Few places do Christmas like London. One minute you’re standing under giant light displays on Oxford Street, the next you’re sipping mulled wine in a centuries-old pub or skating around an outdoor ice rink. If you’re dreaming of a holiday that feels both classic and over-the-top, this guide will walk you through how to spend Christmas in London, complete with tips on packing, staying, and playing in the city’s winter wonderland.
Planning Ahead for Christmas in London
London at Christmas is magical, but it’s also busy—so a little planning goes a long way. The holiday season officially kicks off in mid-November when the lights switch on and runs through the first week of January. If you’re hoping to see popular events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or catch a Christmas concert at Royal Albert Hall, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
Expect chilly, damp weather with average highs around 45°F (7°C) and plenty of gray skies. Snow is rare but not impossible, so pack layers, waterproof shoes, and a good coat. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time outside enjoying the festivities.
Transportation is reliable throughout December, but note that the entire city essentially shuts down on Christmas Day. The Tube, buses, and trains don’t run, and even most shops and restaurants close. If you’re here during that time, plan for a quiet day with a Christmas lunch reservation at your hotel or a walk through nearly empty streets.
In London until January? Check out our guide on the Top Things to Do in London for New Year’s Eve.
Top Things to Do in London at Christmas
To help you get into the festive spirit, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in London at Christmas.
#9: Find Quiet Magic at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey always inspires awe, but there’s something about Christmas that makes it feel downright magical. Don’t expect over-the-top decorations, just timeless touches like wreaths and greenery that add warmth without taking away from the abbey’s grandeur.
It’s a fitting backdrop for a place that has hosted some of Britain’s most important moments, from coronations dating back to 1066 to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and most recently, Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral and the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Top Westminster Abbey Tours
London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
3 Hours | ££
Explore royal history at London’s famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace’s iconic ceremony.
Book Now!
London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
7 Hours | £££
Explore Buckingham Palace, see the Crown Jewels, take a river cruise on the Thames, and more.
Book Now!
Premium Westminster Abbey Tour with Breakfast and London Eye
2.5 Hours | £££
Avoid lines and witness the storied sites of royal ceremonies, then soar above the London skyline.
Book Now!#8: See a Festive Play at Shakespeare’s Globe
Sure, Christmas lights are great, but how about adding a little Shakespeare to your holiday lineup? At the reconstructed Globe Theatre, you can step back into Elizabethan London and watch a play in a setting straight out of the 1600s. Each year, the Globe brings festive cheer with special productions, and this season’s family-friendly highlight is Pinocchio.
#7: Lace Up for a Holiday Skate
When you’ve had your fill of mulled wines and festive treats, the next obvious move is to toss on some skates and hit the ice. During Christmas in London, you can often find pop-up ice rinks in some incredible locations, from iconic historical sites to vibrant city centers.
- Somerset House: This is one of the most famous rinks, set in a beautiful neoclassical courtyard. It’s the perfect place for a magical evening skate.
- Hampton Court Palace: Skate against the backdrop of the illuminated Tudor facade, then grab an indulgent hot chocolate at the on-site Ice Café and Bar.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: This massive festive fair features the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, set to live music under a canopy of twinkling lights.
#6: Mix History and Lore at the Tower of London
At Christmas, the Tower of London feels like a living history book edged in holly. Greenery softens the walls, and stories of bygone celebrations turn cold corridors into cozy chapters. The Yeoman Warders add seasonal lore to their legends, and the Crown Jewels deliver their own kind of sparkle. Linger on the ramparts, breathe in the crisp air, and let the past and present blur in the soft glow of the season.
Afterward, warm up and grab a bite at one of these best restaurants near the Tower of London!
Top Tower of London Tours
Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
1.15 Hours | ££
Witness a centuries-old tradition before seeing the crown jewels with fewer crowds.
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Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
3 Hours | ££
Travel the River Thames by boat then dive into British history at London’s famous fortress.
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Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
2 Hours | ££
Hear legends from the Guardians of the Tower of London before your full tour of the fortress.
Book Now!#5: Experience Hogwarts in the Snow
I don’t know about you, but my favorite part of the Harry Potter movies has always been the Christmas scenes—the feasts, the twinkling trees, the butterbeer. At the Warner Bros. Studio Tour’s Hogwarts in the Snow, you get to step right into that world. The Great Hall shimmers with wreaths and baubles, the Gryffindor common room looks extra cozy, and the Yule Ball scene is pure winter magic. Even if you’ve been before, the holiday makeover makes it feel brand-new. Just be sure to book early as tickets vanish faster than a chocolate frog.
Top Harry Potter Studio Tour Experiences
Harry Potter Studio & Oxford from London: Magic Behind the Scenes
11 Hours | £££
Roam the streets of Oxford, visit Hogwarts Castle, and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express!
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From London: Harry Potter Studios Tour in a Small Group with Pickup
7 Hours | £££
Join us to experience the official movie sets and props that brought the beloved film saga to life.
Book Now!
Private Harry Potter Black Cab Tour Through London
3 Hours | ££££
See where the magic of Harry Potter came to life as you drive to Gringotts Wizarding Bank and stroll.
Book Now!#4: Go on the Ultimate Christmas Light Adventure
Yes, you’ll see Christmas lights everywhere you look, but trust us when we tell you it’s well worth setting aside one night to focus solely on the twinkle. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and wander through some of London’s brightest holiday displays:
- Oxford Street – classic department store sparkle and glittering overhead displays.
- Regent Street – soaring angels of light stretching above the street.
