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37 festive things to do on Christmas Eve in London 2025

Whether you're looking for last-minute shopping ideas or festive carol concerts, find things to do in London on Christmas Eve with our guide.
The exterior of Claridge's dressed up with Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, a nutcracker and soldiers.
Claridge's dressed for Christmas. Image courtesy of Maybourne Hotel Group.

Christmas Eve in London is a great time to experience the city. Make the most of the festive period and enjoy all of the magical activities and events that London has to offer.

Take in a Christmas show, musical or ballet, see famous landmarks glow under the sparkling Christmas lights, or get your skates on at one of London’s top ice rinks.

Whether you’re still searching for that perfect last-minute gift or you’re looking for festive activities for the whole family, there are plenty of things to do on Christmas Eve in London. 

Christmas Eve events in London

Experience the best London has to offer right up to Christmas Eve with these exciting events:

  1. Head to Hogwarts in the Snow to follow in the footsteps of your favourite wizard this Christmas Eve at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Nov-Jan TBC
  2. From thrilling roller coasters and exciting circus acts to live music, celebrate Christmas Eve at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Nov-Jan TBC
  3. Enter the enchanting illuminations of Christmas at Kew Gardens, where the botanical wonder is transformed into a Christmas spectacular. Nov-Jan TBC
  4. Enjoy a Christmas takeover at the London Zoo (included in standard entry). Last year, visitors could follow the Christmas Sleigh Trail and even met Santa. TBC

Christmas shows in London

Dancer Ivana Bueno performs on the stage of the London Coliseum where snow falling.
See the brand new production of the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. Image courtesy of the English National Ballet / © Jason Bell

  1. See one of the best musicals in London or find special festive shows or pantomimes from London's theatres the day before Christmas. 

Check back nearer the time to discover more Christmas shows to book for Christmas Eve 2025.

Christmas Eve tours of London

A young woman sitting on the top deck of the Christmas Bus Light Tour seemed delighted by the spectacle.
Take the Christmas lights bus tour to see London's top attractions. Image courtesy of London & Partners/Michael Barrow.

Experience all the festive feels during a Christmas Eve tour of London.

  1. Explore the capital while it's dressed in its finest during a London Christmas lights tour on an open-top bus. Nov-Jan TBC
  2. Or, for an extra festive experience, combine a London Christmas lights tour with dinner and Midnight Mass at St Martin-in-the-Fields. TBC
  3. See famous landmarks sparkle as night falls across the city with the Illuminations of London on Christmas Eve tour. TBC
  4. Enjoy a half day panoramic tour of London by bus and boat, taking in some of London's most famous monuments including St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London and the Shard. TBC
  5. Visit the likes of Windsor Castle, Oxford and Stonehenge this Christmas Eve on a day trip from London. TBC

Check back nearer the time for tours available to book for Christmas Eve 2025.

Christmas Eve activities in London

Two young women drinking hot chocolate in Winter Wonderland, with the Great Wheel in the background.
Visit Winter Wonderland during the festive season, with one of the capital's biggest Christmas markets. Image courtesy of London & Partners/Michael Barrow

Soak up the seasonal atmosphere before the big day, from twinkling lights and dazzling trees to Christmas markets in London: 

  1. Tick off some of the top London attractions from your Christmas wish list – make sure to check individual opening times and book tickets in advance.
  2. Stroll around the city in search of the best London Christmas lights, while waiting for Father Christmas to visit.
  3. Or head to one of London's scenic parks such as Richmond Park and Regent's Park for a beautiful wintry walk.  
  4. Fill your Instagram with some of the coolest Christmas trees in the capital.
  5. Enjoy picturesque views over the city with a special Christmas Eve London Eye Champagne experience.

London Christmas carols and concerts

Crowds of people stand on across two levels at Union Chapel as a round red stained glass window illuminates the whole room with performers and musicians stood on the stage
Gather at Union Chapel in Islington for a night of Christmas carols, music, spoken word and performances. Credit: Emile Holba. Image courtesy of Union Chapel.

