Christmas in London is a magical and unforgettable experience we would recommend to anyone to do at least once in their lifetime. The city transforms into a sea of Christmas lights, decorations, ice-skating rinks, Christmas markets, and special festive events.
During Christmas, you will breathe the festive spirit on every street in London, and you will be able to feel the magic of this season by simply walking around or doing some Christmas shopping in some of the best world-known shops.
The Christmas Lights are switched on in London during November, so this is really when we start getting into the Christmas Spirit. Most Christmas events last until early January.
Plan a Christmas route through London
We like to group festive stops with the sights we would visit anyway. On a first day, walk from Buckingham Palace through St James’s Park to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, cross Westminster Bridge for the London Eye, then follow the South Bank towards its winter market. After dark, cross to Trafalgar Square for the tree and carols, continue to Leicester Square and Covent Garden, and finish at Somerset House if you have booked skating. This follows our favourite first day route, with the illuminated streets saved for the evening.
For another day, take the Tower of London and Tower Bridge at an unhurried pace before exploring the London Bridge riverside market. Keep an afternoon or evening for Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, or use it for a show with the children. A separate West End walk from Oxford Street through Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden lets you enjoy the shop windows and lights without rushing between paid attractions. If you have three days, these neighbourhood groups work especially well.
Christmas lights in London
One of the highlights of visiting London during Christmas is to admire the fantastic displays of Christmas lights and decorations. Central London is filled with the most beautiful Christmas lights every year, and you can either explore the impressive Christmas lights of London by walking the streets at your own pace or hopping on one of the sightseeing buses.
The switching on of the Christmas lights is one of the most highly anticipated events in November, as they mark the beginning of Christmas in London. Some of London’s most famous shopping streets, such as Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Regent Street, celebrate the switching on of the Christmas lights with a huge event often accompanied by musical performances, a celebrity to switch them on, and sometimes, even fireworks.
Christmas lights in London that you can´t miss include those on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. You won´t just see the incredible streets lit up; all the shops are beautifully decorated, too. Highlights include Selfridges, Liberty and Fortnum and Mason department stores.
Covent Garden, the popular piazza in London, is just spectacular – an absolute must on your itinerary if you plan to visit London at Christmas. You will be greeted by the sight of a giant Christmas tree, impressive decorations within the market square, and live music, getting everyone in the festive cheer.
In Trafalgar Square, you will see the city’s biggest Christmas tree – one of the most popular sights in London at Christmas. In the evening, carol singers stand at the foot of this enormous Christmas Tree.
Winter Wonderland, the famous Christmas Fair in Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland is one of the most anticipated Christmas events in London. It is a giant Christmas fair and Market with restaurants and bars in the heart of Hyde Park, the most famous park in London.
This magical winter land is packed with fun fair rides for all ages, including a huge Ferris wheel, where you will get 360-degree views of Hyde Park over London. We love going on this Ferris Wheel in Winter Wonderland when it is dark and seeing all the London lights from above. There are huge roller coasters, haunted houses, carousels…
SantaLand is a big draw for families visiting Winter Wonderland. This is where we can find smaller fairground rides perfect for smaller children but also where they can meet Father Christmas and let him know what they really really want for Christmas!
Winter Wonderland is also packed full of amazing little Christmas stalls, where you’ll find unique souvenirs such as crafts, clothing, jewellery, and decorations from London – so there are plenty of opportunities if you´re trying to find that little something to take back home with you.
And it’s also great for food stalls! You’re spoilt for choice regarding sweet treats – with so much cotton candy and churros with chocolate. However, you will also find restaurants and pubs in gorgeous wooden cabins between the market stalls and the fairground rides.
There are also circus performances, an ice-skating rink, the famous Ice Kingdom, where you can walk through amazing Ice Sculptures, and so much more to do!
For 2026–27: Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and is closed on Christmas Day. Book a dated entry slot; skating, rides, the Magical Ice Kingdom and shows have their own tickets. Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus is this season’s circus production. If you can visit on a weekday, we find it easier to enjoy the market stalls and SantaLand before the busiest evening hours.
To book tickets, go to Winter Wonderland.
Ice skating in London at Christmas
The ice skating rinks that pop up all over London during Christmas are one of the things I look forward to the most when Christmas is approaching. The outdoor ice rinks at Christmas are beautiful and usually located in some of London’s most scenic and popular spots.
Numerous skating rinks are scattered around the city in iconic places such as Somerset House and Hyde Park. These usually open in mid-November and stay open until mid-January. And even if you’re not planning on skating, it is a picture-perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.
We love the ice-skating rink at Somerset House. It’s not one of the most popular places for tourists, but I´d highly recommend it as it is simply spectacular. Here, you will also find a small pop-up Christmas Shop with festive souvenirs, gifts, and traditional British knick-knacks.
