101 Christmas things to do in London

1. Visit Hogwarts in the Snow: See Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter decked out for Christmas.

1. Go on a Christmas lights bus tour: Enjoy a sparkly night-time tour of London's spectacular festive lights. 

1. Wander around Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: Find all sorts of magical Christmas activities in one place. 

1. Be mesmerised at Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew: Take an enchanting journey into a glittering wonderland. 

1. Explore Windsor Castle: Marvel at the magnificent Christmas decorations as the famous castle is given a festive makeover fit for royalty. 

Discover more top London attractions and famous landmarks to tick off this Christmas.

1. Book ahead for the top musicals in London this Christmas: Enjoy incredible shows over the festive period, from Frozen to The Lion King musical London.
2. Catch one of the many Christmas shows and pantomimes that come to London over the festive period: From classics such as the Nutcracker to Christmastime comedies.
3. See a classic play at Shakespeare's Globe: Head to the world-famous theatre for a festive show this Christmas.
4. See Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Live: See a spectacular live-to-film concert.
5. Enjoy a West End Musical Christmas: Hear your favourite hits from the West End stage.
6. Catch a performance of Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas: Join the TV presenter in her West End debut.
7. Have family-friendly fun at Father Christmas Needs a Wee!: Take the kids to see this Christmas hit.
8. Embrace the tradition of Christmas with the Nutcracker: Embark on a journey of colour and wonder. 
9. See a touching performance of Stick Man: Have more fun than you can shake a stick at.
10. Giggle along to Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out: Join Peppa on her adventures!
11. Meet The Smartest Giant in Town: See the musical adaptation of the best-selling book.
12. Have plenty of fun at the Potted Panto: Check out the West End's longest-running panto.
13. Join a gang of Merry Men in Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist: Watch as Christmas cheer returns to Sherwood. 
14. Check out the Slava Snow Show: Witness the holiday spectacular for yourself!

 Find more London theatre shows and dedicated Christmas shows.

1. Book onto a Christmas tour or day trip from London: Visit historic sites such as Stonehenge, Bath and Canterbury over the festive period.
2. Revel in the Golden Age of Travel Aboard Belmond British Pullman*: Tuck into a five-course meal with bubbles as you take a five-hour journey on this luxury locomotive.
3. Take a Christmas market day trip: Soak up the festivities whilst grabbing some memorable gifts for loved ones at the Canterbury, Winchester or Birmingham markets. 
4. Treat a loved one to luxury experiences in London: Give the perfect present, from incredible helicopter tours to relaxing spa days.
5. Experience Christmas in Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich with Traditional Christmas Lunch: Take a trip through the country side and see more of the UK.

Discover the best things to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from special tours and attractions to last-minute shopping.

1. Check out the capital's top attractions for kids: Many attractions have festive-themed fun to enjoy over the school holidays.
2. Go through transport history at the London Transport Museum: See famous London buses and enjoy hands-on activities.
3. See the crown jewels at the Tower of London: Step back into the gruesome history of this attraction during its Christmas takeover.
4. Head to Kensington Palace for the festive season: Explore the grand halls decked out for Christmas before spending an evening enjoying a Christmas movie in the Pavilion.
5. Book a sightseeing pass to see many of London's top sights during the holidays: The London Pass, the Go City London Explorer Pass and Merlin London Attractions Pass offer plenty of options to sightsee and save.
6. Take on a new challenge together with adrenaline-fuelled activities: Try the Up at The O2 climb or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium's Dare Skywalk.
7. Take a delightful day out and enjoy Christmas at Kew Gardens: Enjoy Christmas lights and displays among the rare plants.
8. Enjoy a London Eye Champagne Experience: Let the kids enjoy the sights while the adults enjoy a relaxing glass of bubbly.
9. Experience Christmas Eve in London with Dinner and Midnight Mass: See the city illuminated by night and much more. 
10. Enjoy a Half Day Panoramic Tour of London on Christmas Eve: See all the sights across the city on this festive-themed adventure.
11. Be dazzled by the lights on a Illuminations of London on Christmas Eve tour: See the lights all across the city.
12. Visit London by Night with Christmas Lights: See the city's famous landmarks twinkle in the night.
13. Have fun on a Singalong Christmas Lights Tour with Mince Pies and Festive Drinks: Sing along to your favourite Christmas hits!

