Christmas in London is a hub of activity with festive pop ups, cosy pubs and restaurants decorated for the festive season and a ton of Christmas spirit.

Things to do in London this Christmas

Christmas Markets

London has several Christmas markets to get you into the festive spirit. Here are our favorites:

Mayfair Christmas Market

Mayfair Christmas Market is being held on Friday 29th and Saturday 20th November. Mayfair Christmas market is quickly becoming one of London’s best Christmas markets with live music, great food, champagne stalls and excellent atmosphere.

Winter wonderland

Winter Wonderland is London’s largest Christmas market and Christmas event. Winter wonderland boasts a fair ground, ice rink, activities, bars and restaurants making it the number 1 thing to do in London at Christmas. Tickets do need to be pre-booked and this should be done early for busy periods.

You can book tickets here.

The Savoy

The Savoy is hosting Laurent-Perrier Winter Chalets outside in the forecourt this Christmas and just like last year the snow will return every 20 minutes. You can sip on Laurent-Perrier champagne from the mobile Heritage Bar which has been set up on the forecourt and drink champagne under the snow or take cover in the winter alpine chalets.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Leicester square transforms into a Christmas markets in the hub of the West End. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine as you browse the stalls. This is a smaller market but big in atmosphere as you explore through the hustle and bustle.

South Bank Christmas Market

The Southbank is a hub of activity during the festive period. In addition to the Christmas market there is Under the Bridge a food and events space, fair ground and Fire and Fromage pop up to toast marshmallows and dine on raclette. It’s the perfect place to explore and also stop by the Christmas Market for a browse of the gifts, food and drinks on offer.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Another Christmas Market located amongst the hustle and bustle of busy London life, Trafalgar Square’s Christmas market is located in the center of the capital and well worth a visit if you don’t mind the crowds.

Kingston Christmas Market

Kingston Christmas Market opens on 14th November. The market has traditional market stalls, food and drink stalls and the opportunity for you to try your hand at curling. Tickets for curling need to be booked via the website here.

Greenwich Market

During the festive period, Greenwich market gets a Christmas make over. Browse the stalls for Christmas gifts and try the various food and drink options on sale. Wander along with a cup of mulled wine before heading to The Queens House for some ice skating.

Source: Visit Greenwich

Covent Garden

Over the festive period, Covent Garden gets it’s own Christmas make over and you can enjoy browsing the stalls under the Christmas lights and decorations. This year mulled wine stations are set up around Covent Garden to keep you warm while browsing.

Spitalfields Christmas Market

Old Spitalfields Market also adds a festive spin from November-December. Browse the unique stalls and see the independent vendors all while tucking into some of the best food stalls and trucks in London.

Kings Cross Christmas Market

Christmas at Kings Cross is huge this year, with the famous covered Christmas market with over 100 stalls you can visit in any weather. In addition you can explore the shopping mall and traffic free shopping area alongside the variety of food and drink options. This is a good option for a less busy Christmas time!

Leadenhall Christmas Market

Leadenhall Market offers a different option to the festive markets covering the rest of London. On specific dates you will find various different flea markets, craft markets and vintage markets to wander and stroll.

Sunday 29 September – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market

Saturday 12 October – SoLo Craft Fair

Saturday 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market

Sunday 24 November – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market

Saturday 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market

Source: Leadenhall Market

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Hampton Court Palace is once again hosting it’s festive fayre over 2 weekends this festive season. The fayre will ne held for 3 days from Friday 6th-Sunday 8th December and Friday 13th-Sunday 15th December. Head out to explore the stalls in the fayre or have a go at ice skating on the beautiful ice rink.

Source: Hampton Court

Ice Rinks in London this Christmas

Winter Wonderland

London’s biggest Christmas extravaganza Winter Wonderland is of course home to an almighty ice rink. Once you are finished on the ice there is also an ice museum and bar you can explore! Not to mention the Christmas market, fairground rides and bars and street food stalls.