Christmas Markets in London
In addition to the famous markets and street markets available throughout the year, there are even more Christmas markets in London to get locals and tourists into the festive spirit. At the Christmas markets in London, you will find all kinds of souvenirs to take home. These are brilliant if you love to collect tree decorations from your travels, for example, or love beautiful candles or handmade crafts, to name a few.
The food stalls in the Christmas Markets are always extremely popular, with hot dogs, hamburgers and roasted chestnuts. And if you have never had a mulled wine or a traditional mince pie – a Christmas market is one of the best places to try some of these!
Christmas musicals, ice-skating, theatre, and ballet shows in London
As well as the famous West-End London musicals available throughout the year, for a few weeks over the festive holidays, London is home to numerous Christmas-themed plays, musicals, pantomimes and ice-skating shows. Going to one of these shows is an excellent choice if you plan to visit London with children at Christmas.
The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum is one of the most popular Christmas events, but we love a Christmas pantomime or Disney On Ice at the O2.
If you are visiting London with kids, we recommend taking them to see The Snowman or Elf, although other less Christmassy options are available, such as Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out or The Smartest Giant in Town.
Christmas in London with Children
Spending Christmas in London with children is an excellent idea as there are many things to do. It is a magical city for little ones during the festive period. The Christmas markets and fairs are something they will remember forever. The ice-skating rinks often have specific areas for the littlest of skaters, and they can use colourful guards to help stop them from falling.
There are also fantastic Santa´s Grottos dotted around London for children to meet Father Christmas and tell him in person what they want for Christmas. Some of the most famous Santa´s Grottos are Winter Wonderland, Hamleys, Harrods… Make sure to book to avoid disappointment!
Events in London at Christmas
In addition to the ice-skating rinks in London, Winter Wonderland and the many Christmas markets all over the capital – there are many other events during this time of the year.
Christmas at London Zoo
London Zoo’s Christmas season runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Families can enjoy the Christmas forest, festive crafts, elf games and seasonal keeper talks alongside the animal habitats. Look out for Santa on his Santa-Mobile during the day. On selected peak dates there is also Mrs Claus’ Storytime and live music. Meet Santa in the grotto is a separate ticketed experience.
> When: 21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
> More information and tickets: Christmas at London Zoo.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens celebrates Christmas with an amazing light show that is spell-binding. Make your way through the twinkling and impressive lights and take in all the Christmas spirit.
In the cafe, you can treat yourself and the family to a lovely hot chocolate, and along your walk, you’ll be able to toast marshmallows on the bonfires placed all around. And, of course, Santa himself will be there to greet the little ones.
You will have to buy a special ticket for this event, as a standard ticket does not include the festive activities at Christmas at Kew Garden.
> When: 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
> Tickets: Christmas at Kew
> More information: Christmas at Kew
Santa Run
This quirky event sees hundreds of people dressed in Father Christmas outfits running through Victoria Park, and we have to say it is one of the funniest events in London at Christmas. And even better, it is a charity event where everyone can participate.
> When: 2026 TBC
> Price: Free.
> Website: Santa Run.
Great Christmas Pudding Race
Every year in London, a race is held in the beautiful square of the popular Covent Garden at Christmas. Contestants must carry a spoon in their mouths with a Christmas Pudding (a sweet British traditional cake) and race with it. Expect to see lots of people dressed up and having fun.
> When: 2026 TBC
> Price: Free.
> Website: Great Christmas Pudding Race.
Peter Pan Cup Race
On Christmas Day, locals and tourists head to Hyde Park for a swimming race in the icy cold waters of the Serpentine Lake! So, if you will be in London on Christmas Day, why not head down there to give them your support? – they’re going to need it.
> When: 25 December 2026
> Price: Free.
> Website: Peter Pan Cup Race.
Hogwarts in the snow
London at Christmas is already magical, but imagine seeing Hogwarts at Christmas! For all you Potterheads – this is an absolute must! Those who are planning on visiting the Harry Potter Studios during the festive months are in luck as not only will you get to see Harry’s muggle home, Privet Drive, and wander through the Forbidden Forrest, but you’ll also see a massive reconstruction model of Hogwarts covered in snow – which is a beautiful and breath-taking sight.
The highlight has to be The Great Hall, decorated for Christmas with beautiful trees and festive ornaments, as is the Gryffindor Common Room. During the Harry Potter Studios tour, you’ll learn about all the different secrets of the making of the Harry Potter films. You can see Hogwarts in the snow with your standard entry ticket during Christmas.
> When: 14 November 2026 – 17 January 2027.
