Best London Christmas Events 2025: Festive What's On Guide

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: there's nothing more gorgeous than London at Christmastime, and these light trails are the epitome of that. You'll get to see the city in a whole new way, and they make for some great photos too

If you're after free Christmas events in London for 2025, many of these festive lights and trails fit the bill. Expect Covent Garden's finest alongside Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Leadenhall Market and even whole projections on the side of the Shard - plus some paid-for options at Kew Gardens or Kenwood House.

Whether lit-up Battersea Power Station or a Christmas lights pub covered in over 90 conifer trees is more your thing, these displays deliver.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: whether you're after a cute date idea, a family day out or even a solo activity, Christmas markets are a versatile festive experience - and they only cost as much as you want to spend, so they can be an affordable choice too

The festive season wouldn't be complete without a trip to a London Christmas market and luckily for you, we've compiled a guide to help you find the best of the best. From Christmas shopping to grabbing seasonal food and, of course, drinking plenty of mulled wine, these must-visit locations have loads in store across their stalls.

Whether you fancy visiting Southbank Christmas Market and indulging in all things fondue, or hitting up the iconic Spitalfields Christmas Market for fun games while sipping hot chocolate, we've got options all across the city.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: ice skating is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit, and the vast number of rinks around the city mean that you're never too far from one

After the coolest places to skate in our capital? From Skate At Somerset House to GLIDE Battersea, Hampton Court ice rink, Alexandra Palace ice rink and more, these are the very best skating spots that are making waves across London just in time for Christmas.

Complete with Instagrammable 40ft Christmas trees, Swiss fondue pop-ups and gut-busting burgers, these picks will get you in the festive spirit.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: every child deserves a magical Christmas, and these events and activities will ensure that your little ones are never short of festive joy

On the hunt for Christmas events in London for kids? We're here to help with our handy guide. Plenty is going on throughout the city to keep the little ones entertained - all of which you'll find thoroughly enjoyable too. 

Get involved with carols and have a very Dickensian Christmas, or sing your heart out in theatreland with tickets to West End Musical Christmas. There are even some themed afternoon teas to indulge in too.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: with so many great shows to suit all ages, a trip to the theatre is a must in London at Christmas

There's no better time to visit the West End (or off-West End) than at Christmas, and there are so many great shows to watch this winter. Whether you're more into musicals or immersive performances complete with a delicious meal, there's something for everyone here.

We've rounded up the very best shows to catch during the season - from classics like The Snowman or Elf The Musical to fantastic cabaret acts and interactive murder mysteries.

• Location: across London
• When: 24th December
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: celebrations don't have to be limited to the 25th, so these Christmas Eve events are a great way to get into the spirit early

The day before Christmas is just as important, which is why we've gathered a list of cool and exciting things to do on the 24th of December (so you don't have to). 

Fancy having a go at a round of darts? There's the fairground-themed activity bar Flight Club for that. Elsewhere across the city, check out immersive festive speakeasies, dinner clubs, afternoon teas and more.

• Location: Gants Hill, Essex, IG2 6LE
• When: throughout December 2025
• Price: from £11
• Why we recommend: one of the region's most legendary clubs is sure to add a sprinkle of Essex glam to your festive season

When it comes to epic Christmas events, the only way is Essex at Faces. Take your pick from festive-themed bottomless brunches or a Christmas cracker of a night in Nashville. 

Whatever gets you on its enormous dancefloor this December, the epic lightshow and resident DJs will keep you in the festive spirit long into the early hours.

• Location: 72 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4DT
• When: every day
• Price: from £11
• Why we recommend: cocktail lovers and those with a sweet tooth can both rejoice at The Chocolate Cocktail Club - and we love the festive feel of their seasonal creations

After a run of successful pop-ups, The Chocolate Cocktail Club has found a permanent home in Farringdon. This Christmas, it's serving some seriously delicious chocolate cocktails.

On the menu are edible reindeers filled with liquor, plus drinks like The Giggling Gingerbread Man. What's more, each ticket includes a drink on the house. Chocotini, anyone?

• Location: The Vaults, Launcelot Street, SE1 7AD
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: it's cheeky, fun and a hilarious alternative festive activity - who doesn't love an immersive Christmas experience in London?

