Updated November 2026
London is one of the most magical cities to visit during the festive season. From spectacular Christmas lights and traditional markets to outdoor ice skating, seasonal theatre performances and winter attractions, the capital offers something for everyone.
Whether you're planning a Christmas weekend in London, looking for festive activities with the family or searching for romantic winter experiences, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
To help you plan your visit, we've put together 15 of the best things to do in London at Christmas 2026, including popular attractions, free festive activities and some of the city's most beautiful seasonal destinations.
Dates: 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of London's most popular Christmas attractions, bringing festive entertainment, fairground rides, seasonal food and traditional market stalls to the heart of the capital.
Visitors can explore a huge selection of attractions, from thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment to ice skating and festive shopping. The atmosphere is particularly special after dark, when thousands of lights illuminate the park.
Whether you're visiting with children, planning a festive date or enjoying a Christmas day out with friends, Winter Wonderland is a must-visit destination.
Location: Hyde Park, Central London
Best for: Families, couples and festive entertainment
Tickets: Entry is ticketed, with prices varying by date and time.
Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Dates: 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, selected evenings
Christmas at Kew is one of London's most impressive festive light displays, transforming the Royal Botanic Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland.
Follow a spectacular trail through the gardens, where colourful installations, glowing tunnels and immersive soundscapes create a truly memorable Christmas experience.
Along the route, visitors can enjoy seasonal food, warming drinks and beautiful festive scenery. The combination of music, lights and the natural surroundings makes Christmas at Kew particularly popular with couples and families.
Tickets are available for selected dates, and advance booking is recommended.
Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond
Best for: Christmas lights, romantic evenings and family outings
Tickets: Prices vary by date and availability.
Book Christmas at Kew 2026 tickets
One of the best things to do in London at Christmas 2026 is to experience the city's spectacular festive lights on a Christmas lights bus tour.
Every year, London's most famous streets are transformed with dazzling decorations, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the capital. From the illuminated angels on Regent Street to the sparkling displays along Oxford Street, there's no better way to experience London's festive charm.
For a memorable evening, join a Golden Tours Christmas Lights Bus Tour and discover the capital's beautiful Christmas decorations from the comfort of an open-top sightseeing bus.
Depending on your chosen tour and route, you'll pass some of London's most iconic locations, including Regent Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, while enjoying views of the city illuminated for Christmas.
This festive sightseeing experience is ideal for couples planning a romantic evening, families looking for Christmas activities in London or visitors wanting to see the city's famous decorations without walking between attractions.
Location: Central London
Best for: Couples, families, sightseeing and Christmas lights
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the selected tour and departure time.
Book a London Christmas Lights Tour with Golden Tours
Christmas lights switch-on: 12 November 2026
Covent Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in London during Christmas.
The historic Piazza and surrounding streets are decorated with sparkling lights, oversized festive ornaments and an impressive Christmas tree. The area's charming shops, restaurants and traditional market buildings provide the perfect setting for a relaxed festive afternoon.
Visitors can browse independent boutiques, enjoy a seasonal meal or simply explore the beautifully decorated streets. Covent Garden is also conveniently located near London's West End theatres, making it an excellent destination to combine with a Christmas show.
Location: Covent Garden, Central London
Best for: Christmas shopping, festive photography and couples
Entry: Free
Explore Christmas at Covent Garden
Dates: 2 November 2026 – 4 January 2027
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of London's most atmospheric Christmas markets, offering festive food, unique gifts and beautiful views of the River Thames. Traditional wooden chalets line the riverside, creating a cosy setting for visitors to enjoy seasonal treats and browse handmade products.
The market is especially enjoyable in the evening, when the illuminated stalls and nearby London landmarks create a festive backdrop. It's also a convenient destination for visitors exploring the London Eye, Waterloo or Westminster.
Location: Southbank Centre, near Waterloo
Best for: Christmas markets, street food and riverside walks
Entry: Free
Visit the Southbank Centre Winter Market
Dates: 11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
Ice skating is one of London's most popular winter activities, and Somerset House offers one of the capital's most iconic settings.
The beautiful courtyard is transformed into a seasonal ice rink, surrounded by historic architecture and festive decorations. Whether you're an experienced skater or trying ice skating for the first time, it's a memorable way to celebrate Christmas in London. Evening skating sessions are particularly popular, offering a wonderful atmosphere for couples, families and groups of friends.
Location: Somerset House, Strand
Best for: Ice skating, festive dates and family activities
Tickets: Advance booking recommended
Find out more about skating at Somerset House
Dates: 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027
Located in the heart of London's West End, Leicester Square becomes a lively festive destination during the Christmas season. The traditional Christmas market features wooden stalls selling seasonal gifts, decorations, food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls and explore the nearby restaurants, shops and theatres.
The seasonal ice rink also provides an additional winter activity for those looking to make the most of their visit. With Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus just a short walk away, Leicester Square is a convenient stop during a Christmas sightseeing trip.
Location: Leicester Square, Central London
Best for: Christmas markets, shopping and West End entertainment
Entry: Free to explore the market; ice skating is ticketed
Discover Leicester Square Christmas events
Dates: 14 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
For Harry Potter fans, Hogwarts in the Snow is one of the most exciting festive experiences near London. During the Christmas season, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London transforms its famous film sets with seasonal decorations and winter effects. Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated Great Hall, discover how snowy scenes were created for the films and see familiar locations in a festive setting. It's a fantastic experience for families, film enthusiasts and anyone looking for something different from the traditional Christmas attractions in Central London.
Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden, near Watford
Best for: Families, Harry Potter fans and film lovers
Tickets: Advance booking essential
Book Hogwarts in the Snow tickets
London's theatre scene is world-famous, and the festive season is one of the best times to enjoy a live performance. Throughout November, December and early January, theatres across the capital host Christmas musicals, traditional pantomimes, ballet performances and family-friendly productions. Popular seasonal experiences include The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and The Snowman, subject to each production's performance schedule.
A festive theatre performance is an excellent addition to a Christmas weekend in London, especially when combined with dinner or a visit to the nearby Christmas lights. As popular productions can sell out, booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Location: Various West End theatres
Best for: Families, couples and theatre enthusiasts
Tickets: Prices vary by production
Explore Christmas theatre shows in London
Trafalgar Square is home to one of London's most famous Christmas traditions. Each year, Norway gifts London a Christmas tree as a symbol of friendship and gratitude for Britain's support during the Second World War. The tree becomes a central feature of the capital's festive celebrations, attracting visitors who come to admire its lights and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. The surrounding area also hosts seasonal market stalls, making it a lovely place to explore during a winter walk through Central London.
Location: Trafalgar Square
Best for: Christmas traditions, sightseeing and photography
Entry: Free
Find out more about Christmas in Trafalgar Square
Borough Market is one of London's most famous food destinations and an excellent place to visit during the festive season. Located near London Bridge, the historic market offers a wide variety of artisan produce, speciality ingredients, freshly prepared food and unique gifts.
During Christmas, visitors can browse seasonal products, discover independent food traders and enjoy a lively market atmosphere. It's an ideal destination for food lovers and anyone searching for thoughtful Christmas gifts. After visiting the market, take a winter walk along the Thames towards Tower Bridge.
Location: Borough Market, London Bridge
Best for: Food lovers, Christmas shopping and seasonal treats
Entry: Free
For a different perspective on London during the festive season, consider taking a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames.
A river cruise offers the opportunity to admire some of the capital's most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye, while enjoying the winter atmosphere.
Depending on the experience you choose, you can enjoy daytime sightseeing, an evening cruise or a special seasonal dining experience.
It's an excellent way to combine sightseeing with a relaxing activity, particularly for visitors who want to see several London landmarks in one trip.
Location: Various departure points along the River Thames
Best for: Couples, sightseeing and special occasions
Tickets: Prices vary by cruise and operator
Explore River Thames sightseeing cruises
Greenwich is a wonderful alternative to the busier Christmas attractions in Central London.
The historic neighbourhood is known for its independent shops, traditional market and beautiful riverside surroundings.
During the festive season, Greenwich Market offers visitors the opportunity to discover handmade gifts, jewellery, artwork and products from independent traders.
The surrounding streets provide a charming setting for Christmas shopping, while nearby attractions such as the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park make it easy to enjoy a full day out.
Location: Greenwich, South East London
Best for: Independent shopping, families and relaxed festive days out
Entry: Free
A festive afternoon tea is one of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate Christmas in London.
Throughout the season, many of the city's hotels and restaurants introduce special menus featuring Christmas-inspired cakes, pastries, sandwiches and seasonal drinks.
Whether you're planning a celebration with friends, a romantic afternoon or a family treat, festive afternoon tea offers a relaxing break from the busy Christmas shopping streets.
For a particularly memorable experience, choose a venue near London's famous landmarks or combine your booking with a visit to a nearby Christmas market.
Location: Various hotels and restaurants across London
Best for: Couples, celebrations and special occasions
Price: Varies by venue
Discover festive dining experiences in London
Date: 31 December 2026
London's festive celebrations continue beyond Christmas Day, with New Year's Eve offering another opportunity to experience the capital at its most exciting.
The city hosts a variety of celebrations, including special dinners, parties, river cruises and the famous New Year's Eve fireworks.
The fireworks around the London Eye are among the capital's most recognisable annual events, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
If you're planning to attend, it's important to arrange your tickets and travel in advance, as official viewing areas are ticketed and Central London can become extremely busy.
Location: Central London and the River Thames
Best for: Couples, friends and New Year's celebrations
Tickets: Vary by event
Find official New Year's Eve information
Some of the best Christmas activities in London include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, a Christmas lights bus tour, ice skating at Somerset House, exploring Covent Garden and visiting the Southbank Centre Winter Market.
Yes. Many festive attractions in London are free to visit, including the Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street, Covent Garden's decorations, Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree and several traditional Christmas markets.
Popular Christmas markets include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leicester Square Christmas Market, Greenwich Market and Trafalgar Square Christmas Market.
Yes. London is one of the UK's most popular Christmas destinations, offering spectacular festive decorations, seasonal markets, theatre performances, winter attractions and shopping experiences.
Couples can enjoy Christmas at Kew, ice skating at Somerset House, a festive afternoon tea, a Christmas lights bus tour or a romantic evening exploring Covent Garden and the South Bank.
Family-friendly Christmas attractions include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hogwarts in the Snow, Christmas at Kew, festive theatre performances, Christmas lights tours and seasonal ice-skating rinks.
Yes. Several operators offer festive sightseeing tours during the Christmas season. A Golden Tours Christmas Lights Bus Tour is a convenient way to enjoy London's illuminated streets and famous landmarks.
Many Christmas markets and public light displays can be visited without tickets. However, popular experiences such as Christmas at Kew, Winter Wonderland attractions, Christmas lights bus tours, ice skating and theatre performances should be booked in advance.
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