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Contents
Spend Christmas in London 2023 | Musicals, Themeparks, Christmas Lights, and More!
Why spend Christmas in London?
- London is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations all year round, but Christmas is definitely ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ to visit the city.
- London paints the perfect picture of Christmas with brightly lit-up streets, festive decorations, fleeting snow, and bustling crowds.
- The city has a lot of events happening around the holiday season including Christmas markets, plays, musicals, ballet performances, and much more.
- All landmarks and monuments across the city are decked up for Christmas with red, green, and golden-colored decor and festive lighting displays that are quite a sight.
- London gives you a chance to experience a traditional Christmas with tree-lighting events, Christmas carols, seasonal delicacies, and more.
Top 15 things to do on Christmas in London
1. Visit the winter wonderland at Hyde Park
Head to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, to experience the best of Christmas festivities in the city. Often called the ultimate Christmas destination in London, the Winter Wonderland offers a wide variety of festive attractions such as an open-air Christmas market, carnival rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment shows, seasonal food, and drinks.
Festive things to do at London’s Winter Wonderland:
- Grab great discounts at the Christmas market.
- Enjoy roller coaster rides, attend festive shows, and go ice skating.
- Try festive dishes like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Bavarian beer.
- Check out the famous Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner, and Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
2. Admire the Christmas light displays
The city of London is brilliantly lit and decorated with fairy lights, Christmas decor, massive festive light displays, and flashy laser beams. It is quite an experience to glance at the fairy-light-lit shop windows, awe-striking light displays, and decorated monuments.
Christmas light displays in London not to be missed:
- Kew Gardens
- Piccadilly Circus | Find on map
- Seven Dials | Find on map
- Christmas Lights Show at The Shard
3. Visit the Christmas markets
Walk around arrays of little wooden chalets and pop-up stalls lit with fairy lights, marvel at the Christmas balls and décor, enjoy the fairs, carnivals, and kids’ rides, and grab some great shopping deals and festive gifts at these markets.
Some of the must-visit Christmas markets in London include:
- Covent Garden Christmas Village | Find on map
- Leicester Square Christmas market | Find on map
- Selfridges Christmas Market | Find on map
- Southbank Centre Winter Market | Find on map
4. Go ice skating
Ice rinks across the city are decorated, and some even turned into festive fairs during this time of the year. The numerous temporary and permanent rinks are sure to gift a fun day to visitors of all ages.
Some of the best spots for ice skating include:
5. Attend a Christmas concert
Ring in the festive bells with Christmas special concerts and live musical performances happening across London. Popular singers from within and around the city come over to perform their best seasonal favorites and entertain locals and tourists alike. So make sure to book your seats before they run out!
Best concerts happening in London this festive season:
- Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Live In Concert at OVO Arena Wembley
- Rick Astley's Swinging Christmas at Royal Albert Hall
- Christmas With Katherine Jenkins and Friends at Royal Albert Hall
- The Wurzels’ Christmas Concert at The Garage
6. Watch Christmas plays and Ballet performances
Plays and ballet performances in London get a festive edge this holiday season. Join world-class performers as they dance through and recite traditional Christmas stories to bring in the holiday cheer. Book tickets for your favorite shows this festive season before they run out!
Most popular Christmas plays and ballet shows in London:
- It’s a Wonderful Life at London Coliseum
- The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
- Nutcracker at London Coliseum
- Swan Lake at London Coliseum
7. Listen to live Christmas carols
Live carol singings happen all across London throughout the Christmas season. Bring in the festive cheer by listening to traditional Christmas songs sung by professional singers, orchestras, church choirs, school groups, and more.
Here's where you can hear London's best Christmas Carols:
- Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol at Queen Elizabeth Hall
- Carols At The Hall at Royal Albert Hall
- Carols for All at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
- Choirs and Organ Orchestras at St. Paul’s Cathedral
8. Attend Christmas special musicals
While world-famous shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, and Les Miserables play regularly at various venues across London, there are some Christmas special stories playing only during the festive season.
