Dive into the enchanting winter wonderland of London, where the air is filled with the melodies of Michael Bublé, and a festive spirit envelops the city’s every corner. There are many fun activities to do at Christmas in London. It’s that season when London transforms into a dazzling tapestry of lights, joy, and merriment.
Take part in one of the numerous holiday pop-ups or activities taking over the city this winter to immerse yourself in all things ornamental and alcoholic. These Christmas events in London offer something for everyone, including themed brunches, seasonal immersive experiences, and snowy drinks.
So, if you’re yearning for a break from the ordinary, consider these handpicked activities to make your Christmas season in London genuinely memorable. Let the festivities begin!
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is ice skating, “One of the top wintertime attractions in London” The Break.
Mot & Chandon’s return to Skate at Somerset House with them promises a fantastic season of celebration in the middle of London.
The majestic 40-foot Christmas tree and specially selected Mot & Chandon decorations turn the neoclassical courtyard into a must-visit winter destination. The stunning ice rink, which now has more room for skaters, also creates the ideal photo opportunities.
2. Covent Garden
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is to visit Covent Garden, You can expect two weeks of cockle-warming since Covent Garden has confirmed it will hold a festival celebrating hot beverages like mulled wine for two weeks.
Beginning on Thursday, December 10, the Winter Warmer Fortnight’s organizers promise that over 100 comforting Christmas cocktails will be offered at all of the participating establishments.
At several restaurants, pubs, and pop-ups, hot drinks like hot toddies, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and tea will be available. You may choose to savor them while you shop for Christmas or order them to go.
3. Annabel’s Swarovski Christmas Façade
Spectacularly, holiday magic comes to life in London at Annabel’s exclusive Mayfair members club. The party has begun, with everything from a gingerbread-inspired exterior that is enticing enough to eat to an interior immersion in a crystallized dreamscape.
London’s premium members club, Annabel’s, is decorated for the holidays with Swarovski crystals, figurines, and Christmas decorations.
Their partnership with Annabel acknowledges a time of year when people enjoy traditions that foster connection and pleasure. Together with Annabel’s, they’ve added marvels to the façade that make it seem like an enormous gingerbread home.
4. Visit a Garden of Remembrance
Designated in honor of “all those who lost their lives in the fight for Irish independence,” this lovely park in the heart of the city was created by architect Dáith Hanly. On the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, the garden had its formal opening.
A stunning sculpture by Oisin Kelly that is the center of attention is based on the Children of Lir folklore, in which four children are changed into swans and stay that way for 900 years until returning to human form.
Behind the sculpture, there is writing from a poem by Liam Mac Uistin. O freedom’s future generations, remember us, the future generations of the vision, it says in its conclusion.
The garden is meant to be a peaceful haven of reflection. It’s the ideal setting for some downtime away from the bustle of the city.
5. Eat the dream Christmas Pizza
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is to eat the dream Christmas pizza.
Ed Gamble and James Acaster, presenters of the Off Menu Podcast and comedic actors, have been announced as our annual Christmas cooperation partners.
The Dream Christmas Pizza will be realized in December thanks to their collaboration with Ed & James. Nothing is more festive than a pizza with pigs in a blanket, Brussels sprouts, crispy sage, and cranberry and chili jam on top.
To ensure that no one is left out, they will also be offering a fantastic vegetarian nut roast that can be made vegan if desired.
As it is the season of giving, we will donate £1 from each pizza sale to Fare Share, a fantastic organization that fights poverty and food wastage in the UK.
6. Go to a cocktail and candle-making workshop
Come along to this special craft class in Wirral if you’re looking for a fun evening activity that will satisfy all of your senses. You’ll learn to create amazing drinks and handcrafted candles to take home with you.
The aroma combinations in the London Refinery Candle are mouthwatering. Why not try making one for yourself? Each candle mix blends soy wax and only the purest essential oils to produce the ideal candle for your house.
You’ll discover how to enjoy candle scents, discover how to use essential oils in candles, and ultimately create your candle by melting wax, combining essential oils, and pouring a 60ml candle to bring home. It’s a tonne of fun!
