A family of skeletons decorating London’s famous Covent Garden

Visiting London this Halloween?

From historic landmarks and spooky attractions to magical trails, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.

Whether you’re exploring independently or booking London Private Tours with a professional guide and chauffeur, here are five things to add to your London itinerary.

Explore the Tower of London’s history and mysterious past this Halloween.

1. Visit the Tower of London

The Tower of London has a long history of royal intrigue, imprisonment and mysterious stories. Explore its historic grounds and learn about the people and events that shaped its past.

During the Halloween season, look out for special activities and themed experiences, helping discover some of London’s best ghost stories.

2. Explore Halloween at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens offers a different experience after dark, with seasonal illuminated trails, themed installations and Halloween surprises.

It’s a good option for families and anyone looking for an evening activity during their London visit.

See the darker side of the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

3. Discover the Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Harry Potter fans can explore the darker side of the wizarding world at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The seasonal Dark Arts experience features Halloween details across the original film sets, including floating pumpkins and familiar scenes from the films.

It’s a chance to see the sets, props and costumes up close while enjoying a Halloween-themed visit.

4. Get Spooked at The London Dungeon

For a more intense Halloween experience, visit The London Dungeon. Live actors, special effects and dramatic storytelling bring some of London’s darkest historical tales to life.

With a mix of history and horror, it’s a good choice for adults and older children to enjoy some jump-out-of-your-seat scares.

Discover London during the spookiest part of the year

5. Discover London’s Haunted History

London’s historic streets and old alleyways are full of stories about ghosts, unexplained events and mysterious characters. Exploring these areas is a great way to see another side of the city.

Join a private tour to learn more about London’s darker history and discover stories you might otherwise miss.

With so many attractions to choose from, it’s worth planning your route before you go. London VIP Tours offer a more personal way to explore the city with your own professional guide and chauffeur.

Ready to plan your visit? Contact our team to discuss your private tour. You can also visit our FAQ page for more information about our services.

Share your Halloween adventures with us on social media. Tag @londonmagicaltours and use #londonmagicaltours.

Children proudly show their entries for this year’s Create Your Own Royal Flag competition.

As the experts in providing tours to London for families and children, London Magical Tours knows how sightseeing can be more even fun when the kids have something interactive to take part in.

This year, young guests at London Magical Tours have been getting creative and taking part in our annual children’s art competition. Among these is the Create Your Own Royal Flag competition, where children are asked to design their own royal flag – the more individual and unique the better!

We’re loving Princess Edele’s pink flag, dedicated to her kingdom of Heartston

Getting Creative with Royal Flags

Children taking part on our VIP tour programmes receive activity sheets, colouring pages, pencils and interactive challenges throughout their private tour. With support from a specialist children’s guide, they can learn about London while staying involved along the way.

For this year’s competition, children were invited to design their own royal flag. We’ve enjoyed seeing the different ideas and designs they have created, with every entry bringing something different to the competition.

The Children’s Programme is available for children aged 10 years and under.

Another creative royal flag designed by 5 year old Chauncey, featuring Stars and Stripes

More for Children to Enjoy

The royal flag competition is one of the activities available through our family friendly London tours. Children can also take part in our annual code-cracking competition, giving them another challenge to look forward to during their visit.

For families planning London tours for children, these activities offer a fun way to make sightseeing more interactive, while parents enjoy exploring London too.

Winners of both competitions will be announced at the end of the year, with prizes awarded for the most creative artwork and the fastest code cracker.

A big thank you to all the children who have taken part so far. We can’t wait to see more of your designs!

Ready to plan a London adventure for the whole family? Contact our team to learn more about our Children’s Programme and private family tours. For answers to common questions about our tours and services, visit our FAQ page.

Did your child get creative in London? Share their artwork or favourite moments with us. Tag @londonmagicaltours and use #londonmagicaltours to show us how your family experienced London together.

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.

When planning a private London sightseeing experience, selecting the right service level for your party can make all the difference. Whether you are considering a VIP London Tour, a family day out or a special occasion, London Magical Tours offers three levels of private VIP service: Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus.

Private Touring: 3 Service Levels

Every VIP service level provides you with a fully private tour, just for your party. It includes a professional tour guide, a dedicated chauffeur and your own vehicle. There are no crowded buses, fixed group timings or waiting for other guests.

Think of the three levels like flying Premium Economy, Business Class or First Class. You still explore London – but the comfort, expertise and extras become more elevated at each level.

Gold provides an excellent introduction to private touring with an entry-level guide, a chauffeur and vehicles from the Ford and Toyota fleet. It is a no frills level of private sightseeing.

Platinum steps things up with a guide boasting at least five years’ experience, an upgrade to a vehicle from the Mercedes fleet, plus drinks and chocolates on board.

Platinum Plus delivers the highest level of service, featuring executive-level guides with over 10 years’ experience, luxury vehicles such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce and top-of-the-range Mercedes models for larger parties, plus champagne, chocolates and access to exclusive ticketed experiences.

For travellers looking for a Private London Tour, the choice comes down to how you want to experience the city.

Step into a VIP London experience with a private vehicle, professional guide and dedicated chauffeur.

Find Your Ideal VIP Level

View the video above for a closer look at what sets the Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus VIP levels apart.

Ready to choose your VIP experience? Find out more details on our dedicated London VIP tours page or Contact our team to discuss the right service level for your London adventure. For answers to common questions about our tours and services, visit our FAQ page.

Christmas in London is even more special when shared with the people you love. As preparations are now in full swing for the announcement of this year’s London Christmas Lights Tour, we’re looking back at our guest’s experiences on last year’s Christmas extravaganza and sharing some of our favourite comments.

London at Christmas time – there’s no where else quite like it

London at Its Most Festive

The Private Magical Christmas London Tour (3 hours) is the perfect way to take in all the famous Christmas lights, decorated streets and seasonal displays. With a private guide and professional chauffeur, the joy of Christmas comes to life at a relaxed pace, without worrying about getting around the city.

Guests discovering the best Christmas trees – big and small – on London Magical Tours’ annual holiday lights tour

A Christmas Experience Made For You

Every London holidays lights tour can be tailored to suit your group, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or someone special. There is time to stop for photos, enjoy the festive sights and make the most of your evening in London.

Planning a winter visit? Our London Christmas Tour is a great way to experience the city’s festive highlights with your own private team.

Ready to plan your Christmas experience? Contact our team to start planning your tour. For more information before booking, visit our FAQ page.

Share your favourite moments from your Christmas in London with us. Tag @londonmagicaltours and use #LondonMagicalTours to share your experience.