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
Published: July 18, 2024
Christmas in London

Winter Wonderland

london-united-kingdom-november-winter-wonderland

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

temperate-house-kew-garden

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

curly-female-gymnast-performs

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

people-enjoying-ice-skating-during-christmas

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

christmas-london-red-telephone-booth

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

little-cute-kid-girl-having-fun

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

full-length-portrait-happy-girl

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

family-preparing-traditional-festive-christmas-eve

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

happy-male-friends-toasting-celebrate-christmas

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.

Continue reading

Mrs Lovett's pie shop at London Dungeon. Image credit: Merlin.
Blog

Ultimate Guide to London Dungeon

Prepare to have your nerves well and truly shredded at London Dungeon, where a gruesome cast of characters from London’s dark and deadly past lie in wait for you. Not for the faint of heart, this popular South Bank attraction provides a fun and frightening grown-up alternative to its County Hall co-tenant, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and the nearby London Eye. Join us on a journey into London’s darkest, dankest corners as we explore what to expect, when to visit and where to get tickets in our ultimate London Dungeon guide! London Dungeon: The Lowdown Formerly located at London Bridge and relocated to the South Bank in 2013, London Dungeon has been attracting and terrifying punters since way back in 1974, when it opened as a macabre exhibition of wax figures representing some of London’s most notorious former residents. It’s come a long way since then. Today’s London Dungeon is a fully immersive experience, designed to entertain, educate and frankly frighten the pants off anyone who dares to enter. Inside, 13 interactive shows and a whole host of actors tell tales from 1,000 years of London history, complete with dazzling special effects, blood-curdling screams, plenty of laughs and, yep, the occasional jump scare. In other words, this experience is not for those of a nervous disposition. There’s even a thrill ride, enticingly named Drop Dead. You might want to leave younger kids outside for this bit… You’ll meet grim characters galore in this dark, disgusting, noisy and noisome dungeon, among them knife-wielding villains like Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper, as well as getting swept up in gunpowder plots, witch trials and plagues. Creepy doesn’t even begin to cover it. Here, then, are the bits not to miss. London Dungeon Highlights The Descent. The fun (and fear) begins as soon as you step into the rusting old medieval life that’s about to deliver you (hopefully unscathed) to the Thames docks. Your host? A cheerful court jester with a sideline in horrible history lessons. This impish character will keep you company and regale you with bloodthirsty tales of yore as you descend into the bowels of the building, cogs grinding and chains screaming overhead. It’s quite the intro, but do try to conceal your fear: the last thing you need is for your new ‘friends’ to mark you out as the weak one… Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot. The year is 1605 and you find yourself in filthy rat-infested tunnels beneath the streets of London. What’s that over there then? That’d be a great big pile of explosives and a fuse just waiting to be lit. Discover how the Gunpowder Plot was foiled and what became of poor Guy Fawkes afterwards (spoiler: it ain’t pretty, folks). Curse of the Witch. The 17th Century was brutal. If you weren’t dying from the plague you were probably being accused of witchcraft and hung/burned/drowned for your troubles. Meet Elizabeth Sawyer as she awaits her own cursed fate at the notorious Newgate Prison. But is she really as evil as they all say? You’ll find out soon enough… Mrs Lovett’s Pie Shop and Sweeney Todd. These two make a lovely couple. Really they do! Though admittedly you might not wish to sample Mrs Lovett’s wares, or indeed sit for a shave in her paramour’s barber shop. You’ll kill yourself laughing at the bawdy jokes, pie-related puns, and cutting quips. But, whatever you do, don’t flirt with Mr Todd, or you might find yourself eating humble pie. Or worse. The Torture Chamber. Are you brave enough to be the torturer’s next ‘volunteer’? No? Well, saddle up, because he’s going to show you how the rack, the pear of anguish, the – um – chappy chopper, and other medieval instruments of torture work whether you like it or not. Try not to gag. Drop Dead: Drop Ride. No ordinary thrill ride (this is the notorious London Dungeon, after all), Drop Dead recreates the sensation of… Newgate Prison’s long drop. That’s right: the gallows. As well as (hopefully) surviving this experience, you’ll discover what happens to the human body during a hanging and find out exactly what a neck sounds like when it cracks. Nice.  London Dungeon: When to Visit Opening hours vary throughout the year but are generally 11AM–4PM (10AM–5PM on Saturdays). Hours vary during school holidays, on bank holidays and during the peak summer season. Check the official London Dungeon website for opening times on the date you want to visit. In any case you’ll need to pre-book a time slot. Book a slot earlier or later in the day and avoid weekends if you want to avoid the worst of the tourist hordes. After all, it’s already crowded enough down there in those stinking tunnels deep beneath the city streets… Closest Transport Links to London Dungeon The London Dungeon is just over the bridge from both Charing Cross and Westminster Underground station, and a short walk from Waterloo station. Disembark and stroll towards the London Eye (the big round wheely thing on the South Bank – you can’t miss it) and you’ll find the London Dungeon right behind, in County Hall. London Dungeon: Tickets You can book direct via the London Dungeon website, where options include anytime entry or a cocktail of your choice in the Tavern to conclude your experience. 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
St Paul's Cathedral in London
Blog

