20 magical things to do in London in December 2026

December is a magical time to visit London, with a sparkling mix of seasonal events including showstopping light displays, winter markets, ice rinks and a brilliant lineup of West End shows.   

Don’t miss our pick of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in London. Be sure to check out our Christmas guide, explore festive activities for kids, bookmark our weekend roundup, and download the Visit London app for on-the-go inspiration. 

We update this page regularly, so check back soon for new blockbuster exhibitions, unmissable theatre shows and official lineups.

Top things to do in London in December 2026

1. Hop aboard a spellbinding Christmas lights open-top bus tour

Soak in London’s top sights on this 90-minute open-top bus tour through the city’s most storied streets. Departing from central locations such as the London Eye, Victoria and Green Park, the tour takes you past dazzling light displays including Regent Street’s sparkling angels, Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree and Tower Bridge – all while an expert guide shares fun facts about London’s history. Book your seat and choose between lower- or upper-deck seating – we recommend the top deck (weather permitting) for the best views.

2. Step inside Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Harry Potter fans can buy tickets to tour the studios where the hit films were produced and see original sets transformed for Christmas. Experience the magic of the Great Hall, where tables are lined with a festive feast to recreate scenes from the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, or wander past the snowy shopfronts of Diagon Alley before entering the frost-covered Forbidden Forest. Discover how special effects were used to create unforgettable moments, from the invisibility cloak to the thrilling Quidditch tournaments. Round off your visit with a browse in the studio shop, where you can pick up stocking fillers like replica wands, house-branded robes and even a plush Hedwig.

3. Soak up the festive cheer at Chelsea Winter Village

 

Book your tickets for the ultimate festive experience with the magical light trail at Royal Hospital Chelsea (dates TBC). The 1.5km trail features striking large-scale installations, interactive art and immersive soundscapes, as well as delicious food and spiced winter warmers along the route. The joyful experience takes place in the Ranelagh Gardens, alongside a charming winter market offering handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. During your visit, you might also see pop-up choirs and carol performances by the Chelsea Pensioners with classic Christmas songs like "Once in Royal David's City" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" set to feature. 

4. Buy a Golden Pass to save on top attractions

Get access to London’s biggest attractions with an all-in-one Golden Pass, a sightseeing ticket valid for 30 days, offering a choice of up to three attractions. Choose from family favourites such as SEA Life London Aquarium, London Zoo and Madame Tussauds, or opt for quintessential London experiences like the London Eye, Tower of London and an afternoon tea bus tour. Plus, unlock access to river cruises, free walking tours, and a tastecard membership with restaurant and cinema discounts when you purchase the 24-hour bus tour Golden Pass ticket.

5. Toast to 2027 on a festive New Year's Eve river cruise

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style on a river cruise and watch London's world-famous fireworks from a party on the Thames. Choose between a party cruise with a live DJ spinning a feel-good soundtrack, or opt for a cruise to suit the whole family with a three-course meal, live music and sweeping views of the fireworks.  

Check back soon for more of the best NYE cruises. 

6. Take a whistle-stop day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath

This jam-packed day trip takes you to three must-see spots outside of London. Wander through Windsor Castle, where royal history shines at St George’s Chapel – the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II – and keep an eye out for the Changing of the Guard in the Lower Ward. Then, head to the mysterious Stonehenge and hear theories behind the large stones. Finally, stroll through beautiful Bath, home to the Roman Baths, Georgian architecture and a rich literary history. Travel by a comfortable coach with an expert guide and choose whether to include attraction tickets.

7. Book your seats for The Nutcracker at London Coliseum

Backed by a full orchestra and featuring more than 100 dancers, the English National Ballet’s sparkling production of The Nutcracker is a must-see in London’s West End this Christmas. Set in Edwardian London, the show follows Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker on a whirlwind adventure, where she joins forces with the Sugar Plum Fairy, soars through the sky in a hot air balloon and explores a land of sweets before a final showdown with the Rat King. Browse the best seats and book your tickets to enjoy glittering sets and Tchaikovsky’s breath-taking score – all made even more magical in the Grade II-listed London Coliseum, with its grand domed roof and elegant three-tiered seating.

