Best Things To Do In London At Christmas 2025

• Location: rooftops, terraces and other outdoor spaces across London
• When: often from November through to January, February and March
• Price: varies by igloo
• Highlights we recommend: Wagtail, Circe's and Aviary for rooftop views, with Coppa Club Tower Bridge offering gorgeous riverfront vistas and Doubletree Kensington's church-view garden prefect for a glorious afternoon tea

Popping up all over London in time for Christmas are igloos, pretty glass or plastic domes providing you with a fully heated and cosy way to still dine outside over the festive period. Decked out with blankets and festive playlists, these snow globes are the perfect location for sipping themed cocktails and having Christmas dinner.

Across our guide, you'll find igloos on winter rooftops and ones with views of everything from Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge - ideal for celebrations as a group.

• Location: on and off West End theatres, alongside other performances spaces
• When: matinee and evening performances from November 2025 through to early January 2026
• Price: varies by production
• Highlights we recommend: for families, The Snowman's return and Elf the Musical's arrival to the West End, following great success across the pond, are a must-see in our eyes. Ballet enthusiasts shouldn't miss out on English National's magical production of the Nutcracker, set on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London, and tickets to London Cabaret Club's James Bond-inspired Christmas Royale promise something a little different

Celebrate Christmas in London 2025 with tickets to some of the best shows. After all, we are the city where you'll find everything from world-class ballet companies with their latest production of the Nutcracker to pantomimes, and West End theatre.

For our pick of family-friendly Christmas theatre, it has to be The Snowman, which returns to the Peacock in the West End for its 27th year - featuring a live orchestra, iconic music like Walking in the Air, and the iconic story coming to life before your very eyes - and Elf the Musical, which comes to Aldwych Theatre after a record-breaking run on Broadway last year.

More off-piste picks come in the form of London Cabaret Club's Christmas Royale show complete with a fine dining experience to match, alongside Phoenix Arts Club's All I Want For Christmas Is Cabaret extravaganza that boasts themed cocktails and mulled wine at the bar.

• Location: rooftop bars and restaurants across London
• When: these spots are usually in their winter finest from November
• Price: varies by rooftop
• Highlights we recommend: Greek-inspired rooftop bar Circe's is back yet again with their Cloud 9 pods - private igloos we'd recommend for up to nine people with views of the London Eye, soft blankets and a Grey Goose cocktail each on arrival - while Vagabond Northcote Road pairs its usual wine 'vending machines' with a retractable roof strung with fairy lights

This Christmas, travel up to soaring heights and explore some of the best rooftops with your family and friends. In our guide, you'll find a selection of cosy igloos, 360-degree views and signature sips. 

Head to the City to hunker down under a blanket and sip on espresso martinis, or venture into Soho to catch glimpses of the London Eye lit up, while sharing small plates and sipping wine. 

• Location: pubs throughout London
• When: these boozers are usually Christmas-ready from November
• Price: free entry but food and drink varies by pub
• Highlights we recommend: Notting Hill's Churchill Arms is undoubtedly our top choice of Christmassy pubs, thanks to its famous Christmas tree and light-covered exterior. They have their own Christmas light switch-on (TBC November date) if you want to make a full occasion of it

Whether Churchill Arms' Christmas tree and light-covered exterior, Queen of Hoxton's gothic Venice rooftop pop-up with gondola seating and festive food from Italy, or The Cadogan Arms' traditional interiors and gastro grub would be more your thing, there's something in store for you from London's pubs this Christmas.

With a long history of pubbing and ale houses (and some from the 1600s still standing), it only make sense that the city's boozers would come alive even more at Christmas. Think turkey-laden feasts in front of open fires and seasonal decor galore.

• Location: hosting venues throughout London
• When: November 2025 to January 2026
• Price: varies by event
• Highlights we recommend: Silent Disco's Christmas special boat party returns after 10 sold-out dates last year, so we'd suggest you grab tickets to dance to Mariah Carey while floating by landmarks along the Thames while you still can. Elsewhere, JOIA's rooftop - overlooking Battersea Power Station - plays host to a joyful Christmas movie pop-up including films like The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life and Elf

For fun things to do in London at Christmas, check out our events guide. We'll help you plan a roaring schedule complete with fondue, popcorn and fizz, and themed pop-ups. 

