I was so excited to visit London for the Christmas season because this city goes all out for the holidays. Everywhere you turn, there are lights, decorations, markets, and little festive moments that make the whole trip feel magical. I knew I wanted to see as much as I could, so I made a list of the places and experiences that stood out to me the most.
26 Best Things to Do in London at Christmas
After spending a week exploring the city, here are the best festive things to do in London this Christmas season.
1. Regent Street Angel Lights
Walking under the Regent Street Angel Lights feels like the moment you finally step into Christmas in London.
The glowing angels stretch above the street and make the whole area feel bright and festive.
I loved walking slowly along the shops and just taking in the lights with everyone else doing the same thing.
2. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
I spent months trying to get a festive afternoon tea reservation at The Ritz.
And I could not believe it when something finally opened up the week before we left.
This was one of the experiences I was most excited for because The Ritz goes all out for the holidays.
The decorations, the music, and the whole atmosphere feel so classic and warm.
Sitting in the Palm Court with Christmas trees around us and a live choir singing made the entire experience feel even more special.
It really does live up to the hype and is worth the effort of trying to book it ahead of time.
Read all of my picks for 4 Festive Afternoon Teas in London To Try This Christmas!
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland was one of the most fun stops of the whole trip.
The carnival rides were such a blast, and we tried everything from fun houses to bumper cars to the iconic Ferris wheel.
You can walk around with a warm cup of mulled wine, stop into one of the festive bars, or even explore the ice castle.
Everything is decked out for Christmas, and it feels like a giant holiday fair.
It is busy, but in a way that adds to the excitement because everyone around you is there to enjoy the same festive moment.
4. Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Carnaby Street was one of my favorite places to see Christmas lights in London.
Because the decorations here change every year and always feel a little more creative.
The whole street has this fun and lively energy, and it is so easy to walk through while exploring the shops and side streets.
Definitely plan some time to enjoy the Carnaby Street Christmas lights in London.
5. Somerset House Ice Skating
One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is Ice skating at Somerset House.
The rink sits right in the middle of the courtyard, and the whole space feels so festive!
With music playing, lights glowing, and a giant tree in the center.
When you arrive, the security team scans your tickets before you head inside to grab your skates.
You get a full hour on the ice, and while it sounds long, it goes by fast!
6. Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square turns into a little pocket of Christmas in the middle of the city.
It ended up being one of the cutest London Christmas markets we saw during ourtrip.
It has wooden stalls filled with ornaments, sweets, warm drinks, and handmade gifts, and everything feels tight and cozy in the best way.
We wandered through with hot chocolate, browsed the little shops, and enjoyed the lights strung across the square.
It’s smaller than some of the other markets, which actually makes it feel more festive!
7. Harry Potter Hogwarts in the Snow
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Hogwarts in the Snow is one of the most festive things you can do in London during December.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour transforms the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, and the Hogwarts model into a full winter scene!
Walking through the sets feels even more magical during the holidays, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip.
If you want to do this London Christmas activity in December, book your tickets as early as possible. They sell out fast!
8. Get a Festive Hot Chocolate in London
London does hot chocolate so well during the Christmas season, and I knew I had to try a few while exploring the city.
Everywhere you go, holiday pop-ups are pouring rich, velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate flakes, or gingerbread.
It is the perfect treat to warm up while walking between the markets and lights.
9. Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden is one of the most magical London Christmas markets to visit.
The entire piazza is covered in oversized ornaments, sparkling garlands, and giant Christmas trees that make the whole area feel like a movie set.
One of my favorite parts was the “snow” that falls throughout the day.
Even though it is fake, it feels so fun and festive when it starts drifting through the air.
I tried Hooray’s German Hot Dogs paired with a mulled wine, and it was delicious!
Between the decorations, the markets, the Christmas stalls, and the street performers who always draw a crowd!
10. Dior, Tiffany & Chanel Christmas Displays
Some of the most impressive Christmas decorations in London were the luxury storefront light displays.
