It's time to dig out the Santa hats and defrost Mariah Carey - silly season is finally here. Although this time of year is a joyous one, it can also be on the expensive side. 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 best things to do this Christmas in London for under £20.
Affordable Things To Do In London At Christmas
Have A Go At Curling On Eco-Friendly Tracks At Club Curling
Cost: from £9 per person
Club Curling returns to Coal Drops Yard, bringing festive fun and friendly competition to King’s Cross. Gather up to six friends, book a lane, and take on each other on a vibrant, eco-friendly curling track before relaxing in the vintage Italian-inspired après lounge.
Enjoy quirky science experiments, sensory experiences and cosy drinks, all while supporting New Horizon Youth Centre with every ticket purchased.
Competitive socialising just got a wintery twist.
Wake Up For Sunrise At Sky Garden
Cost: £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 for just £16.50 a ticket, 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.
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.
Drink And Dine At The Churchill Arms
Cost: around £20 for a main and a drink
Known for its incredible Christmas décor, 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 wonder switched on its lights at 6pm on November 14th 2024.
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.
Explore All The Food Stalls At Vinegar Yard
Cost: around £20 for food and a drink
With magnificent views of The Shard and iconic food vendors, Vinegar Yard is the perfect place to go on a winter evening. You’ll definitely be able to bag yourself some delicious food for under £20 here.
Choose from the juiciest burgers from Nanny Bills, hearty pizzas from Bad Boy Pizza Society or a packed sarnie from the Untitled Sandwich Shop (to name a few). They also have plenty of pop-ups throughout the festive period, including curling, flea markets and art installations.
This place is the ultimate foodie heaven, and one of the best cheap things to do in London this Christmas.
Enjoy A Day Out At Winter Wonderland
Cost: free for off-peak or £5 for a standard booking
Winner of the DesignMyNight Art of Going Out Awards, 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 a 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 completely free, with standard tickets starting from just £5. You can bag yourself a Mr Bratwurst sausage and a soft drink in the Bavarian village for £11.50 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.
Try This Pop-Up With Views Of London Bridge At The Glasshouses
Cost: From £15 per person
This brand-new pop up by London Bridge is set to get everybody talking. 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.
Tickets include 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.
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 ft 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.
Drink Incredible Christmas Cocktails At The Chocolate Cocktail Club
Cost: £11 per ticket
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 Farringdon bar was also shortlisted in the DesignMyNight Art of Going Out Awards (that's how good this place is). Tickets are just £11 and include a welcome cocktail upon arrival.
Get in the Christmas spirit by sipping chocolate cocktails this festive season.
Settle into the silver screen at Rivoli Pop up Cinema
Cost: from £11 per ticket
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?
Enrol In A Gingerbread House Making Workshop
Cost: from £16.50 per person
Looking for a festive activity that won’t break the bank but still brings all the Christmas cheer? Head to The Leather Bottle in Earlsfield for their Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, a wholesome, hands-on event filled with icing bags, sweet treats, and plenty of laughter.
Perfect for families, friends, or anyone feeling crafty, you’ll build and decorate your very own edible masterpiece while festive tunes fill the air and the smell of gingerbread magic drifts through the pub. Expect wobbly icing lines, big smiles, and maybe a cheeky nibble or two before you take your sugary creation home.
Make your very own gingerbread house this Christmas.
Get Hands-On With Some Christmas Bauble Crafting
Cost: from £11 per person
For a festive night that’s easy on the wallet and big on cosy vibes, The Duke’s Head in Wallington is hosting a Christmas Bauble Crafting Evening that’s pure holiday joy.
Gather your friends, grab a winter warmer, and spend a chilled evening decorating your very own baubles - complete with comforting food, twinkly lights, and plenty of cheer. It’s relaxed, creative, and perfectly festive, giving you the chance to make a keepsake you’ll hang proudly on your tree (or gift to someone special).
Christmas Bauble Crafting at the Duke's Head.
Explore more Christmas event ideas in London.
