So when this time of year rolls around, I am all over London trying to do as many festive things as is humanly possible.
I've written this guide to share my favourite holiday things to do in London for Christmas 2025!
I am one of those people...By the end of November, my house is covered in decorations, the Christmas music is on 24/7, and I've drank my weight in mulled wine.
I've included events, Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, beautiful lights, winter festivals, as well as virtual tour videos.
I'm including the things that I like to do, as well as favourites from guests on my Christmas Markets and Christmas Lights tours.
And in the video below, Sinead, one of my fellow tour guides, takes you on a virtual tour through London's Christmas markets.
I've organized this post into sections, and you can jump to any particular section by clicking on one of the jump links below.
- Christmas Lights & Decorations
- Christmas Themed Tours
- Christmas and Holiday Shows
- Christmas Markets
- Ice Skating
- Christmas at Kew Gardens
- London Eye Festive Flight
- Charles Dickens Museum
Christmas Lights & Decorations
This is the big one and the one I get asked about the most! This is also my recommendation for anybody travelling on a budget.
A great way to really get into the Christmas spirit without spending a lot of money is simply by walking down the many colorful streets.
During the holiday season, nearly every street and building in London is covered in lights and decorations.
In November and December I will sometimes choose to walk or take the bus for journey's I'd normally use the Tube for, just to soak up the atmosphere!
For a longer list of my favourite holiday lights, check out my post about Christmas Lights and Decorations in London.
However, below I've listed a few streets that stand out above the rest.
- Oxford Street: Probably the most famous of them all, so I think you should put it on your list BUT it is not the most impressive as that accolade goes to...
- New Bond Street: Their display blows me away every year - the last few years have featured peacock feathers and crowns and tiaras. I am so excited to see what they do for 2025.
- Regent Street: The last few years have featured the "spirits" - incredible twinkling angels that make a spectacular array of lights and colours that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit!
- And I always make sure to visit London's official Christmas tree at least once a year. You'll find it in Trafalgar Square.
CHRISTMAS-THEMED TOURS
There are many holiday and Christmas-inspired tours available to you in London, including bus tours, walking tours, and even bike tours.
See my post on the top 7 Christmas tours of London to see the many options.
I, of course, will encourage you to join our London Holiday Lights Tour as seen in this video!
More information is listed just below the video.
Join us as we walk through Bavarian Christmas markets, tread the cobbled streets of the beautifully decorated Covent Garden and uncover hidden gems you'd never find on your own!
I love this tour because it's not just visually stunning, it also delves into London’s Christmas season secrets as well as a journey to the past to discover some of the UK's best beloved (or long forgotten) holiday traditions.
Take in all that London has to offer this Christmas with Tours By Foot London!
Locations visited:
- Oxford Street
- New Bond Street
- Regent Street
- Carnaby Street
- Piccadilly Circus
- Leicester Square
- Covent Garden
- And a few other surprises along the way...
Tour information
Reservations: Click here to reserve.
Where: The tour begins at Oxford Circus. The exact location will be provided upon booking.
Duration: 2 hours.
When: This tour runs every day but Tuesday. View our full tour calendar
If you’re more interested in learning about the history of street art of this city, make sure to check our list of London Walking Tours.
CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Every year you can find many Christmas and Holiday shows in London, including musicals, ballet performances, plays, and traditional pantomimes. Truly the options are endless!
I like to have a mix of the classic, traditional shows and something a little bit different.
For classics, check out The Nutcracker (at the Royal Albert Hall this year, one of my favourite venues!), Handel's Messiah, the traditional rendering of A Christmas Carol, and the truly unique and stunning Concerts by Candlelight at St. Martin-in-the-Fields (I go EVERY year - it's one of my favourite musical experiences in the capital full stop).
But if you'd like something a little off-the-wall, consider La Clique! This is another must-do for me each holiday season.
It's a cabaret act unlike anything I've ever seen before.
It's a mix of a circus, comedy, acrobatics, and music - I go every year and have never been disappointed.
It's put on as part of the Leicester Square Christmas Market so I like to make a whole evening out of it.
