London is a pretty magical place all year around but there is something about the run up to Christmas that gives London an extra bit of sparkle.
People even talk to you on the tube. Ok, maybe I’m taking things a little bit far there.
But there is no denying London at Christmas is pretty special.
There is no shortage of things to do to get you into the festive spirit and feeling christmassy. Read more for some of the best things to do in London at Christmas.
What to do in London at Christmas (2023)
If you were wondering what things to do in London this Christmas, wonder no more. The city is packed with festive events, shows, markets and light displays.
Stroll around the Christmas Markets
Christmas markets recently started to become thing in London (and the rest of the UK). Maybe I’ve never noticed them before but each year more and more seem to be popping up across the capital.
Some of the best to visit include…
- Southbank Winter Market – wooden chalets with traders from around the world run alongside the River Thames. Pick up some handmade Christmas gifts or just enjoy sampling the street food
- Christmas by the River, London Bridge City – in the shadow of Tower Bridge and with London’s iconic city as a backdrop, this is probably London’s most scenic Christmas market
- Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park -a huge Christmas extravaganza with fairground rides and festive bars and street food stands. Over 100 chalets selling decorations, gifts and treats. Can be very crowded so be prepared for a bit of hustle and bustle
- Leicester Square – a small but perfectly formed market. Full of festive treats and seasonal gifts
- Maltby Street Christmas night market – fabulous all year round but their Christmas night market with mulled wine, street food and carols will give you a festive glow
Most markets open around 10-11am (not the night market obviously) so to avoid the crowds it’s best to go as early as you can.
Why not make a day of it and see how many you can visit?
Marvel at the Christmas lights
London gets out the glitter and sparkle at Christmas with all the major shopping areas putting up some pretty spectacular light displays. Many are within walking distance of each other so it makes for a pleasant walk around the city.
Christmas light installations not to miss include…
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Carnaby Street
- St Christopher’s Place
- Marylebone
- Bond Street
- Leciester Square
- The Strand
- Covent Garden
- Seven Dials
Read more: View my self guided walk around the best of London’s Christmas lights.
If you don’t mind travelling a little further afield, it looks like Christmas at Kenwood is returning for a second year. Featuring festive illuminations and installations, the light trail s usually a spectacular.
To get 10% off tickets booked before midnight on 3 September, sign up to the their waiting list.
Spend the night at a Christmas Show
Concerts, theatre, ballet, ice dancing…there is a show for everyone in London over Christmas. In fact you could probably see a show every night and not run out of options.
London Theatre Shows
Many of the West End shows put on extra performances over the Christmas holidays. There are usually no performances on Christmas Day but most are back on stage on Boxing Day.
Popular shows this year include Hamilton, Moulin Rogue and The Lion King.
Christmas specific shows
To really get into the festive spirit why not see a Christmas show. Top picks include…
- Elf, Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road
- The Nutcracker – London Coliseum
- A Christmas Carol – The Old Vic
- Hansel and Gretel – Shakespeare’s Globe
And of course, the annual family Christmas pantomime at the London Palladium – this year it is Peter Pan.
Concerts
Every year, Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball brings some of the world’s top pop stars to London for some festive fun. Details are usually announced in November.
The Royal Albert Hall also does a run of Christmas shows. Find out more at Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
Of course tours still happen in December so look out for concerts at Wembley or The O2. It may not technically be a Christmas show but it will still be a great night out!
Tip: Getting tickets for concerts can be more difficult than you think. View my guide on how to buy concert tickets to make sure have the best chance of getting tickets for the shows you want to see.
Skate on one of London’s pop up ice rinks
Whether you skate like Bambi on ice or glide around like Torvill and Dean, London’s pop up ice rinks provide some festive fun for all the family.
Most rinks provide a spectacular backdrop and have on site cafes to warm up after you’ve brushed up on your skating skills.
Pop ice rinks in Central London include…
- Somerset House – a stunning setting in the courtyard
- Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) – the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink
- Canary Wharf – London’s largest covered pop up ice rink
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is synonymous with the UK and no more so than in London. I think you could take afternoon tea everyday and always have somewhere new to try.