Gather your mates and hit up a cocktail-fuelled Victorian murder mystery with tickets to Mr Fogg's, or spend an evening frolicking in a ball bit, completed with Instagrammable drinks and pizza in Shoreditch. Whatever you're looking for, we've got it. 

• Location: tearooms, hotels and more across the city
• When: November 2025 to January 2026
• Price: varies by afternoon tea
• Highlights we recommend: our personal favourites include The Dilly's festive afternoon tea (pictured), as the venue always goes all-out with delicious sweet treats shaped like Christmassy things, and Brigit's for a unique take where you'll board a vintage bus and see the Christmas-ready sights of London
  

There's nothing we love more than an afternoon tea - so how about making it a festive affair? London has plenty of quaint and luxury venues in equal measure, and they're are pulling out the big guns this year to make this British pastime as Christmas-themed as can be.

With the likes of The Ritz, Sketch, The Savoy, Claridge's, Fortnum & Mason, and Cutter and Squidge all making the cut in our guide, you've got plenty to choose between.

• Location: bars and restaurants throughout London
• When: November to December 2025
• Price: varies by brunch
• Highlights we recommend: hit up Archer Street Bars in Soho, Notting Hill and SW11 for an immersive Christmas brunch with roaming performers, or go for bullseye at the festive edition of Flight Club's brunch social

Brunch and bottomless brunch are already some of our favourite pastimes here at DesignMyNight, but what happens when Christmas rolls around. We love the opportunity to hit up one of these festive-themed brunches across the city and look forward to a raucous affair that raises even Rudolf's brows.

Jingle your way down to events featuring everything from West End star singing your favourite tunes to drag diva hosts and brunches complete with activities like karaoke.

• Location: Christmas Day restaurants across London
• When: 25th December 2025
• Price: varies by menu
• Highlights we recommend: we say push the boat out with seven courses for £295 per person (£145 for children) in Butlers Restaurant at Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel this Christmas Day, including lobster and crayfish cocktail and free-range Kelly's Bronze turkey 
  

Out of all the things to do on Christmas Day in London, it's got to be food that wins. Our capital is home to a staggering number of Michelin star restaurants, alongside plenty of traditional pubs and other venues serving a knock-out Christmas Day dinner.

From seven-course feasts at British fine dining restaurants to a twist on your festive meal from a Portuguese rooftop restaurant with views of Battersea Power Station, book one of these 25th December experiences now to save on the stress of cooking and faff of washing up.

• Location: hosting venues throughout London
• When: November 2025 to January 2026
• Price: varies by event
• Highlights we recommend: Rivoli pop-up cinema is our festive film location of choice, with family favourites like Home Alone and Elf on the cards, as well as themed snack stalls and a vintage bar for the accompanying adults
  

If you're on the hunt for the top things to do in London at Christmas with kids, then you're going to love our guide. We've got a packed list of activities they'll love, from Harry Potter-themed walking tours to trying out curling. 

Fan of theatre? Then check out the West End Musical Christmas and belt out your favourite tunes. There's also a super cute afternoon tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, fit for all ages, and a chance to get your baking hats on across East and South London.

• Location: city-wide
• When: 24th December 2025
• Price: varies by event

The 24th December can be a tricky one. Marking the lead up to the big day itself, Christmas Eve can feel like a whole lot of waiting in anticipation of the clock striking twelve. To make the time go quicker? There are plenty of fun, Christmassy things to do.

Whether you're keeping up the tradition of going on a Christmas Eve walk and need route ideas, or want to shake things up with a rootin' tootin' immersive Wild West experience complete with themed cocktails, our guide has you covered.

