Things To Do In London At Christmas

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities and a popular destination for tourists all year round. Whether you’re planning a trip to London or are already here, the festive season is a great time to experience the city in all its glory. From traditional Christmas markets and pantomimes to wintery outdoor activities and iconic attractions, London has plenty to offer during the festive season. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in London at Christmas.

Experience All the Festive Fun at a Christmas Market

One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is to visit one of the city’s legendary markets. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the most popular, featuring a huge variety of market stalls with festive trinkets, handcrafted gifts, tasty food, and even ice skating. For a more traditional experience, you can also check out the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where you’ll find handmade gifts, festive-themed food, and even live performances. Covent Garden is another great option for festive shopping and entertainment, with plenty of entertainment, food, and souvenirs on offer.

Take in the Sights at Iconic Attractions

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, and these are even more magical at Christmastime. The Tower of London is lit up with festive lights and decorations during the festive season, and you can also explore its rich history and admire the Crown Jewels. The London Eye is also a must-see attraction at Christmas, with special light shows and a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

Enjoy Wintery Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for some wintery outdoor activities in London at Christmastime, look no further than Hyde Park. You can lace up your skates and glide around the ice rink or take a spin on the traditional carousel. There’s also an enchanted forest where you can explore the wintery woods, and an adventure playground for little ones.

Enjoy a Magical Pantomime

Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a pantomime, and there are plenty of great shows to choose from in London. The London Palladium hosts an annual pantomime featuring classic tales like Peter Pan and Cinderella, while Lyric Hammersmith puts on an interactive show for young children. There are also plenty of other venues showcasing pantomimes throughout the festive season.

Take a Trip to Santa’s Grotto

If your little ones are hoping to meet Santa Claus this Christmas, there are plenty of opportunities in London. Hamleys flagship store on Regent Street hosts its own Grotto every year, while Kew Gardens also offers magical trips to Santa’s Grotto with storytelling sessions and festive treats.

Experience the Magic of Christmas at The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time and it comes alive every year in London’s beautiful venues. London Coliseum hosts an annual festive performance of The Nutcracker in December while Sadler’s Wells Theatre puts on a spectacular production featuring over 200 performers.

Book an Evening Tour of London by Thames River

One of the best ways to experience London at Christmastime is by taking an evening tour of the city by Thames River. This tour takes visitors along the river for two hours, passing by some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey lit up in festive lights. You’ll also get to admire stunning views of London at night as you take in the illuminated sights from the river. Book an Evening Tour of London by Thames River here.

Explore London’s Streets With a Walking Tour

If you want to explore the streets of London at Christmastime, then a walking tour is the perfect way to do it. The Magical Westminster Tour takes visitors on a guided walk around Westminster, taking in some of the cities most iconic sights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace as well as some secret spots along the way. You’ll also learn about the history of London and its attractions as you go. Book a Magical Westminster Tour here.

Visit the Best Christmas Lights in Town

One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is to take a stroll around town and admire all the festive lights. Oxford Street is one of the best places to go for sparkling decorations, as well as Regent Street where you can find a huge Christmas tree as well as beautiful decorations adorning all the shops. Other great spots for festive lights include Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Knightsbridge.

Sample Some Festive Food

Borough Market is one of the best places to go in London at Christmastime for some delicious festive treats. Here you can sample some seasonal dishes like mince pies, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts as well as festive treats from all over the world such as German bratwurst and French crêpes. There are also lots of different stalls selling handmade gifts so you can pick up some unique presents for your loved ones too.

Discover Christmas Events Around Town

Throughout December there are lots of fun events taking place in London that are perfect for celebrating the festive season. One popular event is Christmas in Leicester Square which includes an ice rink, festive market stalls, carol singers, live performances, and even reindeer! You can also check out Winterville in Clapham Common which includes an outdoor cinema, street food stalls, fairground rides, ice disco skating, and much more.

Conclusion

London has something for everyone during the festive season, whether you’re looking for traditional Christmas markets or some wintery outdoor activities. From iconic attractions lit up in festive lights to delicious seasonal food and plenty of festive events around town, there are plenty of things to do in London at Christmas that will make your trip even more memorable. So why not plan a trip to London this year and experience all the magic of this wonderful city during the winter months?