Christmas events and highlights in London 2026
Explore Christmas in London
Explore our most popular Christmas guides, covering festive events, seasonal attractions, family activities and Christmas experiences across London.
Christmas shows and theatre in London
Christmas tours of London
Christmas lights and festive attractions
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Best hotels near Christmas attractions
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Christmas experiences in London
Family Christmas activities
Enjoy festive fun for all ages with family Christmas activities across London, from sparkling attractions to seasonal shows and experiences.
Tickets, hotels and offers
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in London with festive meals, seasonal events and magical experiences across the capital.
New Year's Eve and New Year events
Celebrate New Year’s Eve and beyond in London with spectacular fireworks, lively parties and exciting events to start the year in style.
Christmas food and drink experiences
Plan your Christmas trip to London
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Christmas in London FAQs
What are the best places to visit in London at Christmas?
The best places to visit in London during Christmas include central streets and squares lit up in the city's famously dazzling Christmas lights (Oxford Street and Regent Street are a must!), Christmas markets all over the city, and famous London attractions and events with Christmas makeovers, such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Christmas at Kew and Hogwarts in the Snow.
Are there any free Christmas events in London?
Free Christmas events in London include free street entertainment and gorgeous decorations to gaze at in central London areas such as Covent Garden, free light displays all over the city and Christmas trees to admire in central spots including Trafalgar Square.
The majority of London's Christmas markets also have free admission, meaning you can save your pennies for important things like gifts and snacks!
Find more free and budget-friendly things to do this Christmas in London.
Where is the best place to enjoy Christmas on the Thames in London?
Each area of London offers a unique festive experience, with highlights including:
- South Bank for best all-round Christmas atmosphere, with festive markets, lights and river views.
- Westminster and the London Eye for iconic photo spots, and Tower Bridge for a quieter, dramatic backdrop.
- For something memorable, take a Christmas Thames cruise.
- For a stylish evening, try riverside bars near London Bridge or Sky Garden.
What is open on Christmas Day in London?
Most attractions close on Christmas Day in London, while the city's public transport network, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, does not operate.
However, there are still plenty of things to do on Christmas Day in London. See top London landmarks on a Christmas tour, enjoying a Christmas Day walk in a park, marvel at London’s beautiful Christmas lights or cheer on the swimmers racing for the Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park.
Most London hotels are open at Christmas and some restaurants, pubs and bars serve Christmas Day meals, but most require advance booking.
Find Christmas things to do in London with the Visit London app
