best christmas attractions in london

Unmissable Festive Fun Attractions

Are you planning to visit London during the Christmas season? In this guide, we will take you through the best Christmas attractions in London, ensuring your holiday visit is truly unforgettable. Join us as we name most of the top festive season attractions from Winter Wonderland to dazzling street lights, Christmas markets, theatrical performances, afternoon teas, ice-skating, Christmas tours and attractions just for kids. This is your go-to guide for anyone travelling to London, whether you are a family, couple or even a solo traveller.

Best Christmas Attractions in London

table of contents best christmas attractions in london

Best Christmas Markets in London

Explore the enchanting charm of London's holiday atmosphere through its wide range of interesting Christmas markets.

Stroll around booths with gourmet foods, seasonal sweets, and artisan items against glittering lights. London is the ideal destination for a joyful holiday celebration because of these markets, which offer distinctive holiday experiences and vibrant festive atmospheres.

The Christmas markets in London dates vary for every market. They typically start in November and end either just before Christmas or after New Year's.

• Borough Market: Indulge in gourmet treats, festive drinks, and seasonal delicacies at this well-known food market in London that is filled with holiday spirit.
• Southbank Centre: Stroll down the gorgeous Thames and indulge in festive food vendors serving mulled wine, seasonal munchies, and holiday delicacies.
• Covent Garden: Savour seasonal delicacies, street cuisine, and mulled wine while taking in the bright holiday lights and entertainment.
• Greenwich Market: Take in the festive market atmosphere, sparkling lights, unique antiques, artisan jewellery, and holiday presents.
• Kingston Christmas Market: This quaint, holiday market offers handcrafted items, exquisite gastronomic snacks, and exquisite decorations. (Opens mid-November to early January).
• Leicester Square Christmas Market: Savour holiday shopping, mulled wine, and snacks in the centre of Leicester Square, one of London's most famous squares.
• Camden Market: This vibrant market, renowned for its eccentric ambience, offers holiday-themed entertainment, unique goods, and festive food.
• Spitalfields Market: In the charming historic Spitalfields setting, indulge in handcrafted goods, seasonal beverages, and artisanal food to get into the holiday spirit.

Festive Dining and Gourmet Experiences in London

Christmas time in London brings out the best of the city's food scene, with sophisticated afternoon teas, riverbank food vendors, and unusual culinary adventures. With everything from gourmet sweets to seasonal fare, every site has a festive Christmas vibe. With a touch of seasonal spirit in every dish, the city offers exceptional dining experiences to commemorate the festive season.

• Fortnum & Mason: At this renowned Piccadilly store, indulge in luxury with gourmet packages, seasonal delicacies, and magnificent festive treats.
• Christmas by the River: Savour the holiday atmosphere along the river, with a selection of seasonal food and drink vendors offering a picturesque view of the Thames.
• Taste of London: This festive edition has chef presentations, holiday-themed food and drink, and premier restaurants to celebrate the season.
• The Ivy: Savour a refined seasonal meal experience surrounded by chic décor and a warm Christmas ambience.
• Sketch: Indulge in a distinctive Christmas afternoon tea with inventive pastries, finger sandwiches, and whimsical, seasonal décor.
• Harrods: Discover the luxurious department store's Food Hall, which serves seasonal specialities, upscale holiday snacks, and premium Christmas hampers.
• Winter Wonderland food village: Savour hearty German treats and mulled wine while taking in the warm, chalet-style setting of Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.
• Dalloway Terrace: Enjoy warm holiday dining, seasonal beverages, and twinkling lights while dining in a winter wonderland.
• Sky Garden: Experience holiday dining in a stunning setting with seasonal beverages, Christmas-themed meals, and panoramic views of London.
• Claridge’s Hotel: In an exquisite, celebratory setting, savour a sumptuous afternoon tea with festive pastries, delicate sandwiches, and sparkling champagne.

Must-See Christmas Lights in London

With breathtaking light displays illuminating famous streets and landmarks, London becomes a glittering wonderland throughout the Christmas season. From contemporary neighbourhoods to historic marketplaces, every location has distinctive holiday decorations, lively themes, and eye-catching installations that fascinate guests and capture the cheerful spirit of the season.