Most places will put on a festive twist throughout November, December and into January with Christmas themed cakes and treats.
Some of my favourite places for afternoon tea include…
- Claridge’s – one of London’s best afternoon teas. The service is amazing here
- Sanderson Hotel – a magical Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea
- One Aldwych – a festive take on it’s fabulous Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea
- The Shard – afternoon tea with a spectacular view over the city
- The Langham – old school glamour at one of London’s oldest (and grandest) hotels
Shop till you drop
There is no shortage of places to shop in London. From world famous shopping streets to quirky boutiques you’ve no excuse for forgetting anyone’s Christmas present.
The big hitters are…
- Oxford Street/Regent Street/Carnaby Street
- Covent Garden
- Canary Wharf
- Westfield – White City or Stratford
Most will be open late in the few weeks before Christmas so avoid the peak times by going early in the morning or late in the evening.
Christmas Window Displays
While London’s Christmas window display’s aren’t quite on the same scale as New York more and more shops are starting to go all out with their displays.
Shop windows to look out for include…
- John Lewis, Selfridges – Oxford Street
- Stella McCartney – Bond Street
- Hamleys – Regent Street
- Liberty – Regent Street/Great Marlborough Street
Hunt for London’s best dressed Christmas Tree
If you are looking for festive things to do in London that don’t cost the earth, then a stroll around looking at the capital’s Christmas trees is a nice way to pass a few hours. Best of it it won’t cost you anything other than maybe a tube or bus fare. Here are some of the Christmas trees worth having a look at.
- Trafalgar Square – London’s most famous Christmas tree. An annual gift from Norway since 1947.
- Covent Garden – a 55ft tree covered with lights
- Claridges – The outside of the hotel is fabulous enough but stepping into the reception you’ll see their iconic tree.
- Royal Exchange – always a favourite, the tree outside on the forecourt gives the city some Christmas cheer.
- Somerset House – a 40ft tree tower over the ice rink in the courtyard.
- Annabels – as a private members club you won’t be able to pop inside but who cares? The outside is enough to stop you in your tracks for that insta worthy photo.
- St Pancras – Often London’s quirkiest Christmas Tree. Who know what they will come up with for 2023.
Visit a Christmas event in London
Winter Wonderland
Probably London’s largest and most famous Christmas pop up. Hyde Park (well part of it) is turned into a magical winter wonderland. There is so much to do here you could probably spend the whole holidays here and still not see everything.
With Christmas markets, an ice rink, shows, rides and a huge selection of food and drink it’s guaranteed to get even the most bah humbug amongst you feeling a little Christmassy. And if it doesn’t, then you are basically Scrooge.
The details: Winter Wonderland is open between 17 November 2023 and 1 January 2024. It is open everyday between 10am – 10pm although not Christmas Day – come on, if anyone deserves a day off it’s those guys.
Christmas by the River 2023
Christmas by the River is likely to return to London Bridge City this winter. With the stunning backdrop of London’s iconic skyline, it is the most Instagramble Christmas event in the capital.
The event is spread over several locations including The Scoop, Hays Galleria and The Pier.
You can expect a traditional Christmas market, festive films, pop up bars, light installations, choir performances and community activities.
Last winter, Christmas by the River opened on Tuesday 15 November and ran through to Monday 2 January.
Christmas at Kenwood
Between 1 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, the grounds of the former stately home, Kenwood House, will be turned into a winter wonderland featuring festive themed installations and illuminations.
The trail will take around an hour to complete and there will be plenty of festive food and drink on offer with food vendors, licensed bars and a Christmas Market.
The details: Christmas at Kenwood opens on 1 December 2022 and closes on 1 January 2023. Twilight viewing tickets allow access from 4.30pm. Normal tickets from 5pm.
Christmas at Kew
If you are looking for something to do in the evening then look no further than Christmas at Kew. A magical light trail brings the Christmas sprit to the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The trail includes a laser show, light arcades, glittering trees, cascading lights and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Tickets sell out fast so sign up to their newsletter to be amongst the first to hear about 2023 tickets.
The Last Word
There are so many Christmas things to do in London I couldn’t even begin to list them all.
However, these suggestions should give you a pretty good start.