18 Things To Do In London At Christmas 2026

Date post added: 6th August 2026

London at Christmas is pretty magical. The city’s best known streets, stores, museums, theatres, venues, gardens and buildings all get into the festive spirit. Experiences are created that just don’t exist any other time of year.

London’s a wonderful place to be over the Christmas holiday season. From November, our grey city is illuminated by twinkling lights and a party atmosphere. That’s the magic of Christmas!

What are the best activities to do at Christmas in London? Take a look at our 18 London Christmas experiences to bring on the festive cheer. Whether you’re here for a family day out, a festive holiday or simply want to enjoy the season, we’ve curated some of the best things to do in London over Christmas.

1. A visit to the Christmas tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How lovely are your branches!

You’ll find Christmas trees dotted all over London in the festive season. But when we talk about the Christmas tree, it’s the centrepiece in Trafalgar Square. The 25 metre high tree is a gift from Norway to London each year. The lighting of the tree each December is one of the key Christmas events in London.

The Christmas tree in nearby St James’s is also worth a mention. It stands there shimmering next to the Guards Crimean War Memorial at Waterloo Place. And another notable Christmas tree is the one in Covent Garden which is always an eye-catching addition to the piazza.

2. A Christmassy Charles Dickens walk

Baskets of chestnuts and hung up mistletoe. Chimneys blazing and snowballs thrown with glee. Atmospheric and evocative, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is surely all that we love about Christmas. So, what could be better on Christmas Day than a walk dedicated to the man himself? The Charles Dickens walk meets at 2pm by the big aforementioned Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. You’ll be transported to Dickensian London, deep into the Victorian underworld, with a glimpse of the London that inspired many of Dickens’ great works.

Want to know more about Dickens at Christmas? Join our Charles Dickens and seasonal traditions walk around the City of London.

3. Skating at Somerset House

The glorious environs of Somerset House are given a festive makeover at Christmas, with the arrival of possibly the best ice skating rink in London. Skate at Somerset House on The Strand is such a wonderful, festive experience. Take skate lessons or simply enjoy a rinkside seat with a glass of something chilled. It’s fun for the whole family, regardless of skating ability. It’s open from 11th November 2026 to 10th January 2027.

Battersea Power Station has Glide, an alternative ice skating destination. It has another impressive backdrop. And you’ll find oodles of places to eat and drink there too.

The ice rink at Canary Wharf won’t reappear for Christmas 2026.

4. Seeing the London Christmas lights

London’s transformed into a winter wonderland each November courtesy of its spectacular twinkling lights. Oxford Street Christmas lights are legendary. So they should be with a whopping 300,000 lights a-blazing. Stand at Oxford Circus to take in the displays festooned along Oxford Street as well as the angels over Regent Street and down to Piccadilly Circus.

Carnaby Street pulls out all the stops. Their Christmas lights tend to be bold and impactful. Last year’s theme was All is Bright. Kings Road in Chelsea is also well worth a visit if you’re a fan of impressive lighting displays.

Annabel’s, the private members club at 46 Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is celebrated for its Christmas lights. Their remarkable Christmas facades are deeply immersive and also support charitable initiatives.

Christmas at Kew is always memorable. Their light trail is truly something to behold. It’s about 3km long! You can stop to see Father Christmas, visit the fairground and tuck into toasted marshmallows along the way too.

Looking for the best way to enjoy London’s Christmas lights? With us of course! Our London Christmas lights walking route takes you to The Strand (site of the first lights), Regent Street, Burlington Arcade, Oxford Street and some lesser-known spots in between.

Our Christmas Lights Pub Walk shows London at its sparkly best, along with splendid festive stories and a couple of stops in fine hostelries to add to the merriment.

Learn how to capture these dazzling displays in our Christmas lights photography tour.

5. London’s Christmas windows

Central London department stores really know how to turn on the festive sparkle – and you can’t get that online. Selfridges on Oxford Street always put on a spectacle with their visual displays. Fortnum & Mason turns its entire shop front into a show-stopping Advent Calendar. Kids get the wow factor from Hamley’s Christmas windows. And Liberty London always fill their windows with Christmas cheer tempting us inside for a spot of Christmas shopping.

