What comes to your mind when we say London? The giant wheel? London eye? Bukhimgham Palce? Yes, these are some of the landmarks why London is one of the most visited cities in the world. If you want to visit London anytime soon, then winters are the best time to visit. There are so many winter activities in London that you will thoroughly enjoy, whether you are living in London or a tourist. We have dug deep into the world of this cold land to find you the best things to do in London in December and winter activities in London.
Winter Wonderland
We’ll start our list of winter activities in London with the very obvious Winter Wonderland! Located in Hyde Park, this place has a massive Christmas celebration which will leave you in awe of its beauty. Not just the Christmas decorations, but the activities you get to at this place are ice skating, the famous Christmas markets, the renowned Ferris wheel, and, not to forget, some of the best food you’ll ever taste. Winter Wonderland is one of the busiest and most popular tourist attractions in London, so make sure you book your tickets well before your visit.
Harrods
We know Harrods isn’t the most affordable place to visit in London, but hear us out. Harrods is the best place to explore in London during the winter. There are so many reasons for it, like the beautiful lighting that is put up, the very fancy designer stores wherein you’ll find every brand possible, and not to forget, the cutest Disney merchandise; you will definitely fall in love with it. Across the Harrods mall, you will find a variety of fancy chocolates, skin care products, and more. If you are on a budget, then not buying anything is absolutely fine, but you should definitely have a stroll in Harrods, window shop for a while, try their ice cream and call it a night.
Kew Gardens
If you happen to visit London from the 16th of November to the 8th of January, then Kew Gardens should be on top of your winter things to do in the London list. Kew gardens are lit in gorgeous lights yearly to celebrate the festive season. These lightings bright up a distance of one mile, with flickering flames, a gorgeous tunnel light, and the star of the show, laser beams over calm flowing water resulting in you being awe-struck by this spectacular scenery. Kew Gardens is the perfect place for anything and everything, going out with friends, taking your parents out on a stroll or a magical date; this place is a must-visit in London during winter.
Oxford Street Lights and shopping
Who doesn’t love shopping? And what if we tell you that your shopping experience in Oxford Street will be magical in the presence of the most magnificent lights? Sounds dreamy right? It’s more dreamy than it sounds. Next on our list of winter activities in London are Oxford street lights and shopping. This market is set up annually mainly for Christmas shopping, where you will find everything and anything for your loved ones and yourself. Oxford street has a blast of various shops and brands, starting with Jhone Lewis and any high-end brand that might come to your mind.
Fortnum and Mason
Another must-have on your list of winter activities in London is Fortnum and Mason, Although Fortnum & Mason is most known for its recognisable Christmas hamper, Father Christmas's holiday stories are also becoming popular. Each weekend leading up to Christmas, Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to visit the fifth floor of the Piccadilly shop and entertain kids with his tales.
Pantomimes in London
Going for a Pantomimes show is a given winter activity in London. It is a form of theatrical entertainment known as pantomime, which uses stock characters, old-fashioned children's tales, and slapstick humour. Although it emerged from the Italian commedia dell'arte (another type of stage performance), it became and still is predominantly a British phenomenon.
When looking for winter activities in London, this form of entertainment is perfect for kids, adults or even if you want to go on a solo date!
London Museums
London and museums go hand in hand; a city of history and culture is an understatement to express the history of this city. London is home to the monarchs, and it’s a huge part of London’s history. Still, there are so many museums in London that will give you in-depth information about the city; for example, The British Museum, Imperial War Museum, Museum of Brands, Dickens Museum, the Imperial War Museum and Churchill War rooms are just some of the museums that have the spark to leave you in awe of the city’s history and culture.
Richmond Park
London is an allrounder city with luxury and beauty; you can also find the presence of wildlife in Richmond Park. Located in the west of London, Richmond park is one of the quietest spots in the city. The park is home to 630 deers, and a winter evening walk would be perfect, and it is a must-have in your list of winter activities in London. Also, a pro tip: maintain a safe distance from animals for their safety! (and yours, of course!)
Harry Potter Tour
Harry Potter! The name of JK Rowling’s masterpiece is enough to build a massive fan base worldwide. If you are a Harry Potter fan, the infamous Harry Potte tour is next on our list of winter activities in London. To start with Southwark Cathedral, this splendid tour will take you through some of the most recognisable spots from the series.
Ice Skating at the Somerset House
When Somerset House's renowned ice rink reopens for another season, the holiday season in London only really begins. The skating rink, which Fortnum and Mason helped put in, offers skating in a lovely setting as well as club nights on the weekends where big DJs spin while you struggle to stay upright, and it is a perfect addition to your list of winter activities in London.
Enchanted Woodland
Syon Park's grounds are home to 400 different varieties of trees, and a performance called The Enchanted Woodland illuminates some of them. This can be the perfect romantic date if you're seeking for one. Tickets should be available for purchase at the door, but to ensure entrance, reserve in advance on their website. This is undoubtedly one of the best winter activities in London.
Husky Sleigh Ride
Another winter activity in London is the infamous Husky Sleigh ride, wherein there is a Santa Weekend at the WWT London Wetland Centre, where they have their own reindeer herd and northern pine woodland. The children can enjoy a husky sleigh ride, assist Santa's helpers in getting the toys ready for the big day, and see him in a specially made outdoor grotto. All revenues are used to protect the wetlands' unspoiled beauty.
NYE Fireworks
For the largest fireworks display of the year in London, reservations are already being accepted. Following the shocking revelation that they would no longer be free, it has now been made known that the tickets would cost £10 per person, with a maximum of four people per booking. This fireworks display is hands down the best winter activity in London on our list. With the gorgeous fireworks and sound work, you will be left awestruck by this beauty on new year’s eve.
Sea Life London
Another winter activity in London which are popular and known worldwide is Sea Life. At the sea life London Aquarium, which is home to over 5,000 creatures, plunge into an underwater world. Discover London's premier aquarium, where you might pick up some a-RAY-zing knowledge, catch a glimpse of a feeding frenzy, or even meet some of the FIN-tastic buddies.
Madame Tussauds
Are you prepared to take centre stage? Enter the world of renowned entertainment at Madame Tussauds London.
Get closer than ever to the world's most well-known figures as you stroll amid royalty, attend parties with A-listers, and more. Strut like a supermodel with Kendall and Cara as you walk the red carpet alongside Zendaya, John Boyega, and Dwayne Johnson.
Test your athletic prowess against heavyweight heavyweights AJ and Ali to see how you fare! Join Beyoncé and Taylor Swift on stage to perform for the crowds or meet with international leaders and mingle with royalty. Meet the world's most famous people and experience true awe.
You can also explore some of the top-rated restaurants in London to savor their cuisine. If you are a student who is planning to make London as your next study destination then there are also various student accommodations in London that are close to these various attractions! We hope our list of winter activities in London was helpful for you!