Revel in the city’s seasonal atmosphere and discover some of the top things to do in London at Christmas with our magical day out.
See a Christmas show, enjoy a festive tour, go Christmas shopping, tuck into Christmas dinner, explore seasonal markets and show off your skills when ice skating.
Morning: Christmas shopping in London
Head out early and beat the crowds for a spot of Christmas shopping in London's fabulously festive West End. Marvel at the seasonal shop-window displays and Christmas decorations in and around stylish Bond Street, iconic Oxford Street, elegant Regent Street and historic Piccadilly while picking up Christmas gifts.
Top displays in this part of town include Fortnum & Mason, pretty Liberty London and Selfridges, which all house dedicated Christmas shops: Selfridges is the go-to store for Union Jack baubles and quirky ornaments, Liberty is known for its glass-blown decorations and gorgeous crackers, while Fortnum & Mason has lots of foodie Christmas treats and a superb selection of advent calendars this year.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the independent boutiques in historic Burlington Arcade, stylish Jermyn Street, charming South Molton Street and pretty Connaught Village are the perfect places for eclectic luxury items, and are just a short stroll away.
Top tip: The world’s most famous department store Harrods is showcasing heaps of tasteful baubles this year. The Christmas department is neatly set up in their very own themed section and the nutcrackers are back. "Balmoral Bash" and "Festive Favourites" are just some of these whimsical sections. The LED lights create a festive atmosphere and make you feel like Christmas is just around the corner.
It is an ideal spot for picking up a Christmas gift, from magical toys and delightful hampers to beautiful Christmas wreaths. Hire a personal shopping assistant to help you find the perfect present for your loved ones.
Lunch: Feast at foodie hubs or afternoon tea
Let an expert guide show you around London's hottest foodie spots. Feast on mouth-watering bites from around the world with a Borough Market Food Tour or dine on Indian cuisine on a tour of Brick Lane.
Refuel at one of the foodie havens and make your way to Mercato Metropolitano which is close to Elephant and Castle station or Brixton Village with its cozy restaurants, both offer a wide range of cuisines with plenty of food stalls and restaurants to choose from or travel up north to the iconic Camden Market.
Top tips: An afternoon tea tour aboard a sightseeing bus or a Christmas lunch cruise is a great way to explore London's top sights.
Afternoon: Christmas markets, ice skating and Christmas lights
After a bite to eat, it’s time for a picturesque walk along the river Thames, where you can tuck into roasted chestnuts, enjoy festive decorations and explore the Christmas market along the South Bank and enjoy Winter Light at Southbank Centre. Find more buzzing London Christmas markets.
If you’re looking for something more active to do in the build-up to Christmas in London with kids, wrap up warm and get your skates on at one of London's gorgeous open-air ice-skating rinks. Take in the magnificent surrounds of Somerset House or skate in the shadow of the Queen's House in Greenwich among other magical rinks.
It's now time to put your feet up and enjoy some of the best Christmas lights and iconic sights in London on a special Christmas lights bus tour. Book onto the 5pm tour to give you plenty of time to head to the theatre afterwards.
If you are interested in an all-in-one experience, head to the stunning Winter Wonderland a festive fair ground in Hyde Park where you have ample opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, peruse any of the Christmas market stalls and skate on the ice rink and to top it all up book tickets to a Christmas show. You can easily spend half a day at Winter Wonderland or longer.
Top tip: Head to Hampton Court Palace ice rink, for an afternoon of ice skating and exploring the former home of King Henry VIII.
See London's Christmas lights
Join an open-top bus tour and see London sparkle!Evening: Christmas shows in London
Enjoy a spellbinding show in London this Christmas. Top shows for 2024 include the famous Nutcracker ballet, A Sherlock Carol or Once Upon a Christmas Eve at the Lost Estate.
Travel further west and head to Sherwood Forest for Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist, a bit of a different festive experience. Or take your pick from more theatre shows, including London’s top 10 musicals, for a memorable night in the city
After the show, visit picturesque Covent Garden, which sparkles festively and admire the Christmas bells and baubles that were first introduced last year. Marvel at the giant Christmas tree in the famous piazza and watch the Covent Garden Christmas lights sparkle and make sure to visit the surrounding streets like Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials.
There are plenty of places to try for post-theatre dinner, including quick bites in the market building and trendy eateries surrounding the piazza. Nearby, The Opera Quarter and St Martin's Courtyard are also packed with a diverse mix of restaurants.
End the night with a pint in one of London's cosy pubs, sip on classy drinks at a cocktail bar or champagne bar or admire the city sparkle from above at a winter rooftop bar.
Top tips: Catch a Christmas carol service and sing along to your favourite festive tunes at an enchanting performance at iconic spots such as St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey or hop on the Singalong Christmas Lights Tour with Mice Pies and Festive Drinks.
For more seasonal events and festive things to do in London, take a look at our guide to Christmas in London.