After two years of sold-out success, Humbug returns bigger and brighter than ever at the Vaults in Waterloo, ready to deliver the ultimate festive celebration. Step into Santa's favourite dive bar and enjoy an unforgettable immersive experience filled with live music, interactive performances, and outrageous games.

Indulge in themed cocktails, award-winning street food, and even beer-can bowling, all while joining a high-energy sing-along party. Perfect for groups or anyone looking to swap a traditional Christmas dinner for something wildly entertaining, Humbug promises surprises at every turn in a truly unique holiday spectacle.

• Location: The City, Finsbury Park and Soho
• When: various dates throughout December
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: there's wall to wall Christmas anthems and prizes to be won

Agency Unknown is spreading the Christmas spirit with epic events right across London. Its legendary Musical Bingo nights are popping up in Soho, Finsbury Park and the City.

Expect all the usual high jinx, mystery boxes and big prizes - plus more than a few festive tunes.

• Location: 74 Victoria Street, Zig Zag Building, SW1E 6SQ
• When: 29th November and 20th December 2025
• Price: from £39 per person 
• Why we recommend: whether you're leaving it to the professionals or belting them out in your own private room, we all love a good Christmas song, and the bottomless potato tots are a real bonus

If singing along to Christmas tunes is your thing, then head to BAM Karaoke Box in Victoria this festive season. Their Christmas Throwback Brunch promises 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, Champagne and alcohol-free options, as well as a dish of your choice and bottomless potato tots.

While you're getting stuck into eggs Florentine, smoked chicken reubens or bacon croissants, a live DJ, performers and hosts will be keeping the energy going. And afterwards? Two hours of private karaoke for your group.

The holiday season hasn't begun until you've ticked off your first festive flick. At Rivoli Pop Up Cinema, you can take your pick from cult classics like Elf, Gremlins and the best two Home Alones - plus decide for yourself whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas film. 

It's impossible not to feel festive beneath the warm lights and cosy, classic interiors of the Rivoli Ballroom, one of the last to remain intact from the 1950s. In your jazziest jumper, with popcorn in hand and a drink from the bar, you'll be in doubt that Old Saint Nick is just around the corner. 

• Location: The Elmhurst, 131 Lordship Lane, Tottenham, N17 6XE
• When: Various dates from Friday 28th November 2025
• Price: from £150
• Why we recommend: festive arts and crafts in one of North London's cosiest pubs

The Elmhurst is transforming into a creative hub this Christmas. Expert crafter and local legend Laoxa is ready and waiting to pass on her rug tufting skills for you to enjoy.

At the end of your session, you'll have a fantastic festive floor decoration to take home or stuff in someone's stocking. Tickets are £150 for two people and include all the yarn, tools and materials you need to get crafting.

• Location: 6 Walker's Court, Soho, W1F 0BT
• When: multiple dates in November and December 2025
• Price: from £38.50
• Why we recommend: this immersive performance is full of talented acts and nostalgic fun, and you might even get the chance to be involved

A theatrical Christmas event that immerses the audience in the show, Sophie's Surprise Party takes place in Soho this winter. It had a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, featuring world-class performers from Cirque du Soleil, La Clique and The 7 Fingers.

Each night, a new audience member is chosen to be Sophie, thrown into a festive world of 90s nostalgia. Expect mesmerising circus acts, wild surprises and a soundtrack that takes you back to the good old days.

• Location: Soho, Notting Hill and Clapham Junction
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £10
• Why we recommend: their wholesome Christmas carol evenings promise a whole lot of festive cheer - and the cocktails are a welcome bonus

Archer Street's bars in Notting Hill, Soho and SW11 have Christmas brunches in store for your festivities this year, promising everything from 90 minutes of bottomless booze to pros serenading you for entertainment.

But that's not all, as they're also hosting Christmas carol evenings, where you'll get to enjoy live music and festive cheer by the bucketload, complete with a welcome Christmas cocktail and complimentary mince pies. They're sure to jingle your bells. 

• Location: 20 Fenchurch Street, 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: a drink or two with a spectacular view - what's not to love?

See in the festive season high above the city at the Sky Garden. With the twinkling London skyline as your backdrop and a glass of Moët & Chandon in hand, you can get down to DJs and turn it up to live bands.

