Thinking about visiting London during Christmas this year? Our guide (crafted by London locals) covers the best Christmas things to do in London for 2024 to help you enjoy the festive season in England’s capital.
Having lived in London for over nine 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 2024 study by Cloudwards named London the world’s most desirable Christmas destination.
So, here are our top suggestions for the best festive things to do in London at Christmas 2024.
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Short on time? Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in London at Christmas in 2024:
Must-Visit: The top 5 things you shouldn’t miss when visiting London during Christmas are:
(1) Admire the beautifully decorated Covent Garden area.
(2) Visit Winter Wonderland, the UK’s biggest Christmas market.
(3) Glide at the ice rink in front of the iconic Battersea Power Station.
(4) See London’s Christmas lights up close by night on an open-top bus tour.
(5) Treat yourself to a Christmas afternoon tea.
Tours & Experiences: Find Christmas tours and tickets for festive activities in London on Viator and GetYourGuide.
Hotels: For a festive stay in London, consider the Hoxton Southwark, Wilde Aparthotels London Covent Garden, or citizenM London Victoria Station. For more options, check out our dedicated guide to the best areas and hotels in London.
Keep reading for our complete guide to the best Christmassy things to do in London this November and December!
Best Things to Do in London at Christmas 2024
For us, the best part of the Christmas period in London is the sheer variety of festive events and activities. If you’re looking to embrace the Christmas spirit, below are our top picks for the perfect way to enjoy the festive season in London.
London’s Best Christmas Markets
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than visiting a Christmas market. London offers a variety of options, so to help you decide, here’s our selection of the best Christmas markets.
Our list includes both large and small markets (including the UK’s biggest!). They all run into early January, giving you more time to enjoy the season.
1. Christmas in Leicester Square
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.
The square also features statues of beloved film characters, such as Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Bugs Bunny, and Paddington Bear.
Just be prepared – Leicester Square is one of the busiest spots in Central London!
Christmas in Leicester Square
Dates: 6 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Cost: Free to explore the market; tickets for the show ‘La Clique’ start from £26.50
2. Southbank Centre Winter Festival
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.
We love the festive spirit here – from the Christmas decorations to the live music and the tempting smells from food and beverage vendors (the mulled wine and hot apple cider are perfect for keeping warm!).
You can also try alpine-themed curling or toast marshmallows at their seasonal pop-ups. Plus, there are many free Christmas performances throughout November and December. Check out their official website (link below) for specific info.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Dates: TBC (expected: 26 October 2024 – 5 January 2025)
Cost: Free to explore
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the UK’s biggest Christmas market. This amusement park-style attraction offers everything from ice skating and roller coaster rides to live entertainment, street food, and festive bars.
We’ll admit that Londoners have mixed feelings about it – they either love it or hate it! We first visited in 2014 and have returned every year since.
Did you know? With its 142 hectares, Hyde Park is the largest park in London. For comparison, NYC’s Central Park is about 2.4 times larger, covering 340 hectares.
What we love about Winter Wonderland is its sheer size and variety. There are hundreds of stalls, rides, and every food you could ever imagine. You can easily spend hours here.
Our go-to spots include The Bavarian Village for its great entertainment, and The Fire Pit for its live bands or DJs while you enjoy festive cocktails at the open-air bar.
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.
Before Covid-19, entry was free, but since 2021, it’s only free on certain weekday mornings. Later in the day and on weekends, an entrance fee applies. Pre-booking online is required, so check the official website for details (see link below).
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Dates: 21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Cost: Entry is free on specific weekday mornings; otherwise, tickets cost £5 or £7.50 (≈€6-9 or US$7-10) during peak times.
4. Winter by the River
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.
Winter by the River
Dates: TBC (expected: 12 November 2024 – 1 January 2025)
Cost: Free to enter
5. Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is one of our favourite palaces – and it’s a fantastic backdrop for a Christmas market. The palace’s annual ‘Festive Fayre’ is a great chance to step back in time while enjoying a culinary feast in its stunning courtyards and grounds.
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.
On two weekends in December, you can explore Henry VIII’s famous residence and its 60-acre gardens alongside street food stalls and artisan producers. There’s also an ice rink, Christmas cooking demos, and more.
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!
Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace
Dates: 6-8 December 2024 and 13-15 December 2024
Cost: Included in palace admission, which is £30 (≈36€ or US$39)
London’s Best Festive Ice Rinks
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.
Here are our two top picks:
6. Glide at Battersea Power Station
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.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Dates: 8 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Cost: Adult tickets start from £16 (≈19€ or US$21), including skate hire.
7. Skate at Somerset House
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
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.
We’ve also tested other popular rinks like Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Queen’s House Ice Rink, Westfield London Ice Rink (Shepherd’s Bush), and Winter Wonderland. But the two above (Battersea Power Station and Somerset House) are our favourite ones!
