18 things to do in London this Christmas

Twinkling shopping displays, cheerful festive markets and sparkling light installations🌟

London at Christmas always ensures a truly magical experience!

Searching for things to do this Christmas? There’s no denying the capital is the perfect place for a Christmas city break. So whether you enjoy touring the festive food spots or catching an enchanting West End show, check out our list of 19 things to do in London this Christmas.

• Copy link

1. Home Alone in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

• 
  5th December 2026 – 12th December 2026
• 
  Royal Albert Hall

Relive the iconic Christmas movie classic this festive season at London’s magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Films In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall brings cinema and live orchestra together to create a wondrous movie experience. And this winter, Films In Concert is back to celebrate our favourite Christmas flicks, including Home Alone.

Prepare to melt into the magical soundtrack of this 1990 favourite! Grab your popcorn, cosy up with loved ones and enjoy the delightful musical score performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra this Christmas.

2. The Great Christmas Feast

• 
  6th November 2026 – 31st December 2026
• 
  The Lost Estate 7-9 Beaumont Avenue, London

Dive into the timeless story of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, with an immersive dining and theatre experience. Hidden away in the heart of West Kensington, enjoy a first-class rendition of this classic Christmas play with a twist. The Great Christmas Feast tells the story behind this traditional festive tale as you follow Dickens himself as ‘A Christmas Carol’ story is born.

Whilst this exceptional performance plays out, you’ll be wined and dined with a scrumptious three-course feast. And we can’t forget the splendid selection of traditional Victorian beverages, including the Smoking Bishop and Pear Tree Cup.

3. Christmas Shopping in Carnaby Street

For some, Christmas shopping can be the least wonderful time of year. But for many of us, it can be a joyful festive tradition: admiring marvellous window displays and hunting for a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

While we’ve previously run down our list of best Christmas shopping spots in London, we’d especially recommend Carnaby Street in Soho. Here you’ll find fantastic Christmas light displays, the delicious three-storey Kingly Court food hub and a diverse selection of retail stores, from END. to Sweaty Betty. Carnaby is certainly a go-to for Christmas shoppers this gift-giving season.

4. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

• 
  19th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
• 
  Hyde Park

What’s a Christmas city break to London without a trip to Winter Wonderland? With the famous Giant Wheel, the next-level festive Street Food Village and market stalls, the Real Ice Slide and an endless supply of marvellous theme park rides, Winter Wonderland has it all to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Winter Wonderland is open late every night from late November to early January. Book your time slot in advance to explore this festive paradise and see some of the best Christmas lights in London.

Prices and opening times

5. Wreath-Making at Petersham Nurseries

• 
  27th November 2026 – 10th December 2026
• 
  Petersham Nurseries

Embrace the Christmas spirit with a traditional wreath-making class in London’s Richmond. This November and December, discover the craft behind Petersham Nurseries’ sensational floristry arrangements with this incredible masterclass, perfect for any creatives.

Celebrating sustainable floristry techniques, you’ll leave this class with a new respect for all things floristry and your very own beautifully decorated woodland wreath using festive berries and local foliage.

6. Christmas at the Coppa Club

London’s ultimate festive dining experience is back this Christmas season. Famed for its iconic private igloos, the Coppa Club Tower Bridge venue offers spectacular views of the South Bank skyline. Gaze upon the wonderfully lit Shard as you dine in your intimate terrace pod, beautifully set for Christmas.

While the Coppa Club Tower Bridge igloos are open all year round, we’d recommend booking during the Christmas period for a unique and cosy dining experience!

7. Skate at Somerset House

• 
  17th November 2026 – 10th January 2027
• 
  Somerset House

Looking for the finest outdoor ice rink in London this winter? Skate at Somerset House is the go-to for ice-skating fanatics enjoying a Christmas city break in the capital.

Skate at Somerset House brings together chilled-out skating sessions, electric DJ sets and mouthwatering festive food and drink. So whether you’re an ice-skating pro or eager to get on the ice for the first time, Skate at Somerset House has something for everyone.

Prices and opening times

8. Southbank Centre Winter Market

• 
  2nd November 2026 – 4th January 2027
• 
  Southbank Centre

On the hunt for the best Christmas market in London? While our list of must-see festive markets in London will set you up for the perfect Christmas market weekend break, we’d suggest starting at the Southbank Centre Winter Market this December.

Expect magically decorated alpine chalet stalls, glittery fairy lights and the sweet smell of festive delights all along the Thames. Filled with delectable Christmas treats, discover a divine selection of mulled wine, festive fondue and Dutch pancakes!

Planning on hitting up the capital’s tastiest food spots this festive season? Check out the best Christmas markets in London here.

9. See a London pantomime

From timeless classics to brand-new reimaginings, this winter is packed with dazzling pantomimes the whole family will love. Get ready for a season of laughter, singing and plenty of festive cheer with our favourite pantos happening across the capital this winter.

✨ Cinderella at The London Palladium, 5th Dec 26 – 10th Jan 27

✨ Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire, 21st Nov – 31st Dec 26

✨ Peter Pan at New Wimbledon Theatre, 5th Dec 26 – 3rd Jan 27

✨ Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith, 19th Nov 26 – 3rd Jan 27

✨ Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond Theatre, 5th Dec 26 – 3rd Jan 27

✨ Dick Whittington and His Cat at King’s Head Theatre, 22nd Nov 26 – 3rd Jan 27

10. Taste Film

• 
  20th November 2026 – 23rd December 2026

Rediscover your favourite Christmas movie classics through expertly curated dishes that bring the cinema to life! Taste Film has the ultimate festive dining experience in store for movie lovers this holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for the heartwarming romance of Love Actually or The Holiday, the hilarious hijinks of Elf and Home Alone, or the wonderfully weird worlds of How The Grinch Stole Christmas and The Nightmare Before Christmas – there is a screening just for you.

