10 things to do in London for Christmas

10 things to do in London for Christmas

Christmas is perhaps the most magical season of the year in London and there are plenty of delightful activities going on from November till January. With so much taking place, where to start? Worry not as I’ve put together a detailed list of London’s best plans and activities. I’ve curated the best events, shows and venues and organised them based on topic and date.

There’s something magical about London’s Christmas vibe. No matter where you look, you’ll find stunning window displays, streets decorated with impressive lights and perhaps best of all, the most wonderful Christmas trees in the world. It feels as if everybody was making a big effort to make the season as special as possible. Both indoor and outdoor displays, ice rinks and Christmas trees are fun and emotive and we can agree that shopping, skating and even singing in these spaces can be a delightful winter activity. I’ve compiled a list of locations, events and prices so you can organise the festive season properly, no matter if you’re after Christmas markets, trees, shows or ice rinks.

Whether you live here or are visiting the capital over the holiday period, you’ll be able to enjoy all things festive with this guide.

Found this useful? Forward this free guide to a friend. Sharing is caring, especially during the Christmas season 😊🎄

1. Shop all things Christmas at these markets

Leicester Square – Image sourced from their website

Whether you’re looking for classic decorations or that last-minute gift, you can find all you need for Christmas at these superb markets in London. However, on top of that, you’ll also be able to treat yourself to festive food such as mince pies and winter drinks such as mulled wine. Typically, most markets open around November and last until the beginning of January.

Some London classics are Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Christmas by the River (with spectacular views over the Thames). However, other centrally located markets such as Leicester Square and Southbank are worth a visit too. Also, don’t miss this year’s first Christmas Market at Trafalgar Square.

Check our Top 7 Christmas Markets in London

2. Stretch your muscles at London’s ice rinks

Somerset House Ice Rink – Image sourced from their website

I know, as if squeezing in a gym session during the week wasn’t hard enough, let alone scheduling a workout during the weekend when one is meant to have a break. Worry not as ice skating is probably one of the most fun ways to get your muscles working. Stretch your body out over the weekend at some of the capital’s most iconic ice rinks. Most of them start somewhere around November and are open until late January. Some of the capital’s most beautiful landmarks – The Natural History Museum, the Tower of London and Somerset House – add an ice rink to their long list of fun things to do over winter, making this activity even more delightful.

My favourite one has to be the ice rink at the Natural History Museum. The setting is beautiful and the atmosphere magical, especially when it gets closer to Christmas.

Want to get started? Check the Top 10 places to go ice skating in London in winter

3. Sing along to the most popular Christmas carols

Royal Albert Hall – Image sourced from their website

If you enjoy singing along to popular Christmas carols, why not join a classical music recital with a seasonal twist, or be entertained by star performers at festive concerts this winter? Stretching your voice up and down at some of the capital’s most iconic venues has never been so charming.

There’s something magical about getting together to sing at some of London’s most iconic venues – Trafalgar Square, the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral, to name a few. While the indoors provide a warm and cozy feeling, the outdoors can also be fun and emotive as the music propagates without limits.

Don’t miss my Top 10 Christmas Carols in London

4. Go shopping in some of London’s most iconic areas

Harrods – by Michael Caven – Wikimedia Commons

Whether you like to get your Christmas shopping done early or you leave it till the last minute, in London, you are sure to find what you are looking for to make Christmas a dream this year. From small boutique stores in big shopping areas like Bond Street to the huge establishments such as Harrods or Liberty.

High-end stores make a huge effort to make Christmas shopping a special experience. Indeed very few shops can compare to Harrods’ iconic window displays and festive lights.

Find what you want in one of these 7 Shopping Areas in London

5. Book a Christmas Show

Nutcracker – Image sourced from their website

London’s West End is always buzzing with activity. However, around the holiday period, it’s when some of the most magical shows take place. From Christmas pantomimes and festive ballet, to spectacular Christmas theatre productions and the latest West End shows, there’s plenty to see this winter in London.