The Sky Bar itself is just as eye-catching as the views beyond it, with shifting mood lighting and warm lamps atop every table. With snacks and champagne served throughout the evening, it's the perfect place for a festive afterwork drink or a special night out with your nearest and dearest.

• Location: 8 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £17
• Why we recommend: it's a great way to fit in some sightseeing with Christmas lights 

Step aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, beautifully decorated with festive Christmas décor, for a magical open-top tour of London's most iconic holiday light displays. This charming vintage bus cruise takes guests through the city's twinkling festive hotspots, including Oxford Street, Harrods, and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.

As the bus winds its way through London's glowing streets, passengers can fully immerse themselves in the enchanting holiday atmosphere from a unique, nostalgic perspective. The London Christmas Lights Tour offers a perfect way to experience the city's festive magic, making it an unforgettable seasonal treat for locals and visitors alike.

• Location: Cottons Vauxhall, 10 Flagstaff House, St George's Wharf, SW8 2LE
• When: 27th December 2025
• Price: tickets £35 per person (£10 deposit required)
• Why we recommend: this is a one-night-only Christmas gala that blends Caribbean flavour, live entertainment, and festive indulgence into one unforgettable post-Christmas celebration

Get ready to turn the holiday season up a notch at Cottons Vauxhall's Christmas Gala, a festive Caribbean celebration. Your evening starts with a full hour of bottomless rum punch from 6pm to 7pm, the official signal that this isn't your average December dinner.

Then it's on to the grand Christmas buffet, a lavish spread blending seasonal classics with island-inspired dishes that bring sunshine to the darkest winter nights. As you feast and mingle, the entertainment kicks in: a live reggae band laying down smooth rhythms, a DJ spinning hip hop, RnB, and bashment to keep the party alive, and carnival dancers bringing colour, movement, and full tropical sparkle.

• Location: King's Cross, London Bridge and Canary Wharf
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £38
• Why we recommend: the interactive screens at Electric Shuffle add a fun, competitive element to your game, and the cocktails are seriously impressive too

Offering some of the best festivities, Electric Shuffle's venues in London Bridge and Canary Wharf are sure to hit the spot when it comes to fun Christmas activities. Their festive brunch takes their mini game-led, automatic-scoring shuffleboard to a whole new level.

Think one hour of gaming for your group, unlimited pizza, a bottle of prosecco each, and an extra festive cocktail per person on arrival too. And for £35 to £40 each? It's a steal.

• Location: various locations across the city
• When: various dates throughout December
• Price: from £33
• Why we recommend: with the festive lights in full force, London's even better looking than usual at this time of year

See the city in its full festive finery with Cross Paths Tours. Whether you take in Winter Wonderland or the twinkling lights of Buckingham Palace, Westminster or Mayfair, you'll learn a thing or two about London along the way.

Your expert guide is never far away with a fact about the history, culture or architecture of our fair city. Tickets to a tour start from just £33.

• Location: 108 Baker Street, Marylebone, W1U 6LJ
• When: throughout December 2025
• Price: from £85 per person
• Why we recommend: these festive films are bound to get you in the spirit, and the hearty menu is a must-try as well

Throughout December, Kitchen at Holmes are hosting their pop-up Secret Rooftop Festive Cinema. They've transformed their terrace into a cosy space filled with fairy lights, fluffy blankets and wreaths, where you can catch films like Love Actually, A Christmas Carol and Elf.

These events begin with a delicious set menu in the restaurant, featuring tasty plates like lamb kofta, baked parmesan gnocchi and crab croquettes. Then, you'll head upstairs for a magical movie.

• Location: Shoreditch, Islington, Victoria and Bloomsbury
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £38
• Why we recommend: we love Flight Club no matter what time of year it is, for its unique interactive darts concept and killer cocktails - but it's just that extra bit special at Christmas

It's the season to be jolly, so get your pals together and down to Flight Club. Venues in Victoria, Islington, Shoreditch and Bloomsbury are celebrating with a brunch social that takes mini game-packed darts to a whole new level for the holidays.

Throw on your finest Christmas jumper and enjoy a festive cocktail each on arrival, with an hour in front of your group's dartboard, bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco per person on the cards too. Prices start at £38 per person for this top choice of 2025 Christmas events in London.

