Looking for the best Christmas markets in London in 2026? From festive food stalls along the Thames to the huge fairground at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London has plenty to keep you busy over the Christmas season. Add the famous Christmas lights, ice-skating rinks, independent gift stalls and cosy pubs, and you’ve got plenty of festive fun to fill a winter city break.
But with so much happening across the capital, where should you start? Is Winter Wonderland worth the money, which markets are best for food and unique gifts, and which Christmas lights are worth going out of your way to see? We’ll help you plan your visit without spending half your trip travelling across London or queuing in the cold.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best Christmas markets in London for 2026, festive events, Christmas lights, ice skating and where to stay. You’ll also find practical information on opening dates, ticket prices and transport, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying Christmas in London.
Christmas in London 2026: At a Glance
| 🎄 Category | 📍 Where to Go | ✨ What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Southbank Centre, Leicester Square | Festive food, gift stalls and riverside views |
| Festive Events | Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Fairground rides, entertainment and seasonal treats |
| Christmas Lights | Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden | Iconic displays and beautifully decorated streets |
| Ice Skating | Somerset House | Seasonal skating in a historic courtyard |
| Christmas Light Trails | Christmas at Kew | Illuminated gardens and immersive light displays |
↔️ Swipe left or right to see the full table.
Main Christmas Markets in London
When people talk about Christmas markets in London, they often think of the big festive attractions first.
But each has a different feel, from a full-on Christmas theme park to smaller markets where you can browse for gifts and grab something tasty. The trick is choosing the ones that suit your plans and budget.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest festive attractions in London, combining a Christmas market with fairground rides, ice skating, circus shows and themed winter experiences.
We’ve visited Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and it’s worth considering if you want a full-on festive day out rather than just a quick browse around market stalls.
- 2026 dates: 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Day).
- Best for: Families, thrill-seekers and a big festive day out.
- Entry: Free off-peak entry is available with a ticket; standard and peak entry are charged. You can also qualify for free entry by pre-booking at least £25 of eligible products in one transaction.
What to Expect at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Christmas market: Browse festive stalls selling gifts, crafts, decorations and seasonal food.
- Rides and attractions: There’s a huge range of fairground rides and immersive winter experiences, with many attractions charged separately.
- Ice skating: Skate beneath the lights at the open-air rink, one of the event’s main attractions.
- Family activities: Santa Land and child-friendly rides make it an option for families, although not every attraction is suitable for little ones.
- Live entertainment: Catch circus performances, including the Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus.
- New for 2026: Explore the Neverland-themed Magical Ice Kingdom and see the new Giant Wheel light show. Bar Ice offers a chance to enjoy a drink in an ice-themed setting.
Insider Tip: “Don’t just show up! In 2026, the best slots sell out weeks in advance. We recommend booking a mid-week morning slot. If you spend £25 on attractions when booking, your entry fee is usually waived—a great way to save a few quid for more churros!
Southbank Centre Winter Market – London
For a scenic stroll, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of our favourite ways to experience Christmas in London. Its Alpine-style chalets line the Thames beneath Hungerford Bridge, with festive food, hot drinks and views of the London skyline.
- 2026 Dates: November 2, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Best For: Foodies, couples, and great views of the London Eye.
- Entry: Free to enter the market area.
What to Expect at Southbank Winter Market
- Browse riverside stalls offering handmade crafts, seasonal gifts and festive treats.
- Sip on mulled wine, hot chocolate or hot cider while enjoying views of the Thames and London skyline.
- Sample street food from the Alpine-style chalets, with sweet treats and warming winter dishes.
- Enjoy the festive lights and riverside atmosphere as you explore the market.
- A lovely stop for couples, families and anyone exploring London’s Christmas markets.
- Insider Tip: Head to Stacked for freshly made Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes), cooked in traditional cast-iron pans and ready in around 90 seconds. Add your favourite toppings, then take your sweet treat for a stroll along the Thames.
2026 Vibe: If you’re planning a longer evening out, Jimmy’s Fire & Fromage is a separate riverside pop-up nearby, serving raclette, fondue and mulled wine around fire pits.
Christmas at Kew
Step into a truly magical winter wonderland at Christmas at Kew, widely considered the most spectacular light trail in the UK. Unlike the central Christmas markets in London, this is a premium, ticketed experience that transforms the world-famous botanical gardens into an illuminated dreamscape.