Please note: The Natural History Museum Ice Rink closed in 2022, and the Tower of London Ice Rink closed in 2020. Some websites still recommend them, but their content just hasn’t been updated in years.
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.
London’s Best Christmas Lights & Displays
Another highlight of the festive season in London is the stunning Christmas lights around the city. Some streets have new themes each year, while others keep the same decorations. These festive lights are switched on at different times.
In this section, we’ll share our favourite London Christmas displays and Christmas lights (plus their switch-on dates):
8. Regent Street
Regent Street is a picturesque, grand street that looks even more stunning at Christmas. It’s a must-see spot during the Xmas time in London!
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: 7 November 2024
9. Oxford Street
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: 5 November 2024
10. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street always has some of the most creative Christmas lights in London. The themes change every year, and they always manage to surprise us.
In 2023, it was all about the Carnaby Universe, with neon colours and light waves that took over the street and sky above. It’s a trendy spot for shopping and even better during Christmas. We recommend you check it out – especially in the evening for the full effect!
Carnaby Street Christmas lights switch-on: TBC
11. Bond Street
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.
Did you know? Bond Street is made up of two streets: Old Bond Street in the south and New Bond Street in the north, but most people simply refer to the whole area as Bond Street.
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: TBC
12. Christmas in Covent Garden
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.
During Christmas, it’s beautifully decorated with lights and festive displays. The square features a stunning 18-metre (60-foot) Christmas tree adorned with over 30,000 lights.
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: 12 November 2024
Christmas in Covent Garden Official Website
13. Christmas at Kew (Kew Gardens)
If you’re looking for a magical and unique experience during the festive period, Kew Gardens is the place to be. Their illuminated trail and Christmas light displays are some of the most enchanting in London.
As you walk through the gardens, you’ll be surrounded by stunning lights, illuminated trees, and glowing pathways. The park is a great place to visit from mid-November throughout the month of December.
Christmas at Kew’s 3km (1.9 miles) illuminated trail stretches across the entire park. You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore it all at a relaxed pace, so plan accordingly.
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 2024: 13 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
14. Annabel’s
Annabel’s in Mayfair is a must-visit for festive cheer. This exclusive club is famous for its stunning Christmas displays.
In 2022, they showcased massive bauble trees and huge gift boxes. Last year, a hot air balloon floated above their three-story facade. We’re excited to see what they have in store for 2024, but we’re sure it will be a sight you won’t want to miss!
15. The Ivy Chelsea Garden
The Ivy Chelsea Garden is also renowned for its spectacular Christmas decorations. This iconic restaurant transforms its facade into magical winter scenes each year.
One year, it might be Santa’s Grotto; another year, it might be a white winter wonderland or even a charming gingerbread house. It’s always a delight and definitely worth a visit during the festive season.
16. Open-Top Bus Tour to See Christmas Lights by Night
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.
During the tour, you’ll pass by some of London’s most iconic landmarks lit up for the season, like the London Eye and Big Ben. You’ll also get to see the Christmas lights on Regent Street and Oxford Circus, and spot some of the city’s tallest Christmas trees at Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
We’ve done this open top bus tour during Christmas, and what we loved most was seeing all the Christmas sights without the crowds. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
You can find the best selection of open-top bus tours on GetYourGuide here. You can also browse open-top bus tours on Viator here.
London’s Most Iconic Christmas Carol Services, Concerts, and Shows
17. Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is a stunning venue for Christmas carols. Their festive carol services are a highlight of the season. The grandeur of the cathedral, combined with traditional Christmas carols, creates a magical atmosphere.
You can enjoy performances by a full choir, and the cathedral’s acoustics make the carols truly special. During December, there’s a range of concerts and traditional carol services, including the “Celebration of Christmas” concert in mid-December and the Christmas Carol Services on 23rd and 24th December.
These events are free but very popular, so be prepared for queues and aim to arrive early.
18. Christmas Carols at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is another fantastic spot for Christmas carols. The Abbey hosts beautiful carol services throughout the festive season.
With its impressive Gothic architecture, the setting adds a unique charm to the carols. Expect to hear traditional favourites and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
19. Christmas at Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is a must-visit for Christmas in London. It’s been a festive staple for over 150 years. In 2024, the programme is packed with exciting Christmas events. Here are our top picks:
- Home Alone in Concert (7 December 2024): Enjoy this holiday classic with live music that brings the film’s score to life.
- Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas (19 December 2024): Get into the festive spirit with a lively jazz performance and festive favourites.
- The Nutcracker (29-31 December 2024): Experience the magic of this beloved ballet in a stunning setting.
You can have a look at the 2024 Christmas lineup for the Royal Albert Hall here.