I am not originally from the UK and when I first moved here I had to learn the ways of a Christmas holiday pantomime ("panto").
And, now I make sure to see at least one every year.
I think The Big Panto Guide has the ultimate list and you'll find multiple options for both adults and children.
I mentioned above that the Royal Albert Hall is one of my favourite venues and you'll find they dedicate the entire month of December to a full schedule of Christmas-themed performances!
They've recently become known for their concerts where giant screens show a film (I most recently saw Amadeus) while a live orchestra plays the soundtrack to the movie.
This December they're doing Home Alone and I cannot wait!
See my post on Christmas and Holiday Shows with over 30 performances, carol singalongs, ballets, and more that you can take in during the holiday season.
LONDON CHRISTMAS MARKETS
I always encourage the guests on my tour to visit at least one Christmas Market in London - even if they're not big shoppers!
I feel like a trip to the Christmas Markets are more like an experience rather than a way to buy things.
The markets here are always decorated beautifully, there's usually Christmas music playing and there's tons of delicious street food - and, my top choice for a winter tipple, they all have mulled wine.
London boasts a huge variety of Christmas markets, including some that are more quaint and traditional, as well as others that are very big and modernised.
You can see my comprehensive list of the best Christmas markets in London here, but below the video, I list my favourites.
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the biggest Christmas market in London. I get asked about Winter Wonderland a lot and most people just want to know, "Is it worth it?" Truthfully, I think so! I will admit it does get very crowded - so I try to go early on a weekday to beat the rush - but I enjoy the atmosphere and the production value is high.
- Southbank Centre Christmas Market is conveniently located along the River Thames is probably my favourite of the Markets. I love strolling along the River and browsing through the traditional chalets selling holiday trinkets, traditional German food, and mulled wine.
- The Greenwich Christmas Market doesn't get the love I think it deserves. It features an amazing array of over 100 chalets and last year when I visited they had live carollers which was fantastic!
ICE SKATING IN LONDON
If you want to get your skates on, there is no shortage of incredible ice rinks to go skating on in London during the holiday season.
I find that a lot of people get overwhelmed when trying to decide which rink to go to.
In my opinion, as with the Christmas markets, you really can't go wrong with any of these options.
In the video below, Sinead brings you virtually to the ice skating rink at Somerset House.
Here are a couple of my favourites:
- Somerset House - I like to think of this as the Times Square of London in terms of ice rinks! The surroundings are stunning: it's set in the courtyard of a 17th-century building. I think the biggest downside is that it gets booked up quickly and is almost always quite busy
- Hampton Court Palace - My top choice for rinks in the city used to be the Tower of London but as they aren't operating the rink this year I've moved onto the stunning Hampton Court Palace. I can't think of anything cooler than iceskating in the courtyard of a royal palace!
- For a full list, check my post: The Best Ice Skating Rinks in London.
CHRISTMAS AT KEW GARDENS
This is one of my favourite London holiday events and, although I always see big enough crowds, I find that it's really underrated by locals.
The last time I visited, I trailed along interactive displays, walked through glittering tunnels of light, past flickering flames, and watched a light, water and music display that actually defies description.
It was the best Christmas event I attended all year.
I also think this is probably the best option for families on my list - my niece and nephews ask to go every year.
And, in the video below, Sinead takes you on a virtual tour of Winter at Kew Gardens.
There will also be food, music, and vintage fairground rides so there is something for everyone!
- When: 13th Nov - 5th Jan
- Fee:
- Adult: From £32.00
- Child: From £20.00
- Under 4: FREE
- Nearest Underground Station: Kew Gardens
- More information here.
Tip: This one books out quickly so I always buy my tickets ASAP and I recommend you do the same.
CHRISTMAS IN COVENT GARDEN
A lot of my visitors ask me if Covent Garden is really "touristy" and the truth is: a little bit.
BUT every Londoner I know tries to go there at least once during the Christmas Season.
Christmas is a special time in Covent Garden, and in 2025 things are particularly festive!
The lights go on, on the 12th of November and the beautiful bells and sparkle balls from last season are going to be on show in the covered market again.
