Go on a tour with us throughout the city to see the very best lights and Christmas decorations that London has to offer on our pay-what-you-wishChristmas Lights Walking Tour.
There's no fee to take the tour. You can pay whatever you like or can afford after the tour is over.
Or join us on our Soho, Rock n’ Roll, or Theatreland Tours which will take you along the seasonally decorated and lit streets of the West End.
With Christmas on the way, December in London is full of festive fun, and there are more than enough activities for you to experience.
2. Enjoy Christmas Carols at Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall will be hosting their annual magical holiday concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, something that's taken place for over 150 years!
The orchestra will perform classic Christmas carols and the audience will join in by singing.
There will be shows from December 16th through December 24th.
The West End of London is home to some of the most well-known theatres in the city, such as the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Gielgud Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and many more.
Performances have been taking place in this part of the city since 1663!
From long-term residencies to short runs, here is a list of musicals and plays you can see in December.
At the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, you will find the largest German-style Christmas market in town, as well as games, rides, ice skating, food, and drink (keep an eye out for delicious classics like mulled wine and cider!)
There are thrill rides, a gigantic Ferris wheel with amazing views over London, and a section set up just for children.
Winter Wonderland will surely make an excellent day out for the family, and they will be open from November 17th, 2023 - January 1st, 2024.
Entrance tickets are free when you spend at least £25 on attractions, rides, games, food, or drink.
Otherwise, you can expect to pay £7.50 during peak hours and £5 during off-peak hours.
If you're looking for a new way to experience one of your favorite holiday films, The Muppet Christmas Carol will be screened at The Eventim Apollo.
While the movie is playing, a live orchestra will perform the musical score, giving you the chance to hear all of your favorite songs from this movie live!
The concert takes place twice on December 3rd, at 14:30 and 19:00.
No matter what you’re planning to do during your trip to London this December, chances are you’ll be able to save a few pounds by using a tourist attraction discount pass.
If you have a lot of plans, you may want to consider an all-inclusive pass.
This service will provide admission to dozens of attractions for a set amount of time (1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 days).
Alternatively, you can also pay one flat price for a flex pass, which can be used for a specific number of activities (3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 attractions).
Finally, the build-your-own-pass is for visitors who don’t have much planned and just want something simple to use.
With this service, you can save 20% off admission at 2 or more popular locations.
Here are a few of the more popular attractions included with various London tourist passes:
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
Charles Dickens Museum
Chelsea FC Stadium Tour
Twickenham Stadium Tour
Emirates Stadium Tour
Science Museum IMAX
View From the Shard
Westminster Abbey
Royal Albert Hall
Tower of London
London Zoo
And more!
Some of these passes also include skip-the-line admission at certain popular locations, making it easy to save both time and money.
All of the winter festivals, the reindeer at Covent Garden, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and Christmas lights displays are free to visit (see our Top 10 section).
Food and rides can be a bit pricey, but you can save by eating beforehand and just splurging on mulled cider or hot chocolate while you’re there.
Below are some additional ideas for free things to do in December.
Attend Advent and Christmas Services at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey offers several Advent and Christmas services during the month of December.
If you are attending a service, you do not have to pay. However, you may need to reserve a spot.
You won’t be able to explore the building, the tombs, or the memorials, but you will have a chance to see the central nave to enjoy the magnificence of the building.
There are beautiful Christmas lights all over London – particularly along the shopping streets of Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street.
Covent Garden will be lit up with lights, as well as a public Christmas Tree dominating the plaza, which will be full of holiday-themed goods.
And don’t forget, they will also have reindeer in the area!
For a true visual treat, make time to visit Selfridges and Harrods, both of which will put up their most fabulous over-the-top and luxurious world-famous window displays – always worth seeing, even if you do not wish to go inside!
Tip: If you do go inside, be sure to pick up a decadent and delectable Christmas pudding, a traditional holiday dessert that dates back to the 17th century.
Like our walking tours mentioned above, our evening tours are also offered on a pay-what-you-like basis so no matter what your budget, you can join us.
Below are just some of the many things to do with kids in December and the Holiday Season in London.
Be sure to look at all the sections of this post as many activities are family-friendly such as seeing the Christmas Lights, going to a holiday musical, attending a sporting event, and visiting Winter Wonderland.
Although Charles Dickens didn't live in this house when he wrote A Christmas Carol, this former home of the great English novelist is his official museum.
And what better time of year to visit than during December and around the Christmas holiday?
There are ice skating rinks throughout the city - even in places like the Tower of London, Somerset House, and Hampton Court Palace.
Regardless of whether or not you will be celebrating the holiday season, ice skating is a great way to take advantage of London's cold weather festivities. Just be sure to wear layers!
The London Eye Frostival is an annual holiday event at the London Eye that features a giant ice rink with incredible views.
If you’re looking for other opportunities for your kids to meet Santa, Father Christmas often visits several locations in London during December, which means it’s a great time to take the family to meet him!
An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries.