• Location: Coq d'Argent, 1 Poultry, City of London, EC2R 8EJ
• When: November 2025 - January 2026
• Price: £300 minimum spend per private chalet
• Why we recommend: it's one of London's most enchanting festive escapes; think alpine chalet vibes, molten cheese, and cocktails that feel like a hug in a glass

Overlooking the twinkling skyline of Bank, Lodge d'Argent brings the French Alps to the City this Christmas.

Gather your friends of up to eight and settle into a cosy private chalet complete with faux furs and glowing lights. Snack on winter warmers like charcuterie and hot cheese fondues, all paired with Courvoisier cocktails for the perfect après-ski celebration.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £15
• Why we recommend: this isn't just any old brunch, the guys go all-out with their entertainment - especially at Christmas 

In the mood to do something a little different this Christmas? Join Fabulous Brunch Events for their jam-packed schedule of festive happenings, from a yuletide take on drag brunch to a Christmas Britney concert tribute brunch and a boy toy brunch complete with male dancers.

At all events, you can also enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless drinks while tucking into your choice of street food dish from the hosting venue.

• Location: 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6EY
• When: 24th December
• Price: £52.92
• Why we recommend: for a comforting festive feast with a Japanese and Peruvian twist

Do things a little differently this Christmas with a feast of Nikkei flavours. Choose from the Cuzco or Machu Picchu menus to get to grips with Peruvian beef BBQ, tuna tataki and traditional roast turkey.

With crackers, gifts and a festive photobooth, the holiday spirit is sure to be in full swing. Tickets to this flavourful Christmas celebration start from just £52.92.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £17
• Why we recommend: this is a wild twist on your usual quiz night, and we can't get enough of singing along to our favourite Christmas tunes

Taking over venues across the city this season, including Islington, Soho and more, Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is sorting you out with song trivia and hilarious antics, packing over 100 tunes into one night. 

Head over to your nearest event for some of the best London Christmas activities. You'll be able to show off your musical knowledge in their quirky quiz rounds, with ticket options for groups of all sizes.

• Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
• When: from the 29th October 2025 
• Price: £35 per person
• Why we recommend: we love this cosy spot in the winter - it's a great activity for everyone, and the sharing nature of gooey raclette makes it really enjoyable 

Looking for somewhere to get the gang together? Jimmy's Fondue Bar is designed for groups, with long-table dining that makes for a fun, communal experience.

Feast on pots of molten cheese with plenty of sides for dipping, then end with chocolate doughnuts, all while bundled up under blankets. Add a few bottles of mulled wine or cider into the mix, and you've got a festive group outing everyone will love.

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Hoxton, E2 8GY
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £35.99
• Why we recommend: this is the ultimate immersive experience, providing everything from killer cocktails to amazing photo opportunities

While prison might not be the ideal destination this festive season, Alcotraz is an immersive experience you won't forget in a hurry. Smuggle your booze into this jail, past the eagle-eyed warden, and you'll be rewarded with bespoke cocktails with a Christmas twist from your inmate bar tenders.

But that's not all, since live actors make this a full interactive show filled with deception, deceit and plenty of your participation. 

• Location: Sheraton Grand Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX
• When: 21st-30th December 2025 
• Price: from £79.50 per person
• Why we recommend: this is a spellbinding festive experience blending mind-reading, sleight of hand, and old-world charm in one of London's most elegant settings

Step into the candlelit world of The Magic Hour, London's most enchanting parlour magic show. This critically acclaimed experience offers an intimate evening of illusion, intrigue, and Christmas wonder.

Hosted in the opulent Sheraton Grand Park Lane, this exclusive show brings the golden age of magic to life with a festive twist. Expect jaw-dropping feats, Victorian parlour elegance, and a sense of nostalgia that makes for a perfect seasonal night out, whether you're celebrating with friends, family, or looking for something truly unique this Christmas.

• Location: 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, London, W1J 6JD
• When: Sundays from 23rd November 2025
• Price: from £60 per person 
• Why we recommend: this immersive event is great fun for groups of friends, families and couples alike, getting you involved in the story while enjoying two delicious cocktails

Fancy solving a festive murder mystery this winter? Then head to Mr Fogg's residence in Mayfair, where the enigmatic Phileas J. Fogg awaits. This two-hour, immersive event will have you working as detectives to solve the crime, putting your mystery-solving skills to the test.

