Holiday scene

London Christmas Guide 2024

London's Best Christmas Events for 2024!

Last updated February 18, 2025.

From the twinkling Oxford Street lights to the mulled wine-scented air at Covent Garden, London transforms into a proper festive playground come December. The capital's centuries-old landmarks don their seasonal finest, while Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland beckons with its fairground charm.

Whether you're ice skating at Somerset House, catching The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House, or wandering through the Southbank Centre's Winter Market, the Thames-side celebrations offer distinctly London Christmas moments. Even Sherlock Holmes gets into the spirit with a yuletide mystery.

Discover our capital's festive treasures below!

When is Christmas? Thursday, December 25th, 2025

London Holiday Light Displays

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew is an annual event at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, transforming the gardens into a festive light trail. The event features a variety of light installations, including towering pea lit trees, an LED light tunnel, and musical light performances. Visitors can also enjoy immersive installations like Ombre by TILT and Threshold by Studio Vertigo. The trail includes iconic spots like the Christmas Cathedral and the Palm House light show, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the grounds. Food stalls and mulled wine are available to enhance the festive experience.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: Late November to early January
  • ⏰ Time: 4:20 PM - 10:00 PM daily
  • 🏛️ Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens
  • 📍 Address: Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB

Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour

The Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour offers a guided open-top bus tour through London's spectacular Christmas light displays. The tour takes you past iconic landmarks such as Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye, showcasing the city's grand architecture and vibrant atmosphere. You will see dazzling displays of Christmassy shop window decorations, sparkling fairy lights, and famous landmarks lit up for the festive season.

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London Holiday Markets and Shopping

Southbank Centre Winter Market

The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a holiday market and shopping event featuring charming wooden chalets along the riverside. It offers a wide array of unique gifts, delicious street food, and local artisans showcasing their best products. The market is set against the stunning backdrop of the Thames, providing breathtaking riverside views. Visitors can indulge in mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and festive pastries while browsing through the stalls. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, with buskers and performers adding to the festive spirit.

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Christmas at Covent Garden

Covent Garden in London transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with a 60-foot hand-picked Christmas tree, giant baubles, bells, and disco balls adorning the Market Building. The West Piazza features a daily 'snow' shower, while stalls offer mulled wine and churros. Pop-up chalets provide an après ski experience, and a choir adds to the festive atmosphere. Inside the Market Building, vendors sell artwork, crafts, jewelry, and gifts under the Apple Market. The area is filled with unique handmade goods and artisan stalls, including those offering handmade jewelry, prints, watercolours, and beautiful crafts.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: November 29 - December 22
  • ⏰ Time: Various times
  • 🏛️ Venue: Covent Garden
  • 📍 Address: Covent Garden, London

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Leicester Square Christmas Market is a holiday market and shopping event in the heart of London's West End. The market features a range of beautiful outdoor bars, delicious food vendors, and traditional market stalls. It is home to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent, where visitors can catch the multi-award-winning show La Clique. The event transforms the bustling area into a vibrant destination filled with festive treats and entertainment.

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Christmas at Greenwich Market

Christmas at Greenwich Market is a vibrant holiday event featuring a spectacular Lantern Parade, festive shopping, and delightful entertainment. The event includes handmade lanterns paraded by local children, Victorian carol singing, and the switching on of iconic Christmas lights. Visitors can indulge in culinary delights from around the world, shop for eco-friendly gifts, and enjoy street food and mulled wine. The market offers a unique selection of sustainable products, including candles, handmade jewelry, and leather accessories.

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London Holiday Shows and Entertainment

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a classic ballet that tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The ballet follows Clara as she embarks on a fantastical journey, defending her home against the Rat King and discovering the Land of Sweets and Delights. Choreographed by English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, this production combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. The English National Ballet Philharmonic performs Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December 15 - January 12
  • ⏰ Time: 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
  • 🏛️ Venue: London Coliseum
  • 📍 Address: St Martin's Lane

A Sherlock Carol

A Sherlock Carol is a Christmas-themed play that combines the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes with Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge's mysterious death, which prompts Tiny Tim to ask Sherlock Holmes to investigate. As the night is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future, Holmes must use his powers of deduction to solve the case. This production blends the worlds of Dickens and Doyle, creating an unforgettable holiday show.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: November 29 - January 5
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Marylebone Theatre
  • 📍 Address: View on map

Christmas carol service

Christmas carol services in London offer a variety of festive events featuring live choirs and orchestras performing traditional carols. These services often include family-friendly activities, such as mince pies and warm Christmas punch. Some services are specifically designed for families with younger children, while others cater to different audiences like finance workers or charity fundraisers. The events take place in iconic venues like St Paul's Cathedral, Royal Albert Hall, and All Souls Langham Place, providing a unique setting for the holiday season.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December
  • ⏰ Time: Approximately 60 minutes long
  • 🏛️ Venue: All Souls Langham Place
  • 📍 Address: Langham Place, London W1B 3DA