• Oxford Street: Holiday customers are drawn to the busy shopping strip by the iconic Christmas lights that blanket it, creating a festive glitter.
• Regent Street: This well-known retail area is lined with sparkling holiday displays that fill the streets with a grandiose and festive feel.
• Carnaby Street: A fashionable, bright vibe is added with uniquely designed lights, making for a dynamic and enjoyable festive atmosphere.
• Covent Garden: The old market area is transformed into a joyful space with the help of a massive Christmas tree and exquisite decorations.
• South Bank: Stunning views and a mystical wintertime stroll are provided by the Thames's twinkling riverbank lights.
• Trafalgar Square: A joyful focal point in the square, the typical Norway spruce Christmas tree gleams with lights and ornaments.
• Kew Gardens: The botanical gardens are transformed into a winter paradise by the amazing light installations of the lit winter trail.
• Canary Wharf: Visitors are delighted by the compelling festive urban landscape created by stunning light installations in the contemporary financial area.

christmas afternoon tea Tours

Flickr/Sanshiro KUBOTA | Ritz In London Afternoon Tea

Indulge in seasonal afternoon teas at some of London's best restaurants, hotels or bus tours to truly experience the magic of Christmas. Savour sandwiches, scones, and seasonal pastries in renowned restaurants like Claridge's, The Ritz, and The Savoy. Every event is provided in festive, exquisitely designed settings, making it the ideal way to ring in the holidays in style.

• London Vintage Bus Tour and Cream Tea at Harrods: Take a half-day open-top bus tour of London and then indulge in a delicious cream tea at Harrods.
• Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace: Savour a classic British afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace, complete with scones, savoury sandwiches, and sweet pastries.
• Afternoon Tea at The Milestone with Champagne Option: Experience a classic afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel, complete with freshly baked scones, fine sandwiches, canapés, and optional champagne.
  
• Traditional Afternoon Tea Tour in a Luxury Coach: Discover the opulent double-decker Bustronome London, which provides a singular voyage past famous sites while savouring fine dining.
  
• Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames: Enjoy a 1.5-hour Afternoon Tea cruise on the Thames, with tea, sandwiches, cakes, and views of historic landmarks.
  
• Festive Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz: Experience the atmosphere of Christmas at The Ritz with a festive afternoon tea that includes live carols, seasonal pastries, sandwiches, and scones.

Must-See Christmas Plays in London

Flickr/The Lowry | ELF The Musical

London's Christmas theatre scene is filled with magical performances that capture the spirit of the season. From classic ballets to festive musicals and heartwarming plays, these shows offer unforgettable experiences that celebrate the joy, wonder, and magic of Christmas, making them perfect for holiday outings with family and friends.

• ELF The Musical: Full of songs, comedy, and holiday spirit, this amusing and endearing musical is based on a well-loved movie.
• The Nutcracker: The beloved score by Tchaikovsky and a captivating performance by the English National Ballet will be featured in the return of The Nutcracker to the London Coliseum.
• Cinderella: Experience the romantic musical comedy Cinderella by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which features entrancing music, gorgeous costumes and an original tale written by Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell.
• A Christmas Carol: Dickens' beloved story of redemption, is brought to life with stirring performances and a touching message of seasonal goodwill.
• Mary Skeaping's Giselle: This romantic ballet, despite not having a Christmas theme, manages to capture the charm of the season with its exquisite choreography and enduring love tale.
• White Christmas: A beloved holiday musical with upbeat music, dancing, and a touching tale that is ideal for a nostalgic experience.
• The Snowman: Enjoy the captivating stage version of the well-known children's book, complete with puppets, live music, and enchanted narration.
• Potted Panto: Take in a humorous mash-up of seven vintage pantomimes in one show, providing an enjoyable and joyous theatrical event.
• Nativity! The Musical: Based on the well-known movie, this endearing musical features joyful moments, laughing, and children's nativity performances.

Top Christmas Activities for Kids in London

Flickr/The Lowry | Hamleys Shop London

An abundance of holiday events and attractions make London a magical playground for kids over the Christmas season. For children, the city offers plenty of options to enjoy the Christmas season and make treasured experiences brimming with excitement and wonder, from ice skating and themed museums to captivating theatre performances and amazing light displays.

• Theatre Productions: Energise young audiences with holiday favourites such as Elf The Musical and The Snowman, which showcase captivating storylines and enchanting performances.
• Ice Skating at Somerset House: With the festive atmosphere of Somerset House surrounding them, children may have a fantastic ice skating experience beneath sparkling lights.
  