- 2026 dates: 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, on selected dates.
- Times: 4:20pm–10pm, with last entry varying by ticket.
- Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond. Take the District line or London Overground to Kew Gardens station.
- Entry and price: Tickets are required, with adult prices starting at £29.50 for off-peak dates and rising to £37 at peak times. Book online in advance.
What to Expect at Christmas at Kew
- A 3 km light trail: Wander through illuminated installations and music-filled displays across the gardens. Allow more than two hours, so this isn’t one to squeeze in between dinner and a late train.
- New for 2026: Look out for the TILT Animated Flower Garden, Water Willow Tree, Sweetie Roundabout and other large-scale light installations.
- The Palm House finale: Expect a colourful display of light, water and projections around the famous Palm House Pond.
- Festive food and drink: Pick up street food, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows or mulled wine along the route.
- Special sessions: Adult-only evenings are scheduled for 3 and 9 December, with Quiet Access sessions on selected dates.
Insider tip: Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes and bring a decent raincoat. You’ll be outside for a couple of hours, and soggy socks are nobody’s idea of Christmas magic. Check your ticket’s entry gate before setting off, too, as the trail has specific entry arrangements.
More London Christmas Markets
Beyond the big festive attractions, there are smaller Christmas markets and year-round markets worth adding to your London itinerary.
From independent gifts in East London to festive food at Borough Market, these are good stops if you want to explore different parts of the capital at Christmas.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
- 2026 dates: 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027.
- Best for: Festive stalls, seasonal food and drink, and a central West End location.
- Entry: Free to browse; ice skating costs extra.
Leicester Square is a handy stop while exploring London’s West End, with Christmas stalls and an ice rink in the heart of the city. It’s a relatively small market, so it works best as part of a wider festive walk rather than a destination for a full day out.
Insider tip: Visit alongside Covent Garden and the nearby theatre district to make the most of the location. If you’re planning to skate, book your session separately and check the current prices.
Old Spitalfields Market
- Christmas lights event: 11 November 2026, 4pm–7:30pm, with the lights switched on at 6pm.
- Best for: Independent shopping, food stalls and exploring East London.
- Entry: The market is free to visit; individual purchases and activities cost extra.
Old Spitalfields is a covered market with independent traders, food stalls and shops, making it a useful stop if London’s weather turns miserable. Its 2026 Christmas lights event includes music, a gospel choir and activities for children.
Insider tip: If you’re after independent gifts, check the market’s festive programme for special maker markets and late-shopping events rather than relying on the regular stalls alone.
Kingston Christmas Market
- 2026 dates: 12 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
- Best for: Festive food, gifts and a Christmas market outside central London.
- Entry: Free to visit
Kingston Christmas Market brings seasonal stalls and festive food to Market Place in Kingston upon Thames. It’s an option if you’re happy to venture beyond central London and explore another part of the city during the Christmas season.
Borough Market at Christmas
- Festive trading: Open seven days a week from 30 November through December 2026.
- Best for: Foodies, fresh produce and edible gifts.
- Entry: Free. Traders set their own prices.
Borough Market is a year-round food market rather than a separate Christmas market, but December brings extra trading days and plenty of options for festive food shopping. You can browse specialist produce, pick up ingredients for Christmas dinner or grab something to eat while exploring the South Bank area.
Start planning your next festive trip with our guide to the best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Other Christmas Events in London Worth Adding
But Christmas in London is about much more than markets! From dazzling light trails and ice-skating rinks to festive shows, Santa experiences and seasonal pop-ups, there are plenty of other events to add a bit of Christmas magic to your visit.
Christmas Lights and Festive Displays
Regent Street Christmas Lights
Regent Street is one of the classic places to see Christmas lights in London, with its famous sweeping display illuminating the elegant shopping street.
The 2026 lights switch-on takes place on Thursday 5 November, with a traffic-free celebration from 5pm to 9pm, including entertainment and in-store experiences. regentstreetonline.com
Insider tip: Visit Regent Street alongside nearby Carnaby Street and Oxford Circus rather than making a separate trip just to see the lights. You can turn it into a festive evening walk through the West End.
