I love London at Christmas. It is nothing short of magical. The city lights up with festive markets, light displays and mulled wine available wherever you go. From iconic outdoor ice rinks and carol services, to Christmas trees and world-class Christmas shopping, here is your complete guide to the Best Things to Do in London at Christmas.
Take a tour of the Christmas Lights
Seeing London’s Christmas Lights is one of the most festive experiences at this time of year. Whether you take a Christmas Lights Tour by bus or taxi, or walk around the best of the displays, you are certainly in for a treat. As a child, my family would visit every year to walk around seeing all the lights. The best festive hotspots are around Oxford Street and Regent Street, Carnaby Street and especially Covent Garden. I particularly enjoyed a festive walk around Mayfair recently. There are some beautiful Christmas displays from the many hotels in the area.
Covent Garden
At Christmas, Covent Garden is famous for it’s Christmas Tree and festive atmosphere. The permanent, under-cover market takes on many more Christmas inspired stalls including Crepe and Mulled Wine carts. In the last few years, a snow machine has been installed outside by the Christmas tree and produces flurries on the hour.
Top Tip: Book a table at Larudée’s outside terrace to sip their fabulous hot chocolate while watching the snowy scene.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Do not miss the iconic Christmas Tree in the centre of the square. It hosts groups regularly to sing carols, especially school children in the afternoons. The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree has been a gift from the city of Oslo in Norway since 1947 to thank Britain for it’s support in World War II. Give yourself enough time to soak in the atmosphere and browse the Christmas market at the top of the steps by the National Gallery.
Visit a Christmas Market
There are several pop-up Christmas Markets around the city. They tend to be very similar so don’t worry about not visiting every single one. My two favourite Christmas Markets are in Leicester Square and the South Bank. The Leicester Square Christmas Market has a variety of artisan crafts, gifts and Christmas decorations alongside Festive food and drink. A few minutes around the corner you will find a smaller version of the market in Trafalgar Square. If the weather is suitable, you can take your food and drink and enjoy the view of the Square from the steps.
Walk along The South Bank
Experience the Christmas Market stalls along the walkway with many delicious food and drink options. It is perfect to pick up a mulled wine and wander along the Thames perusing the artisan crafts on display. You also get to see the illuminated buildings on either side of the Thames as you walk along the path. The best route is between The London Eye and London Bridge.
Ice Skate at an Iconic London Venue
No London Christmas is complete without a spin on one the city’s stunning ice rinks.
If you only choose one, then Somerset House is my first choice. This iconic rink is set within the courtyard of this beautiful building. Don’t miss walking through the building just behind the rink to get an amazing view of the Thames.
Canary Wharf ice rink is a fun place to visit surrounded by the glittering skyscrapers and illuminated trees. This is outside the city centre so can be a little quieter.
I would also recommend the ice rink at Battersea Power Station. This would be a great place to visit if you combine it with shopping in the fabulous Grade II listed building.
See a Pantomime
This is the ultimate British cultural experience at Christmas. Experience the banter and jokes with all the silliness and fun that only a Pantomime Dame can bring. I would recommend the pantomime at The Palladium but take a look at smaller venues towards the outskirts of the city. There are many theatres that host pantomimes with both professionals and amateurs alike. Just don’t forget to shout, ‘He’s behind you!’
Attend a Carol Service
Another British cultural experience but one a little more serene and calm, is to visit a Church or Cathedral for a Carol Service. If you can find one by candlelight, even better. There is nothing quite like singing a Christmas Carol, surrounded by candles. You will leave feeling full of life and Christmas spirit.
I would recommend attending one of the Carol Services at St Martin in the Field. They have a full calendar of events but book ahead in plenty of time. Most tickets have sold out by the end of October!
Visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
If you want to combine Ice Skating, festive food with rides and attractions then this is the place for you! Set in Hyde Park, this Christmas festival runs for six weeks. You can visit the circus, ride the Ferris wheel, eat in the Bavarian Village and shop at the Christmas market. You do need to purchase tickets to enter, so check out the packages available which may be more cost effective.
Visit Santa
Santa, being the magical being he is, can be found in many places around London. Santa and his elves can be found in shopping centres, museums, even at London Zoo! On the outskirts of London, most garden centres host Santa and tend to host an entire experience, not just a grotto. If you can handle the crowds, then visiting Santa at Hamley’s is a must-do experience. You must book all visits to Santa a long way in advance as he is very popular.
Enjoy Curling at Kings Cross
This is a really fun activity to do with family and friends. Curling at Coal Drop Yard isn’t just a Christmas activity however, as it is available until the end of February. I went in February and it was much quieter. It is a lovely walk over the canal from Kings Cross station. I would also recommend booking a table at one of the nearby restaurants in Coal Drops Yard. Also allow enough time to linger around the Yard and Granary Square.
Christmas Shopping in London
London is one of the best cities in the world for Christmas shopping. From luxury department stores to quirky market stalls you will find everything you need. If you’re looking for luxury items or to just window shop, then I would recommend Harrods, Fortnum and Masons and the entire length of Regent Street. Liberty London is just off Regent Street and has an entire floor dedicated to all things Christmas, available from around the end of September. It is the perfect place to buy a souvenir bauble for your Christmas tree back home. At the top of Regent Street you will find some great shops along Oxford Street from John Lewis to Primark.
If you’re looking for more budget buys and quirky gifts, then you cannot go wrong with shopping around Covent Garden. Not only are there many market stalls around the cobblestones but walk around the outskirts to find a huge variety of shops heading towards the Seven Dials area.
If you’re shopping with teens or want something a little different, then I would recommend Camden Market. You will find a whole range of vintage, interesting finds alongside handmade gifts. Make time to eat from one of the many street food stalls. You will not be disappointed.
Visit the Festive Light Trail at Kew Gardens
This has been on my wish list to visit at Christmas for a while now. Christmas at Kew is a separate ticketed event to the normal admission tickets. Open from mid November each year, the event starts in the late afternoon so you can explore the festive light trail in the dark. The gardens at Kew light up with illuminations and music. There are street food stalls and the regular cafes open to offer hot chocolate and food. The tickets go really quickly, so make sure you book early.
Winter Lights at Canary Wharf
This free Winter Lights display at Canary Wharf is actually something to look forward to at the end of January. When I visited, it wasn’t completely dark and I wish I had stayed later. The light trail is amazing with a variety of displays I haven’t experienced before. You will find helpers handing out maps of the area so you can walk around the whole area ticking off each display. If you do arrive a little early, then I would recommend getting yourself a takeaway drink and sitting in the Crossrail Roof Garden. It is open air but really worth a visit even if it is raining.
