Christmas in London 2025: The 25 Most Magical Things to Do

Thinking about visiting London during Christmas this year? Our guide (crafted by London locals) covers the best Christmas things to do in London for 2025 to help you enjoy the festive season in England’s capital.

Having lived in London for over ten years, we can confidently say that Christmas time here is truly special. With its glittering lights and festive cheer, the city of London is one of the best places to experience the holiday season. From Christmas markets and festive shows to streets lined with sparkling lights, there’s so much to do and see.

Now, you might think we’re biased since we call London home (and maybe we are). But we’ve spent Christmas in cities like Cologne, Singapore, Dubai, and New York City. London remains the perfect place to be during this time of year. And we’re not alone in thinking so: a study by Cloudwards named London the most desirable place to go for Christmas based on worldwide search data.

So, here are our top suggestions for the best festive things to do in London at Christmas 2025.

If you’re looking for fun things near Leicester Square, the ‘Christmas in Leicester Square’ market in the heart of London’s West End is a great spot to visit! 

It’s a small, enclosed market with only 20-30 stalls, but the decorations and atmosphere are fantastic. 

What sets Christmas in Leicester Square apart are the shows, especially the award-winning ‘La Clique’ in the Leicester Square Spiegeltent, a multi-award-winning circus and cabaret show. 

Each winter, the Southbank Centre transforms the River Thames banks into a festive celebration. This medium-sized Christmas market, with around 100 wooden chalets, is near iconic London landmarks like the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. 

But be prepared: Winter Wonderland can get incredibly crowded (and we mean really crowded), especially in the evenings and on weekends. It can also be quite expensive.

Between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, you’ll find ‘Winter by the River’. This Christmas market might be smaller, but it has the most stunning skyline views in London, especially at night when the iconic Tower Bridge is beautifully lit.

There are several stalls and pop-up bars along the riverside, creating a cosy atmosphere. You’ll find everything from Bratwurst to mince pies and other tasty snacks.

While Hampton Court isn’t located in Central London (it’s in Greater London), it’s definitely worth the trip! In fact, this iconic palace makes for a fantastic day trip from London any time of year – and we’ve been many times.

Unlike other Christmas markets, you’ll need a palace entry ticket to visit (but there’s no extra charge for the market). If you’re a fan of Tudor history or just love history in general, the Festive Fayre is the perfect time to visit!

From late October onwards, London fills with pop-up ice rinks where you can show off your skating skills. We love ice skating and have tried nearly every rink in London. Below are our two top picks.

Our top tip: Ice skating is very popular during Christmas in London, so book your tickets in advance and, if possible, choose off-peak times to enjoy the ice with fewer crowds.

One of London’s newest rinks is right by the revamped Battersea Power Station. It’s our personal favourite, offering stunning views of the landmark, a large Christmas tree in the centre, and fun fairground rides.

Another great rink is in the grand courtyard of the 18th-century Somerset House. The elegant setting and stunning architecture create a picture-perfect scene for skaters, with occasional live DJ sessions after sunset.

Skate at Somerset House

2025 Dates: TBC
2024 Dates: 13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025
Cost: Adult tickets range from £15 to £26.50 (≈€18-32 or US$20-35), including skate hire.
Skate at Somerset House Official Website

As the first Central London location to feature Christmas lights in 1954, Regent Street kicked off the city’s tradition of public Christmas displays. The street is famous for its ‘Spirits of Christmas’ that light up the street with over 40 angelic figures.

Be prepared for large crowds, especially when the shops are open. If you can, visit during the week or after 10pm to avoid the busiest times.

Regent Street Christmas lights switch-on: 2025 date still to be confirmed (for reference, the 2024 switch-on took place on 7 November)

Right next to Regent Street, Oxford Street lights up with its iconic ‘sky full of stars’ display. Just like last year, we’re expecting thousands of stars and over 300,000 LED bulbs to create a magical atmosphere. It’s a beautiful sight and a great place to shop for Christmas gifts!

But be warned: Oxford Street can get very crowded, especially near Oxford Circus. If you can, visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the rush.

Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on: 2025 date still to be confirmed (for reference, the 2024 switch-on took place on 5 November)

Carnaby Street always delivers some of the most creative Christmas lights in London. The theme changes every year, and while some years stand out more than others, it’s always worth a visit.

