14 Things To Do In London Over Christmas (That Are Actually Great)
London is at its most magical over Christmas, but it can also be overwhelming, crowded, and full of the same old festive clichés. If you’re looking to cut through the noise and enjoy the season with experiences that are actually worth your time, this one’s for you.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy festive restaurant to visit or you’d like to take in a Christmas concert, here are some great ways to make the most of London at Christmas.
Watch Home Alone at Royal Albert Hall
This one usually sells out in minutes, but if you’re lucky, there will be a handful of last-minute tickets available, or you can try getting your hands on resale tickets as well. Watching Home Alone at the Royal Albert Hall is no ordinary experience – the film score is performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus, and it’s a genuinely wonderful, Christmas thing to do in London.
Watching Home Alone in a packed theatre with an orchestra performing the soundtrack is just the most wholesome thing to do to get you in the festive mood. I loved every minute.
Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
where: Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
website: www.royalalberthall.com
Pay a visit to the Claridges Christmas tree
It’s the Christmas tree everyone waits for each year, and it’s always interesting – and also actually worth a visit. This year, the Claridges Christmas tree is a spectacular woodland creation imagined by Daniel Lee for Burberry. Perched in the hotel’s lobby, the tree is wrapped in thistle, winter foliage and hand-blown baubles, with a gorgeous crown of gold.
While you’re there, head to Claridge’s Restaurant, where New York’s award-winning restaurant and aperitivo cocktail bar, Dante, is serving a limited-time menu available only until 1st January 2026. Or, head to the Claridges Bar for a glass of fizz or their signature cocktails.
where: Brook St, London W1K 4HR
website: www.claridges.co.uk
Explore London’s Christmas lights
Keep one eye on the lookout for phone snatchers and the other eye on the lights. Sure, the lights on Bond Street and Regent Street switch on every year, but it’s always special. You can also head to St James’s Market, which is home to the beautiful Wishing Tree, where you can tap to donate – each donation triggers a display of twinkling lights, with all proceeds supporting the Felix Project, a charity dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to communities in need across London.
No matter how many years I’ve lived in London, the Regent Street lights always take my breath away. I saw them this weekend and left feeling decidedly festive.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Find out more about London’s Christmas lights here
Get on the water
For a truly different winter outing, Skuna Boats in Canary Wharf turns the waters of West India Quay into a seasonal playground. Step aboard one of the clear-domed Igloo Boats for a private 90-minute experience: enjoy a guided tour of the docklands then settle into a cosy fondue — cheese, chocolate or both — with drinks and blankets as the London skyline glides by. In colder months, the heated, enclosed cabins feel like an alpine escape on the water, complete with hot chocolate and mulled wine. It’s a memorable way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends or family.
Where: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL
Website: www.skunaboats.com
Shop for party wear on Motcomb Street
When it comes to Christmas in London, there’s nowhere that captures that quietly luxurious, festive spirit quite like Motcomb Street. Between the twinkling lights, elegant boutiques and the stylish beauty salons, it’s the ultimate destination for a little self-care, sparkle and seasonal shopping. Shop for luxe party wear from places like Rene Caovilla, Tomasz Starzewski and Carolina Bucci and you’re sure to find yourself a stunning outfit.
where: MOTCOMB STREET, BELGRAVIA
website: www.belgraviavillage.coM
Visit Coal Drops Yard
Coal Drops Yard always feels a little bit magical at this time of year. The cobbled courtyards, independent shops and restaurants all get dressed for winter, with twinkling lights, seasonal pop-ups and a steady flow of mulled wine. It’s one of the nicest places in London for a slow wander — browse the boutiques, warm up with something festive from the food stalls and stick around as the whole area glows after dark. Great for a cosy, unhurried afternoon that still feels distinctly Christmassy.
