Best London Christmas Events 2026: Festive What's On Guide

If you're after free Christmas events in London for 2026, many of these festive lights and trails fit the bill. Whether lit-up Battersea Power Station or a Christmas lights pub covered in over 90 conifer trees is more your thing, these displays deliver.

Editor's picks: 

• Covent Garden - switching on from the 12th of November 2026, the piazza will once again dazzle Christmas shoppers with over 40 giant bells, festive sleighs, enormous baubles, and a 40-ft Christmas tree. Sounds absolutely fabulous to us. 
• Carnaby Street - the celebrated shopping destination always has brilliant themes - past years have included 'electric' and 'rainbow'. Our top tip? Book a dinner at the likes of Ria's or grab a burger from Heard, then wander round grabbing some goodies for yourself under the sparkling lights
• Leadenhall Market - the City market is a gorgeous, fairytale-esque destination for some festive magic. Previous years have seen an 18ft Christmas tree as the centrepiece.

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.

Editor's picks:

• Southbank Centre Winter Market - expected to run from 2nd November 2026 to 4th January 2027, this riverfront favourite hosts alpine-style chalets offering tudo from truffle burgers to Dutch pancakes.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - opening from 19th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, London's most famous festive extravaganza combines giant fairground rides and ice rinks with traditional wooden stalls. Grab a bag of roasted chestnuts or warm up with hot chocolate at one of the lively festive bars.
• Covent Garden Christmas Market - launching from 12th November 2026 into early January 2027, the iconic cobblestone piazza dazzles with its famous 60-foot Christmas tree and whimsical holiday decorations. Browse independent pop-ups for unique crafts, ornaments, and gourmet treats.

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.

Editor's picks:

• Skate at Somerset House - returning from 11th November 2026 to 10th January 2027, the grand neoclassical courtyard transforms into one of the capital's most sought-after winter rinks. Featuring a 40ft Christmas tree, atmospheric illuminations, and lively DJ sets, it's an absolute classic for date nights or festive outings.
• Glide at Battersea Power Station - running from 6th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, this picturesque outdoor rink features three interconnected rinks surrounded by views of the Thames, a stunning central tree, and fairground rides. Warm up afterwards with a drink at the rink-side Glass House.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - open from 19th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, the UK's largest outdoor rink circles a Victorian bandstand illuminated by over 100,000 sparkling lights. Complete the festive experience with a visit to the surrounding Bavarian Village or Bar Ice.

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. 

Editor's picks: 

• Breakfast with Santa at Young's Pubs & Hard Rock Cafe - these events let little ones enjoy a delicious breakfast alongside Santa himself. Complete with festive entertainment, games, and crafts, it's an unforgettable way to kick off the season.
• Christmas at Kew - running throughout November and December 2026 at Kew Gardens, this world-famous botanical trail transforms into a twinkling wonderland featuring giant light installations, festive street food, and seasonal drinks. Keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the path as you explore.
• London Christmas Lights Tour By Open Top Vintage Bus - this nostalgia-filled ride takes families past the capital's best illuminations on a 1960s Routemaster. Take in the sparkling displays across Oxford Street, Harrods, and beyond from the top deck.

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

Editor's picks:

• Christmas Wreath Making in Spitalfields at Alfi - this stylish wine bar in Spitalfields Market offers an elevated masterclass. Led by expert florists, all fresh foliage, decorations, and materials are provided, alongside a complimentary glass of prosecco to sip while you design your custom wreath.
• Christmas Wreath Workshop at The Guard House & Dial Arch - taking place in Woolwich, these hands-on sessions are hosted by Nicola Wright, founder of The Wright Choice Flowers. Guests learn step-by-step techniques using natural textures and seasonal greenery, complete with a glass of prosecco included with every ticket.
• Christmas Wreath Making at The Leather Bottle - this Earlsfield favourite invites crafters of all skill levels to get festive. Enjoy friendly expert guidance, plenty of ribbons and fresh foliage, plus complimentary mince pies and mulled wine tasters while you work.

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 30th of December.

• Location: 10 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8HQ
• When: 9th November - 30th December 2026
• 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

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: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
• When: 19th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
• Price: entry from free
• Why we recommend: any trip to London at Christmas is incomplete without Winter Wonderland, the ultimate seasonal activity

• 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.

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 £38.50 per person.

• Location: a Central London pier
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £38.50 per person
• Why we recommend: you can combine sightseeing and partying at one event, and who doesn't love a fun boat trip?

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 you 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: 8 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £18.70 per person
• Why we recommend: it's a great way to fit in some sightseeing with Christmas lights 

Get ready for the ultimate festive celebration with the Silent Sounds Christmas Special, a sold-out sensation returning for one final epic night aboard the magical Dutch Master party boat. This two-storey floating venue cruises along the Thames, offering stunning views of London's iconic landmarks while you dance the night away wearing hi-tech silent disco headphones.

With multiple music channels to choose from - including Christmas classics, disco, rock, pop, and more - partygoers can curate their own soundtrack, making this one of the most unique and memorable Christmas parties in London. After ten sold-out dates this year, Silent Sounds wraps up the season with a festive night full of Mariah Carey madness, merry vibes, and non-stop dancing.