The room will be adorned with artefacts and antiquities from all over the world, providing clues for the case. And to get your sleuthing ability going? two cocktails are included in the ticket price.

• Location: a Central London pier
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £33
• Why we recommend: you can combine sightseeing and partying at one event, and who doesn't love a fun boat trip?

When it comes to Christmas events on the water, this London Festive Boat Party has your back. You'll set sail along the Thames for four whole hours of cruising, taking in the sights and illuminations along the river as you go.

Santa's ship will also be serving a light buffet, as well as having a great DJ covering party anthems and Christmas chart toppers from past to present, all for £35 per person.

• Location: Oxford Street and Vauxhall
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £19.50
• Why we recommend: if you fancy an event that you can get involved in, this lively pick promises fun, games and lots of prizes

Taking place on Oxford Street and in Vauxhall, Old Skool Bingo's Christmas specials are a great way to celebrate the festive season. There'll be DJs playing non-stop hip hop and RnB tunes, while you get stuck into lively rounds of bingo.

There are also dance battles and other fun competitions to get involved in, with some fantastic prizes to be won. Plus, tickets start from only £19.50.

• Location: Fire & The Garden, 6A, South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP
• When: from the 27th November 2025
• Price: from £11.50 per person 
• Why we recommend: we love this bottomless drag brunch as a Christmas activity with friends or colleagues because it truly encourages you to let loose while getting in the festive spirit - plus there's lots of cool prizes to be won 

This is Christmas brunch turned up to eleven. Sleigh Bougie is coming to the Fire Club to sprinkle glitter, sass and bottomless fizz all over your festive season. You'll be treated to a four-hour extravaganza packed with fierce drag performances, Chrimbo bingo with £200 prizes, and DJs spinning camp Christmas songs.

Add 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, cocktails and more, plus a street food feast you can choose on the day, and you've got yourself the most fabulously festive party in London. Forget the awkward office dinner - this is where you'll truly sleigh.

• Location: Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, London, N1C 4DQ
• When: 7th November 2025 - 1st March 2026 
• Price: from £9 per person 
• Why we recommend: Club Curling has that perfect mix of playful competition and festive magic; it's social, affordable, and feels like a mini winter escape right in the heart of King's Cross. You'll leave laughing, refreshed, and maybe even plotting your next match

When it comes to London's winter pop-ups, Club Curling is a total crowd-pleaser. Nestled in Coal Drops Yard, this colourful curling experience is as playful as it is picturesque.

Challenge your mates across six sustainable lanes, then swap your stones for a seat in the après lounge, where festive sensory experiments explore all the ways we experience winter. Expect twinkling lights, a vintage Italian theme, and a charity donation with every ticket sold.

This festive season, get ready for a range of drag-drenched Christmas brunches, like Ginger's Big Drag Christmas brunch, taking over Balls Brothers, Austin Friars every Saturday with all the tinsel, sparkle, and sass you could wish for.

Snag tickets for you and your crew, and dive into an event hosted by the one and only Ms. Ginger Phlappage and her drag queens. You're in for holiday-themed performances, outrageous games, cheeky challenges, and plenty of audience participation - all while enjoying free-flowing booze and a delicious two-course feast.

She'll also be hosting Christmas drag bingo every Thursday at The Shoreditch, where you can bag 2-4-1 margarita cocktails, outrageous prizes, festive disco anthems and jaw-dropping performances.

But that's not all, as there will also be drag-tastic bingo brunches on Saturdays over at Phoenix Arts Club in Soho that will be equally entertaining, not to mention KIKI Christmas cabaret on Saturdays over at Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch.

A staple of London's comedy scene, Headliners is upping the ante this festive season. Expect yuletide games and prizes for the most spectacular Christmas jumper.

Up on stage, amazing up-and-comers and big-name acts will see that your sides are split. To fuel all this fun, there's burgers and bites, plus craft ale, IPAs and worldly wines.

• Location: Covent Garden Tube Station, 41 Longacre, London, WC2E 9JT
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £10
• Why we recommend: it's a joyful sightseeing experience packed with great tunes, bound to get you in the festive spirit 

Experience the ultimate festive celebration with the Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Party, a unique dance-walk adventure through London's iconic West End Christmas lights and famous holiday markets. Don hi-tech silent disco headphones to groove along to a curated mix of smash hits from the '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, and classic Christmas tunes, all accompanied by entertaining commentary.