While the West End provides guaranteed fun, other atypical venues such as the temporary theatre at Winter Wonderland or Alexandra Palace can also surprise you with their unusual setups. We can agree that watching a classic like Peter Pan in the voluptuous interiors of Ally Pally (how Londoners called their beloved Alexandra Palace) is fun. If you enjoy watching classic Christmas shows, why not join some of these remarkable shows and musicals across greater London?

Here are some Amazing Shows to Watch This Christmas in London

6. Join a walking tour

London – by Aron Van de Pol – Unsplash

One of the best things about London is that you’ll always learn something new about it. Whatever the area of knowledge you choose — architecture, culture or people — there will be several fun facts you probably don’t know yet. By joining a walking tour, you’ll be able to learn about the nooks and crannies of London; that building you spotted years ago but never knew what it was, yet another wife of Henry VIII (only joking, he officially had six) and maybe a new artist that you didn’t know about.

Want to know more about London? Check our superb walking tours around London

7. Enjoy the craziest light installations across the capital

Carnaby Street – Image sourced from their website

London undergoes a festive facelift in the build-up to Christmas as the city gets some of the most elaborate Christmas lights in the world. Nothing signifies the approach of Christmas more than the glow of seasonal street lights.

Most of them are in major shopping areas, though you’ll find some of them in not so obvious venues (like the Leadenhall Market, which is only popular amongst bankers and…well, Harry Potter fans). Shops, markets and squares make a big effort to decorate their surroundings in order to offer a glowing atmosphere.

Find London’s best Christmas Lights here.

8. Photograph London’s most beautiful Christmas Trees

Claridge’s Christmas Tree by Louboutin – Image sourced from their website

From the traditional Norwegian spruce in Trafalgar Square to Claridge’s dazzling designer display, fill your Instagram feed with some of the best Christmas trees in London over the festive season. If you enjoy the festive season and its decorations, but Christmas trees above all (ah that elegance and fresh smell), you’ll delight visiting these displays of holiday charm. Some of them are themed, others sponsored and some, like the stunning one at Claridge’s Hotel, employs a well-known designer each year to design the full tree concept.

Here’s a list of the 10 Best Christmas Trees to Visit in London

9. Enjoy a themed afternoon tea

The Connaught Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

If you enjoy exotic teas, delicious sandwiches and expertly crafted cakes and treats, make sure you check these afternoon teas with a seasonal twist. Sipping a nice warm cuppa at some of the capital’s most iconic venues has never been so charming.

There’s something magical about getting together to sip the most classical tea blends at some of London’s iconic venues – Fortnum & Mason, The Ritz and The Savoy, to name a few. While the big hotels and shops provide guaranteed fun, there are other locations that offer an unusual festive experience. We can agree that the more quirky places can be as fun as the traditional spots.

Check the most festive afternoon teas in London

10. Prepare yourself for the key dates

New Years Day London – Image sourced from their website

What’s on during Christmas Eve? Can you use the Tube on Christmas Day? What are London’s top plans for New Year’s Day? It’s important to know all this as it will help you make better decisions. As a quick summary:

• Christmas Eve (24 December): Public transport will work and some venues will open until mid afternoon. You can ice skate at the Natural History Museum until 5pm, sing-along to beloved classics in the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall and so some last minute shopping at Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty until 5.30pm.
• Christmas Day (25 December): the Tube, buses, TfL Rail, London Overground, DLR, Trams, Rivers, Emirates Air Line, and National Rail won’t be running. Don’t miss the Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park or the Christmas Day Church Service at St Paul’s. Both are free activities.
• New Year’s Eve (31 December): There’s free travel on all TfL networks from 11.45pm on New Year’s Eve until 4.30am on New Year’s Day. Don’t miss the iconic London New Year’s Eve fireworks (If you want to be part of the celebrations on the night, you must have secured a ticket to be able to attend).
• New Year’s Day (1 January): The main event of today will be the New Year’s Day Parade where more than 10,000 dancers, acrobats, musicians and performers fill the parade route and hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets to witness the event. Some of London’s iconic venues such as Winter Wonderland and the Natural History Museum Ice Rink will be open too.

I hope you enjoyed this list and are able to visit some of these wonderful Christmas light installations across London.

Stay tuned for more Christmas plans, shows and activities in London.