15 Best Things to Do at Christmas in London (2026)

If you are looking for the best things to do at Christmas in London, you have picked the perfect city. Every December, London becomes a glittering festive wonderland: world-famous light displays, beloved Christmas markets, ice rinks in historic courtyards, West End pantomimes, and cozy pubs serving mulled wine by the fire.

This 2026 guide rounds up 15 essential festive experiences, mixing iconic traditions with local favorites. Whether you are visiting with family, a partner, or friends, these picks will fill your holiday trip with magic.

Last updated: September 22, 2026

Jump to:
1. Winter Wonderland | 2. Somerset House | 3. Regent Street Lights | 4. Covent Garden | 5. Southbank Market | 6. West End Shows | 7. Kew Gardens | 8. Harrods & Fortnum's | 9. Pub Dinner | 10. Leicester Square | 11. Carol Concerts | 12. Thames Cruise | 13. Carnaby Street | 14. Greenwich | 15. Christmas Walk | FAQ

1. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

London's giant festive fair takes over Hyde Park from mid-November to early January with rides, ice skating, Santa's grotto, circus shows, and endless food stalls. Entry needs a pre-booked timed ticket, with off-peak slots often free or cheap.

Best for: families

2. Ice Skate at Somerset House

Few experiences capture London in December like skating in the grand neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House, lit by fairy lights with festive music playing. Evening sessions with DJ sets are especially atmospheric.

Best for: couples

3. See the Christmas Lights on Regent Street and Oxford Street

Regent Street's famous Spirit of Christmas angels soar above the traffic while Oxford Street glows with over a million lights. Walk from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus after sunset, passing Selfridges' legendary windows.

Best for: photographers and evening strolls

4. Explore Covent Garden's Christmas Decorations

Covent Garden is one of London's prettiest Christmas spots: giant baubles, mistletoe chandeliers, and fairy lights around a towering tree, plus street performers and pop-up stalls. Festive without the Winter Wonderland crowds.

Best for: couples and families

5. Browse the Southbank Centre Winter Market

Along the Thames, wooden chalets strung with fairy lights sell street food, mulled wine, and craft gifts with glittering river views. Go at dusk when the lights switch on across the water.

Best for: foodies and couples

6. See a West End Christmas Show or Pantomime

London's West End comes alive in December with festive productions, from A Christmas Carol to traditional pantomimes full of audience participation. A panto is a uniquely British experience you should not miss.

Best for: families and theatre lovers

7. Experience Christmas at Kew Gardens

Each winter, Kew Gardens becomes a glowing wonderland of light installations and illuminated sculptures along a mile-long trail. It is widely considered London's most beautiful after-dark Christmas event, and tickets sell out yearly.

Best for: couples and photographers

8. Christmas Shopping at Harrods and Fortnum and Mason

Harrods devotes entire floors to Christmas, while Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly is the home of the classic British Christmas hamper. Even window shopping here feels like an event. Visit on a weekday morning to dodge crowds.

Best for: gift shoppers and luxury lovers

9. Enjoy a Traditional Pub Christmas Dinner

In December, London's pubs become the coziest spots in the city: roaring fires, fairy lights, and full roast dinners with pigs in blankets and Christmas pudding. The Churchill Arms in Kensington goes famously overboard with decorations.

Best for: foodies and anyone seeking cozy

10. Visit the Leicester Square Christmas Market

In the heart of the West End, this compact market pairs craft stalls and festive food with a spiegeltent hosting comedy and cabaret. Easy to combine with a theatre evening, and Santa's grotto is a hit with kids.

Best for: theatre-goers

11. Attend a Candlelit Carol Concert

From grand services at St Paul's Cathedral to intimate candlelit concerts in historic churches, London does Christmas music properly. Popular concerts sell out months ahead, but free local church services are a lovely alternative.

Best for: culture lovers

12. Take a Festive Thames River Cruise

See Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the riverside lights from the water on a Christmas-themed cruise, often with mulled wine, mince pies, and live music. Sunset departures show the lights switching on as you sail.

Best for: couples and first-time visitors

13. Check Out Carnaby Street's Themed Lights

Carnaby Street is famous for its bold, ever-changing Christmas light themes, from neon rainbows to retro pop art. Combine the evening lights with independent boutique shopping in Soho and Seven Dials.

Best for: Instagram photos and shoppers

14. Explore Greenwich Market at Christmas

One of London's oldest markets glows at Christmas with artisan stalls and festive street food against a historic maritime backdrop. Take the Thames Clipper boat for a scenic arrival, and visit on weekends for the liveliest atmosphere.

Best for: families and day-trippers

15. Take a Christmas Day Walk Through the Parks

London's parks are wonderfully peaceful on Christmas Day. Stroll St James's Park to spot the pelicans, watch the historic Peter Pan Cup swim race in the Serpentine, or head to Richmond Park for deer among the frost.

Best for: anyone spending Christmas Day in London

Frequently Asked Questions

When do London's Christmas lights go on in 2026?
Most major displays, including Oxford Street and Regent Street, switch on in early to mid-November.

Is Winter Wonderland free?
Entry needs a pre-booked timed ticket. Off-peak slots can be free or cheap; peak slots carry a small fee. Rides and food inside cost extra.

What is open in London on Christmas Day?
Almost everything closes on December 25. Parks, church services, and a few restaurants stay open, so plan a walking day.

What are the best Christmas markets in London?
Southbank Centre Winter Market, Winter Wonderland, Leicester Square, and Greenwich Market are the most popular. Visit at least two for different vibes.

Where is the best ice skating in London?
Somerset House is the most iconic. Other favorites include Battersea Power Station's Glide rink, Canary Wharf, and Hampton Court Palace.

More Christmas Inspiration

Heading further afield? Read our 15 best things to do at Christmas in Edinburgh and 15 best Christmas in Berlin markets guides, or grab captions for your photos from our 50 best London Christmas captions for Instagram.