We loved everything, really. The welcome from the staff. The atmosphere, the places we visited. We loved the whole studio setup. It was all so beautiful, so magical.
Anja
AustriaFeb 2026
5/5
It was a great Tour! We had plenty of time to experience everything. Our Guide was great and the bus was easy to find at Victoria Station. I would recommend it anytime!!
Raffaello
Feb 2026
5/5
It was very good and easy to book. We also were positiey surprised by the possibility to change our scheduled time when we came three hours earlier than planned.
Mr
Feb 2026
5/5
Quick and easy system, which was particularly great on a very cold but beautifully bright Valentine's Day in London. Plenty of room in each cabin so everyone had the chance to get great photos.
Azhar
United StatesJan 2026
5/5
+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
Jan 2026
5/5
+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
NorwayNov 2025
5/5
+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
Oct 2025
5/5
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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Guided/recorded commentary, Oxford & Regent St lights
Tourists & photographers
90 min
£26
Evenings & weekends
What to expect during Christmas in London
1/4
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, advance booking is essential for all London Christmas attractions in 2025. Most operate on timed-entry systems, and December weekends often sell out weeks ahead. Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LEGOLAND® Windsor, and Up at The O2 rarely have on-the-day availability. Thames cruises, the London Eye, and The Shard offer limited walk-up tickets but charge higher prices. Bus tours also require advance reservation for guaranteed seating.
You’ll see the most iconic light displays along Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly, and Trafalgar Square. The Christmas lights bus tour offers a panoramic view of all these streets from an open-top bus. For a skyline perspective, book the London Eye, View from The Shard, or a Thames River dinner cruise to see the lights reflected across the city.
Most indoor experiences, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The View from The Shard, the London Eye, and The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea bus tour, are weatherproof and operate as normal during rain or cold temperatures. However, Up at The O2 climbs, Thames River cruises, LEGOLAND® Windsor, and Christmas lights bus tours are weather-dependent to some degree.
Absolutely. Every featured attraction welcomes families, though some experiences suit certain age groups better. LEGOLAND® Windsor, The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea bus tour, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour are ideal for younger children. The London Eye, The Shard, Thames cruises, and bus tours suit all ages. Up at The O2 has a minimum age of 8 years and a height requirement of approximately 1.2 metres for safety reasons.
London’s Christmas temperatures range from 5–8°C, so layering is key. For outdoor activities (Up at The O2, LEGOLAND®, bus tours), wear warm clothing, gloves, and sturdy footwear. For indoor experiences, smart-casual attire is fine; heating is provided at Warner Bros., The Shard, and the London Eye. For Thames cruises, bring a coat even if seated indoors in case you want to step out on deck for photos.
Use the London Underground for fast connections between central attractions such as the London Eye, The Shard, and Thames piers. For Warner Bros. Studio Tour, take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction, then the official shuttle bus. For LEGOLAND® Windsor, trains run from London Paddington to Windsor, followed by a short taxi or shuttle. Allow extra travel time in December as festive traffic and crowds can cause delays.
Most London attractions (like Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LEGOLAND®, The Shard, and the London Eye) close on December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day). However, special full-day guided tours and the River Thames Christmas lunch cruise are specifically scheduled to operate on Christmas Day, allowing you to enjoy a festive experience or a Christmas lunch out of the city. Always confirm dates and hours when booking, since holiday schedules vary slightly each year.
Absolutely. Warner Bros. has one of London’s best themed gift shops for film fans. LEGOLAND® Windsor offers exclusive LEGO sets and holiday souvenirs. The Shard and the London Eye have compact souvenir kiosks for skyline mementoes. The O2 also features retail outlets and branded merchandise post-climb.
Yes, alongside these ticketed experiences, London hosts Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park (Nov 21, 2025–Jan 4, 2026), Christmas at Kew Gardens (Nov 19, 2025–Jan 5, 2026), Southbank Centre Winter Festival, and Covent Garden Christmas markets. These pair perfectly with your attraction visits to make a full festive itinerary.
Celebrate Christmas in London with panoramic views and festive lights from the London Eye.
Everything you get: Enjoy a 30-min ride in a high-tech glass capsule, soaring 135 meters above the city for 360-degree views of London’s Christmas lights, landmarks, and holiday markets. Enjoy extended opening till 8:30pm on select dates and access to dazzling light displays.
Why choose this: Experience London’s festive magic from above, with unbeatable views of the city’s holiday sparkle and Southbank’s Christmas atmosphere.
Upgrades: On the next step, upgrade to fast-track admission to skip the queues and save up to 60 mins of your time.
Inclusions
#
Entry to the London Eye
30-min ride on the London Eye
Additional paid upgrades:
Fast-track entry to the London Eye
What’s not allowed
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the attraction for security reasons.
Pets are not allowed on this experience.
Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted inside the capsules or on the boarding platform.
Accessibility
The London Eye is wheelchair accessible. Please note only two wheelchairs are allowed per capsule and a maximum of eight wheelchairs in total are allowed on the London Eye at any one time.
Additional information
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times.
Infants aged 2 years and under ride free but must still reserve a ticket.
Extended opening hours until 8:30pm are available on select December dates during the Christmas season.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What to bring
Ensure you have your ticket with you to show at entry.
Consider bringing a payment method for personal purchases or souvenirs at the Studio.
What's not allowed
Knives, bladed weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, CS/pepper spray or any items considered a security risk are not allowed inside the venue.
Accessibility
This experience is wheelchair accessible.
Special effects, including sudden loud noises and strobe lighting, may be used in certain areas of the tour.
Butterbeer™ and other products may contain allergens such as nuts; please check ingredients if you have allergies.
Additional information
When booking, select your starting time according to when you wish to board the bus; Studio entry will be approximately 2 hours after departure.
The journey from Victoria Coach Station to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London takes approximately 1 to 1½ hours, depending on traffic.
You will spend up to 4 hours inside the Studio Tour.
The return journey to London takes roughly 1 to 1½ hours.
Factor in at least 7 hours for the entire experience, including round-trip transfers.
Select the correct ticket type at booking, as changes cannot be made on the day, and incorrect ticket types may result in refused travel.
Please arrive at your departure point at least 15 mins before your scheduled departure.
The banquet in the Great Hall is a display only and not for consumption.
Inclusions
#
Half-day tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
Round-trip coach transfers from Victoria, Baker’s Street, King’s Cross, or British Museum (as per option selected)
Exclusions
#
Personal purchases at the shop
Guided tour
Food and drink
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Climb 52m above London & celebrate Christmas magic inside the city’s highest snow globe.
Everything you get: Ascend The O2 roof under guided instruction, step into London’s highest snow globe surrounded by whimsical winter decor, and photograph iconic landmarks like the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames during 20-mins on the summit.
Why choose this: Capture London’s festive sparkle 52 meters high during guided climbs designed for merry, picture-perfect Christmas memories.
Options: Pick a daytime climb to spot landmarks clearly, a sunset climb to see the skyline transition into evening, or twilight for detailed night photography.
Inclusions
#
Guided climb over The O2's roof
Access to the immersive snow globe at the 52m-high summit
Extended 20 minutes on the roof for photos
Daytime, sunset or twilight climb (as per option selected)
Exclusions
#
Drinks such as bubbly, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and soft drinks (available for purchase)
What to bring
Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activity.
What’s not allowed
Alcohol, food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, large bags, suitcases, and loose items are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For safety reasons, guests under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), under the age of 8 years, over the weight of 130kg (286.60lb), a waist measurement over 125cm, or an upper thigh measurement over 75cm are not allowed on this experience.
Accessibility
This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Safety first! This experience is restricted for people with pregnant people.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Additional information
Climbers aged 8-17 must be accompanied by adults according to experience guidelines, with one adult required for every five children.
For safety reasons, all participants must attend a pre-climb briefing and wear the provided safety equipment.
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tickets
Christmas at the London Eye
Celebrate Christmas in London with panoramic views and festive lights from the London Eye.
Everything you get: Enjoy a 30-min ride in a high-tech glass capsule, soaring 135 meters above the city for 360-degree views of London’s Christmas lights, landmarks, and holiday markets. Enjoy extended opening till 8:30pm on select dates and access to dazzling light displays.
Why choose this: Experience London’s festive magic from above, with unbeatable views of the city’s holiday sparkle and Southbank’s Christmas atmosphere.
Upgrades: On the next step, upgrade to fast-track admission to skip the queues and save up to 60 mins of your time.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
7 hr.
Transfers available
Pickup available
Tickets
Up at the O2 Snow Globe Experience
Climb 52m above London & celebrate Christmas magic inside the city’s highest snow globe.
Everything you get: Ascend The O2 roof under guided instruction, step into London’s highest snow globe surrounded by whimsical winter decor, and photograph iconic landmarks like the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames during 20-mins on the summit.
Why choose this: Capture London’s festive sparkle 52 meters high during guided climbs designed for merry, picture-perfect Christmas memories.
Options: Pick a daytime climb to spot landmarks clearly, a sunset climb to see the skyline transition into evening, or twilight for detailed night photography.
