15 things to do in London in December 2026

As the city wraps itself in a festive cloak of twinkling lights and Yuletide cheer, December in London is nothing short of magical✨

From West End shows and winter wonderlands to ice skating under the shadow of iconic landmarks, embark on a jolly journey through the magic that is London in December.

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🎄Christmas in London

1. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

• 
  20th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Step inside a quintessential Christmas Card scene as you bundle up to skate under the stars in the grounds of Henry VIII’s historic home. This Tudor palace in Richmond upon Thames dates back to 1514 and offers a truly unique backdrop for a session on the ice.

Why not tie it in with a tour of the palace, where you can see Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours and explore the Magic Gardens and maze before heading onto the rink. Afterwards, you can warm up in the cafe bar with a mulled wine or hot chocolate to soak up every moment of this enchanting experience.

Prices and opening times

2. Christmas at Kew

• 
  13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Botanical paradise turned Christmas dreamland, Kew Gardens is transformed into a fabulous 3km festive light trail throughout the winter season! Perfect for families or groups of friends, Christmas at Kew is a superb way to start the festive season. Staying late into the evening? Grab some festive sweet treats or hot grub from a selection of independent street food stalls along the trail.

Or take a seat at the Botanical Brasserie overlooking the glittering views of the Kew Gardens’ winter trail.

Prices and opening times

3. Check out the St Pancras Tree

Each year, the St Pancras International Christmas Tree is a showstopper that captures the hearts of people far and wide. This year, in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, the whimsical tree is a 12-meter-tall rotating music box with the theme ‘Powered by Dreams’. Visitors can press various interactive buttons around the tree to play different musical arrangements.

4. Home Alone in Concert

• 
  5th December 2026 – 6th December 2026

Relive this enchanting Christmas classic in London’s magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Combining cinema with an exquisite live orchestra, Home Alone in Concert is the perfect Christmas day out the whole family will adore!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting live performance of Home Alone by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, savour popcorn, and share a memorable Christmas with loved ones!

5. Gingerbread City at the Museum of Architecture

• 
  26th November 2026 – 29th November 2026

Gingerbread houses date all the way back to 16th-century Germany and soon became synonymous with Christmas. The largest one ever made measures 21 feet high and covers an area the size of a tennis court. Continuing the tradition of spectacular feats of construction from sweetly spiced bread, the Museum of Architecture will host its ever-popular exhibition, The Gingerbread City, though it will be a little smaller than a tennis court.

Designers, engineers, and architects show off their creativity and ingenuity to produce a city of gingerbread structures beyond belief. Marvel as you walk amongst beautiful biscuity buildings, and take inspiration for your own festive efforts.

6. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

• 
  19th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

What’s a Christmas city break to London without a trip to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland? With the famous Giant Wheel, the next-level festive Street Food Village and Christmas 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.

Prices and opening times

7. London Santa Run

• 
  8th December 2026 – 10th December 2026

London’s largest Santa Run takes place in Victoria Park, with thousands of people dressing up as Saint Nicholas before setting out on either a 5k or 10k! Once you have finished the run, recover your tired muscles to the sound of Christmas carols whilst enjoying a delicious mince pie.

Each runner is provided with a free Santa costume, although elves, reindeer, snowmen and anything merry are welcome if you’d like to wear your own costume. Plus, kids can take part in the Mini Santa Run.

8. Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

• 
  11th November 2026 – 5th January 2027

Embrace the festive charm and spirit of London’s magnificent Christmas light displays this winter with a Christmas Afternoon Tea aboard Brigit’s London Bus Tours.

Hop aboard Brigit’s charming 1960s Routemaster bus and discover London’s rich history and festively transformed spots. As you pass the capital’s most famous attractions, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, The Royal Albert Hall and more, enjoy an assortment of freshly prepared finger sandwiches and homemade tarts alongside a pot of your tea or a glass of Prosecco of your choice.

Prices and opening times

9. Glide at Battersea Power Station

• 
  6th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Experience the winter wonderland of London like never before at Glide Battersea Power Station! This event is pure magic set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings. As you skate around three enchanting rinks, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of twinkling lights and a show-stopping 30ft Christmas tree to add that extra touch of festive cheer.

But the fun doesn’t end on the ice – head over to The Glass House for a toasty hot chocolate or something a little stronger to keep the good vibes flowing. You can sit back, relax and watch skaters glide, or soak in the stunning Battersea Power Station views – yes, the bar is all glass! And when you’re ready to refuel, the power station is brimming with over 120 shops, bars, cafes, entertainment venues and restaurants.

Prices and opening times

Students, be sure to take advantage of the student offer, which includes a free drink either in the Glass House or grab-and-go!

🎭Festive West End Theatre

10. Moulin Rouge! at Piccadilly Theatre

Ladies and gents, we present to you the boldest and sassiest show in London’s West End, Moulin Rouge! This whirlwind of feathers, frills, and jaw-dropping performances is filled with iconic songs, eye-popping costumes, and a storyline that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Enter the glamorous Moulin Rouge world with a backstage pass to the legendary Parisian cabaret, leaving you humming ‘Lady Marmalade’ all the way home.

11. SIX at Vaudeville Theatre

A London musical sensation, SIX is a modern retelling of the Six Wives of Henry VIII. Described as a ‘beacon of hope for the future of British musicals’, be prepared to lose your head with excitement at the Vaudeville Theatre this winter. This multi-award-winning show reimagines Tudor England, narrating Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard, and Parr’s historic tales of love and loss.

12. Back to the Future at Adelphi Theatre

One of the biggest cinematic musical adaptations has arrived in London’s West End. Back to the Future: The Musical ignites nostalgia, bringing back the energy and excitement, making you want to turn back time! Coming in hot at 88mph this winter season, this musical’s magical performances are ripped straight from the 1985 classic. Marty McFly and Dr Brown are beautifully portrayed by a devoted cast alongside stellar visual set pieces and orchestral symphonies that will have you shouting “Great Scott!”.

13. Cabaret The Musical at The Kit Kat Club

You won’t want to miss out on this theatrical revival masterpiece this winter season. Based on the John Van Druten play, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club – winner of a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival – has returned to London’s West End with a star-studded line-up.

Cabaret The Musical has established itself as a sensational, electrifying West End experience with a stellar cast and unforgettable performances.

🎇New Year’s Eve Events

14. New Year’s Eve at the Natural History Museum

Bid farewell to 2026 amidst the greatest wonders of the natural world. Kick off the new year with the Natural History Museum’s extraordinary NYE shindig with some prehistoric pals!

There’ll be live music that’s sure to get you grooving, a fabulous silent disco and an epic midnight countdown! So best have your finest fancy dress outfit at the ready for this unique London New Year’s Eve party.

15. New Year’s at Circes Rooftop

Welcome to 2027 amongst London’s sparkling skyline this New Year’s Eve. Circes outstanding rooftop bar is holding the hottest NYE bash you won’t want to miss! And best of all, it’s unlimited drinks all night long!

Enjoy wildly live entertainment and bouncing DJ sets as you devour delicious canapés and gorgeous cocktails, all in the comfort of Circes unique rooftop terrace with private pods. Then count down to the new year as you enjoy London’s iconic fireworks display with your mates.