London at Christmas: Just Magical
London is an unparalleled place to visit at Christmas. The city comes to life like no other during the holiday season, with Christmas lights, markets and a vast range of seasonal activities to enjoy.
If you are planning a Christmas trip to London, here are 25 things to add to your itinerary.
1. See London’s Christmas Lights
Seeing London’s Christmas lights is one of the best ways to discover the capital during the festive season.
Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Carnaby and Mayfair are just some of the most popular areas for Christmas displays.
London Christmas Lights Tours are also a fun and convenient way to see so many of the main displays and decorations all in one evening.
London becomes filled with Christmas markets, stalls and decorations.
2. Explore London’s Christmas Markets
London has Christmas markets across the city, offering gifts, decorations, food and seasonal drinks.
Southbank Winter Market, Leicester Square and Covent Garden are amongst the popular choices. Borough Market is another good stop if you are interested in seasonal food and local products.
If you want to visit several markets, consider planning them alongside other nearby attractions rather than trying to cross the city between each one.
3. Visit Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is one of London’s biggest Christmas events. There are rides, food stalls, Christmas markets, ice skating and entertainment.
It is particularly popular with families and groups, so it can get busy during the festive season. Allow plenty of time if you plan to explore the different areas.
The illuminated Christmas light trail at Kew Gardens.
4. Experience Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is transformed during the festive season with a Christmas light trail through the gardens.
Visitors can follow the illuminated route while enjoying seasonal food and drinks along the way. It is a good option if you want to see a Christmas attraction outside the more central London area.
5. See the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is home to one of London’s best-known Christmas traditions. Every year, a large Christmas tree is displayed in the square.
The tree is traditionally given to London by Norway, a gift of gratitude for the help the UK offered to Norway during the Second World War. It is a beloved part of London ‘s Christmas celebrations for decades.
Trafalgar Square is also close to Leicester Square and the West End, making it easy to include with other Christmas activities.
The West End and Covent Garden at Christmas Time
6. Explore the West End at Christmas
London’s West End is one of the most festive areas of London during December.
The market areas and surrounding streets are decorated with Christmas trees, lights and seasonal displays. You can also combine your visit with shopping, restaurants and nearby West End theatres.
7. Go Ice Skating at Somerset House
Ice skating is a popular winter activity in London and makes a fun addition to a Christmas itinerary. Somerset House hosts a seasonal ice rink in its historic courtyard, surrounded by festive decorations and Christmas lights.
It is a good option for families, couples and groups looking for something active to do between sightseeing and other Christmas activities.
Harrods beautifully decorated with festive Christmas window displays in London.
8. See London’s Christmas Shop Windows
London’s department stores offer some spectacular Christmas window displays throughout November and December.
Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty are all worth visiting even if you are not planning to shop. You can also combine the displays with a walk through some of London’s main Christmas light installations.
9. Enjoy a Christmas Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a classic London experience and many hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas menus during the festive season.
Expect sandwiches, cakes, scones and seasonal treats served with tea. Some venues also add Christmas decorations and festive desserts.
This can be a good way to take a break from sightseeing while still enjoying something distinctly British.
A festive London show- Christmas is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to capture the magic of the city.
10. Watch a Christmas Show or Pantomime
London’s West End has plenty of shows throughout the Christmas season. You can also find traditional pantomimes, family productions and seasonal concerts at theatres across the city.
If there is a particular show you want to see, booking ahead is recommended as popular performances often sell out far in advance.
11. Visit Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most important historic landmarks and a natural addition to a Christmas sightseeing itinerary.
The Abbey has been closely connected with British royal history for centuries. From here, you can also explore nearby Westminster landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and St James’s Park.
12. Explore the Tower of London
The Tower of London offers a different side of London’s history. Explore the medieval fortress, learn about its royal past and see the Crown Jewels.
It is close to Tower Bridge and the City of London, so you can visit several major landmarks in the same area.
13. Visit London’s Royal Landmarks
Christmas is a good time to explore London’s royal landmarks. Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Kensington Palace and the surrounding royal parks all offer something different.
A private sightseeing itinerary can combine several of these landmarks with Westminster and London’s Christmas lights, making it easier to see more without spending the day planning transport between each stop.
Hampton Court Palace decorated for the festive season.
14. Experience Christmas at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace offers a chance to explore one of England’s best-known royal residences outside central London.
During the festive season, the former residence of King Henry VIII hosts Christmas events including the Winter Palace experience, the Festive Fayre and its outdoor ice rink. It is a good option if you want to combine British royal history with a seasonal day out.
15. See London from the River Thames
The River Thames offers a different view of many of London’s most famous landmarks at Christmas time.
Depending on the experience you choose, you can see Tower Bridge, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament from the water.
An evening Thames experience can be particularly appealing during December when the city is lit up for the holidays.
