Best Things To Do In London At Christmas

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities, boasting centuries of history and a unique culture that has been shaped by its many visitors and inhabitants over the years. From its original Roman founders, to its status as the capital of an empire and now as a bustling international hub, London offers a wealth of experiences for those who visit.

At Christmas time, London is transformed into a magical city where all the traditional festivities come to life. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, and the city comes alive with Christmas markets, carol concerts, festive shows, and more. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in London at Christmas.

Shop at Christmas Markets

One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is to visit the many Christmas markets located around the city. The most famous of these is the Christmas market at Hyde Park, which features more than 150 stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations, crafts, jewellery, clothing, toys, and more. There’s also a Santa’s Grotto where children can meet Father Christmas and his reindeer, and a festive food court offering a wide range of seasonal treats.

The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is another great spot for shopping. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the market offers an eclectic mix of handmade crafts and gifts from around the world, along with live music, food stalls, and more.

Experience Traditional Festivities

No trip to London at Christmas would be complete without experiencing some traditional festivities. The best place to start is with a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This sprawling event features a huge ice rink, fairground rides, festive bars and restaurants, circus shows, and more. There’s also a Christmas market where you can find unique gifts and decorations, and a Santa’s Grotto where little ones can meet Father Christmas in person.

For a more traditional experience, head over to Trafalgar Square for the tree-lighting ceremony at the beginning of December. Here you can see the giant Christmas tree come to life with an amazing light show accompanied by live music and carols from choirs around London.

Visit Iconic Attractions

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, and at Christmas time these become even more magical. Visit Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard and take in the decorations around the building. Or take a tour of Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral to marvel at the stunning architecture and festive decorations inside.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, then check out the Tower of London’s Ice Rink or take a boat tour along the River Thames to admire the sights lit up by twinkling lights and decorations.

Get Creative

London is home to some of the world’s best art galleries and museums, so why not take advantage of this during your visit? The National Gallery is a great place to start for art lovers, with special displays and events throughout December showcasing some of the best works from across the centuries.

For something a bit more hands-on, try one of the various craft workshops around London such as Paperchase’s Create & Craft sessions or Gnome & Bow’s festive workshops. Here you can learn how to make festive decorations or cards for your loved ones back home.

See a Show

London’s theatre scene is world-renowned, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of festive shows on during December. From classic pantomimes such as Dick Whittington at The Peacock Theatre or Snow White at The Globe Theatre, to family-friendly shows like Alice’s Adventures Underground or Elf: The Musical at The Dominion Theatre; there’s something for everyone here.

For something a bit more traditional, head over to St James Theatre for The Snow Queen or book tickets to see Handel’s Messiah at Royal Albert Hall.

Take a Tour

If you really want to get to know London at Christmas time then why not book onto one of the many tours that are available? A great place to start is with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour which will take you around all of London’s major sights as you hop on and off at your leisure. Alternatively, why not book onto a walking tour such as the Jack The Ripper Tour or the Harry Potter Tour? These tours will take you around some of London’s most famous streets and alleyways as you hear stories from your guide about the history and culture of the city.

For something a bit different, book onto the Ghost Tour of London or the After Dark Tour which takes you around some of London’s spookiest spots after dark!

Book a Cruise

One of the best ways to experience London at Christmas time is to take a cruise down the River Thames. This will give you an amazing view of some of London’s most famous sights including Tower Bridge, Tate Modern and Big Ben. You can even book onto one of the many themed cruises such as a festive lunch or dinner cruise with live music and carols or a twilight cruise with drinks and canapes served onboard.

Book an Example Tour on Viator

If you’re looking for an immersive experience in London at Christmastime, Viator offers several highly-rated tours that are sure to make your visit extra special. Try their Christmas Lights Tour, where you can explore London’s sparkling lights display across central London while learning about its history from your knowledgeable guide. Or opt for their Christmas Shopping Tour, where you’ll be taken on a shopping spree around London’s Christmassy markets for unique gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones back home.

Book Another Example Tour on GetYourGuide

Another great way to get into the spirit of Christmas in London is by booking The Original London Sightseeing Tour on GetYourGuide. This three-hour tour takes you on an exciting journey through some of London’s most iconic sights while highlighting their festive decorations along the way. You can even hop off at any stop along your route so that you can explore further if you wish!