Most popular Christmas musicals happening in London:
- Elf! The Musical at Dominion Theatre
- Jack and the Beanstalk at the London Palladium
- La Clique at Spiegeltent, Leicester Square
- Father Christmas Needs a Wee! at Arts Theatre
9. Celebrate Christmas at London's theme parks
Create a memorable Christmas for your kids with a family trip to any of London's incredible amusement parks. Enjoy the Christmas special shows and festivities at Thorpe Park, LEGOLAND, Shrek's Adventure, Peppa Pig World, and more, while in London during the festive season.
Best amusement parks in London to visit this festive season:
- Thorpe Park Resort, Chertsey
- Alton Towers, Alton
- KidZania, Ariel Way
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Windsor
10. Meet your favourite characters this Christmas
London is home to plenty of movie-themed parks and museums that offer you meet-and-greet sessions with some of your favorite TV characters and celebrities, hosting special events throughout the holiday season - making it the best time to visit them!
Meet TV characters and celebrities in London this Christmas at:
- Shrek Adventure! London, Westminster Bridge Road
- Peppa Pig World, Romsey
- Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, Grays
- Madame Tussauds London, Marylebone Road
11. Experience magic with Harry Potter
Have a Magical Christmas at the Warner Brothers' Studios in London with a guided tour of the Harry Potter Studio. Celebrate Christmas at Hogwarts in the snow, while exploring Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾, the Forbidden Forest, the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, and more.
Christmas at Harry Potter Studios London lets you:
- Walk into the venue for the Yule Ball
- Watch the first snow at the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley
- Visit the Christmas-decorated Gryffindor Common Room
- Learn the filmmaking tricks of creating fire, ice, and snow
12. Take a Christmas special bus tour
Taking a Christmas special bus tour is one of the best ways of experiencing the picturesque Christmas that London offers. Ride across the lit-up streets, admire the beautiful city landmarks, marvel at the decorations, and visit the best festive spots around town. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are even better to explore the festive city at your own pace.
Christmas special bus tours in London:
- Christmas Lights on London by Night Tour with Live Guide
- Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour
- Sights and Sounds of London Bus Tour on Christmas Day
- Illuminations of London on Christmas Eve
13. Walk around London
London's most famous attractions and monuments such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Wembley Stadium look all the more spectacular during Christmas time. Walk along the festive streets of London with an audio guide and be a part of the city's Christmas scene.
Here are the best ways to explore London's attractions on foot:
- Royal London Tour With Changing of the Guard
- Harry Potter Tours
- London Stadium Tours
- Jack the Ripper Tours
14. Cruise over river Thames
Taking a cruise over the Thames River is a must-do activity on any trip to London, especially during the Christmas season. Enjoy the views of London's skyline, decorated and lit up for the season, while cruising safely on a boat operated by the city's most reliable Bateaux London and Thames Clippers.
Choose from the best Thames River Cruises:
- Ultimate London Experience Speedboat Tour
- 2-Day Unlimited Thames River Cruise
- Lunch, Afternoon Tea, and Dinner Cruises
- Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
15. Go shopping
Christmas is one of the best times to go shopping in London. With winter sales, Christmas markets, and holiday gifts galore, you are sure to find some great deals and bargains. It’s an added delight to see fairy-lit shop windows and the grand lighting displays along these shopping streets.
Best festive shopping spots in London:
- Seven Dials & Covent Garden | Find on map
- Oxford Street & Regent Street | Find on map
- Carnaby Street | Find on map
- Mayfair | Find on map
Plan your Christmas in London
Getting around
Where to eat
Where to stay
Tips for celebrating
No public transport services will operate on Christmas Day. This includes the Tube, buses, trams, river buses, cable cars, and National Rail services.
Alternatives:
- Santander Cycles: London's bicycle hire scheme is available 24/7, including Christmas Day. You can find docking stations across the city.
- Electric scooter rentals: Some boroughs in London offer electric scooter rental trials, which may be available on Christmas Day. Check the availability and regulations for your specific borough.
- Taxis and private hire services: Taxis and private hire services like Uber will be available on Christmas Day. Be prepared for higher fares and potential delays due to increased demand.
- Claridge's Restaurant: For an extravagant and traditional Christmas feast, Claridge's Restaurant is the place to be. Their seven-course menu features all the classic trimmings, from smoked salmon and foie gras to roast turkey and Christmas pudding.
