That magical time of year is fast approaching us again. Just like Santa in his workshop, London is gearing up for all kinds of festive fun. There are lots of Christmas activities and events in London to keep people of all ages entertained and get you into the festive mood. From markets to family days out or concerts and theatre productions, we can help you plan lots of seasonal fun in the capital this year. Check out our guide to things to do in London at Christmas.
The best things to do in London this Christmas
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Christmas events in London
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1Royal Albert Hall Regular carol concerts
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2The Churchill Arms Christmas photo opps
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3Battersea Power Station All-in-one Christmas destination
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4St. Paul's Cathedral An annual Xmas tradition
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5The Peter Pan Cup A chilly Christmas dip
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6Old Spitalfields Market Get your last-minute shopping in
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7Winter Wonderland London's ultimate Christmas activity
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8Up at The O2 The highest snow globe in the land
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9Leadenhall Market Striking architecture and dazzling decor
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10Trafalgar Square See a famous Christmas tree
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11Kew Gardens Family-friendly light trail
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12Kenwood House Fun Christmas activities for kids
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13Miracle Retro Christmas bar
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14Winter by the River Thames-side festive market
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15Liberty Deck the halls with stuff from Liberty
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16Cadogan Hall Eclectic Christmas performances
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17Hamleys Time to meet Santa
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18Sadler's Wells See the annual Christmas ballet
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19Crystal Palace Park Catch a classic Christmas movie
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20London Transport Museum Family activities for the season
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21The London Palladium See a classic pantomime
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22Covent Garden Market See the market's festive makeover
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23Harrods Come for the decor, stay for the shopping
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24Broadway Theatre A Lewisham fairy tale
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25Wembley Arena Jack's back
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26Barbican Centre A month of festive music
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27Between the Bridges It's shaping up to be an Electric Winter
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28The Gingerbread City Architecture with a festive theme
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29Juju's Queerative London's Christmas party
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30Mulled wine trail A festive take on a pub crawl
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31St Martin-in-the-Fields Carols by candlelight
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32London Coliseum Family-friendly ballet
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33Kingswood House Father Christmas needs your help
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34Christmas lights Plan your own Christmas lights trail
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35Christmas dinner Let the feasting commence
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36Christmas markets Tick off all the Christmas markets
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37Ice skating Lace up your skates and hit the ice
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38Christmas afternoon tea Indulge in a classic
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39Christmas charity Give back this Christmas
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Christmas events in London
Regular carol concerts
The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington is famed for its distinctive domed building. It has served as a concert venue for over 150 years and in the run-up to Christmas it hosts festive carol concerts. Performances run several times each day, with the final ones of the year on Christmas Eve.
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Kensington Gore, Kensington
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Website
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Royal Albert Hall
020-758 982 12 - Read more on Thatsup
Christmas photo opps
Arguably one of the most photogenic pubs around, The Churchill Arms is widely-recognised for its floral façade. At Christmas, the pub gets a bit of a makeover, decked out with row upon row of Christmas trees. Remember to get a few photos before venturing inside for a warming drink in this traditional pub.
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119 Kensington Church St, Kensington
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Website
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The Churchill Arms
020-772 742 42 - Read more on Thatsup
All-in-one Christmas destination
Battersea Power Station has transformed into a magical Christmas destination with stunning Art Deco-inspired decorations, over 150 Christmas trees, and spectacular displays including a 40ft tree. Children can experience Santa's School For Elves, meeting Santa and receiving an official Elf hat and certificate, while adults can participate in festive arts and crafts workshops, including candle painting and calligraphy. The riverside ice rink, festive dining options, plentiful shopping opportunities, and the Lift 109 experience for panoramic city views ensure a memorable holiday visit for all.
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Circus Road West, Vauxhall/Battersea
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Website
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Battersea Power Station
020-750 106 88 - Read more on Thatsup
An annual Xmas tradition
Attending the carol services at St. Paul's Cathedral, a masterpiece by architect Sir Christopher Wren, is an annual ritual for many Londoners. Throughout December, you can enjoy a range of concerts, spanning family-friendly services, and traditional carols. Standout events include the Christmas Carol Service on 23 and 24 December, both free and hugely popular – arrive early and brace for queues.
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Saint Paul's Churchyard, The City/City of London
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Website
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St. Paul's Cathedral
020-724 683 50 - Read more on Thatsup
A chilly Christmas dip
The Peter Pan Cup has been around since 1864, making it one of the city's oldest festive rituals. Reserved primarily for spectators unless you belong to the Serpentine Swimming Club, this 100-yard swimming race unfolds on Christmas morning at Hyde Park's lido. The race's moniker dates back to 1904 when Sir James Barrie, the renowned author and playwright, introduced the trophy. Brave participants dive into the waters at 9 am.