> More information: Warner Bros. studios
Christmas in Greenwich
Greenwich Market is a lovely place for gifts from independent makers, then a walk past the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College. The market’s Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on 18 November 2026, with children carrying handmade lanterns through the historic streets. You can also combine Greenwich with the Queen’s House ice rink when its winter sessions begin. See the Greenwich Market lantern parade and market opening details when planning your day.
Coca-Cola Christmas Truck
The red Christmas truck sometimes stops in London as part of its UK tour, giving families a chance to see it in person and take a photograph. The route changes each year, so make this an extra stop if a London date appears in the UK tour announcements while you are here.
Southbank Winter Festival
From mid-November to early January, people flock to the south bank of the River Thames, next to the London Eye, for the Southbank Winter Festival. There is a Christmas market here, with stalls with many things to buy: decorations, souvenirs, and mulled wine and food. Carols and the beautiful backdrop of the London Eye and Big Ben in the background set the mood.
> When: November 2026 – January 2027.
> Price: Free.
December 24th, 25th and 26th in London
If you plan to be in London on Christmas eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day it is important to check public transport as well as knowing what shops, attractions and museums will be open during this time.
December 24th: Christmas Eve in 2026 falls on a Thursday. London is usually busy with people preparing for Christmas Day, so shops will still be open, but they will mostly close around 4 pm. The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey have their own holiday closures and services, so fit an interior visit around their published Christmas calendars. Other attractions, such as the sightseeing buses, The London Eye and the Harry Potter Studios, are normally open on Christmas Eve. You will find a lot of cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars open in Central London until late on Christmas Eve. You can also spend the night before Christmas at the magical Winter Wonderland or enjoy one of London’s musicals.
> Find out more: What to do on Christmas Eve in London.
December 25th: Most shops, museums and attractions close on Christmas Day. There is no public transport, so you will find the tube stations and most of the streets practically empty – except for people taking a Christmas Day walk. Most attractions will be closed, including Winter Wonderland and the seasonal markets, although pre-booked bus tours, river cruises and some restaurants offer a way to enjoy the day. But don’t worry because you can do so many other things on Christmas Day in London. Plenty of restaurants open their doors on Christmas Day in London so that you can enjoy a traditional British Christmas Meal. Or you could even book a trip to another UK city for the day.
> Find out more: Christmas Day in London.
December 26th: Boxing Day is when the amazing Christmas sales start. Many shops reopen for the sales, but individual shops and attractions choose their own Boxing Day hours. Choose a shopping area and one booked attraction, leaving time for altered public transport.
> Find out more: Boxing Day in London.
Transport in London on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
As we’ve said before, during Christmas in London, the public transport in the city has a slightly different than normal schedule. During the key dates over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, public transport will continue to run; however, there will be no public transport on Christmas Day.
December 25th is the only day of the year without public transport in London. All tube stations will be closed, there will be no trains or buses.
If necessary, you can always book a taxi or a minibus from a private company or use your Uber app to get around London – however, fares will be more expensive.
New Year’s Eve in London
New Year’s Eve in London is celebrated in style, and the main attraction is the fireworks over the London Eye. One of the best options to spend New Year’s Eve in the English capital is to go and see the fireworks display. You and your family or friends can set up space from the banks of the Thames and see the New Year underneath the spectacle. Tickets need to be purchased in advance. You can also watch them from a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Thames or even from one of London’s parks, restaurants, or parties that offer great views.
We recommend numerous places to book dinner on New Year’s Eve in London – places we like and do not usually feature in other guidebooks and a few more infamous restaurants.
And if you want to party the night away, look into all the best places to dance in the New Year in one of the hottest spots in the city.
New Year’s Day
January 1st in London is a bank holiday, but if you are going to be here celebrating New Year’s Eve, and you think you can get away with staying in bed all day recovering from the night before – think again, because there is the New Year’s Day Parade to enjoy!
The New Year’s Day Parade takes place in London and is worth making the trip to go and see. It starts at noon (so don’t worry, not an early start!). It is located on Piccadilly Street and goes over 2.5 km.
The weather in London at Christmas
We often get asked if visiting London at Christmas is worth it, as everybody knows it can get quite chilly and it does get dark very early. It can be pretty cold during Christmas in London, but you’ll be fine as long as you wrap up warm. On average, the temperature tends to be around 10 degrees Celsius during the day but can drop to zero degrees at night – without warning. And, of course, there is always the possibility of snow. All you need is a good coat, gloves, hat and warm boots.
In the winter months of December and January, it gets dark around 4 p.m. in London. And whilst that doesn’t sound great, the truth is far from it, as you can enjoy the Christmas lights in London and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Christmas sales
Something else you should probably consider during your visit to London at Christmas is the famous Christmas sales! They usually start unofficially a few days before Christmas Day and last until February, but the big day is always Boxing Day, the 26th of December!
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.