Best London Christmas Events 2026: 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.

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.

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: 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: 68 Clapham Manor St, Clapham, SW4 6DZ
• When: 19th December 
• Price: from £7.70 per person 
• Why we recommend: with traditional pub vibes and live karaoke, LBK gives you the chance to be star of the show or settle in with a view of the stage

Whether you want to unleash your inner diva on stage or screech at the top of your lungs from the safety of the crowd, the Live Band Karaoke Christmas Special at The Bread and Roses has you covered. With a 400-strong songbook, you can be sure you'll know a lot of the words. Expect everything from Mariah Carey and The Darkness to The Pogues and Wham!

To soothe your vocal chords, there's plenty of craft beers on tap, while small plates and pub grub classics like burgers or beer battered fish and chips will give you the fuel to dance the night away.

• 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: 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.

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.

• 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?

• 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: 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: 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.

• 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: 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.

• 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: 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: 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.

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. 

• 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

• 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.