• Toy Stores (Hamleys, M&M's, Lego, Selfridges): Discover London's renowned toy stores, which provide a kid-friendly wonderland of toys, holiday décor, and events dedicated to the season.
  
• London Zoo: Take advantage of the seasonal events at the London Zoo, where youngsters can see Santa, take part in activities with a Christmas theme, and view their favourite animals.
• Winter Wonderland: Offering rides, games, and seasonal refreshments, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is a fun Christmas destination for kids.
• Christmas Lights: For a spectacular holiday experience, stroll under Oxford Street and Regent Street's stunning Christmas lights in London.
• London's Christmas Decorations: The enormous Christmas tree and exquisite decorations around well-known London landmarks will delight children and bring holiday pleasure.
• Hogwarts in the Snow: To bring the fantasy of Harry Potter to life for children, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is transformed into a winter wonderland.
• Museums: Certain museums let youngsters learn and play in a festive environment with displays and activities centred around the Christmas season.
• Kew Gardens: The illuminated trails, ideal for kids, transform the gardens into a mystical realm during the Christmas at Kew light display.
• Open-Top Christmas Lights Bus Tour: Treat kids to an exciting and one-of-a-kind tour of London's festive lights while they ride an open-top bus.

ice-skating rinks in London

Enjoy the festive fun of outdoor ice skating at exquisitely decorated rinks throughout London over the Christmas season. Make unforgettable moments for families, couples, and friends as you glide over the ice surrounded by twinkling lights and festive décor.

In the metropolis, skating in the dazzling holiday light is a must-do winter activity.

• Ice Skating at Somerset House: Celebrated ice rink in a historic setting with refreshments and lively music.
• Greenwich Winter Time Festival: Enjoy ice skating, a festive market, and entertainment all set in Greenwich's historic setting.
• Natural History Museum Ice Rink: Skate in a charming environment among sparkling trees, with a welcoming café serving seasonal fare.
• Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: London's largest outdoor rink, complete with festive food vendors, live music, and Christmas lights.
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: Offers charming Christmas decorating and festive lighting as you glide across the ice in front of the historic building.
• Tower of London Ice Rink: Skate alongside centuries of history at the Tower of London Ice Rink, which offers stunning views of the Tower's walls and the famous Thames.
• Canary Wharf Ice Rink: Enjoy skating on a lit rink with seasonal food, beverages, and live music as it's enclosed by skyscrapers.

best Christmas Tours In London

To spice up your festive holiday, you could take one of the following five tours that best give you an insight into how Christmas is celebrated in London. Whether that is by an open-tour bus, bike tour, dinner cruise and more. When selecting one of the following tours, you will be directed to GetYourGuide where you can reserve your seat easily and securely.

• Christmas Lights In London By Night Open-Top Bus Tour: Take part in a festive open-air bus tour of London's well-known neighbourhoods and holiday-themed attractions as part of this festive open-air bus tour.
• London Christmas Lights Bike Tour: Take a three-hour bike tour through London's festive lights, stopping at Oxford Street, Harrods, Winter Wonderland, and Christmas markets.
• London Christmas Lights Tour In A Black Cab: With a 2.5-hour black cab tour of London, you will see some of the city's most spectacular Christmas lights, as well as photo stops and illuminated landmarks along the way.
• Christmas Day Trip to Windsor, Oxford & Avebury with Lunch: Discover three well-known British locations this Christmas: Windsor, University City in Oxford, and the ancient Avebury stones.
• Christmas Party Dinner Cruise: Christmas on a London cruise includes a 3-course meal, festive music, and dancing to hits and classics from the holiday season.

free tours in london england

Based on what was said in this guide, Christmas in London offers a magical experience for all ages. There is no shortage of things to do, from twinkling light displays to purchasing little ornaments at a Christmas market. With so many unforgettable spots to explore, the best Christmas attractions in London ensure that your holiday season will be filled with joy, wonder, and lasting memories.

FAQ about the best christmas attractions in London

Photo sources & resources

• Christmas Delights London - Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
• Christmas Mayfair Lights - Photo by Zetong Li on Pexels
• Ice-Skating London - Photo by Fas Khan on Unsplash
  
• Christmas Tours - Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels

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