Treat the kids to more family fun in London.

1. Skate on the Hampton Court Palace ice rink: Enjoy magnificent background views of Henry VIII's residence. 
2. Show off your skills at the Queen's House Ice Rink: Within the special surrounds of the Maritime Greenwich Unesco World Heritage Site. 
3. Don't miss the beautiful setting of Somerset House: Skate in the 18th-century courtyard.
4. Glide across the ice at Ice Rink Canary Wharf: A different setting amid the surroundings of Canary Wharf's twinkling towers. 
5. Learn to skate at Winter Wonderland's dedicated ice rink: Take to the ice while enjoying all the festivities in Hyde Park.
6. Enjoy the ice rink at Glide Battersea Power Station: Glide on London's only riverside ice rink and head up Lift 109 for a 360-degree view of the twinkling lights.

Find more top winter ice rinks in London.

1. Go Christmas shopping at Greenwich Market: Explore antiques and jewellery under pretty lights.
2. Amble around Kingston's Christmas market: Shop for foodie treats, lovely decorations and handmade crafts.
3. Be spoilt for choice at the Covent Garden Christmas markets: Get handcrafted items and unique gifts for your loved ones at one of the three daily markets. 
4. Pick up festive gifts from Christmas in Leicester Square: Hunt for prezzies and enjoy fun shows and activities, from baby disco to comedy and cabaret.
5. Enjoy browsing at riverside Christmas markets: Stop off at the Southbank Centre Winter Market or find views of Tower Bridge with Christmas by the River at London Bridge City.

Look for stocking fillers at more Christmas markets in London: tuck into tasty treats and warming drinks between shopping sprees.

1. For a day out with a difference, check out immersive experiences across the city: Enjoy immersive games, attractions, theatre and more.
2. Don your Santa outfits for Santa Run London: Join the runners or watch on as thousands of "Santas" race through Victoria Park. TBC
3. Watch swimmers brave the icy waters of Hyde Park’s Serpentine: See them compete in the Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day. 25 Dec
4. Catch up with friends and family at London's top activity bars: Get competitive as you try everything from axe throwing to ping pong.
5. Take a trip to the Ideal Homeshow Christmas: Make sure your home is looking tip-top ahead of the festive season.
6. Enjoy a 1 day Hop-on Hop-off Tour around the city: Take in all the attractions dressed in Christmas decor.
7. Take to the river for a Thames Christmas Party Cruise: Celebrate and party on the Thames!

Check out more quirky Christmas activities.

1. Look up to see the lights above Regent Street: Marvel at more than 300,000 Christmas lights, illuminating the historic street.
2. Don't miss the beautiful Oxford Street Christmas lights: See them shimmer above the world-famous shopping district.
3. Check out the lights twinkling across Carnaby Street: Each year sees a new theme. 
4. Admire the gorgeous mistletoe chandeliers at Covent Garden: Also explore the magical Christmas lights in nearby Seven Dials.
5. See the luxurious area of Bond Street sparkle: Admire the magnificent Christmas lights.
6. Grab a selfie under the arches along South Molton Street: Spot some of London's most unique Christmas lights.
7. Stroll along the South Bank for more magic: Be dazzled by the seasonal twinkle.
8. Look out for London’s magnificent Christmas trees decked in lights: Don't miss the world-famous tree in Trafalgar Square.

Discover more Christmas lights in London from mid-November until January.

1. Attend a church service at venues across London: Go to an advent, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service at the likes of Westminster Abbey, iconic St Paul's Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral.
2. Get in the festive spirit with a performance of all your favourite Christmas Classics: Enjoy a not so Silent Night!
3. Enjoy the finest in pianists at the Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto at Christmas: Treat yourself to a beautiful concert with a candlelit setting.
4. Relish the build-up to the big day with the The Piccadilly Christmas Concert: See some of the UK's most exceptional orchestral musicians.
5. Combine Chopin and Champagne at Christmas: Enjoy a luxurious evening with the composer's greatest hits.