Make the most of your London Christmas break with a carol concert or a traditional service:

  1. Catch a Christmas Eve carol service at St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey. Dec TBC
  2. Sing along to carols at the Royal Albert Hall. Nov-Dec TBC
  3. Enjoy carols by candlelight at Piccadilly St James or St Mary Le Strand Church. TBC
  4. Discover an array of carols and singalongs at the Barbican this festive period. TBC

Check back nearer the time for confirmation on more Christmas Eve concerts and services.

Last-minute London Christmas shopping

Three ladies walk through bicester village carrying shopping bags.
Shop til' you drop at Bicester Village. Image courtesy of Bicester Village. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Don't panic! Head to some of the best places for Christmas shopping in London to pick up any last-minute gifts.  

  1. Take a trip to Bicester Village to grab designer gifts at a discounted price from one of the many luxury brand outlets.
  2. Admire seasonal window displays and hunt for presents at London department stores.
  3. Shop till you drop in the ultimate Christmas shopping hotspots, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby and Bond Street.
  4. Find handmade gifts, foodie treats and one-of-a-kind items at one of the London Christmas markets.

Christmas ice skating in London

A few people are skating around a tall Christmas tree sitting in the middle of London West field's outdoor ice rink.
Head to London Westfield this Christmas and get your skates on at one of London's top outdoor ice rinks. Image courtesy of The Academy PR.

Go for a twirl on one of London’s top ice skating rinks this Christmas Eve: 

  1. Get in the festive spirit and soak up views of a Tudor palace while twirling around the beautiful Hampton Court Palace ice rink. Nov-Jan
  2. Show off your skills on the Winter Wonderland ice rink – book ahead to secure your spot at this popular seasonal festival. Nov-Jan
  3. Skate in the shadow of skyscrapers at the iconic ice rink in Canary Wharf. 21 Oct-24 Feb
  4. Enjoy Glide, Battersea Power Station's three interconnected ice rinks. 8 Nov-5 Jan
  5. Take to the ice after your shopping spree at Westfield London, Shepherd's Bush. 15 Nov-5 Jan 

London Christmas Eve dinner and drinks 

Main dish festuring on the main menu at Heston Blumenthal: Forced artichoke with mushroom and cauliflower parfait.
Have a luncheon at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a Michelin restaurant revisiting History with a modern twist. Image courtesy of The Fat Duck.

Toast to the festive season in a lively bar or enjoy a pre-Christmas dinner out in London:

  1. Dine out in style and see the sights on a London dinner cruise on Christmas Eve.
  2. Get Christmas off to a cracking start with a Christmas Eve meal at one of London's top restaurants.
  3. Treat yourself to sumptuous food from a Michelin-starred restaurant or a feast created by a celebrity chef.
  4. Celebrate the holidays with some bubbly at swanky champagne bars.
  5. Continue the festivities with a drink and stunning view at one of London's rooftop bars, many of which have heated terraces and themed winter pop-ups.

Festive Christmas Eve ideas for couples

A male and female couple hold a glass of champagne as they stand in a London Eye capsule, with London's skyline in the background.
Make memories with the London Eye champagne experience. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Discover London's romantic side as you celebrate the festive season with a special someone:

  1. Treat your partner to dinner at one of London's most romantic restaurants.
  2. Take in stunning views this Christmas Eve with an exclusive ride in a private capsule on the London Eye.
  3. Snuggle up in front of an open fire in one of the capital's cosiest pubs.
  4. Or find a creative and quirky spot for your date at one of the many cocktail bars across the city.

Travelling around London on Christmas Eve

There are usually changes to some public transport services on Christmas Eve, so make sure to check your route before travelling. 

On the Tube, some services are reduced during the afternoon and evening. For buses, there is usually no night service.

Travel on the London Overground, DLR, Thames Clippers, National Rail, Gatwick Express, trams and coaches is also affected during Christmas in London. 

Find more information about transport over the festive season or visit the Transport for London website.

For more things to do over the festive period in London, take a look at our guide to Christmas in London, or check out our roundup of things to do in London on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. 

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