The London Eye surrounded by festive lights.
16. Walk Along the South Bank
The South Bank is another popular place to visit during the festive season.
Walk along the Thames, browse the Christmas stalls and stop at one of the area’s restaurants or cafés. You can also see the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and other landmarks along the route.
17. Visit a Traditional London Pub
Cold winter days are a good excuse to stop at one of London’s historic pubs.
Many pubs decorate their interiors for Christmas and offer seasonal food and drinks. Areas such as Westminster, Soho and the City of London have plenty of historic options to explore.
18. Attend a Christmas Carol Service
For a more traditional Christmas experience, consider attending a carol service.
Churches across London hold services throughout December, from large historic venues to smaller local churches. Some of the most popular services require advance planning, so check arrangements before visiting.
The Great Hall decorated for Christmas at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
19. Visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Harry Potter fans can visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to see the sets, props and costumes from the films.
During the festive season, Hogwarts in the Snow transforms the Studio Tour with Christmas decorations, snowy sets and festive details from the Harry Potter films. It is a popular choice for families and Harry Potter fans.
20. Take a Festive Day Trip to Windsor
Windsor is a great day trip from London and home to Windsor Castle, one of Britain’s most famous royal residences. With its strong links to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Windsor is decorated extra beautifully during the Christmas season – look out for the spectacular Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.
Spend the day exploring the castle and historic town before returning to London. A private tour can also make the trip easier for visitors who prefer to travel with a dedicated guide and chauffeur rather than organise transport themselves.
21. Take a Festive Trip to Oxford
Oxford is another popular day trip from London. The historic university city is known for its architecture, colleges, covered market and independent shops.
It is a good choice if you want to combine the Christmas season with British history and culture.
22. Explore London’s Festive Neighbourhoods
Some of London’s best Christmas displays can be found away from the main shopping streets.
Belgravia, Chelsea and Mayfair are worth exploring for decorated streets, elegant homes, independent shops and restaurants.
These areas can also be combined with central London sightseeing as part of a private Christmas itinerary.
A traditional British mince pie – accompany with mulled wine of the perfect festive treat
23. Try Traditional Christmas Food
Christmas is a good time to try traditional British food.
Look out for mince pies, Christmas pudding, pigs in blankets and roast dinners. For something to warm you up while sightseeing, seasonal drinks such as mulled wine and hot chocolate are also widely available.
24. See London’s Christmas Lights at Night
London looks very different after dark during the Christmas season. The city’s main streets and landmarks are illuminated, making an evening sightseeing trip a completely different experience from exploring London during the day.
London Holiday Lights Tours are a very convenient way to see several Christmas light displays in one evening without having to plan the route yourself. What’s more, having an expert guide on all things London at Christmas makes all the difference, while holiday music plays in the background of your chauffeur driven vehicle.
25. Experience London’s Christmas Highlights with a Private Tour
With Christmas lights, markets, royal landmarks and seasonal attractions spread across London, seeing everything can take some planning.
A private tour gives you the flexibility to build your sightseeing around the places you are most interested in. Instead of navigating public transport between different areas, you can travel with a professional guide and chauffeur while learning more about the city along the way.
At London Magical Tours, our annual holiday special, the Private Magical London Christmas Lights Tour is designed for visitors who want to experience London’s festive highlights in a private setting. The tour includes Christmas lights, markets and other seasonal sights across the city.
Planning Your Christmas Trip to London
London can get very busy during December, particularly at weekends and in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
It is worth booking popular attractions, restaurants and shows in advance. Planning your sightseeing by area can also save time, especially if you want to see several Christmas lights and attractions in one day.
If you are only in London for a few days, consider combining daytime sightseeing with Christmas activities in the evening. This lets you see London’s historic landmarks during the day and experience the city’s Christmas lights after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in London at Christmas?
Some of the most popular activities include seeing the Christmas lights, visiting Christmas markets, exploring the different London neighbours, visiting Winter Wonderland and watching a West End show.
Where can I see Christmas lights in London?
Popular areas include Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Street, Soho and Mayfair. Many other neighbourhoods also have smaller Christmas displays.
Are London Christmas markets worth visiting?
Yes. London’s Christmas markets offer food, drinks, gifts and seasonal entertainment. The Southbank and Leicester Square are among the popular options.
Is London busy at Christmas?
Yes. December is a busy time in London, particularly around the main shopping areas and popular attractions. Booking popular activities and restaurants in advance is recommended.
Is a private tour worth it in London at Christmas?
A private tour is an excellent way to see several areas in a limited amount of time. A professional guide and chauffeur also make it much easier to travel between London’s Christmas lights, markets and landmarks, providing a one in a lifetime experience that creates memories for all the family to remember for years to come.
Ready to experience London at Christmas? Contact our team to start planning your private tour. For more information about our experiences and services, visit our FAQ page.