I love to walk through to browse the stalls and sip some mulled wine.
It's also a great place to see street performers who display their acts near the iconic 55-foot tall Christmas tree in the piazza.
To get a feel for the market, check out Sinead's virtual tour from below.
One of the things I like about Covent Garden at Christmas is it's not just decorations - it's a full itinerary of festive things to see, do, hear, eat and drink!
Check out my full post on Christmas at Covent Garden.
The Covent Garden Christmas Village features chalet-style market stalls selling handmade goods, street food vendors, musical performances, and a chance to sit in Santa's sleigh.
(I noticed last year that this was one of the most instagrammed locations in the city.)
I think the best mulled wine in the city is served at Covent Garden and you can learn about the secret spot I like to drink it in my post about London's Christmas Lights.
LONDON EYE FESTIVE FLIGHT SPECIAL
For Christmas, The London Eye is promising to "wow guests with a bespoke Christmas light up design that you definitely don't want to miss!"
I've got no other details to go on just yet so watch this space...
To find out about booking a regular ticket to ride this incredible attraction, read our post on how to get cheaper tickets to the London Eye.
My grandfather played Ebenezer Scrooge on stage every Christmas for over 20 years so I've always had a soft spot for the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.
But even if you don't love it - no London Christmas would be complete without a visit to the charming Charles Dickens Museum.
As stated on their website, this museum holds the “world’s most important collection of paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, original furniture, and other items relating to the life and work of Dickens.”
For Christmas they have live performances, magic lantern shows, guided tours and musical events.
My favourite, though, is their Christmas Eve event. I went once before and was blown away!
Upon entering I was given a mince pie and mulled wine (and there was a festive alternative for my sober friend) and we were left to roam the house and see the Victorian Christmas decorations spread throughout.
They also had The Muppet Christmas Carol playing on "the smallest theatre in the world."
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I can't recommend it enough!
And in the video below, Jess, a guide with Tours by Foot and a.k.a. the Museum Guide, takes you on a virtual tour of the museum at Christmas.
This impressive collection is carefully arranged and displayed over the three floors of the house.
Learn more about visiting in my post on the Charles Dickens Museum.
HOGWARTS IN THE SNOW
If you've read any of my other blog posts, you'll know I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and films.
The WB Studios is, in my opinion, one of the most incredible Potter experiences in the world and for Christmas, they take it one step further!
From the 16th of November to the 19th of January guests to the studios get to experience a very "Harry Christmas" and see the sets of the iconic film series decked out in Christmas cheer.
I went last year and even though it's not cheap (almost £60 for an adult) I might go back again...
My favourite part was the Great Hall featuring over a dozen Christmas trees.
But, I also got to learn dance steps for the Yule Ball, walk through snowy Diagon Alley and learned about never-melting snow and the way the festive season was portrayed on screen for the Harry Potter movies.
I can't recommend this one enough! You can book your tickets on the Hogwarts in the Snow website.
MIDNIGHT MASS AND FESTIVE CHURCH SERVICES
I'm not a regular church goer, but there is something about the Christmas Season and Midnight Mass that appeals to a lot of people!
Of course, in London we have no shortage of churches to visit on the evening of the 24th of December.
In fact, it's possible to enjoy Midnight Mass, and festive worship services at some of the world's most famous churches.
Although the majority of these events are free, I always make a donation as the running of these sites of worship comes with considerable cost.
And, I also like to contribute to their historical preservation - particularly with some of the smaller churches.
- St. Martin's in the Fields: They also have a full programme of events including my favourite Concerts by Candlelight.
- St. James's Piccadilly: They have some of my favourite carol performances in the entire city as well as a packed schedule in the lead up to their Midnight Mass on December 24th.
- Westminster Cathedral: They hold mass on both the 24th and on Christmas Day so for those Catholic visitors, put this one on your list. The interiors alone are worth a visit.
- Westminster Abbey: Details have not yet been released so keep an eye on their website.
- St. Paul's Cathedral: They have a full schedule of Christmas events including concerts, church services and carol performances.
