Top Things to do at Christmas in London

London is known for its holiday lights and dizzying array of festive activities, so whether you’re looking to stroll the streets in the crisp winter air or hide away from the British weather, this guide has all the ideas you need and more!

By <a href="#author-bio">Alice Padfield</a>
By Alice Padfield
Christmas in London

Winter Wonderland

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First up, it's Winter Wonderland. Head to Hyde Park for one of the most popular festive destinations in London. Usually running from mid-late November until early January, Winter Wonderland combines all things Christmas. We’re talking authentic wooden market stalls, all the wintery treats and tipples you could ever want, sparkling holiday lights displays and an impressive array of funfair rides and games. Want to know the best bit? If you book a slot during off-peak hours, entry is totally free!

Kew Gardens

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This much-loved London attraction becomes a show-stopping must-see during the holiday season. With a dazzling lights trail through the gardens it is guaranteed to get you feeling festive. The trail features scenescapes inspired by the Kew collections, the 12 days of Christmas tree installation, the Christmas cathedral and loads of other Instagrammable opportunities. Stalls selling everything from seasonal street food, to mulled wines and hot chocolates ensures that everyone is well catered for, and makes this a great choice for a winter’s night.

Please note: general entry to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew is included with Go City but the Christmas lights trail is ticketed separately.

Go to a show

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There’s nothing more festive than a trip to the pantomime, as far as the UK is concerned. Embrace the British sense of humor at its finest and enjoy a fairytale-themed, all-singing, all-dancing masterpiece that somehow manages to get a laugh from everyone. (Well, nearly everyone anyway.)

If we really can’t tempt you with that, how about a night at the ballet? The Nutcracker is always showing somewhere over Christmas in London and guarantees to give you all the festive feels. Or just go for one of London’s many stage shows and musicals. Let's be real, the magic of any show makes it feel like a perfect holiday activity.

Ice skating

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Can you name a more iconic holiday activity... No? Didn’t think so, and London has some of the prettiest and most festive options for you to indulge in the classic Christmas pastime.

The ice rink at Hampton Court Palace provides a regal backdrop for skating as well as a great opportunity to soak up some British royal history. Please note: ice skating is ticketed separately to the general entry included with a pass. And if history is your thing the rink at Somerset House allows visitors to skate inside the 18th-century courtyard.

Or try the Natural History Museum for a picturesque skate, on the doorstep of one of London’s most popular destinations, a great choice for families looking for fun without so much travel. For a more twinkling and modern experience, try the Canary Wharf rink within London’s business district.

Prefer to skate whatever the weather? Then head for the Alexandra Palace ice rink, which has invited Londoners in to be entertained since the late 1800s.

Wherever you end up, for those who love ice skating, Christmas in London offers plenty of picture-perfect locations to get your skates on.

Christmas Lights

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Christmas in London is not complete without checking out a few of the magical holiday lights displays decorating the city. This combines well with shopping trips too for those looking to get more done in less time.

Festive exhibits you don't want to miss:

  • The magnificent window decorations at Selfridges
  • The creative and colorful creations above Carnaby Street
  • The twinkling stars and angels of Oxford Street and Regent Street
  • The stunning Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square
  • The giant Christmas tree and sparkling lights of Covent Garden

Christmas Markets

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For the European-style Christmas markets, think pretty, wooden stalls, homemade crafts and tasty treats, then try the Kingston Christmas Market or Christmas in Leicester Square. Usually running mid-November through to Christmas Eve, Kingston creates a twinkling festive market in a traditional British market town. While Leicester Square offers a similar experience, right in the heart of London.

The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market has similar alpine-style stalls running along Queen’s Walk. Stroll along the Thames enjoying the wide variety of street food, indulgent festive drinks and lots of holiday goodies on offer.

Christmas Shopping

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Get your Christmas shopping sorted on the famous Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. From Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road the heart of London’s West End is home to hundreds of well-known brands, flagship stores and award-winning restaurants.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique head to the historic Greenwich Market instead. Located in southeast London, it’s home to a large selection of British designer-makers selling everything from arts and crafts to homeware and accessories. This covered market is surrounded by independent shops and bars, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a more individual experience.