For sparkle that rivals the gold and diamonds inside, peer into the windows of the designer shops on both Old Bond Street and New Bond Street. The likes of Cartier, Dior, DeBeers and Chanel know how to make you stop and stare at their festive window displays.

6. Christmas carols and concerts

One of London’s most famous landmarks, St Paul’s Cathedral is a delight at any time of year. But at Christmas, it becomes even more atmospheric. St Paul’s Cathedral hosts Christmas carol services, readings and concerts right through the festive season, including the traditional lighting of the Christmas trees and blessing of the crib. The Abbey Choir also performs Christmas concerts at Westminster Abbey, alongside its Advent and Christmas services.

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church by Trafalgar Square hosts Carols by Candlelight throughout December. Their extensive programme of festive concerts is well worth a look.

The Royal Albert Hall hosts Christmas shows throughout December. Choose your Christmas style from Salvation Army, gospel choirs, soul, Broadway and Jamie Cullum’s jazz.

7. In loving memory at Christmas

Christmas can be a difficult time, especially if you’ve lost someone special. The Ever After Garden in Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea is a beautiful memorial space (previously held at Grosvenor Square).

It features over 30,000 illuminated white roses, each one dedicated to a lost loved one. All donations are in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

8. A Christmas Day Samuel Pepys Walk

‘The King’s birth-day. To White Hall, where all very gay; and particularly the Prince of Tuscany very fine, and is the first day of his appearing out of mourning. I heard the Bishop of Peterborough preach but dully.’ Delightfully indiscreet, Samuel Pepys’ diaries present a fascinating glimpse into 17th century life. Royal Navy administrator, MP and Chief Secretary to the Admiralty, Pepys’ diaries mention Royal palaces, kings and queens as easily as drinking houses, cousins and friends. Celebrate the festive season with a unique Christmas Morning, 1660 – Samuel Pepys Walk, stepping back to the Westminster immortalised in Pepys’ diaries. The meeting place is, aptly, the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square – at 11 am. What a way to celebrate Christmas!

9. Go to a Christmas show

A traditional British festive activity, a ‘panto’, as it is affectionately known, is a fun, family trip to the theatre. Expect audience participation with singalong sessions encouraged, and enthusiastic cries of ‘Boo’, ‘Hiss’ and ‘Behind you!’. Book tickets early as they can sell out fast.

The London Palladium hosts a rather naughty pantomime each year. It’s the turn of Cinderella in 2026 with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders playing the Ugly Sisters and Julian Clary as the Fairy Godfather.

There’s Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire and Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith. And one more mention of Dickens – A Christmas Carol is on again at The Old Vic.

10. Visit a food hall

Fancy a hamper that’s fit for a king? Head to Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly. It’s the closest place you’ll get to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The food hall is pure theatre. And at Christmas, it’s absolutely jawdropping.

You can find exceptional foodie gifts and treats at the food halls in Selfridges, Harrods and also John Lewis and M&S. It’s a time for indulgence and these stores make that all too easy.

11. Browse the Christmas markets

Mulled wine sipped from gloved hands, the scent of warm mince pies, Christmas wreaths and twinkling lights high above, London Christmas markets are a must in the festive season. At Trafalgar Square, there’s a Christmas market set right under the National Gallery. And Leicester Square adds to its existing entertainment with an array of enticing market stalls.

The Southbank Centre Winter Market lines the River Thames. It’s a wonderful place to browse unusual gifts and goodies as you wander along the banks of the Thames. Further along the river you’ll find The London Bridge, Christmas By The River market with street food from pop up stalls and chalet vendors.

In the east, Greenwich does Christmas beautifully, especially its festive market. And in the west, Kingston hosts a traditional market complete with a Bavarian village, mulled wine and live music.

12. Tuck into a Christmas dinner

For the best of British food, served in a traditional and authentic fashion, you can’t beat Rules in Covent Garden. At Christmas, the decorations are simply sumptuous and the menu is exquisite. Gather your loved ones for a memorable Christmas dinner, but expect to splurge.

