London is one of the best destinations in Europe to spend Christmas. The city’s streets are filled with Christmas decorations and incredible lights. There are several Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, making it one of the best times to visit the city. In this complete guide, you’ll find all the things to do in London this Christmas season.
Things to do in London in Christmas
1. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the areas with the most Christmas decorations. Inside the Apple Market, you can see the decorations in its central hall. Each year, the decorations are different, and it’s definitely a must-see during Christmas in London.
2. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a place you can’t miss when visiting London, especially if you’re traveling during Christmas. It’s a pedestrian street filled with shops, and its decorations change with each season, always offering something interesting. Be sure to visit Carnaby Street at night when all the lights are turned on.
3. Regent Street
Regent Street is the most famous street in London during Christmas, with its angels spreading their wings across its entire width. It truly is one of the best-lit streets I’ve ever seen! This and Oxford street is what makes London one of the best Europe destinations for Christmas.
The Regent Street Christmas lights will be turned on on November 8, 2024.
4. Oxford Street
Another one of the most famous streets in London during Christmas is Oxford Street. The lighting of the Christmas lights on this street is scheduled for around November 1, 2024.
5. London Christmas Lights Tour
A great way to see London’s Christmas decorations is by taking this Christmas bus tour through the city, which passes by the most popular spots of the season, such as Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Big Ben, etc. The tour also includes a live tour guide in english. For more information about the Christmas bus tour in London, you can check the details here.
6. Winter Wonderland
The most popular activity to do in London during Christmas is visiting Winter Wonderland, a huge Christmas fair held in Hyde Park. Inside, you’ll find many attractions such as a Ferris wheel, Christmas market, food stalls, games, circus, ice skating rink, and more activities.
The entrance fee is £5 or £7.50 depending on the day you visit, and it’s necessary to book your tickets in advance on the Winter Wonderland website. Tickets for attractions are sold separately.
7. Koyn
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This restaurant located in the Mayfair neighborhood decorates its façade every year for Christmas, so if you’re in the area, you can stop by and take a festive holiday photo.
8. Somerset House Ice Skating Rink
Is there anything more Christmassy than ice skating? Every Christmas, an ice skating rink is set up at Somerset House, one of the great historic buildings in England. The rink is open from mid-November to mid-January.
You can check the prices on the Somerset House website.
9. Bond Street
Another street with abundant Christmas decorations is Bond Street. This is a shopping street filled with luxury brand stores, many of which decorate their façades for Christmas, such as the Cartier store.
10. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is one of the oldest markets in the city and a must-see for exploring London’s architecture. At Christmas they put a very large and beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the market that is worth visiting if you pass through the area.
11. Winter by the River
One of the most famous Christmas markets in London is “Winter by the River”, located on the banks of the River Thames and with Tower Bridge in the background. The market is set up with typical traditional wooden stalls and where you can find crafts, decorations and food.
12. Leicester Square Christmas Market
Another Christmas market that you can visit is Leicester Square. It’s small but you’ll find plenty of stalls with souvenirs and food.
Leicester Square Market opens from 8 November to 7 January.
13. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Very close to Licester Square is Trafalgar Square, where a Christmas market is also set up every year. A Christmas tree, which the city of Oslo (Norway) has given to London since 1947, is also installed in this historic square. A tree lighting ceremony takes place in the first days of December.
Trafalgar Square Market opens from November 11 to January 2.
14. Annabel’s
This restaurant located in the Mayfair neighborhood decorates its façade every year with different Christmas motifs and they don’t skimp on anything. It reminded me a lot of Christmas decorations in New York.
15. Southbank Centre Winter Market
One of the most visited Christmas markets in London is the Southbank, located on the south bank of the River Thames, between the London Eye and Southbank Centre. Here you will find a lot of Christmas stalls with decorations, souvenirs and food.
16. St Pancras Station
Every year St Pancras International Station puts up a Christmas tree that you cannot miss. In 2023 the tree was made in collaboration with London’s oldest bookstore and it really was beautiful.
17. Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in London. It is an essential visit at any time of the year and at Christmas, the market is decorated for the season. It is essentially a food market so keep in mind that it gets crowded during peak hours.
18. Fortnum & Mason
One of the most famous stores in London that decorate their facade for Christmas is Fortnum & Mason. You can also enter to see the Christmas shopping section which is beautiful although not cheap.
19. Selfridges
Another London store that decorates its façade with Christmas motifs is Selfridges located on Oxford Street. Don’t forget to look at its original windows.
20. Harrods
Probably the most famous store in London is Harrods, a luxury department store located in the Knightsbridge neighborhood. Its façade is decorated with thousands of lights for the Christmas season.
21. Camden Market
The famous Camden Market also dresses up for Christmas with decorations and an ice skating rink.
22. Harry Potter Studios
A magical visit to do at Christmas in London is to go to the studios where the Harry Potter films were recorded since during this time the decoration is special.
Tickets to visit the studios sell out quickly so I recommend that you book them as soon as possible. You can book this tour to the Harry Potter studios in London that includes entry and transportation from London.
Also, if you are a fan of the saga, you cannot miss visiting the Harry Potter filming locations in London.
Where to stay in London in Christmas
London is a popular destination to spend Christmas in Europe so I recommend that you book your accommodation in advance. I leave you some recommended hotels:
- Generator Hostel London: Located in Bloomsbury neighborhood, near the British Museum, the Generator is a super cool hostel which is ideal for your first trip to London. The hostel has several common areas: a bar, a restaurant, and a games room. Click here to see Generator Hostel prices.
- Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road: a hotel located only a few meters from the Carnaby Street pedestrian street in the heart of Soho. Modern rooms and a very affordable price for this unbeatable location. Click here to see prices for Z Hotel.
- Z Hotel Trafalgar: a hotel with small rooms but with a very good location, in the heart of Covent Garden and near Trafalgar Square. Click here to see prices for Z Hotel Trafalgar.
For a more detailed guide read: Where to stay in London: best areas and hotels
Other London posts that you might like:
- Complete 4 day London itinerary
- Tips for visiting London for the first time
- Where to stay in London: best areas and hotels
- Best Budget places to stay in London
- London Pass vs London Explorer Pass
- Visiting the Tower of London: is it worth it?
- Stonehenge day trip from London
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