7. Visit Vinegar Yard
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is outside dining. Vinegar Yard is a unique combination of alcoholic beverages, cuisine, a flea market, and art that is situated just adjacent to London Bridge Station.
In the summer, you may socialize outdoors in our sizable venue while inside, we go underground with large tents and outdoor heating, or you can reserve a seat at one of our two bars.
Along with our broad drink menu, our daily food selection has something to suit every taste from our food vendors. Weekends are when the iconic flea market is open, and Joe Rush’s artwork may be found there.
We strongly advise making reservations in advance for a variety of spaces, including our patios and Abigail’s Bar. Even if we are completely booked, feel free to stop by regardless as we always have room for walk-in visitors.
8. Christmas market
Do you need some holiday cheer? The good news is that our Christmas Market on the Mews is returning and is now brighter and larger than before.
Expect everything from sustainably grown Christmas trees, the ideal holiday gifts, an impressive Helter Skelter, performances from Santa and his friends, and the capital’s best street food, to name just a few things at this event that was created in collaboration with food market pioneer and founder Dominic Cools-Lartigue.
This year, it occupies all of Edwards Mews, making it the ideal place to spend a chilly day or evening.
In addition, shoppers may see Selfridges’ largest Christmas store to date at the London location. Visitors may purchase unique ornaments for home décor in an immersive atmosphere that has been recreated as part of the fourth level.
9. Go for a festive afternoon tea
Another best Christmas Things To Do In London is to go for festive afternoon tea.
Enter The Biltmore Mayfair on Grosvenor Square and be ready for a Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton-supervised afternoon tea experience that is outstanding.
This opulent experience is offered in the designated Tea Lounge and may be enjoyed with a cup of freshly made tea from our tea cart or a celebratory glass of Mot Imperial Champagne. It highlights fresh and heritage products from all around the UK.
The Biltmore Afternoon Tea experience, developed with Head Chef Paul Walsh, honors the finest of British cuisine with savories, scones, and sweet treats, all of which are described for guests on a gorgeously drawn map that illustrates the place from where each ingredient is obtained.
10. Christmas at Alexandra Palace
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is to celebrate Christmas at Alexandra Palace.
A fantastic series of Christmas events are being held at Alexandra Palace, and you can see a portion of the structure that has been buried for 80 years.
The Victoria Theatre, a stunning architectural achievement buried since before the war, is being reopened by the well-known London landmark.
This holiday party will be pretty much the ideal setting for the holiday spirit. Before the opening schedule of performances, which starts on December 3, go down on Saturday, December 1, for the formal reopening and get yourself a sneak glimpse inside the theatre.
Celebrations will take place all day long, and a massive cake made by culinary wizards Bompas & Parr will be served with a live band and choir.
11. Hogwarts in the snow
From 12 November 2022 to 15 January 2023, Warner Bros. Studio will host Hogwarts in the Snow.
The Studio is converted into a Harry Potter Christmas paradise for this yearly event, complete with Christmas trees in the Great Hall, sets draped in shimmering snowflakes, and cozy fires positioned around the Studio.
There are all of the typical sets on show, including the Forbidden Forest, Platform 9 3/4, and Diagon Abbey. Additionally, a standard entry ticket includes admission to Hogwarts in the Snow.
12. Christmas Carols at St Paul’s
This Advent and Christmas, St. Paul’s will be a place to celebrate the birth of Jesus and a fresh connection with God.
The traditional Lessons and Carols service marks the beginning of the Christmas season by retelling the story of Christ’s birth through words and music.
The St Paul’s Cathedral Choir provides musical accompaniment, and readers from various walks of London life and the St Paul’s Cathedral Community provide readings.
13. Deck the Halls at Pergola Paddington
Pergola Paddington will be decorated as an urban winter forest, as has been custom. The iconic rooftop venue in west London will host events including parties, holiday singalongs, street food feasts, and gospel choirs.
You have the option of relaxing in the heated Alpine Hall or “wrapping up and chilling out” in the rooftop winter forest. Christmas Chalets may be reserved by groups of up to nine persons who want a little holiday seclusion.
