Top Activities to Enjoy in London During Christmas

London transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, filled with seasonal cheer. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or an entire week, there's an abundance of Christmas activities to explore in the city.

London fully embraces the Christmas spirit and celebrates the New Year with enthusiasm. With a focus on cozy indoor experiences, it’s a fantastic time for food lovers to visit.

Concerned about the rain? Grab an umbrella and don’t let it deter you from exploring. Numerous events showcasing the magic of Christmas are definitely worth attending.

Top Activities to Enjoy in London During Christmas

Numerous seasonal markets and all of London’s iconic landmarks are open, along with some delightful surprises. Here are some of my favorite winter activities to enjoy this season.

The Best Alternative Christmas Markets in London

From north to south and east to west, Christmas markets can be found throughout the city. While the main events are in the city center, be sure not to miss the smaller, more unique local markets for an authentic experience.

Many parks in the city are also transformed to provide enchanting outdoor experiences. The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland stands out for its size, attractions, and festive atmosphere. Though it can be pricey and a bit extravagant, it's a hit with children. You can also explore Leicester Square Market, and Kingston Christmas Market adds a touch of European flair to traditional British celebrations.

Aside from these, here are my top three recommendations for something a little different:

1. Canopy Christmas Market

The Canopy Christmas Market takes place from late November through the end of December. It features attractions such as a Vegan Festival, a canopy gifting initiative, and numerous festive workshops. At the market, you can purchase handmade crafts and indulge in a variety of delicious street food. Additionally, there are craft beer, natural wine, and artisanal gin bars to enjoy.

2. Christmas at Kew 

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Christmas at Kew Gardens is a personal favorite of mine. Running from November 15 to January 7, there’s ample time to experience it. Kew Gardens is a beautiful retreat year-round, but during Christmas, it transforms into a magical wonderland filled with illuminations, sculptures, twinkling trees, and stunning decorations. The light trail is the main attraction and is best enjoyed after sipping on a mulled wine or two.

3. Greenwich Christmas Market

The November 15th lighting ceremony at Greenwich Market transforms this year-round venue into a festive wonderland. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts over 150 stalls positioned near the Greenwich Meridian Line, brimming with holiday spirit. Here, you can find Christmas gifts and London-themed treasures while soaking in the charm of this historic area.

Christmas shopping and festive gathering spots in London

London is renowned for its gathering spots, from Carnaby Street to Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus to King’s Cross. During the Christmas season, these locations are adorned with dazzling lights and decorations, making them particularly stunning at night. Expect grand festive displays along with live music, street performers, and intriguing installations.

Where there are lights and street displays, crowds are sure to follow. During the Christmas season in London, prepare for busy streets and plenty of congestion.

Borough Market

Visiting Borough Market is among my favorite activities in London during Christmas, particularly when the weather turns chilly. Beneath the market’s canopy, you’ll discover stalls offering everything from holiday gifts to fresh seasonal produce.

You'll find an array of food stalls where you can indulge in tasty treats, hot coffee, and mulled wine. For seafood lovers, Richard Haward’s Oysters is a must-visit for some of the finest oysters in London.

Tip: Don't forget to bring cash, as many vendors may not accept cards.

Spitalfields and Shoreditch

Spitalfields and Shoreditch are vibrant, trendy neighborhoods filled with pop-up shops, eclectic eateries, independent boutiques, and artistic installations. They present a contemporary twist on traditional Christmas celebrations and are also known for serving some of the best Bengali cuisine in London.

Linking Spitalfields Market to Brick Lane is a maze of charming side streets and squares. Feel free to explore and don't hesitate to venture into the local shops, street markets, and pubs. You can discover unique vinyl gifts and enjoy a live performance at the iconic Rough Trade East located in the Old Truman Brewery.

For a mix of chilling history and great beer, be sure to visit The Ten Bells pub, famously linked to Jack the Ripper.

The top winter events in London

The most enjoyable activities in London during Christmas are often seasonal and are not available year-round.

Experience the largest ice rink in the UK

London’s winter climate rarely brings ice, and it’s been ages since the Thames froze over. Fortunately, there are plenty of ice-skating rinks to enjoy.

My top pick is Skate at Somerset House for its enchanting atmosphere and unlimited champagne. This year, Ice Kensington Palace opens, boasting the UK’s largest ice rink. Designed to be both sustainable and stunning, it features a rink the size of a football field set in a quintessentially British backdrop.

Look forward to delicious food, shopping, and numerous live events to keep you entertained.

Enjoy classic holiday films at a winter film festival

Winter is the season for films in London, with the two most popular seasonal film festivals taking place at Luna Winter Cinema and Skylight Christmas Cocktail Cinema.

The former takes place at Kensington Palace and the Battersea Arts Centre, while the latter is hosted at Tobacco Quay. Each venue boasts a daily lineup of both epic and cheesy films, including plenty for children. Tickets are available starting at around £10.

Enjoy free activities in London during Christmas

London is renowned globally for its exceptional museums, galleries, and stunning architecture. The festive season is the perfect opportunity to explore these while other tourists are occupied with seasonal festivities. Many are free to enter and provide a peaceful escape from crowds and dreary weather.

Top-notch museums

The Natural History Museum is arguably the finest of its kind. It’s a captivating place to discover the history of our planet, featuring incredible exhibits, including a magnificent blue whale skeleton suspended over Hintze Hall.

Adjacent to it, the Science Museum is equally captivating, featuring numerous interactive displays that will keep both kids and adults entertained for hours.

To delve into Britain’s history and culture, don’t miss the British Museum. It’s a must-see for its stunning glass roof and the iconic Reading Room.

All these museums are free to enter, and if you have the time, you could easily spend an entire day at each one.

Art galleries to explore this winter

The historic National Gallery in Trafalgar Square houses thousands of artworks from the 13th to the 19th centuries, featuring pieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and the stunning The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, which happens to be my mum’s favorite.

A new chapter begins for the National Portrait Gallery, which reopened in 2023 after a stunning renovation. This artistic marvel boasts one of the world's finest collections, featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, and photographs spanning from historical to contemporary times.

The impressive Tate Modern dominates the South Bank of the Thames. This gallery showcases installations and exhibitions from some of the most renowned figures in modern and contemporary art, with an extensive free collection.

Unconventional activities to enjoy in London at Christmas

If you’re seeking something a bit different to do this Christmas, London has you covered.

Experience snowboarding and skiing

While not technically in London, it’s certainly close. Just north of the city in Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre offers a real-snow indoor slope for skiers and snowboarders. It may not rival an Alpine adventure, but it’s the best you’ll find in England. During the festive season, they even host lively snow parties.

Experience a cherished London tradition

The annual Christmas Eve Auction at Smithfield Meat Market is a beloved event. As bidders win, turkeys are playfully tossed to them, so stay alert! The atmosphere is filled with carol singing and festive cheer. After being canceled in recent years due to COVID-19, 2023 promises to be a memorable return to this tradition.

Get involved in a pantomime

London’s theatres go all out with pantomimes during the Christmas season. These shows are lively and unpredictable, providing a humorous twist on traditional theatre. You can choose from family-friendly performances or opt for more adult-oriented shows for a cheeky night out.

Featuring well-known actors, the major productions in 2023 include Peter Pan at The Palladium and A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. Tickets sell quickly, so be sure to check the schedules and secure your seats in advance.

Pro tip: There are countless smaller theatres throughout the city showcasing a variety of pantomimes that are usually more affordable and often provide a more engaging experience.