A complete guide to visiting St Paul’s Cathedral

From the famous Whispering Gallery to the soaring dome and historic crypt, here’s everything you need to know before visiting St Paul’s Cathedral.
Shop fronts in Camden London
Blog

Things to do in Camden London

Linked with London’s various counter culture movements, Camden is much loved by those who believe they don’t fit in elsewhere, which, let’s face it, is all of us. It generally draws a younger crowd to its markets, live music venues, museums and green spaces. But if you’re wondering if it’s worth you visiting Camden, you’ll first want to know about the things to do in Camden London and what the area is all about. Camden, usually used to mean the Camden Town neighborhood, is an area of north London adjacent to Regent’s Park. Its quirky character – seeing young professionals rubbing shoulders with hipsters and dreadlocked wannabe revolutionaries – has attracted everyone from American poet Sylvia Plath to Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Why? That’s exactly what we’re here to demonstrate! Go wild Camden contains over 160 blue plaques – denoting places where significant personalities have lived. However, it’s the neighborhood's non-human residents that capture the hearts of many visitors to north London. ZSL London Zoo is one of the world’s oldest and continues to be one of its most important conservation centers too. Visitors are able to get closer than ever before to Asiatic lions – of which only 400 exist in the wild, alongside gorillas and the creatures of London’s only rainforest. The zoo occupies the northernmost parts of Regent’s Park, one of London’s eight royal parks. Here visitors can take in the 12,000 individual roses that color Queen Mary’s Gardens each spring and summer, take a turn on the boating lake or wander across to Primrose Hill for views of the London skyline. Another spot to take in the quieter side of life in Camden is along the towpath of Regent’s Canal. Almost 14 km in length, the canal encircles much of north London, with some of its most picturesque areas being that within Regent’s Park and leading towards the market stalls of Camden Lock. Go shopping Forget the flagship stores of Oxford Street, Camden is all about its market stalls. Now primarily geared towards the tourist industry, you’re not going to be able to stock up on fruit and veg as easily as you once might have. However, you will have plenty of choice when it comes to books, clothing and street food. That’s because Camden actually has five markets within walking distance of one another. The most famous is Camden Lock Market, whose stalls are located around Regent’s Canal. For fashion, head to Buck Street Market, whilst antiques aficionados might prefer Stables Market. If you start to miss the big store names, you’ll find them – and a good number of independent boutiques – on Camden High Street. Go cultural Founded in 1932, Camden’s Jewish Museum recounts details of the life of London’s Jewish populations over the years. Its treasures include the Lindo Lamp – the first Hanukkah menorah known to have been made in Britain. Covering three stories of a row of buildings in Albert Street, it also has an important collection of artefacts from Auschwitz concentration camp and several significant works of art. A taste for modern and contemporary art is catered for at Cob Gallery, whose white walls are used to primarily represent emerging female artists based in the London area. The paintings and drawings hanging in the gallery offer perhaps the first chance to examine the work of artists sure to hit the mainstream sometime soon. An even greater range of artists can be discovered at the annual Frieze Art Fair, taking place each October in Regent’s Park. One of the highlights of London’s cultural calendar, the fair hosts over 150 galleries from around the world, dotting the park with large scale sculpture as paintings find a home in the temporary structure built purposely each year. Go for a bite to eat The constant stream of visitors to Camden means you only have to walk a few meters before catching the scent of food and drink from around the world. From traditional British fish and chips to Neapolitan pizza, Jamaican jerk chicken and Middle Eastern wraps, there’s something to tempt everyone’s taste buds. On the drinks front, Camden has its very own brewery, the Camden Town Brewery, whose core range includes the award-winning German style Hells Lager and Gentleman's Wit, a Belgian white beer with a hint of Earl Grey tea. What could be more Camden than that? For a trustworthy authentic pub to sample the brewery’s latest batches try the Hawley Arms, a pub Amy Winehouse liked so much she would serve behind the bar. A statue of her stands not too far away in Stables Market. Go for a night out like no other Based in a converted railroad shed where engines were turned and stored, the Roundhouse is a theater and auditorium hosting everything from performances of Shakespeare to the Britten Sinfonia and Bob Dylan. Meanwhile the Electric Ballroom is a stalwart of the indie music scene – with occasional performances by the likes of Ed Sheeran too. The Jazz Café provides a space for blues fans, and anyone with an interest in traditional English folk need only head to Cecil Sharp House to get their fill of the vibes. For nightlife in Camden combining cocktails and live DJs, check out Belushis, who has a laid-back afterwork ambience during the week, turning to a full-on dance-till-dawn ethos come the weekend. For ease of access alone – right opposite Camden Town Underground station – The Underworld is also worth mentioning. It welcomes an eclectic crowd ready to fill the dance floor when the top indie and rock tunes hit the speakers. Uncover the myriad things to do in Camden London By day and by night, there are a huge number of things to do in Camden London. But if you’re still looking for more to fill your days in the UK capital, the British Museum is just a short distance away, alongside the Curzon Bloomsbury Cinema and Freud Museum. Visit these attractions with Go City and you’ll make incredible savings on admission costs, meaning there’s even more reason to take in the sites of this small part of north London!
Ian Packham

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.