Source: Winter Wonderland

Hampton Court Palace

This huge former palace houses one of the largest ice rinks in London. The lit up rink and the palace in the background make for a festive treat. This is the furthest from the capital and way less crowded!

Source: Hampton Court

Somerset House

The courtyard at Somerset House houses a huge ice rink during the winter months. In the evening the rink lights up as well as the house creating a magical pink and purple vibe. Skate along to the sounds of the resident DJ.

The Queen’s House

This UNESCO World Heritage site houses a brand new ice rink in the capital. Skate around and also take part in the fun slip and slide set up.

Source: RMG

Glide Battersea

Boots are presenting the Ice Rink at Glide Battersea this year. Enjoy a whole experience of ice skating, having a drink in the alpine bar or renting an igloo for private festive drinks after your ice skating. The ice rink has a great back drop of the Battersea Power Station for some lovely photos.

Source: Glide

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf hosts London only covered ice rink this festive season. Skate around with the beautiful back drop of the Canary Wharf skyline.

Source: Ice Rink Canary Wharf

The Best Igloo’s in London this Winter

Coppa Club Tower Hill

London’s Coppa Club restaurant offers some of cosiest glass igloo’s on their deck. You along with up to 7 other guests can enjoy the space as you relax in a fur covered chair with an alpine feel and gaze out at the views of the River Thames, The Shard and Tower Bridge which are all minutes away on foot. The best part about the Coppa Club igloo’s is that you can book the full igloo for only 2 guests.

The restaurant itself offers excellent dining options and the wine bar is something to be desired.

Be sure to book this one in advance to have a chance at securing a space in the igloo.

Coppa Club Putney

Coppa Club now have a second set of igloos for dining in London in their Putney branch. You can book the entire igloo for dining and it’s the perfect sport for a Christmas meal.

Source: Coppa Club

1864 Rooftop

Located on the top floor of John Lewis in Oxford Street, 1864 Rooftop is above the hustle and bustle of busy Oxford Street and provides a calm oasis that looks down onto the Christmas madness.

The winter terrace opens in November and you can pre-book igloos for up to 8 guests or pre book a table on the winter terrace.

Wagtail Rooftop

The theme for Wagtail Rooftops igloos is summit above the alpine skyline. Dine or drink in beautiful glass igloos decorated in fur lines throws and Christmas decorations for a lovely merry experience. There is £75 minimum spend required of each guest. You can book these igloos for 2-8 people.

Source: Wagtail Rooftop

MMy Wood Wharf

The igloos at MMy Wood Wharf are from the makers of Mercarto Metropolitano. Inside Wood Wharf you can find market like kiosks offering artisanal cooking from some great brands and try some amazing food.

You can book the private igloo’s outside from 4-8 guests and dine from the igloo menu.

Source: MMy Wood Wharf

Circe’s Cloud 9 Pods

Circe’s rooftop is located in Waterloo and offer great igloo experiences. from aurora nights projecting northern lights over the area to booking the igloo as a party pod, there is something for everyone. You can book the igloo for 2-6 people from £100. You can book for £100 on a week day or £200 on a weekend and redeem the amount from your spend in the igloo on food and drinks.

Source: Circe’s Rooftop

Glide Battersea Power Station

Glide at Battersea Power Station is a great spot for ice skating, Christmas shopping and renting a private igloo. In order to book the igloo you must purchase tickets for ice skating at Glide and enjoy ice skating with an amazing backdrop of Battersea Power Station. You can book the igloo for 90 minutes and you get a bottle of sparking wine included in the ticket price. They have 2 x 1 person igloos and 1 x 6 person igloos. You can book for 2-6 people, however the more people you split the price between the tickets can be as low as £17.50 per person!

Source: Glide Battersea 

London Secret Garden

The London Secret Garden is located in the garden of the Doubletree by Hilton in Kensington. The igloo’s are in a beautiful garden looking out on a traditional church. You can book the igloo for 2-6 people for food, drinks or afternoon teas.