Especially Dior, Chanel, and the iconic Tiffany’s.
These weren’t just simple window decorations; they were full-on holiday sculptures wrapped around the buildings.
Dior had its massive glowing carousel design, and Tiffany sparkled in icy blues and silver lights that made the whole street glow.
Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth walking by just to see how over the top and beautiful these displays are during the Christmas season.
11. Christmas Light Bus Tour
Wondering what to do in London in December? Take a Christmas Light Bus Tour!
I booked the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour, and it ended up being one of the most magical things I did in London.
The whole ride felt festive from start to finish. They handed out Santa hats as soon as we boarded, and Christmas music played the entire time!
It was the perfect way to see all of London’s biggest light displays in one night, especially Regent Street, the Oxford Street Christmas lights, and the West End.
If you want an easy way to take in all the holiday sparkle without walking miles, this tour is such a fun option.
12. Royal Mews Christmas Shop at Buckingham Palace
For months, I kept hearing that Buckingham Palace would be hosting a Christmas market, but it’s not quite what you might picture.
Instead of rows of stalls, they open a charming little Christmas shop at the Royal Mews just outside the main palace area.
It’s small but packed with ornaments, festive decorations, royal-themed gifts, and plenty of Christmas sparkle.
There’s even a tiny outdoor area where you can grab mulled wine and sweet treats, which makes the whole stop feel extra cozy.
It’s a quick visit but a fun one, especially if you’re already exploring Buckingham Palace or looking for a unique royal holiday souvenir.
13. Southbank Christmas Market
Add an evening at The Southbank Christmas Market to your London Christmas itinerary.
It stretches right along the river with beautiful views of the London skyline.
The whole walkway glows with twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and so many festive food stalls.
You can grab everything from mulled wine to warm churros, bratwursts, raclette, and little holiday treats as you wander.
14. Visit Miracle at Henrietta
If you love over-the-top Christmas decor and fun holiday cocktails, Miracle at Henrietta is the place to be when visiting London at Christmas.
This pop-up bar goes all in on the festive theme, from Santa-covered walls to twinkling lights and the cutest holiday glassware.
The drinks are playful, the vibe is loud and cheerful, and every corner is wrapped up like a present.
It’s the only full Christmas Bar in London!
15. Festive Afternoon Tea at Sketch
If you love afternoon tea and over-the-top Christmas décor, Sketch is one of the most magical places to visit in London during the holidays.
Their festive tea feels like stepping into a Christmas dream, with twinkling lights, bold colors, and even live performances.
The food itself is incredible, from their seasonal pastries to the warm scones, but the whole atmosphere is what makes it special.
Every corner is decorated, the energy is fun and lively, and it feels nothing like the traditional, formal afternoon teas across the city.
16. Tower of London Christmas Decor
Visiting the Tower of London is a must on any trip, but seeing it during the Christmas season feels even more special.
The entire area is lined with festive decorations that bring a warm holiday glow to the historic grounds.
I loved walking through the pathways and soaking in the history, then turning a corner to find wreaths, garlands, and sparkling lights woven into the setting.
It’s such a beautiful mix of old and new, and it makes exploring this iconic landmark feel even more magical in December.
17. Festive Dinner at 34 Mayfair
A festive visit to London at Christmas is simply not complete without dinner at 34 Mayfair.
This restaurant goes all out for the holidays, and its famous ceiling filled with oversized Christmas baubles is reason enough to stop in.
It feels like you’re dining under a giant sparkling ornament display!
The whole space has this warm holiday glow that makes the meal feel even more magical.
From their incredible halibut with truffles to an extensive steak menu that is amazing any time of year, 34 Mayfair is a must.
It’s also located in one of the most festive neighborhoods in London, so enjoy walking around after.
18. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
One of the best Christmas markets in London is in Trafalgar Square.
The entire square glows with lights, and the Christmas tree stands tall in the center.