Tickets for The Nutcracker 2026/27 are set go on sale in May. 

8. Sail down the Thames on a Tower of London river cruise

The co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts and Horrible Histories, Martha Howe-Douglas, has written a script for the Tower of London’s new river cruise. The 40-minute tour departs from Tower Bridge Quay and glides past more than 20 landmarks such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Big Ben. What sets this sightseeing cruise apart is that the stories shared by the live guides have been expertly curated by Historic Royal Palaces, offering fascinating insights into the history that lines the river. Book your tickets and be among the first to board the UK’s first all-electric tour boat, designed by Cornwall-based super yacht experts Pendennis Shipyard to quietly and seamlessly cruise along the river.

The best bit? You can enjoy a mulled wine or Bailey's hot chocolate from the festive menu throughout December! 

9. Marvel at world-famous artworks at FRAMELESS

Immerse yourself in the multi-sensory world of FRAMELESS, where era-defining artworks by master artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt and Dalí are reimagined through cutting-edge digital effects. Secure your tickets and step into the Beyond Reality gallery to find Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Salvador Dalí’s renowned The Persistence of Memory. Or use your own movements to explore the Colour in Motion gallery, where your gestures help recreate famous paintings such as Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Round off your visit in The Art of Abstraction space, where colours and geometric shapes by world-renowned artists move in sync with a soothing jazz soundtrack.

10. Treat the kids to The Snowman afternoon tea bus tour

Looking for a festive treat for the little ones this Christmas? Step aboard The Snowman afternoon tea bus and experience London’s landmarks like never before. Inspired by Raymond Briggs’ timeless classic, this cosy tour serves up a delicious, themed afternoon tea including festive cupcakes, mince pies and snowball truffles – all set to a magical soundtrack of Christmas music and The Snowman tunes. The tour departs from the London Eye or Aldwych, passing landmarks such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Christmas displays like Regent Street’s glittering angels.  

Book your tickets for The Snowman bus tour and pre-purchase extras such as mulled wine or a festive Snowball cocktail.

11. Skate into Christmas at London's ice rinks

Get your skates on and glide through December at London’s magical ice rinks, with pop-ups at historic locations across the city. Skate at Somerset House transforms the cultural hub’s neoclassical courtyard, featuring a glittering spruce tree as the centrepiece. Leicester Square's ice rink  is another highlight, set against the backdrop of its winter market stalls, with the Shakespeare statue mounted right in the middle of the rink. Other standouts include Glide at Battersea Power Station, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink.  

Be sure to book tickets for London ice rinks in advance – sessions throughout December sell out quickly!

12. Tick off London's top attractions before 2027

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you call the city home, there’s something truly special about experiencing its biggest sights. Take a guided tour of the historic Tower of London with the Beefeaters, uncovering chilling stories from the Bloody Tower and marvelling at the Crown Jewels. Soar above London’s skyline on the London Eye, enjoying sweeping views across the capital with unparalleled vistas of Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben. Uncover royal London on a walking tour, experiencing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, checking out the Royal Mews and exploring artworks from the royal collection at The King’s Gallery. 

Discover more of the city’s top attractions.

13. Relive 1930s New York at London's secret speakeasy 58th Street

Experience the thrill of 1930s New York at 58th Street in Peckham, a secret speakeasy inspired by Belle Livingstone’s legendary Harlem jazz club. Browse time slots and book your seats for an unforgettable evening of live jazz from The 58th Street Stompers, theatrical burlesque and captivating stories told by club owner Belle herself. Indulge in a delicious six-course New York-influenced feast while sipping on cocktails from the Soda Fountain Bar. Choose from a mix of seating options including rail dining, cabaret seating and a VIP Luxe experience, all offering glamour, surprises and the sparkle of the Jazz Age. 