Source: London Secret Garden

Aviary rooftop

The rooftop at Aviary offers you fantastic views over Finsbury Square and offers you the opportunity to marvel at the sky lights of the city outside. From the same company that brings you Wagtail rooftop EMT collection know what they are doing in creating beautiful alpine rooftops. This year the event is sponsored by Grey Goose, so expect amazing Grey Goose cocktails.

Source: Aviary

The Sipping Room

Nestled in the vicinity of Canary Wharf you will find the igloo’s of The Sipping Room hosted by the Drake and Morgan Company. In the courtyard of the bar you can tuck yourself in the cosy igloo’s and enjoy a few drinks or dine from the menu.

The igloos can be booked for up to 8 people, however there is a minimum of 6 people to book.

Source: The Sipping Room

Neverland Winterland

Neverland’s Winterland will be re-opening in October 2024 for the Christmas season. This winter wonderland has transformed Fulham into Netherland. This ski lodge style space offers you an excellent array of street food vendors and a fully stocked bar alongside fur topped seating areas to add to the vibe. Step outside to find small lodges and igloo’s for you and your group to soak up the festive vibe.

Christmas Events & Pop Ups

Winter wonderland

Probably the biggest attraction in London this Christmas is the annual Winter Wonderland. Winter wonderland boasts a huge Christmas market, fairground rides, circus, ice rink, ice bar and museum as well as a huge amount of food and drink options to keep you fed and hydrated.

Christmas in London is not complete without a trip to Winter Wonderland.

Kew gardens

The garden’s at Kew come alive during November and December as the Kew Garden Christmas lights get switched on. Explore this huge green house packed full of lights and Christmas decorations to spark awe and wonder in all those who visit.

Sky Garden

Take the lift to the top of the Sky Garden and marvel in awe at Christmas lights and decorations with all of the London lights shining down below.

The Sky Garden itself is free entrance and you can spend time wandering the greenery and taking in the view. For those wanting the Christmas experience you can purchase tickets to the Moet and Chandon Christmas experience in the Sky Garden. Step into the luxury area and sit on fur lined chairs and benches as you sip champagne and take in the view.

Deck the Halls at Lost in Brixton

Lost in Brixton’s trendy hub for street food, drinks and music takes on a winter twist this Christmas. Resident DJ’s play Christmas songs and chart toppers as you sample Christmas themed street food and get merry with the large selection of drinks in the bar.

Source: Lost in Brixton

Queen of Hoxton Winter Rooftop

The rooftop of the Queen of Hoxton has been transformed into it’s annual winter rooftop. Imagine teepee tents and yurts with fire pits to keep yo warm on the colder London nights .

Source: Queen of Hoxton

Fire and Fromage Southbank

Enjoy some winter fun along the Southbank as you sit around the fire, toast marshmallows and enjoy a raclette. This is the perfect winter activity to keep you warm by the fire when it’s cold outside.

Explore the Christmas Lights

Take to the streets by foot, tube or car and hit all of the main spots to explore the Christmas lights that have now popped up all over the city including favorites such as Oxford and Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Seven Dials and Covent Garden.

Hogwarts in the Snow

Warner Bros Studios are transforming the backlot tour of the making of Harry Potter into a Christmas theme from November to December. Secure tickets to see the Hogwarts castle in the snow and the Great Hall decorated in al of it’s festive glory.

Source: Warner Bros 

Christmas in Chelsea

Royal Hospital Chelsea is presenting Christmas in Chelsea from 4th-29th December 2024. Book tickets to explore a festive light show and walk, festive markets, workshops, a chance to explore the gardens and listen to the choir sing.

Source: Christmas in Chelsea

Miracle at Henrietta

Miracle at Henrietta takes you on a journey into a Christmas land filled with all things Christmas decorations! Come for a drink or some and food and get into the festive spirit.