The little market wraps around the area with stalls selling mulled wine, handmade gifts, and festive snacks.
Visiting the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is a must!
19. Christmas Tuk Tuks
When visiting London during the Christmas season, I kept spotting these adorable Christmas carts zipping through the streets.
These Tuk Tuks, tiny open-air carts covered in lights, blast Christmas music as they cruise past the crowds.
After a full day of walking from market to market, hopping into one of these felt so much more fun than calling a taxi.
20. London Christmas Shows
London has some of the best holiday shows in the world, and the West End really comes alive in December.
From classic Christmas performances like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol to big festive productions at the Royal Albert Hall.
We only had time for one show during our visit and ended up seeing The Devil Wears Prada.
It might not be Christmas themed, but it was such an exciting chance to see a brand new production in the West End.
21. Leadenhall Market Christmas Tree
Leadenhall Market completely transforms for the holidays, and it is one of the most magical spots to walk through in London.
The Victorian architecture is already stunning on its own, but once December arrives, the entire market is covered in garlands, twinkling lights.
And a giant Christmas tree that sits right in the heart of the arcade.
It feels like stepping into a movie set, which makes sense since parts of Harry Potter were filmed here.
It’s the perfect place to wander, soak in the decorations, and even grab a drink at one of the historic pubs that line the market.
22. Christmas Lunch at The Ivy
The Ivy gets completely dressed up for the Christmas season, and it feels like stepping into a little holiday world.
We ordered festive snowman cocktails the second we sat down, and they were adorable and delicious.
Their Christmas Set Menu is honestly the best way to go!
The seasonal dishes were incredible, especially the Christmas Pudding!
This made it such a nice break during a busy day of exploring London in December.
23. Walk Through London’s Most Festive Neighborhoods
One of my favorite things about visiting London in December is how magical the neighborhoods feel. You don’t even need a plan, just wander and let the lights pull you in.
Areas like Mayfair, Covent Garden, Soho, Belgravia, and Chelsea turn into full-on Christmas villages.
It’s the easiest, most carefree way to soak in the season.
24. Sip Festive Christmas Cocktails at Mr Fogg’s
London is overflowing with cocktail bars, and during our one-week Christmas trip, we drank at a lot of them!
Some of the best festive cocktails we found were at Mr Fogg’s.
Every location had its own themed holiday menu, too.
From rich winter spices to sparkling seasonal creations, and the decor was just as magical.
25. Annabel’s Christmas Display in Mayfair
One of the most jaw-dropping Christmas displays in London is the famous Annabel’s facade in Mayfair.
Every year, they create an entirely new over-the-top theme, and it always becomes one of the most photographed spots in the city.
The whole exterior is transformed into a giant holiday scene with glowing lights, bold colors, and massive decorations that you can see from down the street.
Even if you are not going inside the club itself, walking by the Annabel’s Christmas display is a must in December.
26. Day Trip to Winchester Christmas Market
Just an hour and fifteen minutes from London by train, the charming town of Winchester turns into a full winter wonderland every December.
The entire village feels like a Christmas postcard, and their famous Christmas Market is one of the best day trips you can take during the holiday season.
I wandered through the wooden chalets, sampled roasted hazelnuts, and sipped hot mulled wine.
The market wraps right around Winchester Cathedral, which gives everything a magical backdrop.
It’s an easy, relaxing day trip and a perfect way to experience a quieter, storybook-style Christmas atmosphere outside the city.
Why London at Christmas Is Truly Magical
London in December completely lived up to the hype.
Between the Christmas markets, the festive afternoon teas, the beautiful light displays, and the little surprises tucked into each neighborhood, it felt like every day offered something new.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a long weekend, there is so much to experience and so many ways to soak up the holiday spirit
Check out all of my picks for the 4 Festive Afternoon Teas in London To Try This Christmas.
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Visiting New York City at Christmas? Read Bryant Park Winter Village: Foodie Guide to NYC’s Holiday Market!
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