London Other Holiday Activities

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park is a festive event featuring a variety of activities and attractions. It includes an ice rink, the UK's largest temporary outdoor rink, set around a Victorian bandstand under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights. The event also boasts a Giant Observation Wheel, numerous live shows including a circus and ice show, and various festive markets selling food, drink, and gifts. Visitors can enjoy rides such as the Munich Looping roller coaster and the Hangover freefall tower ride. Additionally, there is the Magical Ice Kingdom, an indoor walk-through exhibition of ice sculptures, and the Bavarian Village, a German-themed food and drink area with live music.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: November to January
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Hyde Park
  • 📍 Address: Hyde Park, London

Hogwarts in the Snow

Hogwarts in the Snow is a festive event at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where the iconic sets from the Harry Potter films are transformed into a winter wonderland. The Great Hall is adorned with Christmas decorations, including towering Christmas trees and authentic flying witches. The Gryffindor common room and Forbidden Forest are also dressed for Christmas, with detailed decorations and special effects. Visitors can explore how different types of artificial snow, ice, and fires were created for the films. The Hogwarts castle model is covered in snow, and Diagon Alley features snowy shop fronts and cobbled stones. This event offers a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes magic of the Harry Potter films during the festive season.

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Windsor Castle Christmas

Windsor Castle Christmas features magnificent Christmas displays in the State Apartments, including a 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George's Hall and a 15-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in the Crimson Drawing Room. The Castle's grounds are adorned with festive wreaths and foliage, while the Grand Staircase greets visitors with garlands. Miniature Christmas decorations have been added to Queen Mary's Dolls' House, made by Royal Warrant Holders Shane Connolly & Co. Families can participate in festive craft activities and workshops in the Castle's Learning Centre.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: November to January
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Windsor Castle
  • 📍 Address: Windsor, Berkshire

London Eye champagne experience

The London Eye Champagne Experience offers a luxurious and intimate ride on the iconic Ferris wheel, providing breathtaking 360° views of London's skyline. This premium experience includes priority fast-track boarding, a private capsule, and a glass of Pommery Brut Royal champagne served by your host. The experience also includes a complimentary mini-guidebook and interactive tablet to enhance your understanding of the sights you see. Available during the day or in the evening, each offering a unique perspective of London.

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Ice skating at Somerset House

Ice skating at Somerset House in London is a unique holiday activity where visitors can glide on the ice in the beautiful 18th-century courtyard of this historic building. The rink is surrounded by contemporary music and offers a variety of food and drink options from pop-up restaurants and bars. The event celebrates the festive period with a stunning 40-foot Christmas tree and dazzling decorations, providing perfect picture moments. Skating sessions are 45 minutes long, followed by a 15-minute break. The rink also hosts skating lessons and trailblazing DJs in the evenings.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: November - January
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Somerset House
  • 📍 Address: Aldwych

Ice skating at the Natural History Museum

Ice skating at the Natural History Museum in London offers a unique and memorable experience. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Waterhouse building, skaters can enjoy the thrill of gliding across the ice. The rink is a perfect day out for all ages and abilities, with a stunning 30ft Christmas tree as a centrepiece. Skating lessons are available, and the Penguin Skate Club offers children’s lessons on Saturday mornings. The Café Bar returns each year, offering a variety of hot food and drinks. This event is a beloved winter tradition in London, providing a serene and picturesque setting for ice skating.

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Christmas at the Tower of London

Christmas at the Tower of London features a royal celebration with specially created displays showcasing how kings and queens of the past celebrated the festive period. Explore historical wonders, including King Edward I's lavish medieval Christmas feast and festive entertainment at the Tudor court. Enjoy a historic frost fair display and discover royal Christmas celebrations in the past. Meet the Tower postman as he attempts to deliver a last-minute gift and join in a giant game of pass-the-parcel. Enjoy festive music played by the Southwark Waits musicians, including a performance of *A Visit From St. Nicholas*. The historic fortress is adorned with festive lights, featuring carolers, seasonal treats, and a special festive ambiance.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December 27 - January 5
  • ⏰ Time: 9am-4:30pm (10am on Mondays and Sundays)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Tower of London
  • 📍 Address: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB

Christmas Day lunch cruise

A Christmas Day lunch cruise in London offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season. Board a beautifully decorated boat at Westminster Pier and enjoy a 3-hour 15-minute journey along the River Thames. The cruise features stunning views of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London. Passengers are treated to a four-course festive lunch, including a welcome glass of sparkling wine, followed by tea and coffee. The atmosphere is enhanced by festive music and carols, creating a memorable experience.

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Kensington Palace Christmas takeover

Kensington Palace brings to life the festive traditions of Princess Victoria's childhood with intricately designed installations inspired by the early Christmases at the palace. Visitors can explore how Christmas customs have evolved over time, discovering the roots of cherished traditions. The event features bespoke illustrations, period-style gifts, and a pop-up theatre set capturing the magic of Victoria's winter trips to London opera houses. A festive-themed afternoon tea inspired by Princess Victoria's Christmas traditions is also served in The Orangery.

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Christmas tour in London

Christmas tours in London offer a variety of festive experiences, including open-top bus tours that showcase the city's iconic landmarks illuminated with twinkling lights. These tours provide a historical perspective on the city's famous sites, such as Parliament Square, Piccadilly Circus, and the Tower of London. Additionally, there are guided walking tours to historic destinations like Windsor and Oxford, and scenic river cruises on Christmas Day. These tours cater to different interests and ages, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

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