Vicinity

Located in the courtyard of The Tower Hotel, Vicinity offers a terrace area with fire pits for those winter drinks with a great view of Tower Bridge alongside The Alpine Lodge. Imagine fur lines throws and cosy blankets with a backdrop of snow and Tower Bridge. It’s the perfect place for some festive dining and drinks.

Climb the o2

Grab a harness and take a climb over one of London’s most famous landmarks. Climb the o2 this Christmas and head inside London’s highest snow globe and take in the views of London with a glass of prosecco and a complimentary gingerbread biscuit!

Source: o2

Skuna Boats

Skuna Boats located in Canary Wharf have had a festive make over and have turned their boats into igloo boats for the festive season. Sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate while you float in the river and take in the amazing views of the Canary Wharf skyline.

Source: Skuna Boats

The Prince

The Prince in West Brompton has had a very festive make over. Head there for festive meals from one of the four restaurants and drink your  drink under the huge array of Christmas decorations in the middle.

Source: The Prince

The Savoy

The Savoy is hosting Laurent-Perrier Winter Chalets outside in the forecourt this Christmas and just like last year the snow will return every 20 minutes. You can sip on Laurent-Perrier champagne from the mobile Heritage Bar which has been set up on the forecourt and drink champagne under the snow or take cover in the winter alpine chalets.

Feast Off-Piste

Head to Feast Off-Piste on the rooftop of The Berkley Hotel and it transformed into a ski resort where you can book private gondola’s to enjoy some festive fondue. You can book the gondolas for 4-6 people at £75 per person.

Source: The Berkley 

Christmas Sandwich Festival

This year London is holding a Christmas Sandwich Festival in Peckham’s Copeland Park. The festival will be held over 3 days from Friday 15th-Sunday 17th November. There will be tons of food trucks selling their Christmas sandwich offerings for you to try.

Source: About Time

Curling Club

Head to The Curling Club at The Southbank Centre or The Vinegar Yard to explore some winter themed sport. Grab your gang and book a curling slot to have some winter fun this Christmas.

Source: The Curling Club

Hambug

Enter Santa’s secret watering hole that he keeps a secret from Mrs Claus. The Truman Brewery is hosting Hambug a dive bar theme with a Christmas theme. You book tickets for a 2 hour slot and get involved in the fun storyline.

Source: Hambug

Jurema Winter Garden

The Jurema Garden of The Mandrake Hotel is turning winter themed from 1st November 2024. Book a table to enjoy the winter garden theme with fur lined chairs, fire pits and champagne.

Source: The Mandrake

Wintermas at Phantom Peak

Phantom Peak popped up at Halloween and is returning for the festive period. You can get involved in the immersive experience and see the decorations of the town and the snow while enjoying some drinks and food.

Source: Phantom Peak 

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Hampton Court Palace is once again hosting it’s festive fayre over 2 weekends this festive season. The fayre will ne held for 3 days from Friday 6th-Sunday 8th December and Friday 13th-Sunday 15th December. Head out to explore the stalls in the fayre or have a go at ice skating on the beautiful ice rink.

Source: Hampton Court

Christmas by Candlelight

Fever is hosting some beautiful candlelit concerts across some of London’s famous churches and cathedrals. Head to one of the Christmas showings and get into the festive spirit with carols by candlelight.

Source: Fever

Winter Gin Garden

The Ham Yard Hotel has transformed it’s rooftop into a Winter Gin Garden for the festive season. Book tickets to head up and enjoy the Sipsmith sponsored event. Tickets cost £24 and you get a gin cocktail included too.

Source: Meet up London

Christmas Carols at The Royal Albert Hall

This is sue to be one of London’s most festive experiences. Christmas at The Royal Albert Hall is the best way to enjoy Christmas carols sung by the choir with the full orchestra. Marvel at The Royal Albert Hall in all of it’s Christmas glory and enjoy the sounds of Christmas.

