Star-shaped yellow lights hanging over the buildings on Oxford Street at night during Christmas.

Christmas events and activities in London 2026

Christmas in London highlights

Christmas in London isn’t just about festive markets and Christmas shopping! It’s a truly magical time to soak up the city's famously dazzling light displays, enjoy fabulous seasonal shows and experience the festive atmosphere across the capital.

Christmas lights tour

See London illuminated by enchanting Christmas lights.

Selling fast

14 Nov - 17 Jan

Hogwarts in the Snow

Celebrate the magical festive season at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

The Snowman afternoon tea bus tour

Enjoy Snowman-themed afternoon tea treats onboard a Christmas lights bus tour.

Until 10 Jan

The Nutcracker

Lose yourself in one of the world's most beloved ballets at the London Coliseum.

Christmas in London is one of the most magical times of year! From Christmas markets and festive shopping to ice-skating rinks and dazzling light displays, London at Christmas is filled with festive experiences you won’t want to miss. See Oxford Street and Regent Street sparkle with a Christmas lights tour, admire the giant Christmas tree in Covent Garden, tuck into delicious festive treats at the Southbank Christmas market, follow the enchanting light trail at Kew Gardens or catch some of the best shows and pantomimes playing all over the city this Christmas 2026.

Unmissable Christmas experiences in London

Discover the magic of London at Christmas with our guide to the city’s best festive experiences. Whether you’re sightseeing, shopping or soaking up the atmosphere, London is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season.

Best Christmas tours

Explore the city on a fun Christmas tour or take a festive day trip out of London.

A crowd walks through London past a bright red telephone box and christmas trees.

Top Christmas activities

Check out this ultimate list of things to do in London during Christmas.

Four cast members dressed in Santa hats in Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Christmas shows

Discover the best Christmas shows, pantomimes and musicals in London.

Tower Bridge lit up at night in purples and yellows

New Year's Eve cruises in London

Toast to the new year on some of the best New Year's Eve cruises and events on the river Thames.

Popular Christmas activities in London

Make the most of London's fantastic array of fun Christmas experiences and activities this festive season, from magical Christmas day trips to ice skating rinks with iconic backdrops.

Oxford, Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas lunch tour

Enjoy a festive countryside escape and magical Christmas lunch.

Christmas Eve dinner, midnight mass & coach tour

Make Christmas Eve magical with a scenic tour, dinner and midnight mass.

Singalong Christmas lights tour with festive food and drinks

Tuck into festive treats beneath dazzling Christmas lights onboard the singalong bus tour.

A Christmas Carol

Relive the ultimate Dickens Christmas tale and meet Scrooge in a spirited experience.

Top Christmas events and shows in London 2026

Celebrate the season with world-class festive events in London. From lively pantomimes and spectacular West End shows to guided tours, New Year's Eve cruises and special seasonal attractions, there are plenty of ways to make your Christmas unforgettable.

Christmas hop-on hop-off bus tour

Spend Christmas Day exploring London from a unique perspective.

Winter Wonderland

Enjoy festive family-fun, rides and street food at this iconic Christmas experience.

Cirque Alice

See a dazzling circus meet Wonderland in this acrobatic, immersive, dreamlike dance spectacle.

Cinderella

Expect show-stopping songs and side-splitting comedy in Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith.

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Hilton hotels in London

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in London

Wondering what's open on Christmas Day? Find out which attractions are welcoming visitors, where to enjoy a festive meal and how to get around the city with our essential tips for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in London.

Regent Street is dazzling with its traditional Christmas decorations and the iconic angles.

Christmas Eve in London

Bond Street Christmas tree and lights inspired by the Crown Jewels

Christmas Day activities

A group of people sing along to live music in the Bavarian bar at Winter Wonderland in London.

Twixmas in London

Enjoy Christmas in London with kids

Watch their faces light up as the kids meet Santa, glide across an iconic ice rink or walk through a glittering light trail. From enchanting theatre shows to interactive grottos, discover unforgettable Christmas activities for the whole family in London.

