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The 10 Best Christmas Things to Do in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 10 picks

The best things to do in London at Christmas 2026 are Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027), the illuminated trail at Christmas at Kew, ice skating at Somerset House, the Christmas lights on Regent Street and Oxford Street, and carol services at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

London's Christmas season starts in early November, when the West End lights are switched on, and runs into early January. The big ticketed events, such as Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew and the skating rinks, sell out for December weekends, so book as soon as dates are announced. Christmas Day itself is very quiet: there is no Tube or bus service and most attractions close.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — Hyde Park

London's biggest Christmas fair, with rides, markets, an ice rink and shows.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Couples

Winter Wonderland fills part of Hyde Park with funfair rides, a large ice rink, Christmas markets, bars, circus and ice shows, and a giant observation wheel. The 2026 season runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

It is lively and crowded, best on weekday afternoons and early evenings.

Good to know: Book entry slots and shows online, and go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Google Maps Website

2. Christmas at Kew — Kew

An after-dark illuminated trail through Kew Gardens.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

Christmas at Kew lights up the Royal Botanic Gardens with a trail of light installations, illuminated trees and a finale at the Palm House. It runs on selected evenings from mid-November into early January.

Tickets are timed and sell out for December weekends.

Good to know: Book as early as possible and dress warmly; the trail is outdoors.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE

Google Maps Website

3. Skate at Somerset House — Strand, Soho & the West End

Ice skating in the courtyard of an 18th-century palace.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

Each winter, the grand courtyard of Somerset House becomes an ice rink with a giant Christmas tree, skate sessions, late-night club nights and a festive bar.

It is one of the most beautiful rinks in London and opens from mid-November.

Good to know: Book a session online; evening slots sell out first.

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Google Maps Website

4. Regent Street and Oxford Street lights — West End

London's most famous Christmas lights, free to walk under.

Best for First-timers · Budget

The Christmas lights over Regent Street and Oxford Street are switched on in early November and stay up until early January. Walking from Oxford Circus down Regent Street towards Piccadilly Circus is the classic route.

Carnaby Street's quirky displays are a short detour.

Good to know: Go after dark on a weekday evening for the best atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Regent Street, London W1B

Google Maps Website

5. Covent Garden at Christmas — Covent Garden, Soho & the West End

A giant tree, decorations and festive street performers in the piazza.

Best for Families · First-timers

Covent Garden puts up a huge Christmas tree and decorations in the Market Building, with festive lights, shop windows and street performers in the piazza.

It is a good place to start a West End Christmas evening.

Good to know: Combine it with a pre-theatre dinner and a West End show.

Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8RF

Google Maps Website

6. Southbank Centre Winter Market — South Bank

Riverside wooden chalets selling food, drink and gifts.

Best for Couples · Budget

The Southbank Centre's winter market lines the riverside by the Royal Festival Hall with chalets selling hot food, mulled wine and gifts, alongside the Centre's festive concerts and events.

It is free to wander and pairs well with a walk along the Thames.

Good to know: Walk from the London Eye east along the river to Tate Modern.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Google Maps Website

7. Carols at St Paul's Cathedral — City of London

Carol services under Wren's great dome.

Best for Couples · Families

St Paul's Cathedral holds carol services and festive concerts through December, and its Christmas services are among the most memorable in London.

Some services are free but need early arrival or advance tickets; check the cathedral's website.

Good to know: Check which services need tickets, and arrive early for unticketed ones.

St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Google Maps Website

8. Christmas at Westminster Abbey — Westminster

Carols and Christmas services in the coronation church.

Best for Couples

Westminster Abbey holds carol services and Christmas services in December, some of which require tickets applied for in advance.

Even a regular Evensong in Advent is a beautiful way to hear the Abbey choir.

Good to know: Look for ticket ballots for the main carol services well ahead.

20 Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA

Google Maps Website

9. Trafalgar Square Christmas tree — Trafalgar Square, Soho & the West End

Norway's annual gift to London, with carols beneath it.

Best for Budget · Families

Every year since 1947, the city of Oslo has given London a Norwegian spruce for Trafalgar Square, in thanks for Britain's support during the Second World War. It is lit in early December, and carol singers gather beneath it.

It is free to visit and next to the National Gallery.

Good to know: Visit in the evening when the tree is lit.

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Google Maps

10. Charles Dickens Museum at Christmas — Bloomsbury, Soho & the West End

Christmas in the home of the man who wrote A Christmas Carol.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples

The house where Charles Dickens lived and wrote is dressed for a Victorian Christmas in December, with seasonal events and readings.

It is an intimate, atmospheric alternative to the big Christmas crowds.

Good to know: Check its December programme of readings and candlelit events.

48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

When does Christmas start in London?

The West End lights are usually switched on in early November, and Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew and the skating rinks open in mid-November. Winter Wonderland 2026 runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Is public transport running on Christmas Day in London?

No. The Tube, buses and most trains do not run on Christmas Day, and services are reduced on Boxing Day. Plan to walk or book a taxi.

Is Winter Wonderland free?

Entry has been free at some times and ticketed at others, and rides, the ice rink and shows cost extra. Check the official website and book entry slots for weekends.

Where are the best Christmas lights in London?

Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Bond Street, plus the Christmas at Kew trail. Walk from Oxford Circus down Regent Street to Piccadilly for the classic route.

Where can I hear carols in London?

St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Southwark Cathedral hold carol services in December; some are ticketed or need early arrival. See our historic sites guide.

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