One of the best experiences ever had.
It was nice neat clean and well organised.
Got the priority with family and infant.
Paula
Feb 2026
5/5
You looked after us, especiallyy with the wheelchair. It was a smooth, quick and easy event and we all had a great time.
Thomas
Feb 2026
5/5
Yes the London dungeon and the London eye were lovely,shame the weather wasn't nice.but it is February 👍
Jeanne
Feb 2026
5/5
The employees were very nice and efficient. The view from the Eye is amazing. Highly recommend!!
Giorgia
Feb 2026
5/5
Everything was perfect, from the queue to the experience itself
Rhys
Feb 2026
5/5
Incredible views. I would 100% do it again
Wendy
Feb 2026
5/5
Staff lovely and friendly.Very helpful
Nektaria
Feb 2026
5/5
Everything was beautiful! The view was magnificent!
Nestled along the South Bank, the London Eye transforms into a dazzling beacon of Christmas magic, inviting both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the season's joy. Prepare to create memories and experience the true spirit of Christmas, suspended high above the heart of London.
What to expect at the London Eye during Christmas
City-wide sparkle from above: As night falls, board a pod and witness London’s landmarks and streets illuminated for the season.
Panoramic 360° views: Take in sweeping views of the Thames, Big Ben, Westminster and beyond, now with added seasonal ambience.
Extended opening hours: During the festive period, the attraction remains open later into the evening to capture the lights.
London Eye Christmas events
Festive Light Show
Timings: From sunset to sunrise each night Location: Entire observation wheel and riverside facade Included with admission: Yes (standard ride ticket) Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages
These nightly illuminations turn the London Eye into a glowing winter landmark, perfect for photos and festive atmosphere.
Extended evening rides
Dates: December 2025 Timings: 11am–6pm; 10am–8:30pm on select days Location: London Eye Included with admission: Yes (standard ride ticket)
Enjoy quieter views of the city lights after dusk for a less crowded and deeply atmospheric experience.
VIP & Afternoon Tea experience
Dates: Runs daily (check availability) Timings: Usually allocated one hour for two full rotations Location: Private or dedicated pod Included with admission: No (separate premium ticket)
Ideal for a special outing. Enjoy finger sandwiches, premium drinks, or Afternoon Tea, plus the benefits of priority boarding.
Plan your London Eye Christmas visit
December 20--December 30: 10am to 8:30pm
Exceptions to opening hours:
December 24: 10am to 5:30pm
December 25: Closed
December 31: 10am to 3pm
Note: The last entry for a ride is 30 mins before the closing time. Always check the official London Eye website closer to your visit date for any last-minute changes to these times.
Best time to visit: Evening slots during the week for fewer crowds and prime city-light views.
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
By Tube: Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines Nearest station: Waterloo (5-min walk)
By train: National Rail Nearest station: Waterloo and Charing Cross Station
By bus: 1, 12, 59, 68, 76, 77, 139, 148, 159, 168, 176, 188, 211, 243, 77, 381, 507, and 521. Nearest stop: London Eye
Restrooms: Located in the ticketing/entrance area and exit zone.
Gift shop: At the ground floor of the ticketing building, find festive souvenirs, mugs, and mini models of the London Eye.
Lockers/Coat check: No large luggage; small lockers are available onsite.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-FI in guest areas.
Wheelchair accessibility: Each London Eye pod can comfortably accommodate up to two wheelchair users.
Sensory support: Pods are enclosed glass, with mild ambient noise; very young children should be supervised.
Step-free access: Ramps and lifts enable step-free access from ticketing to pods.
Wheelchair rentals: Available on a first-come basis; companion must accompany.
Service animals: Assistance dogs permitted.
Carer tickets: Free carer tickets are available for guests requiring accessible assistance.
Layer up: The key to staying comfortable. Start with a thermal or long-sleeved shirt under a sweater or fleece to regulate your body temperature.
Weatherproof outerwear: Bring a warm coat or jacket. Ensure it's waterproof or water-resistant, as London can be prone to winter showers.
Accessories are essential: Don't forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep your head, hands, and neck warm. These can also add a delightful festive touch to your outfit!
Comfortable, waterproof footwear: You'll likely be doing a fair bit of walking, and London can be wet in December. Keep your feet dry and happy with comfortable, waterproof boots or shoes.
Embrace the festive spirit: Consider adding a fun, festive touch to your outfit! This could be a Christmas sweater, holiday-themed accessories, or even a splash of red or green in your clothing.
Please arrive at your booked time slot; boarding begins a few minutes before the ride.
Each rotation takes approximately 30 mins. VIP experiences like the Afternoon Tea experience last 1 hour.
Photography for personal use permitted; tripod use or commercial photography requires separate permission.
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside pods.
Frequently asked questions about the London Eye Christmas celebrations
All Christmas-themed rides (festive light show, extended evening) are covered by the standard ride ticket. Upgrades (VIP/afternoon tea) are optional.
Yes, each pod holds up to ~25 guests, and the London Eye operates timed-booking slots, so pre-book to secure your space.
Yes, the Christmas period is a very popular time to visit London and the London Eye. Expect longer queues than usual, especially during peak times and weekends. Booking tickets online in advance, including fast-track options, is highly recommended to minimize waiting times.
Yes. The London Eye operates rain or shine (pods are enclosed). Only extreme conditions or maintenance would cause closure; always check the website for updates.
Absolutely. The festive lights and skyline views appeal to all ages; just ensure children are supervised in the pods.
The London Eye itself is a family-friendly attraction. During Christmas, the festive atmosphere and the incredible views of the city's decorations make it a memorable experience for children. Additionally, the surrounding South Bank area often hosts various family-focused activities, entertainment, and Christmas markets that are perfect for all ages.
Yes, evening slots during the light show period are ideal for city-lights photos. Arrive early to reduce queue time.
While the London Eye itself is typically lit up festively, and the area around it is decorated, individual pods may or may not have specific seasonal decorations. However, the overall atmosphere and the views of a festive London make every ride feel special.
Subject to availability, yes, but it’s strongly recommended to book the upgrade in advance online for festive dates.
Yes, private pod bookings are available year-round and are a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas with family or friends in an exclusive setting. These often come with special add-ons like hosted drinks. Be sure to book well in advance, as they are very popular during the festive season.
No, the London Eye is closed on Christmas Day (December 25) to allow staff to celebrate the holiday. It reopens on December 26 with special Boxing Day hours.
While the London Eye itself doesn't have full-service dining within its structure, there are various dining options available very close by. The South Bank area is teeming with restaurants, cafes, and pubs, many of which offer special Christmas menus. The nearby Southbank Centre Winter Market also provides an array of festive food and drink stalls.
Yes, the London Eye has gift shops where you can find a range of souvenirs, including some with Christmas themes. It's a great opportunity to pick up a memento of your festive visit or a unique gift for loved ones.
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
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
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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.
Tickets
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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.
