18 Things To Do In London In December
December plans? London has plenty worth wrapping up for. Discover things to do in London in December 2026, from Christmas lights and festive markets to West End shows and afternoon tea, with ideas for family outings, dates and days out with friends.
Key Takeaways
Find 18 things to do in London in December, from Christmas lights and markets to theatre trips and afternoon tea.
Mix outdoor festive sights with indoor experiences for a day that works whatever the weather.
Choose ideas for family outings, festive dates or catching up with friends.
Check seasonal dates and ticket inclusions, especially for evening events and Christmas packages.
London in December at a Glance
Looking for a festive date, family outing or an excuse to catch up with friends? Start with the kind of day you have in mind:
For Christmas atmosphere: Explore the lights around Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street.
For family fun: Make Winter Wonderland your main event, with rides, games and festive food.
For an evening together: Choose Christmas at Kew for an after-dark wander. The trail requires a separate ticket from daytime garden admission.
For browsing and seasonal bites: Head to London’s Christmas markets and leave time to explore.
For an indoor evening: Book a West End show and make dinner part of the plan.
For a relaxed catch-up: Settle in for afternoon tea. Choose a specifically festive package if you want a Christmas menu.
For culture without the cold: Spend an afternoon exploring a museum or gallery.
For a change of scenery: Take a Thames cruise, or set aside a full day for Windsor or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour outside London.
1. Marvel at London’s Christmas Lights
London’s Christmas lights are legendary, and this year is no exception. Make sure to visit:
Oxford Street: Take in Oxford Street’s overhead Christmas lights while browsing its famous shops - and enjoy it's newly launched pedestrian zone for a more pleasant shopping atmosphere.
Regent Street: The iconic angels will soar overhead, creating a magical canopy perfect for a winter stroll.
Covent Garden: Indulge in the gorgeous sight of the giant Christmas tree, oversize baubles and mistletoe installations, all set amidst street performers and festive vibes.
Carnaby Street: Bring some colour to your evening with Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights, adding another festive stop to your West End wander.
Best for: Getting into the festive spirit without packing your evening with bookings.
Make an evening of it: Start around Oxford Circus to see Oxford Street’s lights, then follow Regent Street south before turning towards Carnaby Street. It’s a manageable route for a festive wander, with plenty of opportunities to stop for food or something warm. Leave some breathing room in your plans so you can enjoy the displays without rushing to your next event.
2. Visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is an unmissable festive extravaganza. This massive fairground offers:
Ice Skating: Glide across the largest open-air rink in the UK.
Christmas Markets: Shop for unique gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats.
Thrill Rides: Enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or family-friendly carousels.
Bar Ice: Sip cocktails in a bar made entirely of ice while wrapped in cosy thermal coats.
Best for: Families and friends who want rides, festive food and plenty happening around them.
3. Explore the Christmas Markets
London’s Christmas markets offer a perfect blend of shopping, food, and festive fun:
Southbank Centre Winter Market: Set against the Thames backdrop, this market boasts mulled wine, gourmet food, and handmade gifts.
Greenwich Christmas Market: A charming market offering unique crafts, jewellery and vintage treasures.
Leicester Square Christmas Market: Nestled in the heart of the city, it features traditional chalets and Santa’s Grotto for children.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market: This market is set beneath the iconic Christmas tree, a gift from Norway.
4. Go Ice Skating
There’s nothing quite like ice skating in London’s picturesque venues during December. Some of the best spots include:
Somerset House: Glide beneath a magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink: A magical rink surrounded by skyscrapers and twinkling lights.
Hampton Court Palace: Skate against the spectacular backdrop of Hampton Court Palace.
5. Experience Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens’ Christmas at Kew is a magical light trail that will take your breath away. Wander through glowing tunnels, laser gardens, and illuminated sculptures, while enjoying festive food and hot chocolate. It’s a perfect evening activity for families, couples, and photographers.
Best for: Couples and families who’d make an illuminated trail the highlight of their evening.
Good to know: Christmas at Kew requires a separate evening ticket; standard daytime garden admission does not include the trail
6. Attend a London Show
World famous London theatres and stages offer a fantastic selection of Christmas-themed shows and performances:
The Nutcracker: The Royal Ballet’s stunning production is a festive tradition.
A Christmas Carol: Experience Charles Dickens’ classic tale at The Old Vic.
Mamma Mia! The Party: It's not a traditional 'West End' show, but this immersive experience has been a smash hit ever since it launched.
Best for: Giving your December outing a big finish, whatever the weather.
7. Warm Up at London’s Cosy Pubs
Nothing beats the charm of a traditional English pub in December. Warm up by a crackling fire, sip on mulled cider, and enjoy hearty British dishes at some of the city’s most atmospheric spots:
The Churchill Arms: Famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations.
The Spaniards Inn: A historic pub near Hampstead Heath with a cosy vibe.
The Holly Bush: Tucked away in Hampstead, it offers roaring fires and festive ales.
8. Take a Festive River Cruise
See London’s landmarks from the water while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Many river cruises offer:
Christmas Carol Cruises: Join in a singalong as you cruise past iconic sights.
Dinner Cruises: Enjoy a gourmet meal with the city’s skyline as your backdrop.
Festive Afternoon Tea Cruises: Indulge in holiday-themed treats while floating along the Thames.