This fun-packed one-hour tour winds through festive hotspots including Covent Garden, Regent Street, Seven Dials, Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street, Chinatown, Soho, and more. Perfect for groups, friends, families, and office parties, the event invites everyone to put on their sparkles, lace up comfortable shoes, and join the magical festive party atmosphere. 

• Location: 15th Floor, 1 Electric Boulevard, Battersea, SW11 8BJ
• When: from 20th November 2025
• Price: from £80 per person 
• Why we recommend: we really feel the magic of Christmas when we're snuggled up on a rooftop under the stars, and they're showing a selection of real classics on the big screen

Fancy cosying up on a rooftop while watching a festive film? Of course you do. Head to JOIA in Battersea, where they're screening all sorts of classics on their terrace this winter, while you wrap up warm with blankets. We're talking Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf and many more.

Tickets start from £80 per person, including a three-course meal beforehand. This takes place at either JOIA itself or TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar, promising tasty plates like glazed aubergine, orzo verde and patatas bravas.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this wholesome activity is a great way to get you feeling festive, and there's bound to be a workshop near you

It's the time for decorating your house, and the front door deserves some love too. Luckily, there are multiple different opportunities this winter to craft your very own masterpiece to take pride of place there.

These London wreath workshops can be found everywhere from Wandsworth to Tottenham and Crouch End, with options to suit all budgets. Create a beautiful display of foliage, dried fruit and more, with experts on hand to help you out.

• Location: Sheraton Grand Park Lane, Piccadilly, W1J 7BX
• When: Sunday 21st December 2025 and four other dates
• Price: from £79.50
• Why we recommend: for chaotically Christmassy night of close up magic

Join the Sheraton Grand Park Lane's resident magician, Sonic, for an enchanting show of Christmas illusions. Expect conjuring with a festive twist, sleight of hand, mind-reading and many other impossibilities.

Sonic AKA Tony Middleton is a Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year finalist and has entertained the likes of Penn & Teller, Sir Roger Moore and KSI, so expect plenty of mind-bending moments. Your ticket includes a welcome drink and choice of evening feast - grab yours from just £79.50 before they disappear.

• Location: multiple locations
• When: December 2025
• Price: from £20
• Why we recommend: this is one of the wildest quizzes around, a great choice for groups of friends this Christmas

If Christmas and music are two of your favourite things, then check out Sounds Familiar. This quirky music quiz takes place at locations across the city, including the West End, promising a buzzing atmosphere and high-energy rounds.

Sing along to their playlist of over 100 songs, featuring everything from old-school anthems to indie hits and chart toppers. Show off your knowledge of all things music, in teams of up to 10 people.

• Location: Arches Lane Theatre, Arches Lane, Battersea Power Station  SW11 8AB
• When: 10th - 20th December 2025
• Price: from £45
• Why we recommend: find out whether you're on the naughty or nice list while also being treated to a cabaret spectacular full of glitter and glam

Step into a festive playground of glamour at House of Burlesque: Unwrapped, where high-energy cabaret meets glittering costumes and cheeky seasonal surprises. Expect dazzling divas, tassel-twirling elves and a playful twist on tradition, complete with an afterparty to keep the celebrations going.

Tickets start from £45, offering an unforgettable night of sparkle, sass and unapologetic fun. On arrival, you'll also be given a unique number. If you're chosen at random during the show, you'll find out whether you're on the naughty or nice list and unlock a cheeky surprise or a glittering gift.

• Location: Belgravia and Notting Hill
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £55
• Why we recommend: for kids and adults alike, these magical icing sessions are a chance to unwind and get creative, and you'll leave with some delicious treats too

Taking family Christmas activities in London for 2025 up a notch? With cute cafes in both Notting Hill and Belgravia, you can find several fun and arty happenings at Biscuiteers.

They've got kids holidays-timed classes to keep them entertained, otherwise head here as a couple or with friends for the adults-only cookie decorating sessions.

This November and December, Bake Master London are hosting a Christmas-themed edition of their Ultimate Baking Challenge. This fun, 80-minute session gives you the chance to mix, bake and decorate your own three-tie cake, working in teams of two.