For those shopping with kids, you won't want to miss the joy of Hamleys at Christmas. Or do your shopping at Westfield London and treat them to the Kidzania experience while you're there. With a huge range of popular brands and dining options, there’s something to keep everyone happy (not to mention warm and dry if the weather’s bad).

Whether you’re looking to tick off the shopping list with world-class retailers or one-of-a-kind boutiques, London has got it all.

Escaping the crowds

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Christmas in London is beautiful but there’s no denying it can get pretty busy, and this is England so it can be pretty cold and wet too. Make sure to give yourself some snuggly downtime if you need to escape the crowds, warm-up or dry off. Get yourself a Christmassy book and find a cute cozy cafe or coffee shop to soak up the more warming winter vibes with a mince pie or a Christmas coffee.

Top choice: for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with an expertly curated coffee menu head for Climpson & Sons Café in Broadway Market, Hackney.

Or go for a traditional English pub and sink into a sofa by a roaring fireplace with a warm glass of something, preferably mulled. Either way, take a moment to have a good old people-watch and plan your next activity from the warm and dry.

Top choice: year-round favorite, The Churchill Arms in Kensington becomes a top festive destination from December as they decorate the outside entirely with Christmas trees and a record-breaking number of lights.

Toast the New Year

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And finally, what better way to get in the Christmas spirit, than toasting the last year and cheers-ing in the new one. ‘Tis the season after all. Searcy’s Champagne Bar in St Pancras is ideal for those looking for an atmospheric tipple, and with heated booths it's perfect for those cold winter evenings.

Or try the London Calling Bar by Moët & Chandon. Located on the ground floor of Selfridges, this London-themed option takes the form of a good old-fashioned British telephone box, very fitting for a Christmas in London fizz photo.

Save on London attraction admission

Christmas is a magical time to visit London, but the endless activities can become pretty pricey. With Go City® you’ll save on entry to many of London’s top attractions, ditch endless paper tickets and have the flexibility you want for a stress-free holiday.

Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Content Manager

Alice is a copywriter in the Content team at Go City®, where she combines her love for travel, literature, food and theatre to craft inspiring content for cultural explorers. From blog articles to TikToks, she creates engaging stories that help travellers uncover hidden gems and must-see spots in every city. Passionate about exploring new destinations, Alice shares her discoveries to help others curate unforgettable itineraries.

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A cable car crossing the Thames at sunset
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Things to do in Greenwich London