Serving up astonishing, multi-course dishes exactly as they appear on screen throughout the picture, Taste Film works with first-class independent chefs to create an unforgettable, immersive dining experience for film-loving foodies.

11. Christmas on the Wharf

• 
  16th November 2026 – 31st December 2026

Pergola on the Wharf is back with all the festive food and drink you could ask for. Christmas on the Wharf is one of Canary Wharf’s coolest Christmas celebrations, with its unique riverside venue that suits intimate dinners and festive parties alike.

With a 700-person capacity, Pergola on the Wharf brings friends, family and colleagues together for endless festive fun! Tuck into tasty pigs in blankets, bratwurst rolls, cheese fondue and a gorgeous collection of festive cocktails.

12. Christmas Carols at Trafalgar Square

A staple of festive celebrations, carol singing is a great free attraction to fill you, your friends and family with warm Christmas cheer while raising money for some incredible charities. And in London this year, Trafalgar Square Christmas Carols is returning with regular performances throughout December.

Wrap up warm and join local carolers in spreading festive cheer! Trafalgar Square will also be packed with plenty of Christmas market stalls – so you can even keep cosy while listening to the joyful tunes with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

13. Grab a pint at The Churchill Arms

Coined London’s most ‘Christmass-y’ pub (though we’d argue more like the UK’s), The Churchill Arms has become an adored festive landmark in the capital with its extravagant Christmas light display.

Located in the heart of Kensington and a favourite for local pub-goers and tourists alike, The Churchill Arms easily upstages any other festive decorations in the neighbourhood. Using an incredible 22,000 Christmas lights, it takes over 80 trees to create this extraordinary, festive light spectacle. What’s more, the bar staff pull a great pint.

14. Christmas Lights London By Night Tour

• 
  6th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Cruise through the streets of London this winter and immerse yourself in the magic of the capital’s renowned Christmas light displays. This specially curated bus tour by Live Guide is the perfect way to explore the city at night and marvel at its out-of-this-world festive installations.

From Oxford Street and Regent Street’s sparkling angel lights to the buzzing Southbank market lights and the incredible giant Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, this 90-minute festive tour will be sure to put you in the Christmassy mood.

15. Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys Regent Street

• 
  14th November 2026 – 24th December 2026

For a truly magical Christmas experience your little ones will never forget, head to Hamleys on Regent Street and visit Santa’s Grotto. This enchanting grotto is perfect for kids who believe in the magic of Christmas. Step into a winter wonderland and meet Santa himself, who will be delighted to hear your child’s Christmas wishes.

Plus, after you visit with Santa, it’s time to explore the rest of Hamleys – the world-famous toy store filled with wonder and excitement. With seven floors of toys, games and interactive adventures, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Just don’t forget to book your visit with Santa here!

16. The Curling Club at Vinegar Yard

Looking for a bit of friendly competition with a side of après-ski vibes, you need to check out The Curling Club at Vinegar Yard. Returning to London Bridge from 4th November 2026, this pop-up transforms Vinegar Yard into a glorious alpine-themed winter hangout. The best part? It’s completely ice-free, meaning you get all the fun of sliding stones down synthetic sheets without the fear of slipping or needing to lace up any skates.

Between your turns on the curling sheet, you can warm up with glorious winter cocktails and steaming mugs of mulled wine from the bar, paired with tasty festive bites from the on-site street food traders. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick ‘Pay & Play’ session starting at £19.50, or going all out with a party package like ‘The House’ or ‘Curls of Wisdom’ (which bundle together your curling time, reserved seating, food, and drinks), they’ve made it incredibly easy to plan a brilliant night out. And best of all, you don’t need a shred of previous curling experience to join in on the fun.

17. Miracle on Russell Street

• 
  10th November 2026 – 30th December 2026
• 
  9 Russell Street Covent Garden

This legendary American-style pop-up is back in London for 2026 and has taken over a brand-new spot in the heart of Covent Garden at 9 Russell Street. Stepping inside Miracle Bar is like walking straight into a retro Christmas dream – expect wall-to-wall tinsel and more fairy lights than you could ever imagine. It’s the ultimate place to embrace the gloriously tacky, fun side of the season!

The drinks menu is just as playful as the decor, featuring creative holiday cocktails served in wonderfully nostalgic, custom glassware. Sip on deliciously themed tipples like the ‘Christmapolitan’, complete with spiced cranberry sauce, or the delightfully creamy ‘Jingle Balls Nog’. Just a quick heads-up: this pop-up is wildly popular and operates on strict 90-minute table slots. You’ll definitely want to pre-book your spot online well in advance to avoid missing out on the festive fun.

18. Feast on festive sarnies at Mondo Sando

If your idea of holiday heaven involves getting your hands on the ultimate festive lunch, you need to make a trip to Mondo Sando this Christmas. Known for their outrageously good, generously stuffed creations, these South London sandwich legends don’t mess around when it comes to seasonal specials.

Mondo Sando even clinched the number one spot for Time Out London’s best Christmas sandwich for 2025, proving they are the undisputed royalty of the festive sarnie scene.

Previous years have seen them sling absolute masterpieces packed with everything from crispy-skinned chicken and bacon and apricot stuffing to a zingy gochujang cranberry sauce. Keep a close eye on their socials for the big menu drop – once those festive specials are announced, you’ll want to run, not walk, to grab one before they sell out.