15 Fascinating Christmas Things To Do In London

Well, well it's that time of the year again! The time to be merry and jolly with all things sweet and warm. Yes, it's Christmas, and we are here with some of the most fascinating things to do in London at Christmas. Where do you think you can see the biggest tree in the world, beautiful lights, Christmas plays, carols and yummy treats? All in London! However, with a city decorated so beautifully and various activities to choose from, you might get a little confused! In this blog, we`ll give you an overview of the best Christmas things to do in London. This shortlisted 15 Christmas events, in London to help you plan this festive season, and you will not miss out on anything merry this year! 

15 Best Christmas Things To Do In London 

We've grown up watching Christmas movies, singing Christmas carols, and wearing Santa Claus caps. But is that all about Christmas? We think not! Christmas is about devouring the flavours of Christmas delicacies, indulging in cute Christmas decor, and much more! The streets of London are shining with decorated Christmas trees and a light snowfall that sets a perfect Christmas Eve. your experience of  London Christmas should not get wasted and to ensure that, we have listed the 15 best Christmas things to do in London!

1. Explore Windsor Castle

• Location: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom 
• Visiting Days: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Timings: 10 am - 5.15 pm
• Cost: £30.00

Windsor Castle has the distinguished title of being both the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Built in the 11th century, it has been home to 39 British monarchs, and now, it serves as the final resting place for Elizabeth II. The State Apartments of Windsor Castle are always festively decorated for Christmas. The 20-foot-tall tree in St. George's Hall is decorated with hundreds of sparkling lights and decorations and serves as the festive display's majestic focal point. A lavish spread of decorations from the Royal Collection, fruits, and flora will be placed on a big table in the Waterloo Chamber beneath sparkling chandeliers. 

2. See Christmas Lights

London undoubtedly offers some of the best installations in Britain, with an amazing variety of light shows. Simply admiring the Christmas lights is one of the most wholesome experiences among other Christmas things in London. We recommend you visit these streets. 

A. Regent Street 

• Location:  Kingsland House, 122-124 Regent St., London W1B 5SA, United Kingdom 
• Timing: 2 pm to Midnight
• Theme: 'The Spirit of Christmas'
• Date: 9th November onwards 

You can see the majestic golden angels attracting many people over Regent Street. Regent Street hosts a star-studded switch-on event, one of the best Christmas things to do in London. It's worth watching for information on the artists because the street is traffic-free for the rest of the evening, and surrounding events held by the businesses.

B. Oxford Street

• Location: Oxford Street, West End of London
• Timing: 3 pm to 11 pm 
• Theme: 'Feel the Magic'
• Date: 2nd November onwards 

Oxford Street is a terrific place to start if you're looking for amazing things to do in London at Christmas this season. The busy commercial street is returning to its previous year's exhibit, which consists of 5,000 dangling stars that make a lovely impact in the night sky. The entire experience is a memorable one for your London Christmas time. With thousands of dazzling lights, it turns London into a winter wonderland or Christmas paradise ever since the lights are switched on! 

C. Carnaby Street

• Location: 57 Carnaby Street, over on Beak Street and Great Marlborough Street 
• Timing: 4 pm to 8 pm 
• Theme: ‘Carnaby Universe'
• Date: 2nd November onwards 

Carnaby has an iconic heritage from being the birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960s, the home of Mods, Skinheads, Punks and New Romantics to the street style of today. It has remained the epicentre of culture and lifestyle in London's West End. With its quirky theme, it serves the best things to do in London at Christmas. This is one of the fascinating Christmas things in London; you can look up to see palm trees, shimmering Rolling Stones tongues, a big snowman, and planets all having a good time in the night skies.

D. Kew Gardens

• Location:  London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England
• Timing: 4.20 pm to 10 pm 
• Theme: ‘100 floating candles’ 
• Date: : 2nd November

2023`s Christmas at Kew has in store for you, an experience of a lifetime! With eight new installations along the trail, including giant illuminated flowers; cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy; and 100 'floating' candles, it is definitely on the list of best Christmas things to do in London. As you wander the London Christmas trail, you can marvel at Kew's amazing light and sound exhibit collection. Apart from the lights, there are old fairground rides, Santa, and his elves! While we are discussing the best things to do in London at Christmas don't miss out on the authentic Christmas rituals and traditions that make it merrier than ever! Check out our blog to learn about the Christmas traditions in the UK. 

3. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

• Location: Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom
• Visiting Days: November 17th 2023 - January 1st 2024
• Timings: 10 am to 10 pm 
• Cost: £5 or £7.50 for peak hours

This traditional London Christmas attracts over two million visitors each year. You can only experience Christmas in the city by visiting Hyde Park, one of the top things to do in London at Christmas. Winter Wonderland is open from mid-November to early January. It includes festive markets, over 100 attractions, a gigantic wheel, live events such as figure skating and a circus, live music, and various bars and restaurants. Perhaps you don`t desire London Christmas this year? Take the holiday season to unwind yourself from the city crowd, no worries! Here are some top destinations in the UK for your winter holidays.

4. Volunteer to help others 

Tis' the season of generosity, and there are numerous ways to help people in need over the Christmas season in London. One of the best experiences of Christmas in London is to help others, which is emotionally rewarding and captures the true essence of Christmas. You may also help the national homeless organisation Crisis operate their programmes and services, or you could simply volunteer to be a good listener for people in need. If you want to gift people something and don't have an idea about it then head over to our blog on Christmas gift ideas for students and enjoy some generous things to do in London at Christmas. 

5. Christmas Markets

London's markets are one of the most pleasant places for London Christmas, but they come alive around Christmas time with twinkly lights, handmade items, and a liberal sprinkling of good cheer. We've curated a list of some of the best Christmas markets for you to explore things to do in London at Christmas. 

1. Kingston Christmas Market

• Location: 5 Market Pl, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JQ, United Kingdom
• Visiting days: 7 days a week,
• Visiting times: 10 am – 5 pm
• Reviews: “Great place to grab a beer and bratwurst, plus there’s often live music on and plenty of stalls to look around. Recommend!” 

At the attractive Kingston upon Thames, you will find the riverfront town's Ancient MarketPlace for one-of-a-kind Christmas items at the Kingston Christmas Market. Visiting here will give you just the London Christmas vibe in an instant! The cosy cabins are filled with various homemade arts and crafts, stunning decorations, and stocking stuffers. You can also enjoy some seasonal entertainment while munching on some street cuisine. Christmas is not complete without fascinating Christmas decor, right? decorate your dorm room following these budget-friendly Christmas decor ideas and bring Christmas inside your house! 

2. Covent Garden Christmas Market

• Location: The Management Office 41 The Market Building, London WC2E 8RF, United Kingdom
• Visiting days: 7 days 
• Visiting times: Open 24 hours 
• Reviews: “Great Christmas market with various stalls. Warm atmosphere and entertainment.” 

Hundreds of shimmering lights cover the Covent Garden, which hosts three daily markets with homemade products and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. The Covent Garden Christmas tree, located just in front of the renowned market, is one of London's tallest, standing around 60 feet tall! You must visit here for your perfect Christmas in London. 

3. Leicester Square Christmas Market

• Location: Shakespeare Water Fountain, 4 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE, United Kingdom
• Visiting days: 7 days 
• Visiting times: Noon - 10 pm (weekdays); 10 am - 10 pm (weekends) 
• Reviews: “Even if is very small it is a beautiful Christmas market. The entrance is free and it has amazing decorations.” 

See the home of blockbuster film premieres turn into a Christmas wonderland at Leicester Square. Explore the traditional market, which has a superb selection of goods and tasty foods. This Christmas Market will be open till January 8th. While you are at it, you can also explore some student accommodation in London here. Make the best of London Christmas while you are here! 

4. Southbank Centre Winter Market

• Location: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom 
• Visiting days: 7 days 
• Visiting times: 11 am - 10 pm
• Reviews: “Great location and beautiful views of the London Eye and Big Ben etc lit up at night. Easily accessible by train/tube” 

While you are here enjoying the perfect Christmas in London, make it even better with the best things to do in London at Christmas at the South Bank's riverbank, which is transformed into a winter paradise, complete with global cuisine and an artisan Christmas market. Walk past the historic wooden cabins that line the Thames's banks and pick up beautiful stocking fillers from the Winter Market, or tuck into cheese-based delicacies, drinks, and mulled wine for that London Christmas feel. 

6. Explore Christmas past at Charles Dickens Museum

• Location: 48-49 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX, United Kingdom
• Timings: 10 am - 5 pm
• Visiting Days: Wednesday - Sunday
• Cost: £9.00 (entry fee) 

Suppose you want to discover the history of Christmas in the United Kingdom. In that case, you should visit the Charles Dickens Museum, housed in the old home of the famed Victorian author, for a glance at fascinating yuletide traditions. One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is you can learn about the inspiration for A Christmas Carol and see performances of it as well as other Christmas ghost stories in Museums and Experience the best of Christmas things in London as merrily as possible.

