London in December is packed with festive lights, markets, shows and cozy winter experiences, so finding great things to do is easy or is it? Below we list our top 20 things to do in London this December for tourists and local alike
1. Wander the Christmas lights
London’s Christmas lights are a destination in themselves, especially around Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Mayfair. Expect huge displays like angel lights over Regent Street and tens of thousands of twinkling bulbs in Covent Garden.
2. Explore Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland brings together theme‑park rides, a big ice rink, Christmas markets, bars, and shows in one massive festive village. Pre‑booked tickets are usually required, especially on weekends and evenings.
3. Browse riverside Christmas markets
Head to Southbank Centre’s Winter Market or Christmas by the River near London Bridge for wooden chalets, street food and views of the Thames and Tower Bridge. These markets are ideal for picking up small gifts and warming up with mulled wine.
4. Go ice skating at iconic rinks
Seasonal ice rinks pop up across the city, often with skyline views or historic backdrops. Rooftop spots like Skylight and large central rinks give you a classic winter activity with photo‑worthy settings.
5. See a West End Christmas classic
December is a prime time for festive theatre, with productions such as “A Christmas Carol”, traditional ballets like “The Nutcracker”, and family shows running alongside big West End musicals. Booking ahead is strongly recommended during the holidays.
6. Take a Christmas‑lights bus tour
Open‑top night tours let you sit back while you glide past the main shopping streets and landmarks draped in decorations. It is a relaxed way to see several neighborhoods lit up without dealing with crowds at every stop.
7. Visit Kew Gardens’ light trail
Kew Gardens transforms into a glowing winter trail with large‑scale light installations, music and food stalls. Time‑slotted tickets help spread out visitors, making for a more atmospheric evening walk.
8. Discover Chelsea Winter Illuminations
Central London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea hosts a creative light trail featuring interactive and immersive artworks. This is a slightly less touristy option that still feels very magical and family‑friendly.
9. Enjoy Winter Light on the South Bank
Along the Southbank Centre, outdoor art installations and light pieces brighten the riverside after dark. Because this trail is free, it is easy to combine with a stroll between bars, food stalls and cultural venues.
10. Tour Hogwarts in the Snow
Harry Potter fans can visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London while the sets are dressed for winter, with snow, Christmas trees and seasonal details. The “Hogwarts in the Snow” version runs through mid‑winter and sells out quickly.
11. Visit Christmas at Windsor Castle
A day trip to Windsor lets you see State Apartments decorated with towering trees, twinkling lights and royal festive displays. Combine the castle with a wander through Windsor’s historic streets and riverside paths.
12. Explore the Tower of London in winter
The Tower of London is open year‑round, and colder, darker days can make its thousand‑year history feel even more atmospheric. You can still see the Crown Jewels and join Yeoman Warder tours while avoiding peak summer crowds.
13. Join a Dickens‑themed walking tour
Seasonal walks inspired by “A Christmas Carol” explore Dickensian locations around the City of London and Cheapside. Guides share stories of Victorian Christmas traditions and the real‑life streets behind the novel.
14. Experience a Dickensian feast show
Immersive dining events such as The Great Christmas Feast combine theatre, live storytelling and multi‑course festive meals. Expect actors to interact with guests and recreate scenes linked to Dickens and Christmas lore.
15. Shop Leicester Square and West End markets
Leicester Square hosts its own festive market with stalls, food, and small‑scale shows, just steps from the West End theatres. It is a convenient place to grab gifts and snacks between performances or light‑spotting walks.
16. Listen to carols by candlelight
Venues and churches across London put on carol concerts, some in atmospheric candlelit settings. These evenings mix traditional carols, readings and sometimes classical performances in historic spaces.
17. Catch a December concert or gig
Major arenas and mid‑sized venues schedule big‑name and indie acts throughout December. From O2 Arena shows to Brixton gigs, you can often pair a concert with a festive day in town.
18. Enjoy festive afternoon tea
Many hotels and cafes offer Christmas‑themed afternoon teas with seasonal cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks. Booking a tea gives you a cozy break from the cold and a classic London treat.
19. Take a black‑cab or private city tour
A guided cab tour lets you cover more ground while staying warm, with a driver‑guide pointing out history and seasonal highlights. Some tours focus specifically on Christmas lights or Harry Potter filming locations.
20. Celebrate New Year’s Eve by the Thames
If you stay through the end of the month, London’s New Year celebrations centre on fireworks over the Thames and parties across the city. Official viewing areas usually require tickets, so planning ahead is essential.
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