History seeps from every cobblestone street and blade of grass in Greenwich. An area first recorded more than a thousand years ago in 918, it sits on the south bank of the River Thames to the east of central London, stretching around the banking center of Canary Wharf and docklands.Overflowing with royal heritage, and the meeting point of the eastern and western hemispheres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed. From its parks to its panoramas of London, here are the top things to do in Greenwich London.Head back in time   Standing proud in dry dock close to the entrance of Greenwich foot tunnel, the Cutty Sark was once one of the most important ships in Britain’s merchant fleet – tasked with transporting tea from Shanghai as quickly as the winds would allow. Becoming the fastest vessel to ever undertake the 3.5 month journey, it is the only ship of its kind in the northern hemisphere and provides an immersive way of experiencing what life must have been like on the high seas during the 1800s. Pass through the colonnaded central avenue of the Old Royal Naval College – created so views of the Thames from Queen’s House weren’t obstructed – and you’ll reach the National Maritime Museum. With the navy integral to Britain’s history, the museum has managed to collect over two million objects since it was opened in 1934, including Turner’s largest ever painting and the jacket that Nelson was wearing when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar. Take in the views   Views back towards central London’s neighborhoods aren’t hard to find, with Greenwich Park providing ample. However, Greenwich doesn’t disappoint when it comes to vistas beyond the ordinary either. Those with a head for heights can scale London’s O2 Arena for uninterrupted 360° views not only of Greenwich, but also Canary Wharf and the 2012 Olympic Park – including the AcerlorMittal Orbit Tower. Or you could drift over the Thames with the 10 minute one way journey on London’s only cable car, the Emirates Air Line. But given its naval heritage and being so close to the river, the top way to take in the sights has to be aboard a Thames sightseeing cruise departing from Greenwich Pier. With three additional points to hop-on and off, they provide an alternative route to the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s than the city’s Underground network. Enjoy a park full of treasures   Despite this range of attractions, Greenwich is most famous for its Royal Observatory, located within Greenwich Park. Commissioned by Charles II in 1675, it became a major center for astronomy and navigation, before also being designated the site of the prime meridian in the nineteenth century. A plaque and green laser mark the point at which the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth meet. Explore modern Greenwich   Walking distance from the main historical sites, Greenwich Market brings additional vibrancy to the neighborhood. Protected from the weather, this covered market contains around 120 stalls loaded with antiques, handmade arts and crafts from local creators and street food picks from around the world, including a good range of gluten-free and vegan options. Whilst some of the dishes these stalls produce are worthy of gallery space, the exhibitions at North Greenwich’s NOW Gallery will impress all the more. Its usual focus is on the area’s diversity, sharing the work of artists, designers and creatives from a range of backgrounds. Contemporary art, fashion and photography are all included. To see the latest in funny, check out the Up the Creek Comedy Club, who combine old and new world beers brewed on a daily basis using batch micro-brewing techniques with some of the UK’s top talent. Blackout nights add a talent show feek to the open mic nights. Its Sunday Special nights have been going strong since 2005, and often sees unadvertised performances from household names including Michael McIntyre and Flight of the Conchords. Get involved with special events   Sometimes compared to a riverine version of the London Marathon, the Great River Race sees up to 300 oared craft race each other in a handicapped competition from Greenwich to Ham. Growing in popularity each September, every vessel is required to fly a flag and winners are not just those who cross the finish line first 34 kilometers later, but also those with the best fancy dress. Move over the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race! September also sees the city wide Open House event, revealing usually hidden parts of Greenwich to the general public. Sites that have previously welcomed visitors for this special event have included Joseph Bazalgette’s Pumping Station from 1859 and Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Church of St Alfege. Earlier on in the year, at the start of the summer festival season in June, there’s the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Celebrating the performing arts, the 10 day event has around 200 different individual performances, from small-scale theatrical shows to huge outdoor acrobatic displays. What to do in Greenwich London When it comes to things to do in Greenwich London, visitors don’t have to look very hard, with the complex of royal museums, park and market providing a worthwhile pull east from the center of the British capital. Travel with Go City and you’ll also get incredible savings on attraction admission for many of the neighborhood’s top sites. That way you can straddle the globe’s hemispheres at the Royal Observatory and enjoy a cruise along the Thames towards the Houses of Parliament safe in the knowledge that you could be saving hour after hour and attraction by attraction.
Ian Packham
Summer in London is a great time to explore on foot like this couple
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2 Days in London