Find more carols and concerts this Christmas.

1. Welcome in the festive season with a Christmas Carol Singalong at the Royal Festival Hall: Soak up the festive atmosphere. 
2. Enjoy festive songs, carols and classical works at the Barbican: Hear the angelic voices of the chapel choristers or dance to top festive live tunes.
3. Attend the Mayor of London's Carol Service from Southwark Cathedral: Join in traditional carols at this special service.
4. Get into the seasonal spirit with Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall: Enjoy shows from carols and family concerts to classical recitals. 
5. Enjoy carols and concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields church: Soak up the festive atmosphere.

1. Relax on a dinner cruise on the Thames: Look out for special menus and experiences during December.
2. Treat yourself to a jolly Christmas-themed afternoon tea: Discover an afternoon tea to remember with carols, decorations and festive treats galore.
3. Take a foodie tour this Christmas: Try festive treats at Borough Market or head to Camden Town Brewery for some beer tasting. 
4. Snuggle up in front of a crackling fire in a cosy pub: Enjoy seats you can sink into and plenty of comfort food.
5. Book a table at one of London's pop-up winter rooftop bars: Soak up the seasonal cheer and enjoy magnificent views.
6. Make a Christmas toast at one of London's champagne bars: There's always time for a glass of fizz, especially during the festive period!

Check out the London food and drink guide for more ideas, including quirky dinner spots to restaurants with a killer view.

1. Snap up some designer deals at Bicester Village: Hop on a train to Bicester to spend the day exploring the outlets and a festive bite or two. 
2. Treat friends and family to luxury London gifts: From cocktail masterclasses and fine-dining experiences to special days out.
3. Head to one of London's famed Westfield locations: Browse at hundreds of stores and shop for your loved ones!
4. Visit the West End's famous shopping streets: Splash out on flagship-lined Oxford Street, upscale Bond Street and elegant Regent Street.
5. Find tasty treats at Fortnum & Mason in St James's: Look out for gourmet Christmas treats and hampers.
6. Check out the spectacular window displays at Selfridges: Go inside to explore its dedicated Christmas shop and tick off the majority of your shopping list!
7. Head to Covent Garden: Find a diverse mix of designer labels, vintage stores and high-street brands. 
8. Check out Carnaby: Seek out its independent shops and cool fashion boutiques.
9. Be dazzled by baubles in one of London’s famous department stores: You'll find dedicated Christmas shops, including Harrods and Liberty London.
10. Treat kids to a visit to one of London's best toyshops: Shop for a wide range of toys, from retro board games to cool gadgets.
11. Spend an afternoon on King's Road in Chelsea: Explore the eclectic range of boutiques and designer labels.
12. Go shopping after hours at these late-night shopping spots: Get all your Christmas shopping done after dark. 

Discover more Christmas shopping hotspots in London.

1. Start planning your New Year's Eve celebrations: Welcome in 2025 in style, with the best things to do on New Year’s Eve in London.
2. Have a memorable evening enjoying the London's New Year's Eve fireworks in 2024: Find out how you can see the iconic fireworks display.
3. Book onto a New Year's Eve tour: See the sights in London and beyond with these seasonal days out.
4. Discover what else is on in December: Plan your visit, with special events and activities throughout the month.
5. Find even more seasonal suggestions with our pick of 101 winter activities: Get out and explore with a walk over frosty leaves or snuggle up in a cosy pub in front of a crackling fire.
6. Book a stay at a London hotel to be near the action: It's time to plan your trip!
7. Enjoy the celebrations with a New Year's Eve London Fireworks View Boat Party: See the dazzling display from the river.
8. Take a break from the city with Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury on Boxing Day: Relax and let the celebrations continue!
9. Embark on a New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise: Sit back, dine, enjoy the sights and make the occasion a special one.
10. Avoid the crowds with a New Year's Eve Stargazer Cruise: Take a break from the chaos and relax.