Source: Royal Albert Hall

Attend a Church Service

Christmas can be a religious time for lots across London, so why not get the full experience and attend a church service at one of London’s most famous churches from Westminster Abbey to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral

Throughout late November and December there are lots of opportunities to attend Christmas carols at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of their advent activities. Tickets must be purchased in advance. It’s a great way to enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas.

Source: St Paul’s

Taste Film Christmas

What better way to celebrate Christmas than by watching a Christmas movie with imaginative food and treats to match. Taste London have announced their Christmas screenings and you can book tickets now.

Source: Taste Film

Joia Rooftop Movies

Joia Rooftop in Battersea is setting up it’s famous rooftop with epic views of Battersea Powder Station into a Christmas rooftop cinema. Book tickets to enjoy some classic Christmas movies while you take in the view.

Source: Joia

The Churchill Arms Lights Display

The famous pub The Churchill Arms has hug over 90 conifer trees covered in lights across the front of the pub in it’s Christmas tradition. Go along to marvel at the lights and grab a Christmas drink.

Hot Tub Film Club

You and up to 6 of your loved ones can put on your swimwear and get settled into a hot tub boat in London’s Canary Wharf area. Dip into the 38 degree water and enjoy watching a Christmas movie from Home Alone to Elf.

Source: Skuna Boats

Biscuiteers Biscuit Decorating

London’s famous and instagrammable biscuit shop is offering some festive workshops this year. Book in a slot to have your hand at Christmas biscuit decorating with the help of the excellent chefs.

Between the Bridges

Between the Bridges is located along the Southbank and offers a wide selection of Christmas fun. Explore the various food stalls on offer as well as various bars and experiences from karaoke to bottomless brunch.

The Great Christmas Feast

Step back in time to the time of Dickens and transport yourself to Christmas Eve. Be actively involved in the immersive experience and feast on the 3 course meal cooked by the chef that has been tried and tasted all year.

Source: The Lost Estate

Circe’s Christmas Bottomless Brunch

Located on a rooftop in Waterloo, Circe’s Rooftop Bar is offering a Christmas Oh my Gods Bottomless Brunch. Head up to the rooftop bar and see the winter set up and igloos. Join in the 2 hour rooftop brunch with live vocalists and DJ’s.

West End Musical Christmas

Head to the Lyric Theatre on Shaftsbury Avenue on Saturday 14th December for a night you won’t forget. Join west end star Trevor Dion Nicholas as he and you join in singing all of the West End’s Christmas favorites.

Source: West End Musical Christmas

Rivioli pop Up

Head to the Rivioli Ballroom Christmas pop up cinema to see some classic Christmas movies from Home Alone, Elf to Love Actually or even Die Hard if you agree it’s a Christmas movie.

Source: Time Out

Christmas by the River

Located along the River’s edge with excellent views of the Thames and Tower Bridge, Christmas by the River is not to be missed. Explore the Christmas market stalls and try some of the tasty food stalls, head inside the teepee to warm up if you are cold.

The Most Festive Restaurants in London

Ivy Chelsea Garden

The Ivy Chelsea Garden is part of the famous Ivy brand in London’s trendy Chelsea area where the entrance way is packed with instagrammable Christmas spirit.

Inside the green house style building is beautiful with excellent lighting and during the Christmas period you will feel warm and cosy with the decorations.

Source: Ivy Collection

Peggy Porschen

I am sure you have already heard of this instagrammable pink bakery that has taken London by storm with its drinks and cakes that make for the perfect photo outside on the terrace with the pink floral backgrounds. Fast forward to Christmas and enjoy the new season’s decorations and a cake and cup of tea too!

Coppa Club Igloos

Dine inside a cosy glass igloo at Coppa Club with a back drop of Tower Bridge, the River Thames and the Shard. The igloo’s are a very cosy and photogenic spot with fur lines seats and rugs. Dine from a brilliant winter menu and enjoy the extensive wine list.

Source: Coppa Club

Dalloway Terrace

All day dining in this glass terrace next to pine cone and snow topped Christmas trees and you feel as though you have been transported into a winter forest. Choose from breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or even cocktails in this versatile terrace so cosy this Christmas.