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Hyde Park
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Get your last-minute shopping in
At Christmas, Old Spitalfields Market, a unique blend of East End artistry and City luxury, transforms into a refuge from the high street, inviting visitors to marvel at London's artistic essence. Steeped in history since the 1800s and once a hub for silk weavers and fruit sellers, the market now stands as one of London's most diverse shopping destinations, showcasing a rich array of local artisans and producers beneath dazzling fairy lights and Christmas wreaths.
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16 Commercial St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Old Spitalfields Market
020-737 529 63 - Read more on Thatsup
London's ultimate Christmas activity
It’s the big daddy of them all – Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This is London’s ultimate destination for Christmas fun, an expansive area with market stalls, street food and drinks, amusements, rides, and live music performances. There’s something to entertain every age group at this unashamedly festive attraction, so it’s great for families.
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Hyde Park
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
The highest snow globe in the land
Scaling The O2 with Up at The O2 is an exhilarating experience all year round, but it's extra special this Christmas. Once you scale the The O2's iconic roof, you'll be able to chill out in an immersive snow globe 52 metres above the ground. The whimsical winter pod on the rooftop comes complete with falling snow, plenty of photo opportunities, and gingerbread cookies, as well as the option to buy drinks.
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Peninsula Square, Greenwich
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Website
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Up at The O2
020-846 326 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Striking architecture and dazzling decor
Shopping centre Leadenhall Market is impressive all year round but come Christmas its distinctive architecture is enhanced with dazzling festive decor. There are also seasonal workshops and pop-ups, plus festive guided walks. Snap some photos of the decorations and get some Christmas shopping done with the independent retailers based here.
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Gracechurch Street, The City/City of London
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Website
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Leadenhall Market
020-760 630 30 - Read more on Thatsup
See a famous Christmas tree
Visit Trafalgar Square to see the Christmas tree that Norway famously gifts the UK every year. This prominent landmark also has other seasonal decorations and displays, and hosts a Christmas market where you can shop for gifts and treats. This is the magic of Christmas in the heart of the capital.
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Trafalgar Square, Westminster
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Family-friendly light trail
Explore a magical Christmas light trail around Kew Gardens for a festive evening activity suitable for all ages. The gardens here are spectacular at any time of the year but the dazzling illuminations make them even more special. Along the "Christmas at Kew" trail, you can stop at vendors selling treats, including hot drinks and snacks.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
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Website
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Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
020-833 256 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Fun Christmas activities for kids
During the holidays, Kenwood House in Hampstead becomes a magical winter wonderland. The impressive stately home is lit up in a dazzling display, and kids can embark on a festive quest to uncover the magic of the season. Winter cocktails and festive food are available to buy during your visit, and the mansion also hosts Father Christmas visits, a Christmas market, and other fun events throughout the season.
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Hampstead Lane, Hampstead
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Website
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Kenwood House
0370-333 11 81 - Read more on Thatsup
Retro Christmas bar
Relive the childhood magic of Christmas along with some tempting cocktails at the uber-festive Miracle at Henrietta bar. This Christmas-themed pop-up in Covent Garden is decked out with retro decorations and lights and has a menu of seasonal cocktails, served up in cups and vessels that are right on theme.
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14-15 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden
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Website
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Miracle at Henrietta
020-379 453 14 - Read more on Thatsup
Thames-side festive market
Winter by the River transforms the Thames into a winter paradise. Wooden cabins line the area around London Bridge, offering a wide variety of festive treats ranging from stocking filler gifts to mulled wine and street food. Other exciting events like storytelling sessions, workshops, and seasonal tasting events are on too, and you can even try curling at the pop-up curling lanes, a new addition in 2024.
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London Bridge City, Southwark/City of London
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Deck the halls with stuff from Liberty
Liberty is famous for many things – a striking building, gorgeous textiles, and its Christmas shop. If you’re looking to really go all out on the decor this year, this place is a must-visit. You’ll find imaginative baubles and decorations in every possible design, plus the store’s other departments are fab for Christmas shopping.
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Regent Street, Soho
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Website
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Liberty London
020-389 330 62 - Read more on Thatsup
Eclectic Christmas performances
Home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cadogan Hall is a concert hall in Chelsea. Performances cover genres ranging from classical to jazz and pop, plus dance and films. At Christmas the venue is hosting a variety of seasonal concerts and performances from ballet to choir music, carols, singalongs, and orchestral music.