• Location: Coq D'Argent, 1 Poultry, City of London EC2R 8EJ
• When: from 12th November 2025
• Price: £300 to hire for up to 8 guests
• Why we recommend: already one of our favourite rooftops, Coq d'Argent truly shines in winter, when its terrace is transformed into a winter retreat of Christmassy foliage, fluffy blankets and strung fairy lights. Their ultimate experience is the bookable Lodge d'Argent, where you'll order from an apres ski-inspired small plates menu that includes classics like oozing fondue

Want to do something festive that's above and beyond? Look no further than Lodge D'Argent at Coq d'Argent. Set high above the City of London, this festive rooftop retreat is perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra sparkle to their holiday season, with packages from £300. 

From the stunning views to the delicious food and drinks, everything about Lodge D'Argent is designed to make your Christmas party truly memorable. With a festive menu full of treats like hot cheese fondues, plus a great selection of seasonal cocktails, you'll be toasting to a magical night in the sky.

• Location: 462 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford IG2 6LE
• When: Saturday 13th December
• Price: from £10 per person
• Why we recommend: a hoe-down, at Christmas? That's how they do things in the south, across the pond, and we think you should get a slice of Nashville this Christmas. Riding the rodeo bull, enjoying a live band and dancing away the night to DJs - that's a country party trio that makes this event unmissable

Get ready to two-step into the most unforgettable night of the festive season - A Night in Nashville: Christmas Cracker is riding into Faces Nightclub on Saturday the 13th of  December. Our favourite party hotspot is going full Southern for one night only, with live country music, whiskey bars, and DJs spinning long into the night.

Think rodeo bull rides, fried chicken, moonshine shots, and a whole lot of denim. Whether you're there to dance, eat, or show off your cowboy boots, this is the ultimate Christmas hoedown. The first 100 guests through the doors will be treated to a free moonshine shot, so don't be late. Early bird tickets are just £10, or round up your crew - buy three tickets and get the fourth free (£30 total). Bring your best country outfit and prepare to party Nashville-style.

• Location: 72 St John Street, Farringdon EC1M 4DT
• When: throughout the year, but with special Christmas cocktails in December
• Price: from £11 per person
• Why we recommend: everyone loves chocolate at Christmas, and a lot of us adults love our booze during the festive period too. We think you should combine these two indulgences at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, who make the most more-ish drinks that taste like your favourite festive chocolates, including Ferrero Roche and Toblerone 

After sold-out pop-ups in Brighton, Covent Garden and Shoreditch, The Chocolate Cocktail Club then settled on a permanent Farringdon location for you to get your hands on (yes, you guessed it) a menu made up entirely of chocolate-laced cocktails. The £11 ticket price covers the price of your first drink.

From Biscoff and Baileys flavours to Christmas twists on the White Russian and other limited edition, festive treats, a trip here is all about yuletide indulgence.

• Location: the Thames
• When: 13th December 2025
• Price: from £26 per person
• Why we recommend: this lively party offers both great tunes and amazing views, and we love that you can choose your favourite songs via the headphones

After something totally unique to do this Christmas? The Silent Disco Christmas Special is a great choice, where you'll be cruising down the Thames while boogieing to festive tunes played directly through your headphones, courtesy of live DJs.

Sing along to Mariah Carey and other classic hits, and make use of the fully stocked bars on board this two-storey vessel. Plus, you'll get to admire all the iconic landmarks along the river.

• Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
• When: from the 29th October 2025 
• Price: £35 per person
• Why we recommend: because nothing beats sharing gooey fondue and hot doughnuts with someone special, surrounded by sparkly lights

Forget dinner and a movie, as Fire & Fromage is one of London's most romantic winter date spots. Share bubbling fondue under the glow of fairy lights, warm up with mulled wine or boozy hot chocolate, and end your night with freshly fried doughnuts.

Snuggle under a blanket by the fire pits and watch the South Bank come alive around you.

Taking place at venues across Soho and Islington, the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is hosting a Christmas edition of their event. This is a club night and quiz all in one, promising non-stop festive tunes and a buzzing atmosphere throughout.

Their quiz rounds will put your musical knowledge to the test, spanning everything from chart classics to old-school anthems and power ballads. Nab tickets from just £17, with options for groups of all sizes.