- Covent Garden – oversized baubles, mistletoe, and one magical Christmas tree.
- Carnaby Street – quirky, themed lights that change each year.
#3: See London Sparkle from the London Eye
For the ultimate holiday view of London, you’re going to have to get into a glass capsule and float your way to a 135-meter-high (443 feet) viewpoint. That’s the London Eye, and December is all about the sparkle. Parliament, the Thames, and the South Bank glow like a festive runway after dark, and you can even book a private capsule with champagne because… ’tis the season to be extra.
Pair two classics on our Premium Westminster Abbey Tour with Breakfast and London Eye!
#2: Go All Out at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Traveling as a family or want to indulge your inner child? A visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park should top your Christmas in London itinerary. This massive festive fair has everything from ice skating and circus shows to a huge Christmas market and live music. Not even the grinchiest of grinches could get bored. To get you started, here are a few of the can’t-miss highlights:
- Seasonal classics like ice skating, circus shows, and a lively Christmas market.
- Thrill rides, including the Munich Looping roller coaster and The Hangover drop tower.
- Icy experiences like the -10°C ice bar, complete with frozen furniture and glassware.
- The Magical Ice Kingdom, with jaw-dropping sculptures carved from over 500 tonnes of ice, all themed around Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
#1: Shop, Sip, and Stroll Through London’s Best Christmas Markets
Coming in at number one for obvious reasons is to make your rounds at London Christmas markets. Think steaming mugs of mulled wine in one hand, a paper cone of roasted chestnuts in the other, and twinkling stalls packed with everything from handmade ornaments to indulgent treats. Here are the best Christmas markets in London to visit:
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: For mulled wine, riverside views, and plenty of photo ops under glowing lights.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: An over-the-top holiday extravaganza with roller coasters and Bavarian beer halls.
- Greenwich Christmas Market: Cozy, quirky, and perfect for unique, handmade finds.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market: Small but mighty, complete with a festive Spiegeltent for seasonal shows.
What to Pack for Christmas in London
London in December is chilly and damp, with average temperatures around 41ºF (5ºC). Snow is rare, but rain is common, so layers are key.
Here’s an idea of what you’ll want to pack:
- Good walking shoes: Make sure they’re waterproof and comfortable.
- Layers: Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a scarf, hat, and gloves.
- A warm coat: A good winter coat is essential for your walks around the city.
- An umbrella: Be prepared for rain showers.
- A nice outfit: If you plan on a special dinner or a West End show, a dressy outfit will help you feel at home in London’s stylish restaurants.
Where to Stay in London for Christmas
Choosing where to stay in London matters more in winter, when the weather makes location a big part of your comfort. Being near the places you want to see means you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without long commutes and still slip back to your hotel to warm up or change before heading out again.
- Covent Garden: A central neighborhood with plenty of boutique shopping, street performers, and a lively, festive atmosphere.
- South Bank: This area has a romantic, village-like atmosphere with plenty of riverside restaurants and easy access to the Southbank Centre Winter Market.
- Marylebone: The best choice if you want to be in the heart of the action, but still in a quiet, charming, and peaceful neighborhood with a festive feel.
The Marylebone Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pool • Stylish Location • Luxe Rooms
A polished, five-star stay just minutes from Bond Street shopping and Soho nightlife—great for couples or chic weekenders.
NoMad London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lounge • Communal Spaces • Opera House Views
If you want luxurious rooms, creative cocktails, and a quiet library lounge just for guests, NoMad is your Covent Garden pick.
Sea Containers London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Riverside Views • Rooftop Bar • Art Deco Style
A design-forward hotel that mixes Art Deco flair with unbeatable Thames views—perfect for date nights, cocktails, and sunsets.
Christmas in London FAQs
Looking for quick answers about London Christmas? Start here.
Late November to early January is ideal for Christmas in London, with lights switching on in mid-November and markets running through the first week of January. Weekdays in early December are festive but less crowded.
Top picks include Southbank Centre Winter Market, Winter by the River (London Bridge City), Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. These London Christmas markets mix handmade gifts, great food, and riverside sparkle.
The best things to do in London at Christmas include Winter Wonderland, Hogwarts in the Snow, skating at Somerset House, and evening walks under the Christmas lights in London. Add Westminster Abbey or a West End show for cozy indoor magic.
Regent Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street, Carnaby, and Covent Garden are great options to see Christmas lights in London. For a ticketed trail, Christmas at Kew delivers the most immersive Christmas lights in London.
On Christmas Day in London, most attractions and all public transport close, so plan a hotel lunch and a peaceful walk through near-empty streets. Save big-ticket experiences for December 24 or 26 during Christmas in London.
Pack layers, a warm coat, waterproof shoes, hat, gloves, and an umbrella for London’s Christmas weather. A dressy outfit is handy for festive dinners or a West End show.
For a central, walkable base during Christmas in London, choose Covent Garden, South Bank, or Marylebone. You’ll minimize cold commutes and maximize time at lights, markets, and shows.
Yes—both Christmas in London favorites use timed tickets that sell out quickly, especially evenings and weekends. Book several weeks ahead for the best slots.
Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, Glide at Battersea Power Station, and Winter Wonderland top the list for skating in London at Christmas. Reserve prime times after dark for maximum twinkle.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in London is all about simple pleasures. A warm drink on a cold street. Music pouring out of a church door. The festive glow of a pub. Plan the big things early, and leave room for slow walks and second helpings of mince pies. Then, let your Christmas in Europe continue:
