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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
João Miguel Gonçalves de Carvalho

João

Jan 2026
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It was very easy to book the tour. All went very well with the transfer from London and the Harry Potter Studio was amazing. It was a very nice day
laura vancon
FR

Laura

France
Jan 2026
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Very well organized! The tour was just incredible, with beautiful special effects, simply magnificent 🥰 We took the bus there and back. We finished before the agreed time but were able to take another bus back👌
Robin J Shoor
US

Robin

United States
Jan 2026
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As a US grandparent, I gave this experience to my grandsons for their birthdays. It was a fun way to spend time together and make memories!
Jimy Sebastián González Scasso
UY

Jimy

Uruguay
Jan 2026
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+2 more

Excellent. We arrived 15 minutes early as indicated on the ticket, and although there was a long line, it moved quickly. The cabins were very clean and well maintained. People were well distributed so that we weren't crowded inside, which meant we had plenty of space to enjoy the view from either side and sit down.
Azhar Dakane
US

Azhar

United States
Jan 2026
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+1 more

I enjoyed this experience a lot. The shards has a very beautiful view from the top, allowing us to see the beautiful city of London. The staff was welcoming and helpful. Overall, I think it was very worth it.
Reichert Thomas

Reichert

Jan 2026
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+2 more

On January 2, at precisely 5 p.m., London decided to offer us a moment suspended in time. Samuel and I entered The Shard as if entering another dimension: one where time slows down and the city becomes a living model. As the elevator propelled us skyward, silence descended, almost solemn. Then the doors opened... and suddenly, no words seemed adequate. London stretched out before us, majestic, infinite, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon that felt like a promise. The Thames meandered calmly, the monuments revealed themselves one by one, and even the city, usually so noisy, seemed to whisper its secrets to us. Samuel was smiling, and so was I. There was no need to speak: we were experiencing exactly the same moment, one that we knew was rare, one that would stay with us for a long time. Between two photos (impossible to miss), we felt tiny... but strangely privileged. The Shard is not just a viewpoint, it's an experience. A moment when London is not visited, but contemplated. At 5 p.m., day and night meet, and you leave with the feeling of having touched the sky—and a memory engraved far above the clouds. If you're looking for a place to see London differently, take to the heights. Literally.
Ann Biagi
NO

Ann

Norway
Nov 2025
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+1 more

Our guide Brendan was fabulous so much history and fun fact. Loved it. Beautiful lighting from a perfect view a different tour worth it.
Jill Carrigan

Jill

Oct 2025
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A well run venue with friendly, helpful staff. Everywhere was clean especially the toilets-always judge a place by its toilets. A huge variety of things to do for all ages. Pretty good on signage although would like to have more maps about the place and something denoting age range of activity areas. Not that impresssd with app. Would like to be able to access the map easier.
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Which ticket is best for you?

ExperienceType of activityExperience formatWeather comfortAge suitabilityLocation2025 datesInclusionsBest forDurationPrice (from)Peak demand
Up at The O2 Snow Globe Climb

Guided rooftop climb with festive snow globe

Outdoor

Cold – dress warmly

Ages 8+

Greenwich

Nov 21–Jan 4

Snow globe photo, guided ascent, climb gear

Adventurers, couples

90 min

£37

Sunset slots

Hogwarts in the Snow

Film studio experience

Indoor

Fully heated

All ages

Leavesden (Watford)

Nov 15–Jan 18

Decorated Great Hall, props, Diagon Alley, café

Families, Potter fans

3–4 hrs

£73

Weekends & Dec

LEGOLAND® at Christmas

Theme park & shows

Mostly outdoor

Cold – dress warmly

All ages

Windsor

Nov 22–Jan 4

Rides, LEGO tree, grotto add-on

Families with kids

Full day

£32

School holidays

Thames River Christmas Cruise

Lunch or dinner river cruise

Mixed

Heated cabins

All ages

Southbank/Westminster

Nov 28–Dec 20

River landmarks, lights, commentary, festive meal, live entertainment

Couples, groups

3–4 hrs

£75

Fri–Sun evenings

London Eye

Observation wheel

Indoor capsule

Heated capsules

All ages

Southbank

Dec 19–Dec 30

30-min rotation, city lights view

First-time visitors

30 min

£29

Evenings

View from The Shard

Indoor/outdoor viewing gallery

Mixed

Heated (Skydeck is open and cold)

All ages

London Bridge

Nov 25–Dec 31

360° view, festive décor

Night-view seekers

45–90 min

£28

Sunset

The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus

Afternoon tea bus ride

Indoor (bus)

Heated

All ages

Central London

Nov 22–Jan 4

Festive tea, The Snowman™ music, sightseeing

Families, foodies

60 min

£39

Weekends

Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Open-top bus ride

Outdoor

Cold – dress warmly

All ages

Central London

Late Nov—early Jan

Guided/recorded commentary, Oxford & Regent St lights

Tourists & photographers

90 min

£26

Evenings & weekends

What to expect during Christmas in London

Trafalgar Square at night with Christmas tree and fountains, London, England.
Family exploring Lego penguin display at Legoland Christmas, London.
Guests enjoying a Christmas dinner party on a Thames River cruise with Tower Bridge in the background.
Festive Christmas tree with lights in central London street at night.
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London’s skyline in festive lights

See the city sparkle from above with panoramas that capture London’s glow at its brightest. Scale the dome of The O2 and step into a summit snow globe, glide 135 metres above Southbank for 30 mins on the London Eye, or rise to levels 68 to 72 for London’s highest winter lookout at The Shard.

Playful Christmas magic for all ages

Younger visitors will find plenty of festive fun across the capital and beyond, with attractions designed to inspire wonder and laughter. Visit a LEGO-themed wonderland with twinkling Minilands, go on a moving Afternoon Tea experience sound-tracked by The Snowman™, or see the Great Hall dressed for the Yule Ball.

London lights from the Thames

The Thames comes alive after dark, reflecting ribbons of festive light from the bridges and landmarks above. Choose between lunch or dinner sailings as you watch Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral sparkle from the warmth of the deck.

Magical journeys through illuminated streets

For a different perspective, stay at street level and soak up London’s most famous lights on the move from an open-top double-decker through Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly, and Trafalgar Square.

Things to know before booking your tickets

  • Timed-entry tickets are required for all major attractions, including Up at The O2, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, London Eye, and The View from The Shard. Walk-ins are rarely available in December. Late arrivals may forfeit entry, particularly for Up at The O2, The Snowman™ Bus Tour, and Thames cruises, which depart at fixed times.
  • Standard tickets include general admission or participation in the experience. Premium or add-on options, such as fast-track entry, offer extras like drinks, reserved seating, or priority boarding.
  • Christmas events in London typically run from mid-November 2025 to early January 2026, with most attractions closed on Christmas Day (Dec 25) and New Year’s Day. Thames River cruises and Christmas lights bus tours offer evening slots for the best illumination views, while the London Eye and The View from The Shard have extended twilight hours during the season.
  • While many major attractions are closed on December 25, several special guided tours and cruises operate to ensure your holiday is filled with unforgettable memories, including London Christmas lights bus tours, festive dinners & Midnight Mass, or a visit to the Canterbury Christmas Market on Christmas Eve. Sightsee on Christmas Day with a Westminster Abbey service, Christmas lunch in Canterbury, or a River Thames Christmas lunch cruise.
  • Accessibility: The London Eye and The View from The Shard are fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free entry and assistance available on request. Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides accessible routes, rest areas, and companion tickets for eligible visitors. Up at The O2 requires moderate physical fitness; climbers must meet minimum height and age requirements and wear suitable footwear. Bus tours and Thames cruises offer accessible boarding on select vehicles or boats; always check your chosen operator before booking. LEGOLAND® Windsor and The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus Tour provides accessible facilities but may have restrictions on specific rides or vehicles.
  • Outdoor or partially outdoor experiences like Up at The O2, Thames cruises, LEGOLAND®, and Christmas lights bus tours require warm clothing, gloves, and sturdy footwear. December evenings in London average 5–8°C; dress in layers even for short activities like the Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Indoor venues such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Shard, and the London Eye capsules are fully heated, offering weather-proof comfort.
  • Age restrictions: Children’s policies vary; most experiences welcome all ages, but Up at The O2 has a minimum age (usually 8+) and Warner Bros. recommends supervision for younger visitors.

Explore London’s top Christmas attractions

Up at The O2

Step into the UK’s highest snow globe as you scale The O2’s roof 52 metres above the Thames. The summit transforms into a shimmering winter bubble, complete with softly falling snow and views of Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and the city skyline. A guided climb, safety briefing, and all equipment are included, plus one unforgettable photo moment at the top.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Experience Hogwarts as it’s never been seen before: blanketed in snow, glittering with ice, and glowing with candlelight. Wander through the Great Hall dressed for the Yule Ball, Diagon Alley under a snowy sky, and the detailed Hogwarts model dusted with winter frost. Perfect for fans, families, and film lovers alike.

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LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Watch the park light up with LEGO-shaped cheer. Build and play amid twinkling brick-built villages, a giant LEGO Christmas tree, and meet-and-greets with Father Christmas in his grotto. Expect themed rides, festive shows, and plenty of photo stops designed for little builders and big imaginations.

Thames River cruises

See London’s festive skyline from the warmth of the river. Choose from daytime lunch cruises with festive menus, or elegant dinner cruises with live music as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Southbank sparkle around you. There is also a Christmas lunch cruise on December 25. Whether you prefer romance or relaxation, it’s one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Christmas in London.

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London Eye

Soar above the Southbank for a 30-min rotation that captures the capital at its twinkling best. From the glitter of Oxford Street to the glow of Westminster and the Christmas markets below, every moment in your heated capsule is a moving postcard. Twilight and evening slots offer the most enchanting views.

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The View from The Shard

Ascend to levels 68–72 for a panoramic celebration of light. One of the highest public viewpoints in Western Europe becomes even more breathtaking during the holidays, with seasonal installations, winter music, and the city’s glittering lights stretching in every direction.

The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea bus tour

All aboard a festive bus for a moving Afternoon Tea experience through central London. Inspired by the beloved story The Snowman™, this charming 60-min tour combines classic sights with themed treats, carols, and a touch of nostalgia.

Christmas lights bus tour

Wrap up warm and take a seat on an open-top bus to see the capital’s most dazzling displays. Cruise past Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly, and Trafalgar Square, with live or recorded commentary revealing the stories behind London’s spectacular lights. A must-do for first-time visitors, with special tours running on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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Plan your Christmas in London

London Christmas lights and red bus on Tootbus tour at night.
  • Up at The O₂ (Nov 21, 2025 –Jan 4, 2026): Multiple climbs daily from morning until evening; twilight slots are most popular.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Nov 15, 2025–Jan 18, 2026): Open daily (except Christmas Day); visits are self-paced with timed entry from morning through late afternoon.
  • LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort (Nov 22, 2025–Jan 4, 2026): Park opens 10am–6pm (varies by day).
  • Thames River Christmas cruises: Sailings run late Nov to early Jan; durations range 3 to 4 hours depending on your cruise option. Special Christmas Day cruises available.
  • London Eye: Festive views peak from dusk (around 3:30pm onwards), with extended hours during the festive season.
  • The View from The Shard: Evening and twilight tickets recommended for the best city lights.
  • The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (Nov 22, 2025–Jan 4, 2026): Tours depart several times daily from midday through early evening.
  • Christmas lights bus tour: Late Nov to early Jan; with departures typically 4:30pm–8pm depending on the operator. Special departures available on Dec 24 and 25.
Tube train with open doors at station platform, London.
  • By Tube:
    • Up at The O2: North Greenwich 
    • London Eye & Thames Cruises: Waterloo, Westminster, or Embankment
    • The View from The Shard: London Bridge
    • Christmas lights bus tours: Victoria, Piccadilly Circus, or Trafalgar Square
  • By train:
    • Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Watford Junction (then official shuttle)
    • LEGOLAND® Windsor: Windsor & Eton Central or Riverside (short taxi/shuttle ride)
  • By boat: Thames cruises and The O2 are served by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for scenic transfers.
  • By car:
    • Warner Bros. and LEGOLAND® have on-site parking (fees apply)
    • Central London venues have limited parking; use public transport or Park & Ride services.
River Thames dinner cruise boat near Tower Bridge with festive Christmas lights in London.
  • Bag inspections apply at Up at The O2, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Shard, and LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
  • Thames cruises and bus tours perform safety checks before boarding.
  • Sharp objects, tripods, and large suitcases are not permitted at any attractions.
Public toilet sign with icons for men, women, disabled access, and baby changing.
  • Toilets, baby-changing stations, and cafés are available at Warner Bros., LEGOLAND, The O2, The Shard, and the London Eye.
  • Bus tours may not have onboard restrooms; Thames Cruises usually do.
  • Accessible restrooms are available at all major fixed attractions.
Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.
  • Fully accessible: The London Eye, The View from The Shard, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and LEGOLAND® Windsor.
  • Partially accessible: Thames cruises (depends on vessel), The Snowman™ bus, and Christmas lights bus tours (lower-deck access only).
  • Not suited for limited mobility: Up at The O2 Climb requires moderate physical fitness and closed footwear; height and age restrictions apply (usually age 8+, minimum height 1.2m).
  • Companion tickets and priority assistance are available at major attractions; request during booking.
Guests toasting at Christmas dinner on Thames River cruise.
  • Up at The O2: Multiple restaurants within The O2 before or after your climb.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour: On-site cafés serve festive hot meals, Butterbeer, and themed desserts.
  • LEGOLAND® Windsor: Family restaurants and seasonal food stalls throughout the park.
  • Thames cruises: Full 3-course menus and welcome refreshments.
  • The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea bus: Afternoon tea included on board.
Visitor in wizard robe holding wand at Harry Potter London tour.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour: One of the UK’s largest film merchandise stores with Christmas collections available.
  • LEGOLAND® Windsor: LEGO-themed gifts and seasonal sets.
  • The Shard & London Eye: Small gift shops for skyline souvenirs.
  • The O2: Retail outlets and photo packages post-climb.
London Eye illuminated at night with vibrant pink lights, trees adorned with festive lights.
  • Standard day: Start with Warner Bros. Studio Tour (3–4 hrs). Head to The Shard or the London Eye for skyline views in the afternoon. Finish with a Thames dinner cruise or Christmas lights bus tour in the evening.
  • Christmas Day: Opt for a specific guided tour such as the Christmas Sightseeing Tour with Westminster Abbey Service, the Canterbury and Greenwich Full-Day Trip with Christmas Lunch, or the River Thames Christmas Lunch Cruise.

Pro tips

  • For the best skyline photos, book sunset climbs or flights between 3:30pm–5pm.
  • To avoid crowds, visit Warner Bros. or LEGOLAND® on weekday mornings before the school holidays.
  • Pair the London Eye with a nearby Thames River cruise for a complete evening itinerary.
  • Allow extra travel time between attractions as holiday traffic in central London can be heavy after 4pm.
  • Book timeslots that match London transport windows (avoid 4–6pm if travelling across the city).
  • Choose evening/twilight slots for lights and views, daytime for quieter visits.
  • Check child policies and upgrades early for LEGOLAND® and Warner Bros. Studio.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas in London

Christmas in London is one of the city’s most atmospheric times of year: when landmarks, shopping districts, and attractions are illuminated with spectacular lights. You’ll find festive touches everywhere: from the snow-globe summit at Up at The O2 to the Yule Ball sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the LEGO tree at LEGOLAND® Windsor, and themed river and bus tours that showcase the city’s sparkling streets.