• Where: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW
• When: 16th November to 21st December 2025
• Price: from £59.40 per person
• Why we recommend: this quirky immersive experience promises cocktails, snacks and fantastic entertainment, and we particularly love it at Christmas thanks to the festive twists involved

A brilliant immersive experience all year round, the Black Market Knees Up at Cahoots is getting a festive spin this winter. This speakeasy-style bar takes you back to the 1940s, with old-school decor and illicit activity going on in an underground station.

Among the gamblers and black market dealers, you'll sip quirky cocktails disguised as everything from milk bottles to poisons, with the option for either two each or bottomless drinks with your ticket. There are also snacks to spend your rations on, as well as games, live entertainment and a 1940s-style pub quiz.

• Where: 20 Fenchurch Street, 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
• When: Various dates from 17th November 2025
• Price: from £27.50 per person
• Why we recommend: as the Christmas lights twinkle across the city, there's no better time to see London from the sky

Dance to DJs, let it all out to live music and sip Moët & Chandon high above the city at the Sky Garden this Christmas. With shifting mood lighting, warming lamps adorning every table and Christmas trees as high as the glass roof, there's no shortage of festive spirit.

With canapes and bubbly served throughout the night, there's plenty to keep you refreshed. But if you need some more sustenance, book into the Darwin Brasserie for British a la carte or the Larch Italian for something a little more continental.

• Location: Unit 8, 6 Hornsey Street, Holloway Road N7 8GR
• When: 29th November 2025 & all of December
• Price: £65
• Why we recommend: cocktails and sweet treats already sounds perfect for the season to us, but to make them yourself across a wholesome challenge? Work in pairs for this fun pick of Christmas activities

Looking for a cute winter date idea? Then check out Bake Master London's Ultimate Baking Challenge. In teams of two, you'll work together to create your own three-tier cake from scratch, decorated in a Christmas theme.

The session lasts 80 minutes, including a cocktail or mocktail-making section and time for photos. plus, they can cater for vegan or gluten-free guests too.

• Location: Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London, London SW7 2BS
• When: 13th December 2025
• Price: from £38.50
• Why we recommend: candlelit processions, haunting choral music and traditional carols - this is Christmas, Swedish-style

Every December, Sweden unites to celebrate Lucia with a beautiful candlelit procession and traditional carols. Once again, the LondonSwedes are bringing it to London in the amazing Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall.

Under its famous arches, local choirs and Swedish music royalty will be bringing Saint Lucia to life with spine-tingling choral performances and epic organ music. Grab your ticket from just £38.50 to see in the festive season Swedish-style.

• Location: 6 Walker's Court, Soho, W1F 0BT
• When: multiple dates in November and December 2025
• Price: from £38.50
• Why we recommend: this show is packed full of nostalgia and festive fun, making you feel like you're at a house party back in the good old days

Featuring world-class performers from Cirque du Soleil, La Clique and The 7 Fingers, Sophie's Surprise Party is an immersive show that you don't want to miss. This is a festive-themed house party that takes you back to the 90s, full of nostalgic tunes.

Expect to see some amazing circus performances, as well as plenty of wild surprises along the way. Each night, a new audience member is chosen to be Sophie, so you might just be starring in the show yourself.

• Location: Floor 72, Joiner Street, London Bridge, SE1 9QU
• When: 17th December 2025
• Price: £33
• Why we recommend: this is a vibrant evening full of live music and festive cheer - with the added bonus of spectacular views of the city at night

Get your festive groove on at Christmas in the Clouds, a buzzing night out full of live music. There'll be a talented 10-piece brass and drum collective performing, who have played at Glastonbury and other huge UK festivals in the past.

Expect brass reimaginings of pop, soul and funk hits, as well as plenty of festive tunes. Plus, as this takes place within The Shard, the views will be pretty amazing as well.