9. Shop Till You Drop
December is prime time for shopping in London. Head to:
Harrods: Browse Christmas displays and gifts, from tempting food treats to something extra special for someone on your list.
Fortnum & Mason: Known for its gourmet hampers and holiday treats.
Selfridges: This department store goes all out with stunning Christmas displays.
Westfield London: Perfect for all your shopping needs under one roof.
10. Discover London’s Museums and Galleries
Escape the chill and explore world-class exhibits. Many museums host special events in December:
The British Museum: Explore collections spanning cultures and centuries.
The V&A Museum: Offers fascinating design exhibitions and collections.
The National Gallery: Explore centuries of art and seek out winter scenes among the paintings.
London Museum, Smithfield: Discover the capital’s stories at its new Smithfield home, opening on 28 November 2026.
Best for: Curious minds and an indoor afternoon that offers a change from Christmas shopping.
11. Experience Christmas at the Tower of London
Discover the Victorian traditions that helped shape Christmas, from sending cards to giving gifts, at the Tower of London. Pair the seasonal displays with a chance to explore the fortress’s fascinating history for a December outing with a different feel.
12. Take a Day Trip Beyond London
If you have a full day to spare, heading beyond the capital gives your December visit a different pace. These two options are worth planning as outings in their own right:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, near Watford: Step behind the scenes to explore the sets, costumes and props from the films. Check the seasonal programme and ticket availability if you’re hoping to catch the studios dressed for Christmas.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire: Make the castle the centrepiece of a day in Windsor, leaving time to explore the town afterwards. Check December opening arrangements and the Christmas programme before choosing your date.
Prefer to stay in London? Richmond Park offers a change of scenery without leaving the capital. Wrap up for a winter walk, enjoy the open landscape and give any deer plenty of space.
13. Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Round off December with a bang by attending London’s famous New Year’s Eve celebrations:
London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Plan ahead for the official ticketed celebration and check booking details before making arrangements.
Dinner and Drinks: Book a favourite restaurant or find somewhere new to raise a glass with friends.
Boat Parties: Welcome the new year on the Thames, checking whether your chosen sailing includes views of the official fireworks.
14. Enjoy Seasonal Afternoon Tea
London’s afternoon tea offerings get a festive makeover in December. Indulge in holiday-themed delights at:
The Ritz: Known for its luxurious Christmas afternoon tea.
Claridge’s: Expect festive pastries and a warm, elegant atmosphere.
PG Tips Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour: Tuck into festive afternoon tea with prosecco or mulled wine as you take in London’s Christmas lights from the upper deck.
Best for: A relaxed catch-up with someone you’d rather spend time with than just buy a present for.
15. Explore London’s Parks and Gardens
Bundle up and enjoy crisp winter air in some of London’s stunning parks:
Hyde Park: Besides Winter Wonderland, the Serpentine offers beautiful winter walks.
St. James’s Park: Look out for the pelicans and enjoy serene views of Buckingham Palace.
Greenwich Park: A fantastic spot for frosty hilltop views over London.
16. Take a Dickensian Christmas Walk
Join a guided walking tour and learn about the Victorian traditions that shaped modern Christmas. Highlights can include:
Visiting Charles Dickens’ old haunts.
Exploring the atmospheric alleys of Clerkenwell and Covent Garden.
Learning about the inspiration behind A Christmas Carol.
17. Go Ice Skating at Alexandra Palace
Lace up your skates at Alexandra Palace’s indoor ice rink for an outing that brings winter fun under cover. We’d choose this for friends or families who fancy getting moving rather than spending another afternoon browsing the shops.
18. Capture Instagram-Worthy Moments
December in London is perfect for snapping festive photos. Don’t miss:
Peggy Porschen: A café with stunning festive decorations.
Covent Garden: The Christmas tree and bauble-adorned arcades are magical.
Our Verdict: Make a Day of December
We’d build a festive London day around Christmas lights, something good to eat and one experience worth clearing the diary for. Choose a West End show for an evening together, or afternoon tea for a catch-up with friends. Leave time to wander, too — December plans deserve room for an unexpected stop. For more information on seasonal deals and exclusive offers, sign up to our newsletter.
FAQs
Your questions, answered
For a festive first visit, we’d start with Christmas lights and markets, then add a West End show or afternoon tea. Ice skating and a Christmas light trail are good choices when you want the outing itself to feel like an occasion.
Build your day around a Christmas lights walk, window displays and a park stroll, then choose where you’d most like to spend. Picking one paid experience gives the day a highlight while leaving room for exploring.
Build your day around a Christmas lights walk, window displays and a park stroll, then choose where you’d most like to spend. Picking one paid experience gives the day a highlight while leaving room for exploring.
Christmas lights, age-appropriate theatre shows and ice skating can all make an exciting family outing. Keep the plan manageable by choosing one main activity, with time for food and a warm indoor break.
Pair a Christmas lights walk with afternoon tea, dinner or a theatre trip. We’d choose activities close together so you can spend more of the evening enjoying yourselves and less time travelling across London.
Yes. Christmas at Kew is a separately ticketed evening event, rather than part of general daytime admission. Book the Christmas trail specifically and check your date, entry time and entrance before travelling.
Suhani Lotlikar
Content Writer
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