Whether it’s a weekend away or a midweek sojourn, 2 days in London never disappoint. From the city’s world-famous landmarks to shopping in Oxford Street and Portobello Road, ultra-trendy Hoxton and the deer of Richmond Park, the range of attractions astounds even Londoners themselves. Plan it right and you’ll fill your days with delights, do it wrong, and you’ll end up spending all your time on the Tube. That’s why we’ve put together this handy 2 day London itinerary with easily interchangeable days just for you! Day 1Morning You could start your 2 days in London in a thousand different places. But we’d suggest heading to the gates outside of Buckingham Palace for the 11AM Changing of the Guard Ceremony. It takes place daily in the summer – when it’s also possible to enter the palace state rooms – and four times per week during the winter season. Combining pomp and tradition with stirring music and first-rate horsemanship, taking part is one of the biggest honors in the British military. Then slip by the pelicans of St James’s Park for views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Just opposite you’ll find Westminster Abbey, the church where all but two of England’s monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Afternoon Nearby Victoria Street has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat before you turn your attention to the thoroughfare known as Whitehall. Lined with grand government offices, stop by the easy-to-miss gates of Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister. Then continue on to Trafalgar Square, whose bronze lions have guarded Nelson’s column since 1868. On the square’s north side stands the National Gallery. Spanning centuries of western art, collection highlights include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer and one of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, as well as providing an encyclopedic introduction to British artists that’s sure to keep you busy for the rest of the afternoon. Evening Crossing the Thames by Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges will bring you to an area of riverside packed with attractions. Time it right and you’ll drift over the London skyline inside a glass pod of the London Eye just as the sun begins to set over the capital. It’s a sight well worth making the time for. Follow it up by admiring the street art of Leake Street tunnel on route to Waterloo’s range of bars and underground clubs. The Roof Garden & Bar of the brutalist form of Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Center is a trustworthy spot whatever your drink of choice. Elsewhere, the bar at Sea Containers House will have its riverside views competing for attention with chic interiors recalling the golden age of travel. Day 2Morning With half of your trip to London in 2 days already gone, there’s no time to lose, so shake off any fuzzy heads you might have and start the morning amongst the beefeaters of the Tower of London as you gaze into the display cabinets of the Crown Jewels. They include the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, known as Cullinan I. The smaller but better-known 105 carat Koh-i-Noor diamond is relegated to the regalia of less senior royals than the king or queen, most recently set in the crown of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. For a moment of quiet, head to St Dunstan in the East, a ruined church turned gardens, then cross the Thames at London Bridge for photographs of the much grander Tower Bridge. Continue straight on to Borough High Street, the old stomping ground of everyone from Charles Dickens to Jamie Oliver, whose street food stalls are sure to satisfy your stomach as it approaches lunchtime. Afternoon One of the hottest tickets in town remains The View from the Shard, offering vistas of London from 70 floors up which can stretch for 65 kilometers. In the summer months, spend the middle hours of the afternoon taking in one of Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies or histories in the replica version of The Globe Theater. Outside of performance season, make some time for the contemporary art of Tate Modern instead, before heading to the pale stone walls of St Paul’s Cathedral, another of London’s important churches. It was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. End the daylight hours with a little shopping, by jumping on the Central Line for the quick ride to Oxford Circus, gateway to the stores of Oxford Street and Regent Street. The latter is known for its designer stores and as the main location for Hamleys, the world’s largest and oldest toy store. It has stood on the same site since 1881, having been founded in 1760. Evening Well-to-do Soho, bordered by some of London’s most upmarket neighborhoods, has some of the capital’s best shopping. However, it’s the streets around Hoxton Square, including Shoreditch High Street, where bars and nightclubs come into their own. With something for everyone, from old-style British pubs serving up warm ales to LGBTQ+ friendly haunts with the latest in cocktails, this once unloved part of the capital has been reborn into an area that simply not to be missed once for a place to spend an evening in London. When it comes to dining, London has some of the best chefs of the moment battling behind the scenes to serve up incredible dishes. If you’re looking to round off your 2 days in London by splashing out, you’ve more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants to consider. It’s still possible to eat well on a budget though, with Camden hosting a range of flavors from around the world and Brick Lane the hub of South Asian cuisine. How to spend 2 days in London Opt for 2 days in London and you’re in for an action-packed couple of days. But if you’re concerned about prices mounting up as quickly as a Central Line underground train fills at rush hour, there is an answer. That’s traveling with Go City. Do so and you’ll be able to make incredible savings on admission to many of London’s top attractions, meaning you can do more for your vacation budget than would otherwise be possible!
Ian Packham
The Lastminute.com London Eye. Image © The London Eye 2024 all rights reserved. Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects.
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Ultimate Guide to Lastminute.com London Eye