• Location: 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, WC2H 8EP
• When: 6th and 12th December 2025
• Price: from £30.25
• Why we recommend: this is a truly magical celebration, inspired by the Dickensian period and full of twinkling candlelight

For a truly traditional celebration, head to  A Dickensian Christmas By Candlelight, taking place at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church. Returning for its fourth year, this candlelit performance will transport you back to the Victorian period.

There'll be powerful readings from Charles Dickens's classic A Christmas Carol, brought to life by actor Don Gallagher. Plus, you can expect songs from the Covent Garden Carollers Vocal Quartet, followed by carols for all to sing.

• Location: Arches Lane Theatre, Arches Lane, Battersea Power Station SW11 8AB
• When: 10th - 20th December 2025
• Price: from £45
• Why we recommend: with an interactive naughty or nice list game included as part of the performance, we think House of Burlesque takes their festive cabaret spectacular up a notch

Immerse yourself in a riot of festive mischief at House of Burlesque: Unwrapped, where bold cabaret collides with seasonal sparkle and daring surprises. Expect jaw-dropping acts, glitter-drenched performers and a cheeky twist on tradition, all rounded off with an afterparty that keeps the energy alive.

Tickets start from £45, unlocking a night of audacious fun and unexpected thrills, including a playful audience game where lucky you'll discover if you're on the naughty or nice list for an extra treat.

• Location: Various venues across London
• When: from 7th November
• Price: from £11
• Why we recommend: see in Saint Nick LGBTQ+ style with Ginger's chaotic cacophony of Christmas fun

Ginger and friends are bringing their gloriously gorgeous brand of fabulousness to a pubs, clubs and arts centres across London this festive season. Round up your friends, dress to impress and head on out for bottomless brunches, bingo, evening cabaret and star-studded shows.   

With all kinds of uber-camp events in Soho, Shoreditch, Hoxton and the City, she's sure to be laying her sparkly hat somewhere near you. Grab a ticket from just £11. 

• Location: 108 Baker Street, Marylebone, W1U 6LJ
• When: throughout December 2025
• Price: from £85 per person
• Why we recommend: this is the ultimate festive night out, complete with both food and films, and the rooftop is ultra-cosy

Elevate your Christmas movie experience at Kitchen at Holmes this December, thanks to their Secret Rooftop Festive Cinema. This is a cosy space filled with fairy lights, wreaths and fluffy blankets, where you can catch screenings like Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday.

Start off with a delicious set menu before heading up to the terrace, featuring the likes of lamb kofta, porcini mushroom vol-au-vents and baked parmesan gnocchi.

• Location: Control Room B, Upper Ground Turbine Hall B, 270 The Power Station, Circus Road South, Battersea, SW11 8BZ
• When: 12th December 2025
• Price: from £33
• Why we recommend: Grade I-listed Battersea Power Station will be a joy to behold in a 1950s Christmas theme, and getting the chance to party to festive tunes and more while you're there takes this event up a notch

Celebrate Christmas in style at Battersea Power Station's Control Room B with a Silent Disco like no other. Your ticket includes a headset and a welcome cocktail, with champagne upgrades available for those who want to go all out.

Expect 1950s festive décor, DJs spinning seasonal hits and a prize of Moët & Chandon for the best Christmas jumper - all inside the stunning listed venue.

• Location: 61 Poland Street, Soho W1F 7NU
• When: Saturday 6th December 2025
• Price: from £54
• Why we recommend: Stormzy's place over in Soho is a riot and homey at the same time, featuring interactive rooms including the parents bedroom, the teenagers room and more. For Christmas, House Party has 90 minutes of unlimited pizza and bottomless drinks in store, plus six hours of DJs in the kitchen and basement

Celebrate Christmas like never before at House Party Soho with their Home for the Holidays bash. Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited NYC-style pizza and bottomless red cups filled with prosecco, beer and seasonal cocktails.

Wander through themed rooms that feel like home, hit the kitchen and basement for DJ sets, and soak up six hours of unhinged fun with festive entertainment from the resident party starters.