Stick Man at Bloomsbury Theatre

Christmas activities for kids

Flaming puddings at Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studios The Making of Harry Potter

Unusual things to do this Christmas

Fun festive activities

Get ready for festive fun. Sing along at a classic pantomime, be amazed by a spectacular Christmas stage show or jump into an immersive winter experience. Here’s where to find the most joyful and entertaining events in London during Christmas 2026.

Christmas Day cruise and guided London city tour

Enjoy the ultimate Christmas Day experience with a panoramic city tour and luxury Thames lunch cruise.

Christmas Day trip from London to Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich

Explore the UK on Christmas day with a festive day trip from London to Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich.

Two women are skating at the Glide ice rink in Battersea at night, enjoying their session and raising their hands in the air.

Best Christmas ice skating in London

Glide into the festive season with our pick of the top ice skating rinks in London.

Boxing Day tour from London to Warwick, Cotswolds, Stratford and Oxford

Soak up the Christmas spirit with a Boxing Day tour to four charming locations.

London New Year ideas

Welcome in the New Year in London! Secure your spot to watch the world-famous fireworks light up the Thames, book a glamorous river cruise or find a party to dance the night away. This year, make your New Year's Eve unforgettable.

New Year's Eve activities

New Year's Eve fireworks

New Year's Eve events

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Best hotels near Christmas attractions

Conrad London St. James: for Winter Wonderland

The Trafalgar St. James London: for Christmas shows

Hilton London Tower Bridge: for Christmas at the Tower

London Christmas food and drink ideas

From mulled wine to festive afternoon tea treats, enjoy the best Christmas food and drink experiences in London. Find a cosy pub with a roaring fire for a traditional roast or book a winter rooftop bar for cocktails under the twinkling city lights.

The Great Christmas Feast

Experience the magic of Dickens' A Christmas Carol at The Great Christmas Feast.

Festive afternoon tea setup with a three-tier stand holding assorted pastries, sandwiches, and scones, flanked by two glasses of sparkling rosé. The table is set with fine china, silver teapot, and condiments, against a backdrop of a decorated Christmas tree with gold ornaments and twinkling lights.

Christmas afternoon teas

Experience a Christmas afternoon tea in London with carols, decorations and festive treats.

Winter rooftop bars

Gaze at beautiful cityscapes from one of the most scenic winter rooftop bars in London.

Four plates of Hawksmoor's Sunday roast with roast beef, vegetables, gravy and glasses of wine

Sunday roasts

From Michelin-starred restaurants to gastropubs, discover the best Sunday roasts in London.

Experience Christmas in London

Experience the magic of Christmas in London with highlights of the city’s festive lights, seasonal events and must-see moments throughout December and January – see it all come to life in our festive video.

London Christmas highlights

December activities

A marching band performs surrounded by confetti during the London New Years Day Parade

January activities

Christmas shopping in London

Whether you're looking for a luxury gift from Harrods or a unique find at a neighbourhood Christmas market, London is the perfect place to shop for Christmas presents. Find the best destinations for your festive shopping, from iconic department stores to the cobbled lanes of Seven Dials.

Bright red and gold lights illuminate the front of Fortnum and Mason with each window representing an advent calendar door

Christmas shopping hotspots

Harrods London

Covent Garden

Plan your festive break in London

Planning is key to ensure an amazing festive break in London. Check out these practical tips on where to stay, how to book the most popular Christmas shows and attractions, and how to get around the city during the busy holiday season.

London hotels

A London Underground sign lit up at night, with Christmas lights shining in the background.

Christmas: Essential info

Hand of a woman holding an Oyster card outside the entrance of the underground

Oyster cards

More to know about Christmas in London

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 by the river in London?

There are many places you can enjoy Christmas by the river in London, including on the iconic South Bank with its festive markets, Tower Bridge with its stunning river backdrop and Greenwich for its historic charm. To make your celebrations even more special, you can experience the magic of the season on a Christmas cruise along the Thames or enjoy a magical sightseeing coach tour around the countryside with Christmas lunch.

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.