Christmas in Covent Garden
Covent Garden goes all out at Christmas, with more than 300,000 lights, its enormous Christmas tree and the decorated Market Building. The 2026 lights switch-on is 12 November, while the popular artificial snowfall returns from 4–31 December, on the hour from midday until 9pm. Best of all, exploring the decorations and watching the snowfall is free.
Insider tip: Time your visit for one of the hourly snowfall displays, then wander through the surrounding streets to see the festive shopfronts. It’s an easy addition to a day exploring Leicester Square and London’s West End.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Carols
For a traditional Christmas in London, head to Trafalgar Square to see the famous Norwegian Christmas tree, a gift from Norway to the people of London. Carol singing is another festive tradition here, making the square a lovely free stop while exploring central London. Check the official programme for the 2026 tree-lighting and carol-singing dates before travelling specifically for a performance.
Insider tip: Combine Trafalgar Square with Covent Garden and Leicester Square on foot. They’re close enough to visit in one festive outing without spending half the evening on the Tube.
The Churchill Arms Christmas Lights
The Churchill Arms in Kensington goes all out for Christmas, with its famous lights switch-on taking place on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at 6pm. The exterior is decked out with Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights, making this London pub worth a detour if you’re exploring Notting Hill. It’s also known for its Thai food, an unexpected bonus alongside the traditional pub atmosphere.
Insider tip: If you want to see the switch-on, arrive early. The event gets crowded, and the pub isn’t taking bookings for the occasion.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Oxford Street’s famous star lights return for Christmas 2026, with a magical twist inspired by Harry Potter. More than 5,000 stars will illuminate the shopping street, joined by special designs celebrating the wizarding world. The official switch-on date has not yet been confirmed, so check before planning a visit specifically for the launch.
Insider tip: Start near Selfridges and walk towards Oxford Circus to enjoy the lights along the shopping street. You can easily combine Oxford Street with nearby Regent Street and Carnaby Street.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Carnaby Street brings a more colourful, creative feel to Christmas in London. Its 2026 theme, Press Play on Christmas, draws inspiration from the fun and nostalgia of the 1990s, with vibrant lights transforming this popular Soho shopping street. The switch-on takes place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
Insider tip: Wander into nearby Kingly Court while you’re here. Its multi-level courtyard is packed with restaurants and bars, making it a handy place to stop for food or a festive drink.
Bonus Tip: A London Christmas Lights Walking Route
Want to see several of London’s best Christmas lights in one evening? This West End walking route combines the major displays without spending your night hopping on and off the Tube.
- Bond Street: Begin with the elegant shopfronts and festive decorations.
- Oxford Street: Walk east towards Oxford Circus beneath the starry lights.
- Regent Street: Head south towards Piccadilly Circus to see the famous Christmas angels.
- Carnaby Street: Detour into Soho for its colourful Christmas display.
- Covent Garden: Finish beneath the giant decorations and Christmas tree, with time for festive food or a warming drink.
Allow around 90 minutes to two hours, depending on how often you stop for photographs or refreshments. The route is free, and visiting on a weekday evening after the initial switch-on celebrations should help you avoid some of the biggest crowds.
Fancy popping over to our beautiful Emerald Isle? You can find everything you need to know about the best Christmas Markets in Ireland, and discover why Ireland in winter is worth visiting.
Ice Skating in London at Christmas
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s courtyard ice rink is one of London’s most recognisable Christmas skating spots, surrounded by grand historic architecture and festive decorations. It runs from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, with skating tickets priced from £11 to £28.50. You can also visit the courtyard for the atmosphere, festive food and shopping without buying a skating ticket.
The 2026 programme includes a K-pop party on 23 November, DJ-led Skate Lates and extended skating sessions on selected dates.
Insider tip: If you don’t fancy skating, you can still visit the site and enjoy the atmosphere without paying for an ice-rink session. Check the calendar for Skate Lates if you’d prefer a livelier evening.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
For London ice skating with a riverside view, Glide returns to Battersea Power Station from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The rink features three interconnected skating areas and a 200-metre skate trail overlooking the Thames. Off the ice, you’ll find festive food stalls, fairground rides, shops and restaurants, making this an easy place to spend a few hours.
Insider tip: Make an afternoon or evening of it rather than travelling all the way to Battersea just for a skate. Combine your session with the festive decorations, a bite to eat and a look around the Power Station.