• Location: Gipsy Hill Taproom, 160 Hamilton Road, SE27 9SF
• When: 7th December
• Price: free entry
• Highlights we recommend: community rug making, independent craftspeople and festive food

Gipsy Hill Brewery Taproom is transforming into the beautifully buzzing Laoxa's Creative Ground this festive season. With food stalls, independent makers and interactive art, there's plenty to keep you entertained until Santa comes to town.

Whether you fancy face painting, a spot of rug tufting or are just on the lookout for some handmade stocking fillers, there's sure to be something to tickle your fancy. Festive feasting is in full swing here too with wings, burgers, hot dogs, Thai street food and plenty of sweet treats up for grabs.

• Location: various meeting points across the city
• When: various dates throughout December
• Price: from £33
• Highlights we recommend: Winter Wonderland, Mayfair and Kensington Palace

What better way to see the city than in its full festive glory? With Cross Paths Tours, you can wander through Winter Wonderland or take in the twinkling lights of Mayfair, Westminster or the Thames.

Wherever you want to walk, your expert guide is on hand with all kinds of info about the festive traditions of our fair capital. Winter walking tours start from just £33.

• Locations: winter pop-ups across London
• When: varies, but often from November through to early January
• Price: depends on the event
• Highlights we recommend: for eating fondue in an outdoor (but covered and heated) cabana by the Thames, check out Fire & Fromage at Jimmy's - our recommendation for pairing a cosy, festive setting with even better grub

Don't fancy the crowds at Winter Wonderland this year? There are plenty of alternative things to do to get into the festive spirit, without having to brave the Hyde Park fair. 

From popping along to Fire & Fromage, a brilliant pop-up on Southbank where you can enjoy vats of cheese by the river, to a stunning festive Ski Lodge pop-up at The Montague On The Gardens Hotel, there's loads to get stuck into.

• Location: Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, Muswell Hill N22 7AY
• When: 22nd November 2025 to 4th January 2026
• Price: from £19 per person
• Why we recommend: there are few Christmas stories more iconic than Dickens' A Christmas Carol, where the main character is visited by three ghosts to help him stop being such a, well, Scrooge. We love Mark Gatiss' stag adaptation, and Alexandra Palace Theatre is a great setting for this tale

Throughout the winter, Mark Gatiss' adaptation of A Christmas Carol is being performed at Alexandra Palace Theatre. This is a powerful retelling of Charles Dickens's classic tale, following a critically acclaimed run in 2023.

Set on a frosty Christmas Eve, this story follows the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge as he is visited by a series of ghosts who show him the error of his ways.

• Location: Kew Gardens, Kew TW9 3AB
• When: 14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
• Price: from £27.50 per non-member
• Why we recommend: our Royal Botanic Gardens are magical year-round, but Christmas reveals the attraction's well-known illuminations trail for a more nature-inspired take on the usual Christmas lights - a must-visit

An iconic location to celebrate Christmas? The world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Christmas at Kew returns year-after-year to treat us Londoners to staggering displays of biodiversity alongside stunning lights.

The illuminations trail here spans a fire garden, tunnels of lights and more, with independent street food traders on hand to keep you well fed and watered as well.

• Location: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
• When: 14th November 2025 to 1st January 2026
• Price: £1 booking free at off-peak times; from £5.50 per person other times
• Why we recommend: yup, it's a little cheesy but we think every Londoner (and visitor) should go to Winter Wonderland at least once. Peruse hundreds of wooden huts for gifts and trinkets, grab a wildly overpriced mulled wine, and view the whole event from up on the ferris wheel

Taking over the city every year since 2007, Winter Wonderland is synonymous with Christmas in London and one of our biggest attractions across the period. This sprawling mecca of festive fun has everything from activities to presents, food and drink - so where to start?

We'd recommend the ferris wheel for views over London and the other rides for higher octane thrills, as well as perusing the hundreds of wooden huts to uncover unique gifts and artisanal products to buy. But don't forget about mulled wine, the ski chalet bars or street food traders either.

