Things to do this Christmas in London: Your Festive What’s On Guide
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the capital, check out theses festive activities in London to really get you into the spirit...
There's something truly magical about a city that is transformed over Christmas, and London does it very well. There's so many festive activities to enjoy around the city that you'll be spoilt for choice, from annual classics such as the Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street to the bustling Winter Wonderland to your must-see pantomimes at the Paladium. But with so much to do where do you begin? Here's our guide to the top Chritmas activities to in London this winter.
Christmas At Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB
Enter a botanical world of festivities this year and visit Christmas at Kew Gardens, where the popular botanical garden and its parks are completely transformed into an after-dark festivity adorned with sparkling tunnels of light, reflections dancing on the lakeside and trees drenched in arrays of colours. This year’s trail showcases brand-new creations from world-renowned artists, lighting up Kew’s landscapes in even more dazzling colour.
It’s the perfect Christmas event, whether you’re marking the start of the festive season with family or celebrating the New year under the stars with friends. Running daily from 4.20pm to 10pm (with last entries at 8pm) from Friday 14th November to Sunday 4th January, take a walk under the stars, exploring the trail at your own pace and pausing for spiced drinks or toasted marshmallows along the route. It’s ticketed, timed and exquisitely organised – the perfect winter’s night out for couples or families
Check out the many other Christmas Light Displays in London.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W1K 7AN
At Christmas time we get treated to lots of wonderful Christmas markets in London but, if you've never been before, prepare to be wowed by the grand dame of London's Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with over 150 unmissable attractions, rides and festive things to do, all in London’s most iconic park,
Whether you love the hustle and bustle or prefer a quieter experience, this colossal Christmas amusement park and market delivers something for everyone. The impressive spectacle boasts over 100 wooden cabins brimming with exquisite gifts, from handcrafted gems to dazzling jewelry. Here, you can lace up your skates at the UK's largest outdoor ice rink, take in the city from a giant observation wheel, and be by captivated by the Winter Wonderland Christmas shows. And new for 2025, Winter Wonderland has introduced ‘Luminarie Lane’, a brand new ‘premium’ marketplace with its own light installation, and an all-new Après-Ski themed village with live DJs. The Ice Kingdom has also been given a new look – this year it’s theme is the ‘Mystical, Mythical, Fantasy World’.
What's more, there's a Bavarian village, an ice bar called Bar Ice, thrilling rides, and, of course, Santa Claus himself makes daily appearances at Santaland. While Winter Wonderland can get crowded in the evenings, especially after 4 pm, it's worth the visit for the festive magic it brings to London.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2R 1LA
A beloved staple of London’s winter season, Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard will be transformed this year into a glorious festive destination from 12 November – January 11 2026. Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music and tasty food and drink.
Somerset House Ice Rink spans an impressive 900 square meters and boasts a towering 40ft Christmas tree as its centrepiece, making it a magnet for Instagram aficionados as much as for families on a wonderfully wintery London trip.
There’s something for everyone here, from skating lessons with Skate School and Relaxed Sessions, onwards to trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks plus Yuletide favourites from the many pop-up food and drink outlets, and even a chance to get the Christmas shopping done with stalls by Shelter Boutique!
Pantomime At The Palladium
The London Palladium, 8 Argyll St, London, W1F 7TF
Sleeping Beauty will make all your dreams come true at The London Palladium this Christmas, celebrating ten years since panto spectacularly returned to London’s home of variety.
Starring Catherine Tate, Palladium pantomime royalty Julian Clary and impressionist Jon Culshaw, Sleeping Beauty also sees the return of Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge along with West End stars Emily Lane and Amonik Melaco.
The West End’s biggest Christmas show, now seen by over 1,000,000 people, will celebrate the 10th anniversary in magnificent style, with that age-old fairytale message: whilst one small prick can be deadly, at The London Palladium you’re promised the happiest of endings.
The London Palladium panto is an essential part of the capital’s Christmas.
If you can’t make it to the Palladium panto, don't despair! There are plenty more Christmas pantomimes in London.
Hogwarts In The Snow
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
At the worst of times, the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is truly mind blowing, and has to be seen to be believed. Potterhead or not, the huge sets, all crafted with extraordinary attention to detail and more than a dose of magic, fully immerse every visitor in a world that was brought to life from the imagination of the author and the filmmakers.
Hogwarts in the Snow take things to a whole new level. The entire place is transformed into a winter world and prepared especially for the coming of Christmas; see the Great Hall transformed for a Christmas feast, with towering trees and roaring fires inviting wizards, witches and muggles alike to celebrate the festive season.
You can also see what the Gryffindor dormitories, or the Slytherin Common Room, look like strewn with magical gifts as everyone at Hogwarts gets ready for Christmas. Do some Christmas shopping Diagon Alley and see it under blankets of snow - even the Forbidden Forests looks enchanting in the glowing white hue of winter…
If you’re going to pick a time to visit Hogwarts, we say make it Christmas time - they really go all out to make it that more magical.
Tickets must be booked in advance.
Take a winter walk through a London park
We can forget that London is the greenest city in Europe, with over 3,000 green spaces from micro-gardens to sprawling spaces fit for kings to hunt in (as they often did).
Of the many on offer, we certainly have our favourite London parks and green spaces - and, while winter walks may not be as easy-breezy as summer strolls, getting out in nature is always rewarding - and you can always reward yourself with a cosy pub lunch afterwards…
The Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, W8 7LN
Christmas shopping and festivities can not only be thirsty work, but can also work up a hefty appetite, so why not stop by The Churchill Arms in Kensington - arguably the most festive pub in London. This establishment really goes the extra mile when it comes to the winter season and will not disappoint.
In previous years, the Churchill Arms’ festive facade has featured nearly 100 Christmas trees and a rather gasp-inducing 135,000 fairy lights. This year’s display is just as stunning as years gone by. Look across the display and you’ll spot dazzzling forest animals, moons, stars, a snowman perched on the roof, and an INCREDIBLE array of fairy lights.
While there are plenty of cosy pubs in London, The Churchill Arms is rather special. Built in 1750 with a Winston Churchill theme interior and a tasty Thai restaurant, it's a great alternative for those that aren't in full favour of a Christmas roast.
Volunteer at Christmas
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better gift is there than time and attention to those who need it most?
Many charities rely on the help of volunteers all year round, but need them more than ever at Christmas. If you can give the gift of your time, attention and effort this Christmas and you feel like giving, we know some fantastic charities that need you to volunteer at Christmas, whether it’s with a sponsored walk in the winter cold to help the homeless, making a call to someone feeling lonely, or something as simple as packing a shoe box with small gifts.
Check out these great Christmas volunteering opportunities