London Christmas Walks 2026 – the Magic of the Season
Christmas in London — now that’s something special. No city does it better. When December rolls in and the days draw short, London doesn’t hide from the dark — it dazzles it. It was built for pleasure, this town, and it meets winter’s gloom head-on with a twinkle in its eye and lights in every window.
It’s a city that refuses to hibernate. The streets glow, the shopfronts sparkle, and even the River Thames seems to shimmer a little more brightly. You can wander beneath a sky of Christmas lights, cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, and feel that peculiar London magic — centuries of merrymaking condensed into one shining season.
Come with us on a London walking tour to discover all the festive season secrets and stories London has to offer.
What are some popular Christmas walking tours in London?
London is the gift that keeps giving. And never more so than at Christmas time. Christmas in London is wonderful, especially when you know where to look.
We’ve decked the halls this winter with a sparkling line-up of Christmas-themed walks and virtual tours through Central London – proper festive treats, every one of them. And of course, our much-loved regular London walks are still very much in the mix. Truly, the cup runneth over… the stocking’s fit to burst.
Book your tickets online to make sure you’ve got your place. Right then – let’s have a peek at what’s under the tree.
14 Christmas Walks with London Walks
1. The London of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol & Seasonal Traditions
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol lies at the heart of the festive season. This tour explores the heart of this enduring story in its original setting, the old City of London in Victorian times. It’s where Dickens himself explored and studied every nook and corner. So too, Ebenezer Scrooge walked from his counting house to his melancholy tavern and even more dismal lodgings. And as we make their acquaintance, we’ll spice things with warming seasonal stories of turkeys and boars’ heads, Christmas puds, mince pies and pantomimes; cards, crackers, Christmas trees and mistletoe.
When: Various dates throughout December.
Where: Meet outside the exit of Tower Hill Underground Station.
2. Christmas Morning, 1660 – Samuel Pepys’ London
Step back in time to 1660 this Christmas morning. It’s the year London got its Christmas back…
“What a brilliant way to spend Christmas morning!!! Simon is a fantastic guide, very entertaining and engaging. His knowledge is exceptional. He brought out so many interesting facts about an area I have explored for ages but was totally oblivious to amazing history on nearly every corner. Forget a lazy Christmas Day… this is the way to spend it – in festive London. I loved every minute.” Walker, Wendy Coote.
And, yes, full disclosure, the above image was AI-generated. Akin to the guide-generated mind’s eye ‘visuals’ on the walks. Which dovetail nicely with the actual, physical, trace survivals of 1660 London – and there are a lot of them – that you’ll see on the walk.
When: 11 am on Christmas morning, 25th December.
Where: Meet the guides by the big Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.
3. The Christmas Day Charles Dickens’ London Walk
Before Dickens and his stories came along, Christmas was a rather small celebration on the Christian calendar. It was Dickens whose words plumped, fluffed and sprinkled Christmas all over the world. So on Christmas afternoon we celebrate him, his words, his life, his London and his Christmas. Join us!
When: 2 pm on Christmas afternoon, 25th December.
Where: Meet the guides by the big Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.
Our London Christmas lights walking route takes in the Strand, Soho, Trafalgar Square, St James’s, Burlington Arcade, Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Circus. But we don’t simply see the lights. We share the stories behind them.
When: 5pm on Christmas Eve, 24th December.
4pm on Christmas afternoon, 25th December.
6pm on New Year’s Day, 1st January
Where: Meet Jack just outside Embankment Underground Station, the Villiers Street exit (not the river exit).
5. The Christmas Tree Walks
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree… Discover London’s most glorious constellation of Christmas trees, from classy Claridges to the famous Trafalgar Square, the mighty Covent Garden fir and Grosvenor Square ones and beyond. And all are enriched by the backstories.
We don’t just throw these things together. Our start time’s timed to perfection: 4 pm, just when they’re lighting up. Get ready for these dazzling walks with Claire throughout November and December.
When: 4pm on November and December dates TBC.
Where: Meet Claire at Bond Street Underground Station (Marylebone Lane exit, by Disney Store – north side of Oxford Street).
6. London & the Nutcracker – the Ballet that Changed Christmas
“The Russians are coming!”
It’s nearly 100 years since The Nutcracker’s London premiere — the night that changed the destiny of Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet forever. On this festive walk you’ll step into Christmas London as it looked in Tchaikovsky’s time: the candlelight, the carriages, the glow of shop windows and the thrill of music in the air. You’ll trace the composer’s visits — where he stayed, where he conducted — and discover the triumphs and heartbreaks of his remarkable life. It’s a story of art, exile, inspiration and transformation. You’ll hear how Russian dancers, musicians and dreamers helped shape London’s cultural landscape; how one enchanting ballet cast a spell that’s never broken.