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5 Sloane Terrace, Chelsea/Belgravia
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Website
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Cadogan Hall
020-773 045 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Time to meet Santa
Visiting Hamleys in Regent Street is a fab Christmas activity for kids. The world’s oldest toy shop offers seven floors of fun, and is one of London’s favourite places for meeting Santa in his grotto. Lots of other festive fun is going on too like parades, performances, and character meet-and-greets.
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188-196 Regent Street, Soho
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Website
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Hamleys Regent Street
0371-704 19 77 - Read more on Thatsup
See the annual Christmas ballet
Throughout the year, Sadler's Wells is a top venue for dance performances and productions covering a wide variety of styles. Every year this theatre near Angel puts on a Christmas ballet production, with this year's show being “The Snowman”, along with family-friendly guest productions of the “The Nutcracker” and “The Twelve Months”. This is a great way for dance fans to get into the festive spirit.
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Rosebery Avenue
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Website
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Sadler's Wells Theatre
020-786 381 98 - Read more on Thatsup
Catch a classic Christmas movie
During the 2024 Christmas season, Crystal Palace Park in South London is hosting a series of festive pop-up screenings. Cosy up in the just restored Victorian Subway space and enjoy classic Christmas movies like “Elf”, “Home Alone”, and “Love Actually”. Other festive events such as a fun run will also be held in the park during the festive season, and all the usual attractions such as the dinosaur statues are open to visitors as well.
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Thicket Road, Bromley
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Family activities for the season
London Transport Museum has fun festive family-friendly events going on during the Christmas season. The museum is dedicated to celebrating London's busy transport network, and during the holidays this includes Santa's magic sleigh, which little ones can climb aboard and explore. There's also a digital family trail to explore, storytelling sessions to enjoy, and more.
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The Piazza, Covent Garden
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Website
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London Transport Museum
0343-222 50 00 - Read more on Thatsup
See a classic pantomime
Going to the pantomime is a festive tradition, so check out what's on at The London Palladium. This famous venue in the West End hosts a broad range of performances and puts on a popular panto every year, with this year's being “Robin Hood” starring Jane McDonald and Julian Clary. The theatre can seat more than 2,000 audience members.
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8 Argyll Street, Soho
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Website
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The London Palladium
020-392 529 98 - Read more on Thatsup
See the market's festive makeover
Browsing in Covent Garden Market is a great tip for Christmas shopping, with various big retailers and independents. You can experience much more than that here – every year, the market transforms into a Christmas Village with world-famous Christmas lights, including over 40 giant bells with bows, 12 huge baubles, and eight spinning mirror balls. There's fabulous decor, warming mulled wine, and special events such as making your Christmas table centrepiece.
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14 James St, Covent Garden
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Website
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Covent Garden Market
020-742 058 56 - Read more on Thatsup
Come for the decor, stay for the shopping
Iconic department store Harrods is famous for the elaborate Christmas decorations that adorn its famous exterior. Pop down during the festive season to admire the decor and window displays. If you’ve still got some presents to buy, the various departments here offer lots of choice from fashion and jewellery to foodie gifts.
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87-135 Brompton Road
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Website
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Harrods
020-773 012 34 - Read more on Thatsup
A Lewisham fairy tale
This December, Broadway Theatre is hosting a modern panto retelling of “Sleeping Beauty”, featuring a gothic twist and following Princess Tahlia's journey as she confronts a curse and her destiny. The cast includes local talent, such as Durone Stokes and Lisa Davina Phillip, highlighting the show's strong ties to the Lewisham community. The theatre is also hosting other on-theme events during the 2024 festive season, including Christmas comedy nights and drag bingo.
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Rushey Green
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Website
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Broadway Theatre
020-869 000 02 - Read more on Thatsup
Jack's back
Tim Burton's “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a modern-day Christmas classic, and its catchy soundtrack is a big part of its everlasting appeal. This Christmas, acclaimed composer Danny Elfman, who wrote all of the film's songs, will be performing the songs live in sync with the movie as it's projected on the big screen. He'll be accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests.
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Engineers Way, Wembley/Brent
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Website
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OVO Arena Wembley
020-878 255 66 - Read more on Thatsup
A month of festive music
The Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival returns to the Barbican London this December, offering a month-long programme filled with diverse festive events. Highlights include orchestral tributes to legendary composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams, candlelit concerts, carol singalongs, and performances by renowned ensembles like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The festival also features The Big Christmas Party with festive pop hits, traditional favourites, and performances by four headline singers.
