It's time to dig out the Santa hats and defrost Mariah Carey - the holiday season is quickly approaching. Although this time of year is a joyous one, it can come at a cost. And while London has a reputation for not being the cheapest, there are still plenty of affordable Christmas things to do across the city.
Whether you're looking for a delicious meal in an iconic Christmassy pub or fancy a festive stroll along London's Southbank, there's certainly something to fit all budgets this winter. Here are the best things to do this Christmas in London for under £20.
Affordable Things To Do In London At Christmas
1. Wake Up For Sunrise At Sky Garden
- Cost: Tickets from £12.65
If you’re an early riser and love to get a good snap of the morning skies, then Sunrise at Sky Garden will be right up your street. For just £12.65 per person, you can enjoy a freshly baked pastry and a hot drink while looking out onto the city skyline from the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie Building.
Better yet, Sky Garden are hosting Festive Nights with tickets starting at £14.85, which includes access to their festive bar, a hot mulled wine or cider, as well as an evening of live music and DJs while gazing over the dazzling city below.
The views from Sky Garden are unmatched.
2. Visit Dazzling Christmas Light Displays Across The City
- Cost: mostly free
It’s safe to say that London isn’t short of decadent Christmas trees, winter pop-ups and of course, dazzling light displays. It's one of the best free things to do in London at Christmas and makes for the perfect snaps.
Whether you’re after giant bells and baubles in Covent Garden or would love to see Soho lit up to the nines, there’s plenty of incredible light displays to experience. You can even see The Shard lit up in all its festive glory.
The Christmas light displays across London are a sight to behold.
3. Drink And Dine At The Churchill Arms
- Cost: around £20 for a main and a drink
Known for its incredible Christmas decor, The Churchill Arms is a Notting Hill staple that is a must-visit this festive season. Prepare to be wowed by their insane Christmas light display, which consists of around 22,000 lights and more than 80 Christmas trees. This marvel will switch on its lights at 6pm on the 19th of November, 2026.
Their Thai kitchen also serves up some delicious dishes that are
perfect for a cold winter evening. They have everything from
mouth-watering pad Thai noodles to amazing dumplings. Plus, it
won’t break the bank. You can get a £15 curry and £4.50 glass of
wine to keep it under the £20 mark.
This incredible London pub is a must-visit this Christmas.
4. Enjoy A Day Out At Winter Wonderland
- Cost: off-peak tickets starting at £1
Winter Wonderland should certainly be on your Christmas list. You can easily lose a day exploring this Hyde Park wonder, whether you’re planning to head to the Bavarian Village for a stein or wish to get the adrenaline pumping by going on all the daring rides.
If you’re wanting to plan an off-peak visit, then the tickets are just £1, with standard tickets starting from just £5.50. You can bag yourself a Mr Bratwurst sausage and a soft drink in the Bavarian village for a pretty decent price, too. It’s also a great place to go for a hard-earned drink after a day of Christmas shopping down Oxford Street.
It might be a tad cheesy, but it's a London staple.
5. Sing Christmas Carols In Soho
Cost: tickets from £11 per person
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree! There's nothing sweeter than the sound of festive Londoners lining the streets to join in song. This year, Archer Street Soho invites you to don your best knit jumper and dust off your vocal cords for a wonderful evening of festive cheer. Staff will be leading popular holiday songs and Christmas carols, and there'll even be complimentary mince pies.
Nothing gets you ready for
the holidays like singing carols together.
6. Try This Pop-Up With Views Of London Bridge At The Glasshouses
- Cost: TBC, 2025 prices started from £15 per person
This pop-up by London Bridge is set to get everybody talking again this year. The Glasshouses boasts stunning views of the city and you can even play a competitive game of curling that you'll definitely be arguing about over Christmas dinner.
Last year, tickets included a lane for up to eight people. You can also grab yourself a drink and some food to keep the energy going.
Experience incredible views of London Bridge from this brand-new Christmas pop-up.
7. Wander Around London’s Christmas Markets
- Cost: mostly free
There’s nothing more festive than a Christmas market, and luckily London is full of them. They’re completely free and make for a great excuse to start your Christmas shopping. Head over to the Covent Garden Christmas market to marvel at their 60 foot tree decorated with more than 30,000 lights, or meander around the 42 stalls at Old Spitalfields market to get some Christmas present inspiration.
You can also wander down to the Southbank for a hot chocolate with a view of the London Eye, or you might choose to venture to Trafalgar Square for some central London madness.
No need to head to another European country when London has some incredible Christmas markets.
8. Drink Incredible Christmas Cocktails At The Chocolate Cocktail Club
- Cost: tickets from £5.50
If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth and absolutely love delicious sips, then combine the two by visiting The Chocolate Cocktail Club this Christmas. Think cocktails served in chocolate reindeer, chocolate orange delights and drinks garnished with candy canes. This year's menu also includes light bites and desserts if you get peckish.
Better yet, your £5 ticket can be redeemed against your first cocktail.
Get in the Christmas spirit by sipping chocolate cocktails this festive season.
9. Settle Into The Silver Screen At Rivoli Pop-Up Cinema
- Cost: TBC, 2025 tickets started at £11 per person
The holiday season can't start until you sit down for your first Christmas movie. Make it one to remember with Pop-Up Cinema at the beautifully preserved 1950s Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park.
Pay a visit to the bar and load up on cinema snacks before taking your pick of stone cold classics, Home Alone, Gremlins and Elf, or decide once and for all whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas film.
Is there a finer setting for a Christmas
flick?
10. Sip On A Parisian-Style Hot Chocolate At Richoux
- Cost: £5
After a day of Christmas shopping and exploring London's festive streets, stop by Richoux for a £5 Parisian hot chocolate. Rich, velvety and topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, it's the perfect way to warm up when the winter chill sets in.
Get a taste of Paris without the Eurostar ticket.
FAQs
Are London's Christmas markets free to visit?
Yes, wandering London's Christmas markets costs nothing. Food, drinks and gifts are where spending adds up.
What is the cheapest way to enjoy Christmas in London in one evening?
Walk the free light routes first, starting on Oxford Street and finishing in Covent Garden. Then add one low-cost stop, such as a pub dinner or an off-peak Winter Wonderland slot in November.
Are London's Christmas markets free to visit?
Yes, the majority of London's Christmas markets have free admission. Food, drinks and gifts are where costs build up.
Which London pub has the best Christmas lights?
The Churchill Arms in Kensington is widely regarded as London's most festive pub. It decks its exterior with around 80 Christmas trees and over 22,000 lights, a display that costs roughly £25,000 and draws visitors from across the city. You can admire the outside without booking a table or spending anything.
Is Winter Wonderland free to enter?
No. Entry is ticketed, with off-peak tickets at £1 (Monday to Thursday in November 2026), standard tickets from £5.50 and peak slots from £8.25. Everyone needs a ticket, including children aged two and under.
Explore more Christmas event ideas in London.