London Christmas Experiences for Families
Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
Santa’s Winter Garden brings a snowy Christmas experience to the historic walled gardens of Fulham Palace. Families enter an immersive festive setting with falling snow, sparkling lights and a private visit with Santa, making it an option for those looking for more than a quick grotto stop.
Insider tip: Book your preferred time in advance, particularly if you’re visiting with young children and want to fit the experience around naps or other activities.
Wundrful World of Christmas at ExCeL London
Wundrful World of Christmas takes families on an immersive journey through the North Pole, with themed areas, interactive activities, storytelling and a visit to Santa. For 2026, a new Elves’ Playground adds gentle fairground rides and festive food at the end of the experience. It is scheduled on selected dates from 13 November to 24 December 2026.
Insider tip: Allow time to enjoy the interactive sections rather than treating it as a quick Santa photo. Check exactly what’s included in your chosen ticket before booking.
Hogwarts in the Snow
Harry Potter fans can get a festive fix at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where the film sets receive their seasonal makeover for Hogwarts in the Snow. Expect a Christmas-decorated Great Hall, wintry scenes and details from the films. The 2026 event runs from 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, making it an option for visitors staying in London after Christmas, too.
Insider tip: Book studio tickets well ahead and allow several hours for the visit. The studio tour is outside central London, so factor in the journey when planning the rest of your day.
Santa’s Workshop at Battersea Power Station
New for 2026, Santa’s Workshop offers a family-friendly grotto experience inside Battersea Power Station. Children help Santa and his elves prepare for Christmas through interactive activities, visiting places such as the Post Room and Toy Workshop before meeting Santa. It runs from 27 November to 24 December 2026, with tickets starting at £16.50.
Insider tip: Pair the grotto with the Power Station’s Christmas decorations and festive food stalls. The area has enough going on to make the trip worthwhile for the whole family.
👉 While on a Christmassy adventure, check out the all-out best European winter festivals.
Christmas Shows and Theatre in London
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
Charles Dickens’ classic gets a festive stage adaptation at the Old Vic in Waterloo, with music, seasonal treats and an immersive production. The 2026 run is 10 November 2026 to 9 January 2027, with tickets starting at £19.50 for selected performances. It’s a good choice if you want a traditional Christmas theatre outing rather than another Christmas Market in London.
Insider tip: Look at preview and off-peak performances if you’re trying to keep costs down.
English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker
For a classic festive night out, English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum from 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Follow Clara on a magical Christmas Eve adventure, with more than 100 dancers and musicians bringing the story to life. The production is suitable for children aged five and over, with a family-friendly performance scheduled for 9 January.
Insider tip: If you’re visiting London with children at Christmas, check the family-friendly performance before choosing your date. It can be a lovely way to introduce them to ballet without expecting them to sit through a standard evening performance.
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
If you prefer your Christmas entertainment with a healthy dose of chaos, A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong brings the Mischief Theatre gang’s slapstick comedy to London’s West End. The 2026–27 run is scheduled at Wyndham’s Theatre from 18 December 2026 to 23 January 2027, so it also works for a post-Christmas trip to London.
Insider tip: This is a good option for a group or couple who would rather laugh through an evening than sit through a traditional festive story.
JW3’s Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle
For something a bit different from the big West End productions, JW3’s annual pantomime gives the traditional British panto a distinctly Jewish twist. Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle follows a young man arriving in London to make his fortune, with a mischievous talking cat, villainous rats, a diamond heist and plenty of pickle-themed jokes along the way. Expect singalongs, a live band playing klezmer-inspired versions of familiar songs and family-friendly comedy.
Insider tip: Unlike many Christmas shows, JW3 has performances on Christmas Day itself. If you’re in London on 25 December, check the official schedule for available seats and make sure to book ahead.
More Festive Pop-Ups and Experiences
Miracle on Russell Street
If you fancy Christmas cocktails with the decorations turned up to eleven, Miracle on Russell Street is returning to Covent Garden at a new location for 2026, opening from 9 November. Expect over-the-top festive décor, seasonal cocktails and indulgent snacks. This one is aimed at adults rather than a family day out.
Insider tip: Combine it with Covent Garden’s Christmas lights, but check booking requirements and opening times before heading over for a drink.