The London Eye requires little introduction. Born as the Millennium Wheel at the tail-end of the last century and opened to the public as the London Eye in March 2000, it has become as recognizable a part of the skyline as city stalwarts like the medieval Tower of London, 18th-century St Paul’s Cathedral and Victorian Big Ben clock tower. Read on for our ultimate guide to the London Eye including what to expect, when to visit, and how to get hold of tickets… London Eye: The Lowdown Towering some 135 meters (443 feet) over the Thames’ South Bank, the London Eye more than lives up to its name, with epic views of major landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, The Shard, Tower Bridge and even, on a clear day, the regal turrets of Windsor Castle on the far horizon. As well as millions of annual visitors, the Eye has attracted some big-name sponsors in its time, most recently, lastminute.com. It was, for several years, the tallest Ferris wheel on the planet, before being superseded by China’s Star of Nanchang (160 meters) in 2006, and several times since, by the likes of the Singapore Flyer (165 meters), Las Vegas High Roller (167 meters) and – daddy of them all – the Ain Dubai, at a nerve-jangling 250 meters tall. None of which is to detract from the OG London Eye’s unique appeal. Here’s where, aboard one of 32 capsules (that’s one for each London borough, fact fans), you can experience an awe-inspiring 30-minute rotation that reveals increasingly spectacular city views as you rise and fall. Each capsule holds up to 25 people but you can, of course, go private – book direct for a romantic pod ride for two (including champagne and truffles) which will set you back a cool £775. The London Eye: When to Visit Opening times for the London Eye vary throughout the year. For most of the time, it’s 10AM–6PM on weekdays, with late openings until 8.30PM Friday to Sunday. But from late May to early September, it stays open until 8.30PM all week long. There are also special late openings at seasonal holidays including Halloween. Hit up the official website to get the most up-to-date opening info. Let’s not beat about the proverbial bush here: the London Eye is one of London’s most popular attractions, so you should expect to queue at peak times. It tends to be at its least busy immediately after opening and just before closing, and you can lock in a time slot to reduce your waiting time by booking in advance. Also not to be sniffed at is the opportunity to ride the wheel towards closing time in winter, when the city below is all a-twinkle with lights and – in November and December – glittering festive decorations. London Eye Tickets One of the best ways to experience the London Eye is with an attraction pass from Go City. Choose from an Explorer pass, which gives you 60 days to experience up to seven London tours, activities and attractions. Or opt for the All-Inclusive, where you can take up to 10 (consecutive) days to fill your boots with as many London sightseeing must-dos as you physically can. Both passes offer savings opportunities of up to 50%, and give you access to bucket-listers including the London Eye (of course), plus Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, St Paul’s Cathedral and, well, the list goes on. Be sure to check the official site for info on the most up-to-date attractions on each pass. You can also, of course, book direct, with various options available, from standard tickets right up to private pods for proposing to your better half. You’ll need deep pockets for this one though – at £1600 it won’t leave you much for an engagement ring. Better be sure he/she is going to say ‘yes’ too. Otherwise that 15-minute descent is going to be… awkward. The London Eye: Fun Facts The London Eye doesn’t actually stop rotating as you board and disembark (unless you have reduced mobility). On the plus side, it’s moving slowly enough that most people can step on and off with ease. There have been no reports of associated injuries in a quarter-century of operation. Triskaidekaphobics have nothing to fear from the London Eye: there’s no number 13 capsule and the 32 pods are instead numbered from 1-12 then 14-33. It may not be the highest Ferris wheel in the world any more, but it does retain the title of tallest cantilevered observation wheel. In other words, its frame only supports it on one side, rather than both, which makes it something of an architectural anomaly in its own right.  Closest Transport Links to The London Eye You’ll find the nearest Tube and rail connections at Waterloo and Charing Cross stations, both a short walk from the London Eye, with access to multiple lines on the London Underground between them. There are also many bus routes servicing the area. More About London and The London Eye The best observation decks in London, including the London Eye! London walks that take in the London Eye. More things to do on London’s South Bank. How to visit London on a budget & things to do in London. All images © The London Eye 2024 all rights reserved. Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects. Save on London Tours, Activities and Attractions Save on admission to 100+ London attractions with an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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