Source: Dalloway Terrace 

The Sipping Room

Dine in an igloo in the courtyard to the Sipping Room Canary Wharf to really get into the festive spirit. Enjoy the view of the London skyline whilst sipping drinks and enjoying the Christmas menu.

Source: The Sipping Room

Clos Maggiore

Enjoy the festive spirit and take a seat alongside the fire place at Clos Maggiore which truly does feel cosy and warm. When the weather outside is frightful there really isn’t a better place. Dine on French food at this up market Freench Brasserie. It is more on the higher priced side so check the menu before you go. They do offer a lunch menu deal on some days. Be quick for a reservation for Christmas.

Source: Clos Maggiore 

34 Mayfair

Baubles are all the rage at 34 Mayfair as  you feel like you have been transported into a Christmas tree. This colourful display will certainly brighten up your Instagram feed. The theme this year is the Goldenn Age with dishes surrounding this theme. Come from 4th November-31st December to enjoy.

Source: Secret London

Alto by San Carlo

Dine on the rooftop of one of London’s biggest department stores and sit underneath an array of floral Christmas decorations with a view of Oxford Street and all surrounding areas. You can even see Winter Wonderland from here. Dine on traditional Italian tapas in style.

Mayfair Mercato Metropolitano

Step back in time with this food market located within a listed church. Join the street food craze and enjoy some almighty architecture all together here.

Duck and Waffle

Sky high Duck and Waffle has transformed itself for the festive season and you can enjoy almighty views of London whilst you tuck into waffles topped with duck. This 24 hour bar and restaurant is transforming itself into Narnia this year for some festive fun.

Source: Duck and Waffle

Coq D’Argent

Dine inside an alpine chalet filled with fur blankets, fairy lights and Christmas decorations for a real Christmassy feel at Lodge D’Argent. Drink cocktails and champagne as you eat canopies and fondue. The lodges seat up to 6 and have a minimum spend of £300 per lodge.

Source: Coq D’Argent

Sketch

Sketch’s Sweet Christmas instillation opens on 15th November. Explore the sweet lined trees that welcome you to Sketch and order a sweet treat from the menu. Sketch is the perfect place to snap some photos and get into the festive spirit.

Source: Sketch

Daphne’s

Daphne’s in Chelsea is the perfect cosy spot to step inside into the warm from the cold London hustle and bustle of Christmas in London. Take a beautiful seat by the roaring fire and dine on amazing Italian food.

Source: Daphne’s

Balthazar

Located in Covent Garden, Balthazar is a beautiful French Brasserie that knows how to decorate for Christmas. Go inside and enjoy floral themed Christmas decorations and taste the excellent French food.

Source: Balthazar

Harry’s Dolce Vita

Harry’s Dolce Vita has been longstanding as one of the best Italian restaurants in London. At Christmas they go all out with the decorations and some Christmas specials to match. It’s the perfect spot for a Christmas date.

Source: Harry’s Dolce Vita

Sushi Samba Covent Garden

The Covent Garden branch of Sushi Samba is transforming their terrace for the festive season into a winter terrace sponsored by Patron. Sit outside with a blanket and enjoy the festive treats on offer.

Source: Sushi Samba 

Brasserie of Light

Come to dine or to party at Brasserie of Light and sit under Pegasus while you enjoy the festive season. The Brasserie is beautiful and they go all out at Christmas. This year the theme is sparkle!

Source: Brasserie of Light

The Churchill Arms

The Churchill Arms Pub in Kensington is shining light at Christmas. The famous lit up pubs lights are changed for the Christmas spirit and you can enjoy traditional British pub food and a drink. Catch it at the right time for the pubs light show.

Source: Design my Night

Miracle at Henrietta

Miracle at Henrietta takes you on a journey into a Christmas land filled with all things Christmas decorations! Come for a drink or some and food and get into the festive spirit.

Source: Miracle at Henrietta 

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