Alternatively, book a table at a great London pub like The Mayflower in Rotherhithe, The Flask in Highgate or The Queen’s Head in Hammersmith. The Churchill Arms in Kensington go all out when it comes to decorations and Christmas lights. Plus, they serve up delicious Thai food.

13. Give Father Christmas your wishlist

Father Christmas pops up across London from mid-November. You’ll find him in the ever popular Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and even on the London Eye. Look out for seasonal visits from Santa at major London department stores too.

Step inside the Queen’s House at Greenwich and enjoy an enchanting experience, inspired by The Nutcracker. Your magical adventure culminates at Santa’s Grotto. Over at Fulham Palace, you’ll find Santa’s Walled Garden. There’ll be twinkly lights, snow falling and exciting surprises in store for you as you wend your way to meet Santa.

14. A museum Christmas trail

Many of London’s museums get into the spirit of the season with special events and trails for the family. The Natural History Museum is yet to announce its festive offering, but the gift shop usually stocks an excellent selection of Christmas cards and jumpers. The same goes for the V&A.

Last year, The London Transport Museum held a festive family trail through the museum’s galleries with costumed characters from London’s past. They were also visited by Father Christmas.

15. Enjoy Christmas at Covent Garden

Covent Garden always feels enchanting. But from mid-November it’s transformed into an exceptionally captivating experience. Over 300,000 sparkling lights bedeck the area. The much-loved gold bells arrive in the Market Building. Canopies of light surround the Seven Dials’ monument. And the iconic 55ft British-grown Christmas tree rivals the Trafalgar Square one.

Covent Garden’s a great place for Christmas shopping. It has everything from market stalls and pop-ups, to designer boutiques, high street brands and independent shops. Plus, there are plenty of places serving up hot chocolate, mulled wine and spiced coffees to warm your cockles.

16. Whet your appetite at Borough Market

The Victorian arches of Borough Market are always eye-catching. But when they’re adorned with decorations and lights at Christmas, it looks spectacular. Borough Market’s the place to go for delicious treats and foodie gifts. It gets super busy, so you need to be prepared and forge your own path through the crowds.

17. Head to Hogwarts

What do Leadenhall Market, Charing Cross Road and the Millennium Bridge have in common? They’re all filming locations for the Harry Potter films. Our guide may be a muggle, but his Harry Potter know-how is second-to-none. Join him on a walk around the film locations.

To experience Harry’s school at Christmas time, you need to head a little outside London. But it’s definitely worth it. The WB Studio Tour is really magical, especially their seasonal special where you can experience Hogwarts in the snow. Step inside the world of Harry Potter at its festive best.

18. Fireworks in Hampstead

The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to end on Boxing Day as you also have New Year to look forward to. The London Walks New Year’s Eve Pub Walk breaks out from the mayhem and madness of London’s West End. Instead, you’ll see in the New Year on the summit of Parliament Hill Fields, far from the madding crowd. The London Walks crew know just the spot for the best view of the main event fireworks and all the side dishes from private displays across the city. There may be some rather lovely (and not too busy) Hampstead pubs involved in this walk too!

FAQs

What’s the best way to get around London at Christmas?

We always recommend a good walk around London, but it’s a particularly good idea at Christmas. On Christmas Day itself, there’s no public transport in operation. It’s a reduced service on Boxing Day. And on Christmas Eve, it starts to wind down from early evening.

Is Christmas a good time to visit London?

That’s a definite, yes. London does Christmas really well and the streets look particularly pretty when festooned with twinkly lights.

What is the most Christmassy area of London?

Well, the obvious place is Trafalgar Square with the towering Christmas tree and its festive market. But Somerset House is a favourite place at Christmas. With the festive decorations and ice rink, it feels like a real winter wonderland.

When are London’s Christmas lights switched on?

Oxford Street and Regent Street are yet to confirm the date. Last year it was 3rd November. In Covent Garden, the lights switch on took place on Wednesday 12th November in 2025. Expect similar timings this year too.