Add your festive touches, and while the cake's in the oven, you'll even get to mix your own cocktail or mocktail. Plus, they can cater for all dietary requirements, with vegan and gluten-free recipes.

• Location: Unit G, 1 The Sidings, SE1 7BH
• When: 23rd December
• Price: free
• Why we recommend: after revising all December, it's the perfect place to put your festive flick knowledge to the test

If you know your Santa Clause from your Jingle All The Way, get down to Brewdog Waterloo for the Christmas Movie Marathon Quiz. Expect all kinds of festive film trivia covering the old classics, modern pretenders and almost certainly Elf. 

Brain food is available all in night in the form of wings, burgers, pizza, subs and salads. There's prizes up for grabs too - sleigh the competition and you'll bag a £100 bar tab.

• Location: 1, Phoenix Street, Soho, WC2H 8BU
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £25
• Why we recommend: this is much more than just a theatre show, complete with themed drinks and optional food

Situated within London's West End, The Phoenix Arts Club is a cool spot that's hosting a Christmas cabaret event this year. All I Want For Christmas Is Cabaret promises a varied lineup of burlesque royalty, featuring drag queens, musical theatre, comedy and more.

The venue will be filled with magical fairy lights, with an Instagrammable vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. There'll be mulled wine and themed cocktails, and the club is open until late afterwards. Plus, you can add on a delicious three-course meal.

• Where: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW
• When: 16th November to 21st December 2025
• Price: from £59.40 per person
• Why we recommend: from quizzes and games to live entertainment, it's impossible to get bored here - and their quirky cocktails are a real bonus

An immersive theatre experience at Soho venue Cahoots, the Black Market Knees-Up is a fantastic choice for entertainment all year round - and they're adding in some festive twists this winter. This is a cool speakeasy bar inspired by the 1940s, promising illicit activity and secretive sips.

Choose between a standard ticket or bottomless drinks, both getting you access to rationed snacks and quirky cocktails - disguised as milk bottles tea pots or even poison. The theatrical event also features games, live actors and a 1940s-style pub quiz.

• Location: 58 Victoria Embankment, Temple Place, EC4Y 0DS
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: £52.43
• Why we recommend: this is a totally unique way to explore the city this winter, promising to have you entertained throughout

Taking the nation by storm, Drag Bus is a high-energy event that involves touring London on an open-air bus while talented drag performers entertain you. This Christmas, they've got multiple events to check out, each one lasting two hours.

They've got a Freddie Mercury-inspired party, alongside a tour of the Christmas lights and an LGBTQ+ Christmas special. Tickets include a welcome glass of prosecco, with other drinks available to pre-order.

• Location: The Cut, Waterloo Road, SE1 8NB
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £49
• Why we recommend: you won't find a more classic Christmas tale than this, and it's being performed in a stunning theatre too

Forget the same old holiday routine - A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic is an experience. With immersive staging, a cast that sparkles, and enough mince pies to satisfy your festive cravings, Matthew Warchus' production turns Dickens' classic into a full-on celebration. This production runs from the 18th of November, so book early and make your Christmas truly magical.

• Location: St Martin's Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ
• When: various dates from 10th December 2025
• Price: from £16 per person
• Why we recommend: for festive family fun, a sleigh-full of toe-tapping tunes and just the right amount of cheese

The many-headed Mouse King is on a crusade to destroy Christmas and there's only one pair of bickering siblings that can stop him. Get down to St. Martin's Theatre to watch as they pit their wits against each other in the Mousey Realm.

From Olivier Award-winning theatre company Little Bulb, this amazingly audacious reimagining of The Nutcracker brings you festive tunes, ingenious cardboard creations and feelgood fun for the whole family - without a tutu in sight. Grab your ticket to the merry madness from just £16.

• Location: Brasserie Zédel & Crazy Coqs, 20 Sherwood Street, Soho, W1F 7ED
• When: November 2025 - January 2026
• Price: shows from £15, dining à la carte
• Why we recommend: because Christmas deserves a little drama, and no one does theatrical, Champagne-fuelled festivity quite like Brasserie Zédel

This winter, Brasserie Zédel's Fête Fantastique turns Soho into a snow globe of vintage Parisian glamour. Above ground, the brasserie hosts a nightly lineup of live jazz, swing and international musicians, the perfect soundtrack to steak frites, seasonal Pernod Ricard cocktails and people-watching beneath chandeliers.

