through Richmond Park is a unique way to mark the season. The 60-minute journey includes apple tarts, mulled wine, and a stop by the stables—a romantic side of London at its best.
10. Treat Yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea
B Bakery
B Bakery offers a Christmas-themed afternoon tea… ON A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS! Enjoy sweet and savory seasonal treats as you tour central London aboard a Routemaster bus.
Park Room
The Park Room serves a luxurious, festive afternoon tea with themed pastries in a truly elegant setting.
Ting
Ting presents a festive “Skyline Afternoon Tea” high up in the Shard, offering stunning city views and Christmas delicacies. You can save the £32 Shard entry fee and instead enjoy treats with the same breathtaking view!
11. Experience a Festive-Themed Bar or Restaurant
Besides indulging in sweet treats, socializing at Christmas is another thing London does exceptionally well. Treat yourself to one more seasonal must: enjoying food and drinks in a holiday-themed setting!
Miracle at Henrietta
Miracle at Henrietta, near Covent Garden, is a Christmas pop-up bar serving up festive vibes and a creative list of seasonal cocktails.
Daphne’s in Chelsea
Daphne’s in Chelsea is a cozy, festive restaurant—perfect for a Christmas meal in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
12. Admire the Christmas Decorations
Harrods
Harrods, London’s legendary department store, is decked out in sparkling festive displays. Its famous exterior twinkles with over 12,000 bulbs, stealing the show every Christmas.
Selfridges
Selfridges also embraces the season with dazzling decorations. There’s even a shimmering Christmas shop on the top floor, and each year the store unveils new themes across its windows and interior.
These are just some of the very best things to do in London at Christmas. The city is packed with festive events and attractions waiting to be discovered. So, put on your most cheerful Christmas jumper, get into the holiday spirit, and get ready for an unforgettable London Christmas!