Miffy’s Christmas Shop in Covent Garden
A new festive pop-up at 29 Henrietta Street brings Miffy gifts, clothing, jewellery, luggage, homeware and seasonal products to Covent Garden. It’s a handy extra stop if you’re shopping for children or anyone who loves the little Dutch rabbit, and it can be combined with the area’s Christmas lights and snowfall displays.
Insider tip: Visit while exploring Covent Garden rather than making a separate trip just for the shop. Check the official listing for current opening hours.
Where to Stay Near London’s Christmas Markets
Choosing where to stay during the festive season can make a big difference to your trip. London is huge, so the best strategy is to pick a base close to the Christmas markets and attractions you most want to visit, rather than spending half your holiday travelling across the city.
Here are our hotel picks for Christmas in London 2026, from luxury suites to more budget-friendly options.
Best for Winter Wonderland: Mayfair & Marylebone
If Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is high on your list, staying around Marble Arch or Park Lane puts you within easy reach of the festivities.
- The Cumberland (Marble Arch): A music-themed hotel near Marble Arch, with modern rooms, bars and restaurants. Its location makes it a convenient base for Winter Wonderland and exploring central London.
- Zedwell Knightsbridge: A minimalist, sleep-focused hotel in Knightsbridge, with windowless rooms designed for a restful night’s sleep. It’s another option near Hyde Park, although it sits further south than the Marble Arch hotels.
- Grosvenor House Suites: Luxury serviced suites on Park Lane, offering a more spacious stay for families or anyone who wants extra room. Selected suites include kitchens, making them useful for longer visits.
Best for Riverside Magic: Southbank & Waterloo
Stay around Southbank or Waterloo if you want riverside walks, festive food stalls and some of London’s best-known landmarks close by. You’ll also have convenient transport links for exploring the rest of the city.
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge: A large, family-friendly hotel near the London Eye and Westminster Bridge, with views of Big Ben from selected rooms. It’s a handy base for exploring the South Bank and visiting the Southbank Centre Winter Market.
- Marlin Waterloo: A modern aparthotel with kitchen facilities in a convenient Waterloo location. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is within walking distance, although allow around 10–15 minutes rather than expecting to be right beside the stalls.
- Premier Inn County Hall: A practical choice beside the London Eye, close to the river and several major attractions. It’s worth comparing rates if you want a straightforward base without paying for a luxury hotel in London.
Best for Lights and Theatre: Covent Garden & The West End
If you want Christmas lights, shopping, theatre and festive food on your doorstep, staying in the West End makes it easy to explore on foot.
- The Resident Covent Garden: A centrally located hotel tucked away on a quieter street near Covent Garden Piazza. Selected rooms include kitchenettes, which can be handy if you’d rather keep breakfast costs down.
- Strand Palace Hotel: A historic London landmark that goes all-out with its own Christmas decorations. It’s perfectly positioned between the Covent Garden market and the Somerset House ice rink.
- Assembly Leicester Square: A compact, no-frills hotel near Leicester Square, making it convenient for theatres, nightlife and the Leicester Square Christmas Market.
Best for a Unique Vibe: Tower Bridge & East London
For a different side of Christmas in London, consider staying around Tower Bridge or Southwark. You’ll be well placed for riverside walks, historic sights and food markets.
- The Tower Hotel: Right beside Tower Bridge, this hotel is a strong choice if you want impressive bridge views. It’s also conveniently located for exploring the Christmas by the River market around London Bridge.
- The Hoxton (Southwark): A stylish hotel on Blackfriars Road, well placed for the South Bank, Tate Modern and riverside restaurants. Borough Market is also reachable on foot, though it’s a longer walk than the immediate Southwark attractions.
Wanderer Tip: For 2026, hotel prices in London are expected to spike between December 12 and December 23. If you can visit in late November or the first week of January, you’ll likely save 20-30% on your room rate!
Top-Rated London Christmas Tours
Here are some of the best-rated Christmas tours in London:
- London Christmas Private Guided Tour
- Description: Enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide, visiting London’s top Christmas attractions, including festive markets and light displays.
- Link: London Christmas Private Guided Tour
- London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour
- Description: Experience London’s Christmas lights from an open-top bus, covering iconic locations like Oxford Street and Regent Street.