14. Experience the magic of Christmas at London Zoo

Looking for a festive family adventure in London? London Zoo delivers with its Christmas workshops, events and activities. Track down Santa’s mischievous helpers on the Hiding Elves Trail, enjoy Christmas crafts and storytime at Elf HQ and be sure to enter the Animal Advent Calendar Prize Draw for a chance to win a special surprise. Look out for Pop Up Santa, who’ll be feeding animals and spreading cheer at various spots throughout the zoo. Warm up with sweet treats and festive drinks, and take part in Festive Animal Talks to learn more about your favourite creatures. All this festive fun is included with a standard zoo ticket, so you can meet your favourite animals while soaking up the Christmas magic. 

15. Get into the festive spirit at a Christmas carol concert

Sing along to the best Christmas songs at a spectacular carol concert in London. At St Marylebone Parish Church, crowds can enjoy choir performances and celebrity guest readings in support of The Sick Children’s Trust (date TBC). For the ultimate carol service, head to one of the Royal Albert Hall’s 15 singalong shows throughout December, presented by Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell (dates TBC). St Martin-in-the-Fields’ cosy, candlelit performances are a special setting for family carols, midnight mass and gospel songs (dates TBC). You’ll also find free Christmas carol services at St Paul’s Cathedral, Union Chapel and Westminster Abbey.

Check back soon for official 2026/27 services.

16. Plan an unforgettable family day out in London this December

While there are plenty of seasonal activities happening across London in December, it’s also the perfect time to explore year-round attractions that guarantee fun for the whole family. Start at SEA Life London Aquarium to discover the magnificent marine world with more than 500 species across 14 themed zones. Afterward, head to the nearby Paddington Bear Experience – also located on the South Bank – where fans of the films will love the interactive sets and characters inspired by the stories. If your little one is obsessed with all things transport, the London Transport Museum is your go-to with its vintage buses and taxis, and boundary-breaking designs such as the first-ever Tube map.

17. Shop for stocking fillers at London's winter markets

If you’re looking to snag the perfect stocking fillers this December, London’s pop-up winter markets have got you covered. Picture chalet-style huts brimming with handcrafted homeware, festive decorations and a delicious line up of street food. Southbank Centre’s Winter Market lights up the Queen’s Walk with fairy lights and cabins serving everything from lobster buns and hot dogs to churros and Dutch pancakes. Further along the Thames, Winter by the River at London Bridge City offers mouth-watering food alongside beautiful handmade ornaments and keepsakes. Don’t miss Leicester Square Christmas Market for more gifts and be sure to swing by Covent Garden to see its picture-perfect decorations and browse boutiques.  

Uncover more of the best Christmas markets and explore your London shopping guide.

18. See swimmers brave the Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day

Head to the Serpentine in Hyde Park on Christmas Day (25 December) to watch swimmers take on the frosty water in the prestigious Peter Pan Cup race – an annual tradition dating back to 1864. The race kicks off at 9am and is only open to members of the Serpentine Swimming Club, though it draws crowds for its quirky charm. The best entrances for reaching the lake are Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge, both of which lead to the southern end near the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. If you’re entering the park from Lancaster Gate or Kensington, you’ll find the lake located in the centre of the park, with the Serpentine Bridge marking the boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. 

19. Celebrate the festive season at Winter Wonderland

It wouldn’t be December in London without a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. With thrilling rides, live shows, a traditional Christmas market and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, the festive playground promises fun for the whole family. To make the most of your visit, book attractions such as the Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Observation Wheel and fairground rides and games in advance. Sample craft ales, hot chocolate and traditional German food – including bratwurst and crispy schnitzels – in the Bavarian Village, or warm up at the Fire Pit bar with its crackling fires and feel-good live music.  

Explore the our guide to Winter Wonderland and book your tickets.     

20. Enjoy festive workshops at Petersham Nurseries 

Celebrate the festive season at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond with creative workshops fuelled by mince pies and winter warmers. Make a scented fruit garland, design festive flower arrangements or join the ever-popular wreath-making sessions to craft your own Petersham signature wild-style wreath from foraged materials. Petersham Nurseries also offers a Christmas tree and decorating service, where you can have a beautifully styled British-grown Nordmann fir delivered straight to your door – or visit to handpick your own from their magical tree farm.