London Eye Christmas | Festive Skyline Magic, Plan Your Visit & More

From happy customers

Loved by 46 million+

Martina

Jan 2026

5/5

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The experience was satisfactory, the line to go up was very smooth and we did not have to wait long in the cold. There were thorough checks in the bag ticket even with the metal detector, so I felt safe. There were 25 of us in the cabin and I was lucky because all the people who were there offered to relieve themselves to give everyone a chance to see the breathtaking view! Overall I am satisfied with the experience and would recommend it to everyone!

Sofia

Jan 2026

5/5

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Riding the London Eye was absolutely magical! Seeing the city from above, with the Thames winding through it and all the iconic landmarks stretched out like a miniature world, gave me goosebumps. Every turn of the capsule felt like floating in the clouds, and the view at sunset was simply unforgettable. I couldn’t stop smiling—London has never looked so breathtaking!

Max

Jan 2026

5/5

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I have an extreme fear of heights and I can only RECOMMEND the London Eye to anyone who feels the same way! The dome moves very slowly and is extremely stable when attached to the scaffolding. You almost don't notice that the whole thing is moving. The view is stunningly beautiful and unique. I would love to visit again next time in London. Very impressive building.

Mirela

Jan 2026

5/5

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I love everything, the view was amazing. I was impressed how many people are interested about London eye. And in next 6 months I will come back 💯. I will share my experience with all my friends, and I will encourage them to cam and have this experience. Thanks a lot for the amazing view.

Mary

Jan 2026

5/5

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Fast track was well worth the extra money! Line moved quickly and efficiently. Ride had amazing views of all of London and surrounding areas. Heated booths were a bonus on a very cold day!

Samiha

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

A well organized area with functional, polite and welcoming staff, peaceful experience, kids enjoyed it and had a great 30 minutes of great view. Thank you

Hendrik

Jan 2026

5/5

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Great experience! We booked the time slot at 18:00 and only had a short wait and a beautiful view over London on a clear day!

Sergi

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

It was very crowded but the queue went quickly and the attraction experience is fabulous. The staff at the London Eye was very friendly

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

30 min.

London Eye Christmas Tickets

From happy customers

What to expect at the London Eye during Christmas

London Eye Christmas events

Festive Light Show

Extended evening rides

VIP & Afternoon Tea experience

Plan your London Eye Christmas visit

Frequently asked questions about the London Eye Christmas celebrations

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Inside London Eye

London Eye Fireworks

London Eye Capsule

Christmas at the London Eye