- Canton Blue at The Peninsula London: If you're looking for something a little different, Canton Blue at The Peninsula London offers a festive Cantonese menu. Their eight-course feast features dishes like Peking duck wraps, Wagyu beef in black bean sauce, and chocolate mille-feuille with five spice crémeux.
- The Ritz Restaurant: The Ritz Restaurant is another iconic London establishment that offers a luxurious Christmas dining experience. Their six-course menu is kept under wraps until the big day, but you can expect all the Christmas classics done to perfection.
- Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's: Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a contemporary and refined take on Christmas dining. Their festive menu features dishes like cured hamachi with yuzu, roast lamb with roasted vegetables, and Christmas pudding with a whiskey sauce.
Budget: Travelodge London Central City Road, Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium hotel, Premier Inn London Enfield hotel
Mid-range: Travelodge London Central City Road, Premier Inn London Kensington (Olympia) hotel, Mercure London Bridge
Luxury: The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London, InterContinental London - the O2, an IHG Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London
- London is a popular tourist destination, and it can get very crowded during the Christmas season. Be prepared for long lines and waiting times at popular attractions.
- You will likely encounter queues at many of the Christmas markets and attractions. Be patient and allow extra time for your journey.
- London can get very cold in the winter, so be sure to pack warm clothes. You may also want to pack an umbrella, as it can rain frequently.
- London is a magical place to be at Christmastime. The city is decorated with lights, there is Christmas music playing everywhere,
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Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in London
Is Christmas a good time to visit London?
Christmas is one of the best times to visit London. The festive season paints a picturesque white Christmas with massive lighting displays, festive Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, fairs, great shopping deals, and maybe some snow.
What are some things to do on Christmas in London?
Admiring festive light displays, ice skating, shopping at Christmas markets, going on city tours, cruising the River Thames, and gorging on festive delicacies are some of the popular things to do in London during the Christmas season.
What is the weather like at Christmas in London?
London during December is generally chilly with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9°C. The skies are generally overcast with around 9 days of rain and some snowfall at times.
Is London crowded at Christmas?
Christmas time is the peak tourist season in London. It is advised to book your tickets well in advance to get the best deals and ensure attendance at your favorite shows.
What’s open in London on Christmas?
Most of London shuts down on Christmas Day. All large shops, shopping malls, offices, services, public transport, etc. remain closed for Christmas. Apart from hotels and fancy restaurants serving Christmas lunches and dinners, most local convenience stores, some bars, restaurants, and cafes would be open.
What is the most popular Christmas market in London?
The most popular Christmas market in London is at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The other equally popular ones include the Covent Garden Christmas Village, Leicester Square Christmas market, Selfridges Christmas Market, and Southbank Centre Winter Market.
Are restaurants open on Christmas in London?
Most restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in London are open on Christmas Day. Some of them even offer Christmas set menus, festive dishes, and special offers to celebrate the day.
What are the best places to stay in London on Christmas?
Stylotel near Hyde Park, The Hoxton at Holborn near Oxford Street, the Covent Garden Hotel, and the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard are some of the best places to stay in London on Christmas.
What should I eat in London on Christmas?
Christmas pudding, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Bavarian beer are some of the must-try seasonal favorites in London.
What are the best restaurants for Christmas in London?
Le Pont de la Tour, Skylon at South Bank, Madera at the Treehouse Hotel, Ronnie Scotts at Soho, The Grill at the Dorchester in Mayfair, Cinnamon Kitchen, Searcys at The Gherkin, St Pancras by Searcys at King’s Cross Station, are some of the best restaurants in London for Christmas lunches, dinners, and festive delicacies.
Where can I see the Christmas lights in London?
The best of London's Christmas light displays can be seen at the Kew Gardens, Piccadilly, Seven Dials, The Shard, and the shopping streets of Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Mayfair.
What are some Christmas traditions in London?
Christmas traditions in London include watching public Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, visiting Christmas markets and the Winter Wonderland, going ice skating, and attending Christmas special plays, musicals, ballets, carols, and movie screenings.