Whether you’ve seen The Nutcracker this season or not, this walk is a must — a pas de deux through Christmas London, guided by Margarita, an expert on the lives of her fellow Russians in the capital.
When: 10am on December dates TBC.
Where: Meet Margarita by Trafalgar Square, by Nelson’s Column
7. Tinsel, Traditions & Tales of Christmas
Step into a glittering Christmas card come to life as we wander through the West End in all its festive finery. This is the London where Christmas as we know it was born. It’s where Victorians dreamed up the Christmas tree, the card, the cracker, and even Boxing Day itself.
This one’s created, curated and guided by Andy Hotels. And – this almost goes without saying – there will of course be a stop at one of London’s legendary hotels for a touch of festive luxury.
When: Times and dates TBC.
Where: Meet at Green Park Underground Station (Green Park exit, by the fountain)
8. Christmas Lights Photography Tour
A creative combo of an experience where you can learn about night photography whilst enjoying a Christmas lights walk. You’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning Christmas lights photos whilst mastering some of the most creative elements of photography. We’ll visit the incredible main Christmas displays in Regent Street, Piccadilly, Soho, the Strand and some of the stunning landmarks of this city.
Through demonstration and a personalised photography practice, you’ll develop your own creative vision while receiving expert advice on shooting in low light and long exposures.
When: 2nd, 16th and 29th December at 7 pm
Where: Meet David just outside the Villiers Street exit of Embankment Tube. Don’t forget your camera!
9. Christmas Covent Garden Pub Walk
Covent Garden, the so-called ‘Garden of Venus’, boasts over 60 pubs and bars, many steeped in history and brimming with festive cheer. On this yuletide-inspired walk, discover the area’s most atmospheric establishments, stopping at iconic pubs, some dating back to the 1600s, for a taste of history and seasonal delights.
When: xx December at 6 pm
Where: The meeting point is Tottenham Court Road Tube and is guided by Andy.
10. The Sherlock Holmes Christmas Walk
“Compliments of the season!” We follow the crisscrossing paths of Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson as they solve their only original Christmas-time case, and Arthur Conan Doyle as he reaches a crisis in his professional life. Where did the detective acquire his famous Stradivarius violin? Where did Holmes himself live before he moved to 221b?
You’ll see film locations, theatrical landmarks and more in our affectionate festive offering from the glory days of the Great Detective. It’s guided by Richard IV, who “specialised in early detective fiction at university, played Dr Watson on stage, contributes to the Sherlock Holmes Journal, is the Audiobooks reader for the Dr John Watson series.”
When: 6th December at 2.30 pm and 17th December at 7 pm.
Where: The meeting point is just outside the exit of Goodge Street Tube Station.
11. The Last Christmas Music Walking Tour
Spend a memorable couple of hours singing, walking, discovering and feeling so very festive. This is our musical walking tour of the West End Christmas Lights featuring locations from the movie Last Christmas inspired by the music of George Michael. There’ll definitely be lots of singing with song sheets and a mulled wine provided. What a way to get into the festive spirit!
When: 13th December at 2pm
Where: Meet Adam at Tottenham Court Road Tube, exit 1.
12. Eating Christmas
Ann, our Foodies London specialist, has whipped up a Christmas Foodies Tour. Stock up on tasty facts about festive food to impress your Christmas guests. Our Christmas Food walking route ends at that feast for the senses, Borough Market, where you can treat yourself to some delectable Xmas goodies.
When: 10th, 16th, 19th and 23rd December at 10.45am
Where: Meet Ann at Bank Underground Station, exit 3 (by the Royal Exchange)
13. Christmas in the City
Let’s deck the halls, lace up the boots, and step into the City of London at its most magical. Because if Christmas is anywhere, it’s here. It’s in the air, it’s in the lights, it’s in the bones of this ancient Square Mile.
We start with the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, its dome shining like a Christmas bauble. Centuries of Christmas carols, celebrations and jingle bells have rung out here. From here, you’ll be taken to more hidden charms like secret alleyways and candlelit corners.
When: 12th December at 11 am
Where: Meet Alison just outside exit 2 of St Paul’s Underground Station.
14. Hampstead New Year’s Eve Walk
We complete our season of festive walks with this one. And it’s a particularly good one to keep until last. See in the New Year – and the epic fireworks displays – from the roof of London. This one works a treat. This is a New Year’s Eve to remember, for all the right reasons. It’s a class act. This is the way those who know do it. Look across the city from the glorious heights of Hampstead.