In 2023, the display was called Carnaby Universe, filled with neon colours and sweeping light waves overhead. The 2024 theme, Into the Light, felt a bit underwhelming in comparison (but the street still had a great atmosphere).

It’s a stylish place for shopping year-round, but it really comes to life during the festive season. Head there in the evening to see the lights at their best.

Carnaby Street Christmas lights switch-on: 2025 date still to be confirmed (for reference, the 2024 switch-on took place on 7 November)

During the festive season, Bond Street transforms into a sparkling display of hanging lights and stunning storefronts. It’s a real treat to see the festive decorations in one of London’s most luxurious shopping areas.

Look out for the large crowns that light up the main junctions, inspired by the Imperial Crown. The festive displays in the windows of brands like Cartier, Christian Dior, and Ralph Lauren are also worth checking out!

Bond Street Christmas lights switch-on: 2025 date still to be confirmed (for reference, the 2024 switch-on took place on 14 November)

Covent Garden is easily one of the prettiest spots in London during Christmas! From early November to early January, the area transforms into a festive wonderland.

While Covent Garden is charming all year with its historic buildings and cobbled streets, the holiday season makes it truly special.

You’ll find stalls selling unique jewellery, crafts, and souvenirs, and there are often live performances and entertainment that enhance the festive atmosphere.

When wandering through London during the festive season, we often stop here for a mulled wine or hot chocolate from one of the many food stalls. Weekends can be very busy, so visiting during the week is better if you prefer fewer crowds.

Christmas in Covent Garden lights switch-on: 2025 date still to be confirmed (for reference, the 2024 switch-on took place on 12 November)

Our top tip: We recommend booking your tickets on the official Kew Gardens website early, as this event tends to sell out quickly!

Kew Gardens Christmas lights 2025: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Annabel’s in Mayfair has become one of London’s most iconic festive photo spots. This exclusive club goes all out with its Christmas displays, and each year is more elaborate than the last.

If your feet need a break from all the walking, an open-top double-decker bus tour is a great way to see the London Christmas lights up close.

The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most iconic venues, and it’s been hosting festive performances for over 150 years. A visit here around Christmas is a real highlight.

While the 2025 programme is still being finalised, last year’s lineup featured seasonal favourites like:

• Home Alone in Concert – A screening of the film with a live orchestra
• Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas – A jazz-filled evening of festive classics
• The Nutcracker – The timeless ballet performed in a spectacular setting

We’re expecting a similar mix of concerts, films and carols in 2025. You can keep an eye on the early listings and updates for this year’s shows here.

Check out this trailer for a Cinderella pantomime to see what to expect:

We love West End plays and musicals, but experiencing a panto is a uniquely British treat that’s absolutely worth a visit during Christmas in London!

The upmarket department store Fortnum & Mason is a fantastic place for festive shopping. Established in 1707, the store is perfect for finding unique Christmas gifts! You’ll find everything from handmade chocolates and fine teas to signature Christmas hampers. 

Don’t miss their beautifully decorated exterior and the stunning main staircase inside. 

Burlington Arcade is a charming historic shopping arcade in Mayfair, dating back to 1819. It’s filled with luxury boutiques, from watches and jewellery to perfumes and fashion. Each year, the arcade is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Liberty is a must-visit in London any time of year, but especially during Christmas! Its distinctive Tudor-style architecture and unique luxury goods make it stand out.

Visit their dedicated Christmas shop on the 4th floor for captivating festive displays and unique gifts.

Staying in or near the city centre is ideal for the best Christmas experience in London. Here are our top recommended areas to stay in London during Christmas:

• Covent Garden: A fantastic spot with close proximity to the city’s best Christmas markets and beautifully decorated streets.
• Westminster: Home to iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Convenient for experiencing Christmas lights and markets.
• Southwark/South Bank: Offers a mix of affordable and luxury hotels and is near some of London’s Christmas markets and events.
• Shoreditch: A vibrant area with many low to mid-range hotels and hostels. Enjoy trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants during the festive season.

That said, it’s also when many first-time visitors run into the classic tourist traps, like paying too much for transport or wasting hours in queues. Our guide to the biggest tourist mistakes in London shares how to sidestep them.

We hope this list of the top things to do in London at Christmas has inspired you to experience the city’s festive spirit in 2025.

Thinking of expanding your Christmas travels? Have a look at our guide to Christmas in Birmingham, home to the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria.