London Tickets

London Eye Christmas Tickets

4.5(64,572)

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London Eye illuminated at night with blue-lit trees in foreground.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Maria Fennemore

Maria

Dec 2025
5/5
I found it amazing it was our first time on the London eye ( and I am extremely petrified of heights ) but wanted to tick it off of my bucket list. Well I was blown away the staff were friendly and put me at ease and the whole experience was just great I'd definitely like to come back one day
Adrienne Ann Mullen

Adrienne

Dec 2025
5/5
Loved the experience of seeing ALL of London from this POV. Everything about the experience was wonderful and professional from purchasing the tickets to boarding the car. Definitely an experience that I will remember!
Alvaro Gomez Vargas

Alvaro

Dec 2025
5/5
We are visitors from Spain and the London Eye was a great experience. The views were impressive, everything was well organised, and the ride felt smooth and enjoyable. Totally worth it. Lots of good photos taken too
Ricardo Prochet

Ricardo

Dec 2025
5/5
It was a beautiful day. Blue skies and very clear! The boarding procedure was very easy and the tour was super worthwhile! We'll definitely go again when we return to London! I highly recommend it!
Gonzalo Toro

Gonzalo

Dec 2025
5/5
Very well organized and very nice view from the heights. At night the city is spectacular. No wonder it has so many visitors. 100% recommendable.
deborah bernucci

Deborah

Dec 2025
5/5
It was a wonderful experience, the weather helped so much with beautiful sunshine and we were able to see all of London. Definitely an experience to do again!
Dolly Osben

Dolly

Dec 2025
5/5
Me and parents went on London eye on a beautiful sunny da It was magnificent The beauty of London at it's fullest A pleasure to our eyes
Igor Shakhin

Igor

Dec 2025
5/5
Great! A lot of emotions! One of those places that everyone should visit! I highly recommend it and I drive further! Travel, it is cool!

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

london eye 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

London Eye illuminated at night beside the River Thames.

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.

London Eye and Thames River with boats near Westminster.

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.

Afternoon tea setup inside the London Eye with views of Big Ben and the Thames.

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.

Book tickets

Plan your London Eye Christmas visit

London Eye behind St James's Park lake and fountain, surrounded by greenery on a summer day.

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.

London Eye timings

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

london eye christmas
  • 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.
london eye christmas
  • 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.
london eye christmas
  • 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.
london eye christmas
  • 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

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

All Christmas-themed rides (festive light show, extended evening) are covered by the standard ride ticket. Upgrades (VIP/afternoon tea) are optional.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, each pod holds up to ~25 guests, and the London Eye operates timed-booking slots, so pre-book to secure your space.

Are the queues longer during the Christmas period?

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.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

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.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Absolutely. The festive lights and skyline views appeal to all ages; just ensure children are supervised in the pods.

Are there family-friendly activities during Christmas at the London Eye?

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.

Are there special photo-op times during the festive season?

Yes, evening slots during the light show period are ideal for city-lights photos. Arrive early to reduce queue time.

Will the London Eye pods be specially decorated for Christmas?

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.

Can I upgrade on-site to the Afternoon Tea experience?

Subject to availability, yes, but it’s strongly recommended to book the upgrade in advance online for festive dates.

Can I book a private pod for a Christmas celebration?

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.

Is the London Eye open on Christmas Day?

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.

Are there dining options at or near the London Eye during Christmas?

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.

Can I purchase Christmas gifts or souvenirs at the London Eye?

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.

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