• Location: across London
• When: 19th December, 7pm - 11pm
• Price: from £25.30 per person
• Why we recommend: it's a quirky night out that's perfect for groups and Christmas parties, and we love the views of London's landmarks that you get to admire too

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: 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, London, W1J 6JD
• When: Sundays throughout November and December 2026
• Price: from £62.64 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

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: Covent Garden Tube Station, 41 Longacre, London, WC2E 9JT
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £16.50 per person
• Why we recommend: it's a joyful sightseeing experience packed with great tunes, bound to get you in the festive spirit 

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: across London at venues such as The Phoenix The Star of King's, and more
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £20 per person
• 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

See London at its festive best with this brilliant Christmas lights walking tour, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the city's magical seasonal displays. Here, they'll take you on a curated route through all the top spots for decorations.

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: Soho and Clapham Junction
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £11 per person
• Why we recommend: their wholesome Christmas carol evenings promise a whole lot of festive cheer - and the cocktails are a welcome bonus

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.

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. 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.

• Locations: The Joiner on Worship, Balls Brothers Austin Frairs, Phoenix Arts Club and Queen of Hoxton 
• When: throughout November and December 2026 
• Price: from £11 per person 
• Why we recommend: Ginger's shows are such a good romp, and they'll have you in the festive spirit in no time, with hilarious games and prizes

Planning the ultimate Christmas group get-together? Tequila Mockingbird has you covered with two distinct festive Saturday events running from 1pm to 3pm. Giddy up for the Ho Ho Hoedown Bottomless Brunch for a wild afternoon of drag performances, line dancing, and country bingo.

Alternatively, dust off your worst Christmas sweater for the Festive Throwback Bottomless Bingo Brunch for retro pop jams and holiday trivia. Both options feature 90 minutes of bottomless margaritas, pornstar martinis, prosecco, or mocktails alongside pizza.

• Locations: Tequila Mockingbird, Covent Garden, 42 William IV St, WC2N 4DD & Monument, 1 Lovat Lane, Eastcheap, EC3R 8DT
• When: Saturday 21st November - 12th December, 1pm – 3pm
• Price: From £47.52 per person
• Why we recommend: gather your festive crew for free-flowing cocktails, dietary-friendly pizzas, and two hours of pure weekend madness in central London

Looking for a killer Christmas brunch? Blame Gloria has got plenty of them, at their venues in Covent Garden and Clapham Junction. These take place on Saturdays, led by talented drag queens who'll bring the energy through glitz, glam and plenty of laughs.

Sing along to your favourite hits, with themes of either ABBA or 80s, 90s and 00s hits. You'll receive 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails, as well as a tasty burger of your choice.

Head over to Bishopsgate, where Dirty Martini are putting a festive twist on their iconic bottomless brunch. This promises a signature birdcage sharer (either classic or vegetarian), flled with seasonal bites.

Tuck into the likes of mushroom arancini, mini cheeseburger sliders, brie and cranberry wontons and more. Plus, you'll receive 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails or mocktails - from an espresso martini to a Strawberry Kiss.

• Location: 158 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4LN
• When: from 21st November 2026
• Price: From £40 per person
• Why we recommend: this budget-friendly festive brunch will keep you fuelled with cocktails and seasonal bites, perfect for a day out with friends this winter

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

• Location: 72 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4DT
• When: every day
• Price: TBC
• 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

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. It's a steal.

• 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

While prison might not be the ideal destination this festive season, Alcotraz: Cell Block Two-One-Two 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 bartenders.

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

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Hoxton, E2 8GY
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £39.22 per person
• Why we recommend: this is the ultimate immersive experience, providing everything from killer cocktails to amazing photo opportunities

Make your way to Richmond to discover Kew Gardens, the stunning botanical 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 seven 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: Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB
• When: 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
• Price: from £25.50 per person
• 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

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 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 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?

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, complete with dancers.

You can also enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless drinks while tucking into your choice of street food dish from the hosting venue, Fire & The Garden, in Lambeth.

• Location: Fire & The Garden, 6A, South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP
• When: throughout the festive period
• Price: from £16.50 per person
• Why we recommend: this isn't just any old brunch; the guys go all-out with their entertainment - especially at Christmas 

Make this Christmas a mysterious one by attending A Very Bonkshire Christmas at The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia. This brooding, shabby chic cocktail bar is the perfect setting for a festive murder mystery – leaving it up to you to solve clues and crack the case. 

Your £33 ticket will also come with a complimentary cocktail and delicious canapés – among all the festivities, including an 80s-powered DJ set. And there will be a prize for the best fancy dress, so there's no need to be shy when choosing an outfit. 

• Location: 5 Clipstone Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 6BB
• When: 20th November, 7pm - 11pm
• Price: £33
• Why we recommend: pairing crafted cocktails with murderous antics, this event is a recipe for making festive memories and experiencing something different this season 

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 the 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: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
• When: 14th November 2026 – 17th January 2027
• Price: from £58.50 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