• Location: 10 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8HQ
• When: 10th November to 23rd December 2025
• Price: free entry - although booking is required
• Why we recommend: Miracle at Henrietta is a mainstay of the festive period in London, and this year it's bigger than ever - taking over the former home of Mrs Riot with all things OTT and Christmassy. We can't make it through the season without a visit here for an indulgent Hot Buttered Rum

Covent Garden's kitsch Christmas bar is in its eighth year, with Miracle popping up time and time again in Covent Garden over the festive period. For just six weeks from the 10th November, you'll experience a display of yuletide cheer inspired by the USA - think too much tinsel, lights galore and trees too.

A big draw, aside from the interiors, are the cocktails here. Sip your way through a Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r or Hot Buttered Rum with a warming blend of spices, all served in equally gaudy glasses.

• Location: Westminster Pier, Westminster, SW1A 2JH
• When:  25th December 2025
• Price: from £30
• Why we recommend: what better way kick off or cap off your Christmas Day than with a festive cruise down London's iconic River Thames

Put the cherry on the cake this festive season with a Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise. The onboard crew will serve tea, coffee, warming mulled wine and holiday snacks as you float past the Houses of Parliament and many more of London's legendary landmarks. 

As you see the sights from the warmth of the riverboat, you'll get guided commentary covering the history of the buildings you see back on the bank. With cruise times from 9:45am to 2:45pm, there's a perfect spot to hit the water, whatever time you sit down for lunch. Kids are welcome aboard and under fives travel for free, so bring the whole family down for a Christmas treat they won't forget in a hurry. 

• Locations: Southbank, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Spitalfields, King's Cross and more
• When: often from November through to end of December
• Price: usually free entry

An absolute must when Christmas rolls around is making your way to a festive market (or many, if you're really into the spirit of things). Battle your way through the crowds at Covent Garden, Leicester Square, South Bank, Greenwich Christmas markets, where you'll find a heap of treasure to buy, eat and drink.

Grab your loved ones a Christmas gift from the artisans, find new ornaments for your tree at home, glide around ice rinks, and fill up on all kinds of treats - we're talking mulled wine, loaded hot chocolates and bratwursts aplenty.

• Location: St Martin's Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ
• When: various dates from 10th December
• Price: from £16
• Why we recommend: to cheer in delight without a tutu in sight as the Mouse King gets his comeuppance

See in your festive season in the Mousey Realm with a fantastically fun-filled retelling of The Nutcracker. Expect cheeky musical mice, larger-than-life characters and a sleigh-full of festive tunes from the Olivier Award-winning company behind the CBeebie's Panto.

As the many-headed Mouse King tries to destroy Christmas, only two madcap brothers can stop him. Will they succeed in time? Grab your ticket to the show at St. Martin's Theatre to find out.

• Locations: various indoor and outdoor rinks across London
• When: some are permanent but winter pop-ups often from November through to January or February
• Price: varies
• Highlights we recommend: our favourite for a permanent ice rink has to be the iconic Alexandra Palace, where they pop up a Christmas tree for you to rock around over the festive season. For outdoor ice skating, there are countless stunning options, with Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace among the top contenders

Undoubtedly one of the most popular Christmas activities in London? Ice skating, of course. There's nothing quite like taking to the ice in a manner that rivals Torvill and Dean (or Bambi, if your skills are far less than Olympics-worthy).

You'll find numerous ice skating rinks across London this winter, including at GLIDE Battersea Power Station, QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl, and more. There's even a new ice rink in Leicester Square this year.

• Locations: neighbourhoods across London
• When: varies, but often from November through to early January
• Price: free if visiting self-guided, any tours have varied cost
• Highlights we recommend: Immersive Entertainments' London Christmas lights tour by open-top vintage bus sees you cruise past Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, gaze up at the legendary Oxford Street lights, and take in the glamour of Harrods - all the best bits covered in one fell swoop

A top pick of free things to do in London at Christmas? Creating your very own Christmas light trail by touring around the very best the capital has to offer this season. Featuring 40ft Christmas trees and even high-tech light displays projected onto heritage buildings, it's the ultimate festive activity.

You'll find the very best illuminations and spectacular lights switch-ons across Leadenhall Market, The Shard, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and even more besides.