20. Christmas Panto
If you’re not from the UK, you might think pantomimes are about silent performances. But that’s not the case here!
Pantomimes, or “pantos”, are a British Christmas tradition. These shows mix fairy tales or classic stories with slapstick humour, audience participation, and catchy music. They’re a massive hit during the festive season, and many people who don’t usually visit theatres will make an exception for a panto.
Did you know? A YouGov survey found that 43% of Britons are fans of Christmas pantomimes. Classic stories like ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Aladdin’, and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ are popular choices.
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!
London’s Most Beautiful Spots for Christmas Shopping
21. Fortnum & Mason
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.
22. Harrods
London’s famous department store, Harrods, is one of the world’s largest department stores and a great spotfor luxury Christmas shopping. The store houses over 3,000 brands.
Head to the opulent food hall for Christmas treats and gifts. The store’s Christmas window displays are stunning, so be sure to snap some pictures of both the interior and exterior decorations.
23. Burlington Arcade
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.
24. Liberty London
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.
Top tip: Other London spots with gorgeous Christmas displays are Selfridges and Leadenhall Market.
London’s Best Christmas Afternoon Teas
London is famous for its afternoon tea, and Christmas is a perfect time to enjoy it. You’ll find festive treats and beautifully decorated settings at top spots around the city.
25. Festive Places to Enjoy Christmas Afternoon Tea
Here are three of our favourite places to enjoy Christmas afternoon tea:
- Brigit’s Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – Enjoy a festive tea experience while sightseeing on a classic double-decker bus.
- The Ritz London – Known for its elegant and luxurious afternoon tea, it’s a bit pricey but exceptional.
- TĪNG at the Shangri-La The Shard – This spot offers a stunning view of London and a delightful Christmas afternoon tea.
Top tip: We highly recommend booking your Christmas afternoon tea in London well in advance to secure your spot!
Where to Stay in London at Christmas
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.
Our recommended hotels in London’s centre for a Christmas break:
Wilde Aparthotels London (Covent Garden) – Offers a stylish and comfortable stay right in the heart of Covent Garden. They have modern, well-equipped rooms away from the magical Christmas decorations and seasonal markets.
citizenM London Victoria Station (Westminster) – We love citizenM hotels and have stayed in locations worldwide. This hotel combines modern comfort with central locations, making it easy to explore London’s Christmas attractions. We love their comfortable rooms with technology controlled via a tablet, plus superb breakfast.
The Hoxton Southwark (Southwark) – A chic and relaxed retreat close to South Bank’s festive lights and Christmas activities. It offers a stylish design and a quiet, central location, perfect for enjoying the holiday season in London.
Read more: Best areas and hotels for your London trip
FAQ: London Christmas Guide 2024
This section answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you plan your trip to London during Christmas.
When do London’s Christmas markets start?
London’s Christmas markets usually start in early to mid-November and run through early January. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, the UK’s largest Christmas market, is open from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Other popular markets often begin 1-2 weeks earlier, so expect them to open in early November.
When do Christmas decorations go up in London?
Christmas decorations in London usually go up in early November. For 2024, Regent Street’s lights are confirmed for 7 November and Oxford Street’s lights for 5 November. Some displays may switch on later in the month.
Is Christmas a good time to visit London?
Yes, Christmas is a fantastic time to visit London! The city sparkles with festive lights, decorations, Christmas markets, and ice rinks. However, be prepared for crowds during the busy holiday season.
Does everything close in London for Christmas?
On Christmas Day (25 Dec), most shops, restaurants, and attractions in London will be closed, with no public transport. Some eateries may serve Christmas lunch, and a few convenience stores might be open. On Christmas Eve (24 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec), more restaurants and tourist sites will be open.
Does it snow in London at Christmas?
Snow in London at Christmas is quite rare. Data from the past 40 years shows there’s only a 2% chance of snow in London on Christmas Day (25 December). With London’s mild climate, rain is more common during the festive season. Climate change might make snow even less likely in the future.
Where is the most festive place in London at Christmas?
Covent Garden is one of the most festive places in London at Christmas. It features a large Christmas tree, sparkling lights, and gorgeous decorations. Nearby shops and restaurants also have festive decorations and holiday offerings. Other top spots include Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
Final Thoughts on Magical Things to Do in London at Christmas (2024)
We hope our list of the top things to do in London during Christmas has sparked your interest in experiencing the city’s holiday cheer in 2024.
If you’ve already visited London during Christmas, we’d love to hear about your favourite festive events and must-visit spots. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Looking to expand your holiday adventures beyond London? Check out our post about Christmas in Birmingham, where you’ll find the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria!
Check out our other London-related posts:
14 comments
I miss London so much; I want to visit all the places you listed. London is one of the most magical cities this time of the year. 🥰
London’s festive charm is indeed something special!