Things to do in London at Christmas

Are you planning on visiting the capital this festive season? With bright lights, Christmas markets, ice skating and food galore, you'll never be short of fun things to do this year. Read our blog to find out the best things to do in London at Christmas time!

Visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

You can't have a Christmas day out in London without heading to the magical Winter Wonderland, situated in Hyde Park. Running throughout the whole of December and some of November, this winter festival is an absolute must for your Christmas activity bucket list.

With over two million festive visitors a year, the largest park in London hosts an array of traditional markets, fairground rides, a giant wheel, live music and plenty of bars and food vendors to suit all needs.

It's known as the ultimate Christmas destination in London, offering something for the whole family to enjoy. Taking a trip in the morning is ideal for those with young children, especially if you want to venture around at a leisurely pace that suits you. In the evening, prepare for the entirety of Hyde Park to be illuminated as you grab yourself a steaming mulled wine or a delicious hot chocolate.

Go ice skating at Somerset House

Is there anything more festive than ice skating in London at Christmas? You can do so at one of the UK's most beautiful ice rinks, hosted at Somerset House.

Admire the views of this historic building, complete with a 40ft Christmas tree that's covered in glistening lights and spectacular decorations. Impress your family and friends by showing off your skating skills, with rink-side DJs bringing the atmosphere to life.

For a post-skate treat, experience gourmet dining at the pop-up Alpine restaurant, Chalet Suisse, or enjoy Christmas cocktails and champagne in the Moët & Chandon Skate Lounge. There really is something for everyone.

Experience Christmas at Kew

Every year, Kew Gardens presents a spectacular light and sound display to celebrate the festive season. Wander through the Christmas trail where you'll discover around a million lights glowing in the trees and tunnels.

The botanical garden's iconic Palm House will shine bright in the night sky, with a series of projections displayed on the structure, dancing to your favourite Christmas melodies. Make a wish and tie it to one of the many wishing trees dotted around the light trail.

Immerse yourself in the Christmas Cathedral, filled with thousands of sparkling fairy lights to create a wonderfully magical atmosphere. Along your route, feel free to warm up with a mug of hot chocolate, spiced cider or mulled wine. Plus, take advantage of the many street food vendors who'll be serving up some tasty delights.

Watch a Christmas show

If you're a theatre lover, why not head over to London's famous West End? Get into the festive spirit by grabbing tickets to watch your all-time favourite Christmas shows on centre stage.

As London is home to some of the world's highest-quality theatres, you'll be sure to see a truly amazing production. Make it a yearly Christmas tradition by grabbing tickets to watch the classics live before your very eyes, including The Snowman, Elf and The Nutcracker.

If you've already got the theatre booked, use our online booking platform to grab your train tickets ahead of time, and you won't have to worry about how you're getting home.

Head on a festive city cruise

Fancy taking a festive trip down the Thames? Enjoy some of London's most iconic landmarks lit up in all their glory as you hop on board a Thames cruise to enjoy a Christmas Dinner Party.

Indulge in a three-course traditional Christmas meal before dancing the night away, thanks to the onboard DJ. Spend four hours sailing the Thames and make a truly memorable Christmas night out as we approach the big day.

Visit a Christmas market 

Arguably one of the most popular things to do in any city during the festive period is to visit a Christmas market, and you won’t be short of these in the capital city! Discover some of the best ones to visit on your trip to London below.

Best Christmas markets in London:
 

• Covent Garden
• Southbank Centre
• Camden Market
• Leicester Square
• King's Cross
• London Bridge
• Trafalgar Square
• Broadway Market 

Things to do in London with kids at Christmas 

If you’re travelling to London at Christmas with children, you might be wondering what you can do and where to go that will please the whole family! Discover our top recommendations below:

 

• Visit Hamleys Toy Shop on Regent Street
• Attend festive carol singing at Trafalgar Square
• Treat the kids to the Paddington Bear Experience - known as London's most exciting family attraction
• Spend a few hours at the London Dungeon and experience Yuletide terror
• Spend a day at Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio (situated in Watford, just outside of central London) 

Free things to do in London at Christmas 

Christmas is probably the most expensive time of the year for most, with buying Christmas presents being the biggest contender, along with all the festive plans that start as early as November. So if you’re travelling to London at Christmas on a budget this year, we’ve got you covered! Discover free things to do in the capital over the festive period: 
 

• Create your own walking Christmas light trails tour - visit major streets to see the twinkling Christmas lights (some of the best include Regent Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby Street)
• Go see the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square
• Visit the National Gallery, which is completely free with no entrance fee
• Stroll around the many Christmas Markets London has to offer
• Go to the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival and enjoy free entry
• Participate in the Harry Potter-themed free walking tour of the city 

Book your train tickets to London in advance

If you're heading on a trip down to London this December, ensure your train tickets are booked in advance. With the potential to cut your travel costs, our Advance train tickets are a great way to plan your trip beforehand, so you can get the very best deals available. Use our online Journey Planner today, and secure your Christmas train tickets to London! Sit back, relax, and discover our onboard services as we take you on your magical Christmas journey to the capital city.