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Silk St, Barbican, The City/City of London
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Website
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Barbican Centre
020-763 841 41 - Read more on Thatsup
It's shaping up to be an Electric Winter
Between The Bridges on the South Bank is hosting a festive Electric Winter season this year, featuring a wide range of entertaining events – live DJs, themed craft markets, a Taylor Swift tribute night, Christmas drag brunch, mass karaoke singalongs of Christmas favourites, Sunday socials, and more. Visitors can enjoy street food, drinks, and a variety of activities in a winter-proofed venue that's perfect for the colder months.
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The Queen's Walk, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Architecture with a festive theme
Explore Christmassy architecture at The Museum of Architecture’s annual The Gingerbread City exhibition. Visitors can explore a series of cities designed by professional architects, made from gingerbread, and showcasing sustainable design concepts. You can also have a go at creating your own gingerbread structure at a gingerbread house-making workshop.
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The Gaumont, 196-222 King's Rd, Chelsea
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Queerative London's Christmas party
Brick Lane Jazz Festival is teaming up with Sounds Queer again this year, hosting a raucous Xmas Party highlighting the best of London's queer jazz scene at Juju's at the Truman Brewery. Headliner Charles, a rising star of the city's funk and soul scene, will be in charge of the proceedings, accompanied by numerous special guests.
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15 Hanbury St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Juju's Bar and Stage
020-777 061 09 - Read more on Thatsup
A festive take on a pub crawl
If the winter chills are getting to you, a nice mug of steaming mulled wine is one of the best ways to chase it away. It's very convenient then that Fables & Company, which operate several wine bars in London, have put together a nice little mulled wine trail to embark on this holiday season. Connecting two of its bars, the just-opened Quill in Borough Yards and Covent Garden's Plume, the trail lets you fill up the tankard you get at both venues, with an additional pitstop at the Southbank Centre Food Market.
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1 Bank End, Southwark Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, South Bank/Southwark 26 Wellington Street, Covent GardenQuill
1 Bank End, SouthwarkSouthbank Centre Food Market
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, South Bank/SouthwarkPlume Wine Bar
26 Wellington Street, Covent Garden -
Quill
quillwinebar.comSouthbank Centre Food Market
southbankcentre.co.uk/visit/cafes-restaurants-bars/scfood-marketPlume Wine Bar
plumewinebar.comQuill
020-394 849 00Southbank Centre Food Market
020-387 995 55Plume Wine Bar
020-394 849 00 -
Quill Southbank Centre Food Market Plume Wine Bar
Carols by candlelight
Centrally-located church St Martin-in-the-Fields is well-known for its programme of classical and choral music concerts in a unique setting. During the festive season, it hosts candlelit carol concerts performed by the church's choir and brass band. Some concerts are designed to be family-friendly or specifically made to entertain little ones. Wreath-making workshops are held here as well.
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Trafalgar Square, Westminster
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Website
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St Martin-in-the-Fields
020-776 611 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Family-friendly ballet
“The Nutcracker” is classic Christmas entertainment for the whole family, and you can take in a performance at the London Coliseum. This is the largest theatre in London, seating almost 2,500 people. It's also the base for the English National Ballet, the company that puts on the Christmas performance each year.
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St Martin's Ln, Covent Garden
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Website
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London Coliseum
020-784 593 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Father Christmas needs your help
Kingswood House, a beautiful Victorian mansion that now hosts a community arts centre, is hosting “Once Upon a Kingswood Christmas” again this year, a magical adventure for the whole family to enjoy. As you traverse multiple impressive sets in the mansion's halls, you'll be tasked with saving Father Christmas from the clutches of the Snow Queen. If you succeed, the grateful man might even stick around for a photo.
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Seeley Drive
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Website
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Kingswood House
020-787 080 51 - Read more on Thatsup
Plan your own Christmas lights trail
Every year, the festive spirit covers the London streets with a blanket of twinkling Christmas lights, transforming the sombre city streets into a winter wonderland. Numerous neighbourhoods throughout the capital cover themselves with Christmas lights and other festive decorations, making London's Christmas lights a major attraction for winter visitors from around the world. Our guide on the best places to see the dazzling lights in London allows you to plan your very own trail to see the best of London's Christmas lights.