14. Skate in one of London’s most famous sites
A fantastic season of celebration in the heart of London is promised when Mot & Chandon returns to skate at Somerset House.
The stunning ice rink, which now has a larger skating area, turns the neoclassical courtyard into a must-visit winter destination, replete with a magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree and specially selected decorations by Mot & Chandon that provide ideal photo opportunities.
Skate at Somerset House, hailed as one of the city’s favorite winter events, ushers in the holiday season with unmatched skating, cutting-edge music, the ideal Hotel Chocolat gift selection, and delectable food and drink.
15. Catch a festive flick
Just outside of Coventry, a holiday movie screening will be held.
The proprietor of Netflix, John Sullivan, said: “This year has been difficult for moviegoers without access to their neighborhood theatres, so we’re thrilled to be able to deliver a Christmas schedule filled with things for everyone to enjoy at socially remote drive-ins around the nation.
The drive-in still enables families to watch beloved Christmas movies from the comfort and security of their cars, even in locations under severe lockdown.
16. Visit Miracle Bar
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is to visit the bar. The holiday season is heavily influenced by nostalgia.
Christmas has a wonderful influence on people, whether you’re partying till the wee hours of the big day or it takes you back to your childhood when you used to write letters to Santa and leave carrots out for Rudolph.
When Christmas decorations and millions of fairy lights become utterly unavoidable no matter which direction you look, you know the holiday season has officially begun.
From the minute visitors enter the cocktail bar at Miracle at The Henrietta hotel, they are certain to be transported back in time.
17. The festive period at London’s oldest garden
Visit London’s oldest garden one of the best Christmas Things To Do In London.
One of London’s busiest “gardens” has presented its annual show. Christmas isn’t fully here until the city’s landmarks begin to light up for the holiday season.
Christmas at the renowned piazza of Covent Garden has officially begun with the illumination of the holiday lights. It seems wonderful thanks to the many lights that have been plugged in and turned on.
The centerpiece of the Covent Garden Christmas lights is London’s largest hand-picked Christmas tree, which this year reaches a magnificent 60 feet tall, an improvement of 5 feet over the small (by comparison) king from 2021!
Additionally, they don’t simply choose any tree; the Covent Garden tree comes from the same farm where the Royal Family purchases their trees. To make the procedure as sustainable as possible, three trees are planted for every tree that is removed.
The tree from Covent Garden will be recycled after the holiday season and turned into woodchips.
18. Admire the festive lights across London
Christmas is so much more than just one day; it’s a collection of many little wonders and discoveries.
They urge you to take in the magnificent Christmas lights of our neighborhoods as you look up at the glistening Spirits circling over Regent Street and neighboring St James’s.
Discovering the ideal Christmas present for each person on your list, or even a little surprise for yourself can make you happy. With all the holiday magic of Regent Street and St. James’s, families can laugh together and create new memories.
19. Get crafty at Petersham Nurseries
While it may seem like a long way off now that Christmas is approaching, come December all your merry future self will want to do is participate in the wreath-making classes at Petersham Nurseries.
The sessions at Petersham are the most charming in London due to the enchanted garden center environment and plenty of craft supplies. But now that the secret is out, the seminars are quickly selling out.
So even if it makes you uncomfortable to think about Christmas so early, plan and make your reservations right away before it’s too late.
20. Visit Christmas markets
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is to buy a gift. It’s imperative to go to Greenwich Market during the holidays to shop for Christmas presents in style because it looks so lovely during the holiday season.
This old covered market is located just within a gorgeous Regency-fronted sector of understated storefronts and homes, and it becomes apparent as you approach.
There is a truly fantastic sensation that you may have stumbled into a massive Christmas shopping grotto when the Christmas lights are up!
There are other individual artists and crafters inside who sell amazing, imaginative, eccentric, and sometimes one-of-a-kind goods.
21. Get cozy on a winter terrace
It’s that time of year once again! the time of year! That indicates that it is time to enjoy excellent cuisine, spend time with our loved ones, and enjoy Christmas movies and songs. The majority of individuals would claim that it is their favorite season.
Are you finding it difficult to get into the holiday mood, however, with all that is going on?
