Top 10 activities to experience in London this winter

With twinkling lights and flowing mulled wine, London’s festive season is in full swing.

Whether you're aiming to embrace the Christmas spirit or just enjoy a cozy winter outing in the city, here are 10 must-do activities this season in London.

Put on your skates at a picturesque ice rink

During the colder months, many of the city's stunning landmarks host magnificent ice-skating rinks. At the grand Somerset House, the courtyard transforms with a Swiss flair, featuring a pop-up Alpine restaurant serving cheese fondue and waffles. Don't miss the “Skate Late” sessions where renowned DJs provide the soundtrack as you skate under the stars. Be sure to pre-book your spot as slots fill up quickly.

For a more luxurious experience, visit Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII. It's just a 35-minute train ride from Waterloo and showcases breathtaking Tudor architecture along with exciting skating opportunities. After skating, explore the palace to uncover the intrigues of the Tudor court.

Be enchanted by dazzling lights

A classic favorite, elegant Regent St sparkles with iconic “spirits” hovering over one of London’s busiest shopping streets, while nearby Carnaby St, famous for its vibrant Christmas lights, has embraced a cosmic neon theme this year.

Savile Row, renowned for its top-notch tailors, now boasts a stunning design featuring golden shears cutting through a sparkling “fabric,” while the picturesque Marylebone Village showcases festive lights crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

For an extra festive adventure, join the Lights and Sights tour offered by the London Transport Museum. This 60-minute excursion on a vintage bus includes a guide dressed in a classic conductor’s outfit.

View the very first Christmas card ever sent

The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell offers a delightful family outing as the holidays approach. Guests can explore seasonal exhibits featuring letters to Santa from different eras, including the very first Christmas card sent in 1843. Experience a journey through time on the Mail Rail, an underground train over 100 years old that transported mail through tunnels from Paddington to Whitechapel, and enjoy a festive tunnel walk guided by one of the museum's knowledgeable staff.

Experience a festive Georgian residence

Nestled on a cobbled side street in Spitalfields, Dennis Severs’ House is a hidden gem of the city. Its creator, a Californian artist, referred to it as a “living painting,” having purchased the property in 1979 and dedicated 20 years to crafting a “historical imagination” of an imagined Victorian family’s life.

Each winter, it is beautifully decorated with vintage Christmas ornaments and paper chains, glowing softly by candlelight. Guests can step back in time and enjoy the ambiance of centuries gone by on a silent tour.

Indulge in afternoon delight

Afternoon tea is an essential experience during any visit to London, and the festive menus are particularly enticing. A standout option from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest operational theater in London, features a warm turkey and cranberry pie accompanied by caramelized onion chutney, followed by an English crumpet topped with Earl Grey-infused cream cheese and smoked salmon. Desserts crafted by renowned baker Lily Vanilli include a festive spiced chocolate pudding, all served in the opulent setting of the Grand Saloon.

Budget-conscious visitors can enjoy a luxurious hot chocolate from the upscale chocolate café Knoops. With several locations across the city, you can select your desired percentage of white, milk, or dark chocolate and enhance it with festive spices or a fluffy gingerbread marshmallow for ultimate indulgence.

Enjoy the melodic voices of carol singers

Christmas concerts in the city offer a delightful musical experience alongside impressive architecture. St Paul’s Cathedral stands out as a premier location, hosting carol services on both weekdays and weekends throughout December. Many events are free and unticketed, providing a fantastic opportunity to admire Christopher Wren’s architectural marvel.

A lesser-known yet equally remarkable venue is Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden, a hidden art deco gem. Experience carols by candlelight performed by the Belmont Ensemble and Trafalgar Sinfonia in the opulent atmosphere of the Grand Temple.

Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of ballet

Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker has become a beloved holiday tradition, and the English National Ballet’s enduring production is a favorite, performed amidst the grandeur of the London Coliseum.

For a contemporary twist on dance storytelling, an adaptation of Edward Scissorhands is coming to Sadler’s Wells. Dance visionary Matthew Bourne and his troupe have transformed the iconic score and costumes from Tim Burton’s cult classic into a captivating stage production, mesmerizing audiences with stunning set designs and inventive visual effects.

Explore the stalls at a festive market

While many pop-up Christmas markets can feel repetitive, London boasts some exceptional ones. The Southbank Centre’s winter market transforms the Queen’s Walk with charming wooden chalets and dazzling lights. Stroll along the Thames, browse the offerings, or relax with a hot toddy in one of the riverside igloos while people-watching.

Borough Market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts year-round. In December, guests can partake in the annual “Evening of Cheese,” purchase gift baskets, or stroll through the stalls with a cozy spiced apple drink in hand.

Don’t miss a blockbuster exhibition

The National Portrait Gallery has refreshed its major David Hockney exhibition, Drawing from Life, which was only open for 20 days in 2020 before Covid interrupted. In addition to self-portraits and pieces of his friends and family, Britain’s foremost living artist has introduced new works, including a strikingly colorful portrait of Harry Styles.

For fans of European masterpieces, the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a must-visit, showcasing over 100 artifacts from Henry VIII’s court that highlight the work of Hans Holbein the Younger. Featured are portraits of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, along with Henry VIII’s famous adjustable armor, crafted to fit his growing waistline.

Experience a West End show

One of the most eagerly awaited theatrical productions this year is Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a new prequel to Netflix’s acclaimed sci-fi series. Taking place at the Phoenix Theatre, it follows the teenage lives of Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Henry Creel in 1950s Hawkins, featuring stunning special effects and a synth-heavy soundtrack.

Families with young children will be thrilled by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of the Studio Ghibli classic My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican, featuring stunning puppetry by Jim Henson’s studio. Additionally, the Globe Theatre is presenting a grand rendition of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, promising enchanting music and magic for audiences aged five and older.