7. Sit by the fire at a London pub

One of the best Christmas things to do in London is to explore the pubs. While we can't promise they'll be affordable, many London pubs offer cosy vibes by the fireplace, with a mulled wine and a book on your lap. In summary, this is among the authentic Christmas things in London. You could also spend your Christmas eve, grooving to the beats of trendiest Disco songs by exploring the 15 Best Clubs In London.

8. Watch a Christmas play

If your budget allows, it's well worth treating yourself to one of the many theatre shows during the London Christmas. Highlights include The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Snow White at the London Palladium, and the multi-award-winning Swan Lake at Sadler's Wells Theatre will be the best part of your London Christmas experience and memorable to your experience of Christmas in London.

9. Attend the Church Services

Attend a church service at famous sights in London, such as Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, or Southwark Cathedral. Advent and Christmas are remarkable times at Westminster Abbey, and it is one of the best Christmas things in London. The services will have traditional songs, Christmas readings, and much more. There are also family events, music concerts, and a seasonal meal from their exclusive restaurant menu which is ideal for Christmas in London.

10. Festive treats at Borough Market

• Location: London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
• Timings: 10 am - 5 pm
• Visiting Days: Wednesday - Sunday
• Reviews: “Excellent place for food lovers, the amount of options is incredible. The quality of the food is superb.” 

One of the best ways to experience Christmas in London is to explore the ancient arches of Borough Market, decked out with lights, decorations, and dazzling ornaments. While sourcing some of the best seasonal meals and listening to buskers sing happy tunes through the Borough Market. Attend the Evening of Cheese, a free cheese-themed shopping event organised by the market's network of expert cheesemongers to experience the best of Christmas things in London. 

11. Christmas films at the Drive-in winter cinemas

Nothing beats snuggling up on a winter evening to enjoy a Christmas classic! Why not do it in your car? Luna Drive-In Cinemas provide a variety of movies from the comfort of your vehicle. Luna is one of the best Christmas things in London, showing holiday classics such as Home Alone, Die Hard, Last Christmas, and It's a Wonderful Life!

12. Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square

• Location: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS, United Kingdom
• Timings: 4 pm- 8 pm (weekdays); 2 pm- 6 pm (weekends)
• Visiting Days: Wednesday - Sunday
• Reviews: “What a magical place it was to visit - carols and twinkling lights - it was the start of Christmas.” 

Trafalgar Square is a public space; you can visit it at any time of day or night to admire the statues, and fountains among other Christmas things in London. Throughout December, Trafalgar Square will be filled with carol singers. Every day from 2 pm to 9 pm, approximately 40 choirs sing for their chosen charity. Make your way to the square centre to see the enormous Christmas tree. It's the ideal location to hear the lovely sounds of Christmas and make the best of London Christmas!

13. Try Mulled Wine at the Churchill Arms

• Location: 119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN, United Kingdom 
• Timings: 11 am - 12 pm
• Visiting Days: Wednesday - Sunday
• Reviews: “It's really impressive to see. Unlike most beer-oriented establishments, the food is outstanding. It's run by a Thai family and is pretty authentic” 

The Churchill Arms in Kensington, arguably London's most festive bar, is a favourite site for photos and is one of the best Christmas things to do in London. It boasts about 21,000 pretty lights and a fantastically warm and friendly feeling. It boasts a Winston Churchill-themed décor and claims to be London's first pub with Thai cuisine.

14. Go on a Christmas Cruise

One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is to take in all the breathtaking sights it has to offer. If you're feeling frisky, why not treat yourself to a Christmas dinner boat down the Thames? The Christmas Cruises are the ideal way to get into the holiday spirit, whether in the run-up to Christmas or on an actual day! It`ll make the most memorable part of your Christmas in London. 

15. Eat at 34 Mayfair

• Location: 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD, United Kingdom
• Timings: 12 pm - 11 pm
• Visiting Days: Wednesday - Sunday
• Reviews:” Service was attentive, professional and helpful with good knowledge of the menu and wine list.” 

34 Mayfair is a modern grill restaurant in central London's Mayfair neighbourhood focusing on meat, fish, and seasonal foods. It is one of the most unusual locations to eat in London, with one of the most stunning Christmas exhibits ever seen! The Christmas menu at this steakhouse features Japanese Wagyu steak, fontina pizzas, and Peking duck with pancakes, making it one of the must-try Christmas things in London. Weekend breakfasts and special dinner parties are also available.

We hope you enjoyed our blog about the best Christmas things to do in London. As the festive season approaches, we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore Christmas in London. Wishing you a warm and pleasant London Christmas! Also, don't miss out on these 15 best places to see Christmas lights in London.