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Oxford Street, Soho/Mayfair/Marylebone Regent Street, Soho/Mayfair Carnaby Street, SohoOxford Street
Oxford Street, Soho/Mayfair/MaryleboneRegent Street
Regent Street, Soho/MayfairCarnaby Street
Carnaby Street, Soho -
Oxford Street
oxfordstreet.co.ukRegent Street
regentstreetonline.comCarnaby Street
carnaby.co.uk -
Oxford Street Regent Street Carnaby Street Where to see the best Christmas lights in London
Let the feasting commence
For many, food is the best thing about Christmas, and there are many places in the city where you can indulge when the festive season comes around. Numerous restaurants in London will feature special festive menus during the Christmas season, and we're showcasing some of our favourites in our guide to Christmas dinners in London.
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53 Park Ln, Mayfair 5 Stable St, King's Cross The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, SouthwarkAlain Ducasse at The Dorchester
53 Park Ln, MayfairDishoom King's Cross
5 Stable St, King's CrossRoast
The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, Southwark -
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
alainducasse-dorchester.comDishoom King's Cross
dishoom.com/kings-crossRoast
roast-restaurant.comAlain Ducasse at The Dorchester
020-762 988 66Dishoom King's Cross
020-742 093 21Roast
020-337 131 20 -
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester Dishoom King's Cross Roast The best Christmas dinners in London
Tick off all the Christmas markets
We've mentioned a few of our favourite Christmas markets already but there are many more for you to explore, so we've written the ultimate rundown of the best Christmas markets that are popping up this year. Whether you want to stock up on gifts crafted by local artisans or you just want to see how much mulled wine you can guzzle down, you'll be able to do all this and more at London's multitude of Christmas markets.
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Greenwich Town Centre, Greenwich Market Place Leicester Square, Westminster/Covent GardenGreenwich Christmas Market
Greenwich Town Centre, GreenwichKingston Christmas Market
Market PlaceLeicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square, Westminster/Covent Garden -
Greenwich Christmas Market
royalgreenwich.gov.ukKingston Christmas Market
kingstonchristmasmarket.co.ukLeicester Square Christmas Market
leicestersquare.london/leicester-square-christmas-market -
Greenwich Christmas Market Kingston Christmas Market Leicester Square Christmas Market Guide to Christmas markets in London
Lace up your skates and hit the ice
Ice skating has been one of the most popular things to do at Christmas for centuries, and there are lots of different ice rinks to glide around on in London, from classic covered venues to seasonal ones that pop up across the city. Most are open throughout winter, but they're especially nice to visit during the holidays, when they feature festive decor to add to the atmosphere. Our guide to where to go ice skating in London tells you everything you need to know about this fun Christmas activity in London.
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Circus Rd W, Vauxhall/Battersea Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey Strand, Covent GardenGlide at Battersea Power Station
Circus Rd W, Vauxhall/BatterseaAlexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Palace Way, HaringeySomerset House
Strand, Covent Garden -
Glide at Battersea Power Station
glidebatterseapowerstation.co.ukAlexandra Park & Palace
alexandrapalace.comSomerset House
somersethouse.org.ukAlexandra Park & Palace
020-836 521 21Somerset House
020-784 546 00 -
Glide at Battersea Power Station Alexandra Park & Palace Somerset House Where to go ice skating in London
Indulge in a classic
'Tis the season of indulgence, and a traditional afternoon tea is one of the most indulgent experiences you can have in London. During the festive season, lots of the afternoon teas on offer across London undergo a Christmas-themed makeover. Whether it's carefully sculpted Christmassy treats or the introduction of traditional festive flavours – or both – Christmas afternoon tea is sure to add a bit of unforgettable culinary magic to the holiday season.
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80 Houndsditch, The City/City of London 6-7 Chandos Place, Covent Garden 1C Portland Place, MarylebonePan Pacific London
80 Houndsditch, The City/City of LondonBrigit's Bakery
6-7 Chandos Place, Covent GardenPalm Court at The Langham
1C Portland Place, Marylebone -
Pan Pacific London
panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-london.htmlBrigit's Bakery
b-bakery.comPalm Court at The Langham
palm-court.co.ukPan Pacific London
020-711 868 88Brigit's Bakery
020-302 611 88Palm Court at The Langham
020-796 501 95 -
Pan Pacific London Brigit's Bakery Palm Court at The Langham Guide to Christmas afternoon tea in London
Give back this Christmas
For many, Christmas brings peace and joy, but that's not the case for everyone. Many Londoners feel the most lonely when Christmas comes around or might be grappling with challenges such as homelessness, hunger, or isolation. If you fancy helping someone else this Christmas, our guide to charity at Christmas is a good place to start. From volunteering at a food bank to fundraising to help tackle homelessness, our guide lists a few things you can do this festive season to help someone else.