5 Christmas Things to do in London

Written by Penna a Spillo

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🎄 Top 5 festive things to do in London at Christmas time

There are so many things to do in London during Christmas time, also because it starts very early.

Since mid-November, the city has been full of events, decorations, concerts, and shows, all with a Christmas theme, and it is impossible not to get caught up in this collective Christmas energy.

Here, however, I point out five things that I think you should definitely try to get in touch with at Christmas in London.

🌲 1. Walk through an enchanted illuminated forest

London has so many parks everywhere, which can easily be turned into an enchanted forest during Christmas time.

Imagine walking for about an hour in a forest where all the trees turn into Christmas trees, all different from one another, with Christmas background music and a light fog that surrounds everything like in a fairy tale.

By magical forest, I mean a place that opens just at dusk, when darkness falls, and the park is illuminated by thousands of lights.

From time to time, you can encounter things like a small village of elves, colourful trucks making hot chocolate with marshmallows, and a million lights all around you.

Try Christmas at Kew, the popular show at Kew Gardens. For more info, click here.

⛸️ 2. Ice skating in London’s most iconic locations

AAnother unmissable experience to do in London at Christmas is ice skating at one of the lovely ice rinks set up in stunning locations across the city.

Certainly among the most popular was the Somerset House Ice Rink, which was always very busy (so booking tickets online in advance was essential).

The Natural History Museum Ice Rink was also a long-time favourite, though it permanently closed a few years ago to make way for a wildlife garden. Instead, other magical spots like Glide at Battersea Power Station and Hampton Court Palace became top festive choices for skaters.

While the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is now permanently closed, a fantastic alternative is the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace Ice rink is also very nice; it’s located slightly outside London, but it is easily accessible and will allow you to feel the Christmas atmosphere of a Manor in the English countryside, without going too far from the city centre.

For even more magical options right in the heart of the city, you can also skate at Somerset House, Glide at Battersea Power Station, Canary Wharf, or the Queen’s House in Greenwich

💡 3. Take a Christmas lights tour downtown

Every year, in November, various ceremonies are held to turn on the lights in the main streets of London.

Regent’s Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Carnaby Street lights are the most popular.

Carnaby Street Christmas Lights change every year, and each year has a different theme.

🏛️ 4. Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrey Museum)

TTo complete your full immersion in London’s Christmas atmosphere, visit the Museum of the Home in Hoxton (East London).

Every year during the festive season, this free-admission museum hosts its iconic exhibition, “Rooms Through Time” (formerly known as Christmas Past). The display reveals how seasonal traditions and celebrations in English homes have evolved over the last 400 years, from the 1600s all the way to the present day.

It is a fascinating journey through the centuries, taking you step-by-step through different historical eras to showcase how Christmas was celebrated across England.

Inside, each period room is lovingly decorated and transformed to reflect how a home’s living space would have been prepared for Christmas Day in that specific era, starting from the 17th century.

You will discover fascinating traditions, stories, and curiosities about English festive customs—and, above all, step directly into the warm, authentic atmosphere of Christmases past.

🪵 5. Browse London’s most charming Christmas markets

Surely a big part of the London Christmas atmosphere is given by the Christmas Markets.

There are so many, and everyone has a different mood.

What I love is that, as always, in London, everything is an opportunity to make music, and often in the Christmas markets, you can meet live bands playing live music.

The most famous ones are probably Covent Garden, South Bank, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.