But it's downstairs in Crazy Coqs where the real magic happens. The season's schedule is stacked with standout performances: The Black Cat Cabaret brings daring, smoky 1920s decadence; Le Grand Cabaret mixes burlesque, circus and big-band brilliance; and shows like The Beguiling Hour and The Black Burlesque Revue spotlight some of the most exciting cabaret artists working today. With festive one-offs like December Divas and Cabaret with Claus, you've got a Christmas entertainment calendar that could rival the Folies Bergère.

• Location: Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, N22 7AY
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £19
• Why we recommend: you won't find a much more classic seasonal story than A Christmas Carol, and seats are pretty affordable too

An eerie Christmas tale that has been beloved for over a century, A Christmas Carol is coming to Alexandra Palace Theatre this winter. Charles Dickens' iconic story follows the miserable Ebeneezer Scrooge, as he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

This performance follows a critically acclaimed run in 2023, promising a powerful adaptation of the tale - with tickets starting from only £19.

Make your Christmas party unforgettable at Hijingo in Shoreditch, where cutting-edge bingo collides with festive dining and endless drinks. From £35 per person, enjoy multiple rounds of adrenaline-fuelled bingo, incredible prizes like holidays and cash, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, lights and entertainment.

Whether it's a night out with friends or a big group celebration, this is the ultimate festive experience packed with food, drinks and non-stop fun.

• Location: Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £27
• Why we recommend: Kew Gardens is one of the most stunning spots in the whole city, and at Christmas it's truly beautiful thanks to all the lights

Make your way to Richmond to discover Kew Gardens, the stunning botanic royal gardens that transform into a winter wonderland each year. There are more than 50,000 living plants to see here, as well as over 7 million preserved specimens, and the world's largest Victorian glasshouse is also waiting to be discovered.

This festive season, take a wander down their famous light trail, which spans across more than three kilometres of gorgeous illuminations, glittering tunnels, decorated trees and much more . Feeling peckish? There'll also be independent vendors selling hot food, warming drinks and Christmas treats.

• Location: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
• When: 14th November 2025 - 1st January 2026
• Price: entry from free
• Why we recommend: any trip to London at Christmas is incomplete without Winter Wonderland, the ultimate seasonal activity

Christmas in London isn't complete without Winter Wonderland - the famous attraction has been setting up camp in Hyde Park since 2007, wowing visitors with its games, rides and delicious food stalls ever since. 

Gather your mates and head on over to explore over 100 vendors whipping up everything from candles to hot chocolates. There'll also be chalet-style bars serving mulled wine and gourmet cheese toasties. Sign us up.

• Location: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
• When: 15^th November 2025 – 18^th January 2026
• Price: from £56 per person 
• Why we recommend: if you're a Harry Potter fan, this place will give you everything you could ask for, and at Christmas the sets are transformed into magical festive scenes - we never leave here without some amazing photos

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is a beloved attraction all year round, but it's especially magical during the festive season. Boasting the real sets and props from the Harry Potter films, this magical destination is transformed into Hogwarts at Christmas over the winter.

The Great Hall will be decked out in stunning decorations, reflecting scenes from the Yule Ball. You'll also get to explore Gryffindor common room, Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and more, making for great photo opportunities. For a behind-the-scenes look at these iconic films, there's nowhere better.

• Location: 33 St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4ES
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £22
• Why we recommend: this feel-good show is one of the most festive around, and it's very affordable too

What better way to get into the seasonal spirit than with a trip to the theatre, to watch one of the most festive productions of all time? Nutcracker is returning to the London Coliseum for December, promising an enchanting day out.

Set on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London, this magical performance follows the story of Clara, who finds a mystical nutcracker doll. And the best part? Tickets start from only £22 each.

• Location: 10 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8HQ
• When: 10th November - 23rd December 2025
• Price: free entry
• Why we recommend: this over-the-top festive bar is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit, and we love how inventive their themed cocktails are each year

The New York-born Miracle At Henrietta is returning to Covent Garden for another year, promising kitsch Christmas decor, lights and music. You'll also find brilliant themed cocktails - we recommend the hot buttered rum.

Ideal for capturing those festive photos and boogieing to seasonal tunes, it's open until the 23rd December.