- Link: London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour
- Magical Christmas Walking Tour
- Description: A guided walking tour through London’s festive streets, including Covent Garden and Carnaby Street, with caroling and holiday tales.
- Link: Magical Christmas Walking Tour
Getting Around London at Christmas: 2026 Travel Tips
London is busy during the festive season, so plan your routes before heading out to explore the Christmas markets. A few simple tricks can save you time, money and unnecessary journeys in the cold.
Use the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow
The Elizabeth line is an air-conditioned way to travel between Heathrow and central London, with direct connections to stations including Paddington, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road. Heathrow to Paddington takes around 28 minutes.
Wanderer Tip: If you’re flying into Heathrow, compare Elizabeth line fares with the Heathrow Express before booking. The Heathrow Express offers discounted advance single tickets from £10 when booked at least 30 days ahead.
Plan Around Christmas Day
London’s public transport does not run its usual services on Christmas Day, 25 December. Most public transport services do not operate, so arrange your travel and meals in advance rather than assuming you can hop on a bus or Tube. Check restaurant opening hours and supermarket times directly, as these vary.
Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve
Public transport resumes on Boxing Day, 26 December, but services are limited and engineering works may affect your journey. The Elizabeth line and most Overground routes do not operate that day, so check your route before setting off.
For New Year’s Eve, check the latest Transport for London announcements before making plans. Don’t assume travel will be free or that every route will run all night.
Simple Ways to Save Time and Money
- Use TfL Go or Citymapper: Check routes, live service updates and disruptions before you leave.
- Pay contactlessly: Use the same contactless card, phone or Oyster card throughout your journeys to benefit from applicable daily or weekly fare caps. Don’t switch between your physical card and phone, as they count as different payment methods.
- Check airport fares early: Advance tickets can save money on some airport trains, but compare prices and conditions before booking.
When it comes to the ultimate European Christmas postcard scene, you must at some point experience Prague at Christmas
FAQs – Christmas Markets in London 2026
What are the best Christmas markets in London in 2026?
Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leicester Square Christmas Market and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland are popular festive favourites. For Christmas lights and seasonal experiences, add Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and Christmas at Kew to your Christmas in London itinerary.
What are the best things to do in London at Christmas?
Beyond browsing Christmas markets, you can admire London’s Christmas lights, go ice skating at Somerset House, explore the Christmas at Kew light trail or enjoy festive theatre and seasonal food. There are plenty of things to do in London at Christmas for couples, families and first-time visitors.
What can you do for free in London at Christmas?
You can enjoy many Christmas lights and decorations for free, including displays around Covent Garden and London’s famous shopping streets. Several Christmas markets in London are also free to browse, although food, drinks and some festive attractions cost extra.
Is London worth visiting in December?
Yes! December is one of the most festive times to visit London, with Christmas markets, illuminated streets, ice rinks and seasonal events throughout the city. Expect large crowds and higher demand for accommodation, particularly on weekends and close to Christmas.
What is open in London on Christmas Day?
Most shops, attractions and public transport services close on 25 December, so Christmas Day in London requires extra planning. Some restaurants and hotels offer Christmas meals, while parks and central landmarks can still be enjoyed on foot; check opening arrangements and book meals in advance.
Enjoy Christmas in London!
From the Christmas markets and twinkling lights to ice skating and festive food, London has plenty to keep you busy over the Christmas season. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer winter escape, there’s a good mix of big-ticket attractions and free festive experiences to enjoy.
Our advice? Don’t try to cram everything into one trip. Pick the London Christmas markets and events you’re most excited about, group nearby sights together, and leave yourself time to wander.
Some of the best parts of Christmas in London are the simple things, like strolling through the illuminated streets, grabbing something tasty from a market stall or ducking into a cosy pub to escape the cold.
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the magic of London at Christmas without spending your entire trip queuing or racing across the city. Now all that’s left is to wrap up warm and get exploring!
Ready to start planning?
- Book your London accommodation early to secure your perfect festive base.
- Don’t forget to bookmark our Getting Around section for those vital Christmas Day travel tips.
- And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not hop over the Irish Sea to see us in Dublin for their Christmas markets?
Thank you for joining us on this journey through London’s Christmas Markets. Why don’t you let us know how you get on visiting London at Christmas?
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
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