Due to continuing job obligations, some individuals may not have the opportunity to spend their holidays resting with loved ones. This does not imply that you must forfeit your Christmas. You may still enjoy the most amazing and magical season of the year.
22. Christmas at Kew
Enjoy Christmas at Kew Garden the best Christmas Things To Do In London.
Come celebrate the most delightful time of the year with them at Kew Gardens in 2022 as their enchanted winter path illuminates the nighttime sky.
With family and friends, take part in our annual after-dark celebrations as you explore glistening light tunnels, dancing lakeside reflections, and jewel-toned-colored trees.
As you make your way through the mesmerizing flickering flames in the fire garden, look out for enormous illuminations and say hi to Father Christmas.
Our scrumptious independent street food vendors will sell a variety of delectable holiday foods throughout the route, including hot cuisine, sweets, hot chocolate, and spiced winter warmers.
23. Apres Ski Lodge in Flat Iron Square
Skiing is rapidly losing popularity as a sport. As a result, Après London has chosen to concentrate on the part that follows all of that — the enjoyable part with the warm alcohol and cozy atmosphere, for example.
The pop-up will stay at Flat Iron Square for four months this winter/early spring and will have a genuine ski lodge feel thanks to the venue’s unpolished wood floors, walls, and tables.
24. Get festive at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Experience Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park to get into the holiday mood.
One of the top Christmas things to do in London is this enjoyable family event. There are plenty of festive activities and entertainment to keep you busy for the whole day and evening, including ice skating, circus performances, a Christmas market, and live music.
Find out what’s going on in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and the best advice for maximizing your time there the next time you visit London.
Image by Vincent Ciro from Pixabay /Copyright 2022
25. Wander around Kew Gardens
This historic landscape garden has components that represent key eras in the history of garden design from the 18th to the 20th century.
The gardens are home to botanic collections (conserved plants, live plants, and records) that have grown significantly throughout time.
The gardens’ substantial and ongoing contributions to the study of plant variety and economic botany go back to its founding in 1759.
26. Watch Christmas films
Enjoy Christmas films at the Luna Drive-in Winter Cinema this is one of the best Christmas Things To Do In London.
The Luna Drive-In Winter Cinema is preserving the holiday spirit by providing moviegoers with a festive delight while they remain warm and secure in their vehicles.
The Luna Drive-In Winter Cinema will bring holiday pleasure to the Birmingham NEC during the merriest season of the year, Christmas.
In addition to the Disney box office smash Frozen 2, this Christmas spectacular offers moviegoers the opportunity to see beloved holiday classics including Love Really, Home Alone, It’s a Beautiful Life, The Holiday, and Elf.
27. Go on a Christmas cruise
Have you ever fantasized about spending Christmas at sea? On a Carnival cruise, you really ought to! Some of our most well-liked cruises are these happy vacations.
And that makes sense considering how beautifully decorated each ship is from bow to stern with garlands, lights, Christmas trees, and mistletoe. For letters to Santa, there is even a dedicated mailbox.
Around the tree, guests will gather to sing carols. A competition for ugly sweaters is available for fashionistas to enter. And to get everyone in the holiday mood, there is a very unique live show.
28. Do Christmas shopping
The best Christmas Things To Do In London is to go Christmas shopping with your family & friends.
Being ready to purchase for Christmas will give you an advantage. And doing so often entails starting the fun spree far in advance.
Starting preparing in August so you can unwind in December is our mantra. After all, throughout the eagerly anticipated holiday month, you’ll have cookies to take care of, Christmas decorations to put up, gingerbread homes to make, and trees to adorn.
The greatest number of benefits come from beginning your Christmas shopping early, namely your gift-buying. You’ll start by saving money. Second, a great deal of tension will be avoided.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that London is a winter paradise. The city expertly captures the atmosphere of the holiday season with its glittering Christmas lights, carolers singing in the streets, freshly baked cookies, and high-tea gatherings. Popular events include not just local celebrations but also numerous interior and exterior activities, ice skating, and gallery installations.
The city doesn’t let anybody down since there is entertainment for individuals of all ages. There are many enjoyable activities to do in London, whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends.