When: 31st December at 9pm
Where: Hampstead Underground station
Virtual Tours
Sherlock Holmes & Conan Doyle at Christmas – the Virtual Tour
And the game’s really afoot for Holmes and Watson and Conan Doyle and the resident London Walks Holmes expert, Richard. Because he’s also treating you to an image-rich, very entertaining and informative and beautifully delivered – yes, it’s Richard, he of audiobook fame – Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle at Christmas Virtual Tour.
When: TBC December at 7pm
The Virtual Tour of the London of Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol
Yes, a Virtual Tour for those of you who aren’t in London. It’s the next best thing to being here. Come to London at Christmas time – right in the comfort of your own home – hobnob with Dickens and Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim and, yes, Ebeneezer Scrooge. This one’s guided by Richard of audiobook renown. Those great words, that velvety voice of Richard – perfection!
When: TBC December at 7pm
A Charles Dickens Christmas Virtual Tour – his life, his work & his London
This virtual tour explores Charles Dickens’s life in London. It weaves an exploration of Victorian London with Dickens’s London Life and writing. On the tour we have a look at London at Christmas and the contribution Dickens made to it with his Christmas Books.
When: Dates and times TBC December
Christmas with Jane Austen Virtual Tour
Come with us to Regency England to meet Jane Austen and her circle at Christmas time. We’ll see how they celebrated Christmas and what their Christmas traditions were. And if some of it is pretty unfamiliar, well, never fear, we’re in good hands – the distinguished emeritus Museum of London archaeologist Kevin Flude is in charge of all the arrangements. Kevin will be taking us round, providing introductions, shedding lots of light, explaining all.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Jane Austen devotee in possession of the good fortune of a couple of free hours must be in want of this virtual walk.”
When: Dates and times TBC December
Some of our favourite festive activities in London
Make it a very merry Christmas by enjoying the best festive activities to do in London – other than our sensational seasonal walking tours obviously.
Christmas lights
Piccadilly Circus may boast glittering lights year round, but at Christmas, other London shopping streets up their illumination game. Here, we answer some of your FAQs:
What dates to visit to see London Christmas lights?
Christmas lights are generally switched on in early November and will keep twinkling away until early January (Twelfth Night is 5th January).
How long do Oxford Street lights stay up?
Usually, Oxford Street goes early with their famous Christmas lights. Last year, 300,000 Christmas lights started shining on 5th November. The 2026 dates are yet to be confirmed.
Which are the best Christmas lights?
That’s a very subjective question, and the light displays vary each year. Oxford Street Christmas lights are probably the most renowned. Regent Street and St James have been refined of late with glistening angels and white illuminations. Annabel’s, the private members club on Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is celebrated for its Christmas lights. Covent Garden (Seven Dials in particular) is always superb. And Carnaby Street is a popular favourite. Their Christmas lights tend to be bold and impactful. Last year’s theme was All is Bright.
Is there a Christmas trail in London?
An enchanting experience outside of Central London, the illuminated trail at Kew Garden is a lovely Christmas-time installation of twinkling light displays.
What are the best Christmas walks to enjoy holiday lights in London?
Our Christmas lights walk is exceptional. You’ll see spectacular lights that dazzle like Cartier diamonds, and you’ll hear the stories behind them. But if you want to capture that magic, try our Christmas lights photography walk which teaches you the techniques behind taking decent pics.
Christmas shopping
You don’t have to max out your credit card. View the Christmas window displays in legendary London department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Liberty London and Hamley’s for pure sensory stimulation.
You’ll find some of the best Christmas displays in Mayfair shopping arcades. Wander through Burlington Arcade and be dazzled by the glorious decorations. Then displays by the likes of Dior, Cartier and Gucci on New Bond Street and Old Bond Street are next level.
There’s nothing like a Christmas market and you’ll find them in Leicester Square, the South Bank and Covent Garden.
Winter activities
Go ice skating in one of London’s magical ice rinks at Somerset House or in the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea at Claridge’s or Fortnum & Mason and see their breathtaking Christmas decorations.
Visit a London Christmas market [insert link] to find the ideal present for your loved ones. Covent Garden always provides a wonderful experience and its market is particularly good at Christmas. The market in front of the National Gallery and in the shadows of the famous Christmas tree gets an A+ for festive location.
Private Festive Tours
Want to organise a fun group social that isn’t based on drinking games or competitive sport? Why not book a private tour tailored to your group. Bring your team or family together with one of our Christmas specials tour, just ring Fiona or Peter or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you.