11 best and unmissable things to do in London at Christmas 2026

See London sparkle from a whole new perspective on the Christmas lights London by night bus tour.

Climb aboard an open-top bus and journey through the capital's most dazzling festive displays, passing glittering landmarks, iconic shopping streets and beautifully illuminated Christmas decorations along the way.

Travel past the famous lights of Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus while an expert guide shares stories and facts about London's festive traditions and seasonal displays.

Best for: Families, festive date nights and anyone wanting to see London’s mot famous Christmas lights without the crowds.
Good to know: The tour is not hop-on hop-off, so passengers remain on board for the full journey. Wrap up warm if you're sitting on the upper deck for the best views of the lights.

Experience Christmas the Hogwarts way at Hogwarts in the Snow, the much-loved seasonal transformation of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

See authentic sets from the iconic Harry Potter films dressed for the festive season, from the Great Hall lined with Christmas trees and festive feasts to the twinkling decorations adorning Gryffindor Tower and Diagon Alley.

Discover the filmmaking secrets behind the wizarding world's snowy scenes as you explore frost-covered sets, wander through the wintry Forbidden Forest and admire the spectacular Hogwarts Castle model blanketed in snow.

Best for: Harry Potter fans, families and film-lovers.
Good to know: This popular seasonal event often sells out, so it's worth booking ahead to secure your preferred date early.

Step into a winter wonderland at Chelsea Winter Village, where the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are transformed with twinkling lights, festive entertainment and seasonal treats.

Wander through the enchanting illuminated trail, taking in dazzling light installations, glowing arches and interactive displays as you explore the picturesque surroundings of Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Once you've soaked up the magic of the trail, browse the Christmas market for unique gifts, warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, and enjoy live performances from choirs and musicians.

Best for: Families, couples and Christmas magic.
Good to know: Chelsea Winter Village is especially popular during weekends and closer to Christmas, so booking ahead is recommended for the best choice of entry times.

Make Christmas even more magical at the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker, a festive favourite that has delighted audiences for generations.

Follow Clara on an enchanting adventure from Edwardian London to the sparkling Land of Sweets, brought to life through exquisite choreography, dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s world-famous score.

With more than 100 dancers and musicians on stage, spectacular sets and plenty of festive sparkle, this much-loved production captures the wonder and excitement of the season. From the battle with the Rat King to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, every scene is packed with Christmas magic.

Best for: Families, ballet lovers and fans of Christmas traditions.
Good to know: Look out for the dazzling Christmas trees, glittering snowflakes and beautifully detailed Edwardian London sets that transform the Coliseum into a festive wonderland.

Step into the festive spirit with A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, London's longest-running annual staging of Charles Dickens' beloved Christmas tale.

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through Christmas Past, Present and Future as a quartet of ghostly visitors help him rediscover the true meaning of the season.

Known for its immersive staging and heartwarming atmosphere, this acclaimed production fills the theatre with music, merriment and festive surprises. With its blend of humour, spectacle and timeless storytelling, it's easy to see why this Christmas favourite returns year after year.

Best for: Families, theatre lovers and anyone looking to experience a timeless Christmas classic.
Good to know: Expect plenty of festive touches, including mince pies, music and immersive staging that brings audiences closer to the action. For an extra-special experience, some performances offer seats on the stage itself.

Make your way to the ball this Christmas with Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

This magical pantomime brings the beloved fairytale to life with plenty of laughter, catchy songs, dazzling costumes and festive surprises, following Cinderella's journey from drudgery to happily-ever-after.

A firm favourite on London's Christmas theatre calendar, Lyric Hammersmith's annual pantomimes are known for their playful storytelling and family-friendly humour.

Get ready for a fresh twist on the classic tale, complete with a fairy godmother, a handsome prince and lots of audience-pleasing fun.

Best for: Families, classic Christmas pantomime, festive cheer.
Good to know: Expect all the ingredients of a classic British pantomime, including audience participation, catchy songs, larger-than-life characters and plenty of festive laughs.

Tumble down the rabbit hole this Christmas with Cirque Alice, a dazzling circus spectacular that reimagines Lewis Carroll's beloved Alice in Wonderland at Royal Festival Hall.

Watch as Wonderland comes to life through breathtaking acrobatics, aerial artistry and gravity-defying stunts, with iconic characters including the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts appearing along the way.

Inventive storytelling with stunning visuals and a vibrant soundtrack of reworked classical music awaits, set to be a high-energy fresh twist on a timeless tale.

Best for: Families, circus fans and anyone looking for a magical alternative to traditional Christmas theatre.
Good to know: Some performances offer ringside seats on the stage itself, giving audiences an up-close view of the aerial acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts.

See London at its most magical as the city’s streets, landmarks and shops are adorned with Christmas lights for the festive season.

From the iconic angel displays of Regent Street to the glittering decorations of Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and St James's, London's Christmas lights transform the city into a winter wonderland.

Wrap up warm and take a stroll through festive neighbourhoods, stopping to admire spectacular light installations, beautifully decorated shop windows and towering Christmas trees along the way.

Best for: Classic London experience, festive photo opportunities and a free activity.
Good to know: You can see Christmas lights in London from November until early January – check back later for confirmed details of London’s top Christmas lights for 2026.

Discover the magic of London's Christmas markets, where charming wooden chalets, twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine fill the air.

Browse festive favourites across the city, from bustling riverside markets and winter fairs to cosy neighbourhood pop-ups packed with handcrafted gifts, unique decorations and stocking fillers.

Alongside the shopping, expect plenty of seasonal food and drink, from warming hot chocolates and roasted chestnuts to sweet treats and international street food.

Best for: Christmas shopping for unique gifts and embracing the festive atmosphere.
Good to know: You can visit Christmas markets in London from late November until early January – check back later for confirmed details of London’s top Christmas markets for 2026.

Experience the capital from a unique perspective on the Christmas Day hop-on hop-off tour, one of the few sightseeing services running on 25 December.

With London's streets at their quietest, it's the perfect opportunity to admire some of the city's most famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge, all from the comfort of an open-top bus.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of London's iconic landmarks as you travel through the heart of the city, hopping on and off to explore at your own pace. There’s also the option to include an optional three-course festive lunch with wine at Browns in Covent Garden.

Best for: Making the most of Christmas Day in London and ticking off the city's top landmarks.
Good to know: Public transport options are limited on Christmas Day – check our guide to London public transport for more information.

Celebrate the most enchanting night of the year with a Christmas Eve dinner, Midnight Mass and coach tour experience.

Begin the evening with a festive dinner before setting off on a guided coach tour of London's beautifully illuminated streets, taking in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and seasonal displays as Christmas Eve unfolds.

As midnight approaches, head to St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square for a traditional Midnight Mass service, providing a memorable and atmospheric way to welcome Christmas Day.

Best for: A memorable and hassle-free Christmas Eve celebration in London.
Good to know: Transport is included for the whole evening, but you need to arrange transport to the departure point and transport after the tour if your hotel isn’t located in central London.