Where: Stable St, London N1C 4LW
Website: www.kingscross.co.uk
Hampstead and The Holly Bush
If you want a Christmas moment that feels lifted from a film, head to Hampstead Village. Start with a winter walk through the narrow lanes and up towards the Heath — all ivy, old brick, and soft golden lights — then duck into The Holly Bush, one of London’s more charming pubs known for their Sunday roasts. Low beams, crackling fires and a proper sense of hideaway warmth make it the perfect reward for braving the cold. Order something comforting, settle under the glow of the lamps, and you’ll forget you’re still in London at all.
Where: 22 Holly Mount, London NW3 6SG
Website: www.hollybushhampstead.co.uk
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea
London has plenty of fabulous afternoon teas to choose from that have gone all out for the festive season. Pan Pacific London has a luxurious spread of winter flavours, freshly baked scones, delicate savouries, and a selection of over ten fine teas. Pastries include the Christmas pudding macaron filled with brandy buttercream and spiced fruit caramel, the Bobble Hat Mousse with toasted coconut and sea salt and a lovely Christmas present crèmeux infused with mulled wine and festive spices.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: www.panpacific.com
Watch The Nutcracker ballet
The stunning production of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. The ballet includes some wonderful, instantly recognisable tunes, like the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and you can expect plenty of sugar and sparkle in this magnificent performance that people return to year after year.
This year I am taking the children to The Nutcracker, at the Royal Albert Hall, it’s a ballet I have not been to since I was a small child, and hope they fall in love with it as much as I did, it’s everything magical that encompasses Christmas.
Elly, Founder & CEO
where: The ROYAL ALBERT HALL
website: www.rbo.org.uk
Visit a Christmas market
It’s hard to choose when it comes to Christmas markets in London – but we have a few favourites. Covent Garden is one of the city’s most iconic festive spots, and the towering Christmas tree, the magnificent bells hanging from the rafters, mulled wine carts, and the gorgeous snowfall make it one of the city’s most Christmassy spots. This year, there’s a Ladurée pop-up cart serving hot chocolate and sweet treats, as well as a Champagne garden from Piper-Heidsieck.
If you’re looking for something less touristy, head to South West London’s Fulham Pier for their pop-up Christmas market from 10.30 am to 4.30pm, from Saturday, 13th to Sunday, 14th December.
Alfresco Igloo Dining
Coppa Club’s iconic riverside igloos return to the terrace at Tower Bridge for the festive season, offering one of London’s cosiest alfresco dining experiences. Snuggle into your private dome — complete with blankets, heaters and views of the Thames and Tower Bridge — and eat or drink while staying warm in your own space. Available for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the igloos are perfect for relaxed catch-ups or special celebrations with friends and family. Seasonal menus and the backdrop of the city lights and the illusion of falling snow make this a must-book winter outing.
Find our full list of London’s best Igloos here.
Where: 3 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH
Website: www.coppaclub.co.uk
Book a festive menu
There’s nothing like a meal at one of London’s beautifully decorated festive restaurants. Head to Daphne’s for a selection of comforting Christmas specials, like the truffle risotto, or go for a hearty tagliatelle with venison ragù. Finish with the festive sgroppino, brought to life with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut poured over zesty citrus sorbet.
where: 112 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, SW3 3AE
website: www.daphnes-restaurant.co.uk
Take the kids to watch a panto
A panto is another Christmas tradition that just must be done – and it’s always a good time. One of the biggest ones is Sleeping Beauty at The London Palladium, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Starring West End and panto royalty, including Catherine Tate, Julian Clary, Jon Culshaw and Paul Zerdin, this one promises lots of laughs and sing-alongs, transforming a well-loved fairytale into an evening of laughter, music, and cheerful chaos.
where: 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
website: www.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres
Go ice skating at Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station, with its sparkling lights and Christmas trees galore (don’t miss the 40ft tree in Malaysia Square with over 1,500 baubles), is quickly turning into one of London’s most enjoyable festive spots. Glide is London’s only riverside ice rink and has much more to offer than skating. Hop on an amusement ride, take in the live music, or sip on a mulled wine – it’s the perfect spot to spend some quality family time or go on a fun winter date. To view other great Ice Skating Rinks in London click here
Where: Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF
Website: www.glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
