Things to Do in London in Winter 2017 - January Events & More

London always has lots of fun and festive activities and things to do in the winter. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with its streets decorated for the season, lots of lights, seasonal pop-up markets, and more. If you’re looking for things to do in London in Winter 2016-2017, check out our list of some of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the London Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from 15+ top attractions and save up to 35% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available London, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Winter events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Explorer Pass.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Coca-Cola London Eye

Where: The Coca-Cola London Eye When: January 27-29, 2017

From 27 - 29 January the Coca-Cola London Eye will be hosting a weekend of surprise and delight moments to celebrate London’s Chinese New Year including Dragon dancers, Chinese fortune cookies, appearances from family favourite Kung Fu Panda and a special red and gold light show. London’s Chinese New Year is a key event in the capital’s annual events calendar which attracts over 700,000 people. London’s Chinese New Year celebrations are the biggest Chinese New Year celebration in Europe as well as outside Asia. The main celebrations in London are organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) and will be held at Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and the West End on Sunday 29 January 2017. The Coca-Cola London Eye will join in the citywide celebrations by showing a specially designed red and gold lightshow every hour from 4pm during the celebration weekend as well as a range of surprise and delight moments to ensure the year of the Rooster is celebrated in style. This year the Chinese New Year celebrations are at the end of January which coincides with the re-opening of the London Eye which shuts annually for maintenance and engineering work each January for just over two weeks. Getting in: Coca-Cola London Eye tickets are an included attraction option on the London Explorer Pass.

Celebrate Your Valentine at the Coca-Cola London Eye

Where: The Coca-Cola London Eye When: February 10-18, 2017

Celebrate love at 443ft this Valentine’s Day at the Coca-Cola London Eye - the perfect place for those looking to do something romantic and extra special this year. A trip on the Coca-Cola London Eye this Valentine’s Day gives you a chance to take your loved one to one of the world’s top romantic spots with the iconic landmark recently having been rated by National Geographic as one of the most romantic destinations in the world! What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by experiencing the incredible, panoramic views of the capital as seen from the Coca-Cola London Eye with the love of your life? During the Valentine period, the London Eye will operate 3 Valentine product with limited availability solely available to direct consumers (Valentine Champagne Experience, Valentine River Cruise, Valentine Cupid’s Capsule). All Trade standard Experiences including River Cruise Experiences and Champagne Experience will be operate as normal during standard opening hours: 11am to 6pm On Valentine’s evening (14th February) the London Eye will be open until 8pm, however only DIRECT CONSUMER VALENTINE PRODUCTS will be available from 6pm to 8pm.

Christmas at the London Dungeon

Where: The London Dungeon When: December 3-31, 2016 Watch the real life house burglar John Smith, who was infamously hanged at the Tyburn Tree, receive his fate. You'll have to decide whether or not to alter history in the name of Christmas spirit by joining in with the baying crowd and his wife to ask to spare his life. If you succeed in saving Mr. Smith, you'll be rewarded with a free, festive drink you can enjoy while listening to the festive tunes and hearing tales of London's Victorian Christmas crimes. Getting in: London Dungeon tickets are an included attraction option on the London Explorer Pass.

Check Out Trafalgar Square

Where: Trafalgar Square When: Caroling session through December 23, 2016 Check out the largest tree in the city, donated each year as a gift from Oslo, all lit up for the holiday season. Listen to one of the 50 caroling groups that will be featured in the square to raise awareness and funds for charities throughout December. Getting in: Trafalgar Square events are free and open to the public; donations that benefit various charitable organizations are appreciated.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Where: Hyde Park When: through January 2, 2017 This free-to-all event features tons of Christmas-themed things to do, including ice skating, live shows, carnival rides, and more. Take a spin on the Ferris for a view of all the lights and decorations from above and check the . Getting in: admission to Hyde Park is free, but some of the holiday events, shows, and activities are separately ticketed.

Skating at the National History Museum

Where: the National History Museum When: December 13, 2016 through January 8, 2017 Lace up some rental skates and hit the ice at the National History Museum this holiday season. You'll get to speed around a tree lit up in the middle of the rink and can skate off and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or roast some marshmellos. Getting in: rental equipment is available upon arrival.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in London in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, some of these options are available on the London Explorer Pass, where you can save up to 35% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.