London is packed full of festive experiences in November and December and there is so much to do all over London. From brand new pop up experiences, dining in Igloo’s, ice skating under major tourist attractions to Christmas markets you will not want to miss.

Things to do in London this Christmas

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.

Dine in an Igloo

Throughout winter time in London igloo’s pop up all over the place and are the perfect place for cosy wining and dining. Sit inside a glass igloo and watch London go by as you sit upon sheep skin and fur blankets and rugs to really take in those cosy feels.

You can view all of London’s igloo’s here.

Source: Aviary 

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.

Ice Skate

Ice rinks are popping up all over London across the festive season and there is nothing quite like taking to the ice with the back drop of some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

You can view a list of London ice rinks here. 

Source: Glide 

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

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.

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 and excellent atmosphere.

Source: Noviko Restaurant

Champagne Chalet

A brand new Champagne Chalet has popped up for the festive season in Kings Cross hosted by Perrier-Jouet. Pop in for some festive food platters and a glass of champagne in alpine chalet style dining.

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.

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