Picture Christmas in London – you know what it looks like. The temperature drops, days are shorter, and the festive Christmas decorations pop up around the city. Stunning window displays in shops, Christmas trees twinkling in windows, and the aroma of roasting chestnuts in the air. Ice skating rinks spring up around the city, and traditional markets bring the holiday spirit alive. Christmas in London is undoubtedly a truly magical part of the year.
It’s been in countless movies, so we’re sure you’ve seen it before. London, dressed up in festive lights, becomes incredibly merry around Christmas. The sparkling décor and the festive spirit certainly make London one of the most Christmassy destinations in the world. And for a good reason. It’s an excellent place to be, so get out there and enjoy some quality time with friends and loved ones.
Could there be anything better than experiencing Christmas in London?
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The best festive things to do in London at Christmas in 2023:
There are many festive Christmas attractions and activities in London that can lighten up your mood. Whether you’re a local or one of the millions of tourists who visit London every year, dress up in your Christmas sweaters and get in the holiday spirit. Here are our top things to do in London at Christmas!
1. Regent Street at Christmas in London
The famous Christmas golden angels along Regent Street make a comeback every year.
There is no place like Regent Street during the festive season in London. Did you know the iconic Regent Street has created a beautiful festive light display for sixty years? In fact, this shopping street with luxury brands started the tradition of Christmas lights in London!
You are right to think that seeing Christmas lights on Regent Street is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas. It’s because it is one of the best festive displays during Christmas in London. Did you know the pretty lights on Regent Street were inspired by the first Christmas lights on the same street?
The largest light installation in the country, with giant golden angels shining over central London, is iconic. Stroll through Regent Street, where 300,000 lights illuminate one of the most prestigious streets in London. Plus, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of a Christmas movie.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The famous gold angels will shine from November 9 2023 to January 2, 2024. The iconic angels will be light up from early evening every day for a more sustainable display.
2. Oxford Street at Christmas in London
What would be a trip to London without shopping on Oxford Street?
During the holiday season, one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets sparkles everywhere you look. Stroll along Oxford Street – London’s famous shopping street, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Not only does Oxford Street have pretty lights every year, but all the shops also show off cool decorations in their windows. That’s why Oxford Street is one of the best places to feel the Christmas magic in London.
Like many other streets, Oxford Street has a different theme regularly. But the same display returns to Europe’s longest shopping street this year. Yes, that is right, thousands of stars will twinkle and shine between the shops. They will transform the street into a winter wonderland and create a magical atmosphere.
‘A Sky Full of Stars’ – Christmas in London
Good news – the lights are extra eco-friendly now. Hanging stars are fully recyclable and more energy-efficient than regular lightbulbs. Due to the soaring energy bill, the stars will glow for a slightly shorter time each day this year.
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights turn the area into a bustling hub of holiday cheer. This picture shows the previous snowball-type display that Oxford Street had for many years.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Christmas lights on Oxford Street will sparkle from November 2 2023 to January 2024.
3. New Bond Street
New Bond Street, London
Another beautifully decorated street in London during Christmas is New Bond Street. This high-end shopping street becomes a fairyland over the festive period. An elegant street adorned with ‘peacock-themed’ lights is also one of the prettiest streets in London during Christmas.
New Bond Street
4. Cartier at Christmas in London
Cartier during Christmas in London in 2023
There are so many beautiful things to see during Christmas in London, and Cartier certainly is one of them. Each year, millions of shops and houses decorate their buildings, but Cartier takes it to another level. This luxury brand always creates a beautifully themed display to celebrate the holiday season. Therefore, don’t miss the Christmas displays at Cartier when visiting London during the holiday season.
A Chic Cartier wrapped up like a present was undoubtedly one of the best decorations in London during Christmas.
5. Christmas skating rinks in London
Winter Wonderland ice rink
Believe it or not, numerous skating rinks spring up in winter in London. The beloved ice rinks offer ice skating under the crispier skies with beautiful twinkling lights. They pop up during the winter season from October onwards. They are super busy, so don’t forget to book your tickets in advance. Also, choose non-peak hours for a better experience.
Ice skating at the Natural History Museum in London used to be one of the best things to do during Christmas in London. The famous skating rink with a massive Christmas tree in the middle and lights dangling from the overhanging trees was magical. Unfortunately, there is no ice skating rink anymore.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink, as well as Skate at Somerset House, will be operating this season. Also, the Hampton Court Palace ice rink and Queen’s House Greenwich ice rink will open in 2023. Unfortunately, the Tower of London Ice Rink will not be here this season.
- Hampton Court Palace ice rink from 17 November 2023 -7 January 2023 (excluding Christmas Day). This ice rink is open only from Wednesday to Sunday outside the school holidays.
- Winter Wonderland ice rink from 17 November 2023 – 1 January 2024. It is open daily from 10 am – 10 pm.
- the Queen’s House ice rink 23 November 2023 – 7 January 2024 You can visit it every day between 10 am and 9 pm.
- Skate at Somerset House from 15 November 2023 – 14 January 2024
- Ice Rink Canary Wharf from 21 October 2023 – 24 February 2024. You can choose from 14 daily sessions from 9 am until 9 pm.
6. Christmas Markets
No trip to London at Christmas would be complete without a visit to Christmas Markets. Sparkling lights, unusual gifts, and a joyful atmosphere are among the reasons why Christmas markets top everyone’s list of favourite holiday activities. Popular Christmas Markets with festive fun and treats return to London every year.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Find perfect gifts at one of those Christmas markets in London:
- Winter Wonderland Christmas market
- Southbank Centre Winter Market
- Leicester Square Christmas market
- Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
- Kingston Christmas Market
- Christmas under the Canopy at King’s Cross
7. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Soak up some of the party atmosphere and get in the Christmas mood in Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The largest Christmas market is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in London during Christmas. The annual festival, with funfair rides, ice-skating, and many food and drink stalls, is one of the best places to experience Christmas in London. You can find it in one of the pretties parks in London.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Visit Winter Wonderland between 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
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8. Christmas at Kew Gardens
While some of London’s most iconic must-see attractions might not open their doors this year, Kew Gardens is the exception. The most famous botanic gardens in the capital come alive with festive spirit. Moreover, Christmas at Kew Gardens in 2023 is more spectacular than ever. Wander through the gardens lit up with twinkling lights. Enjoy a magical light installation with a festive spirit. This annual winter celebration with thousands of lights, sound and art certainly is a must-attraction during Christmas in London in 2023.
If you don’t know, this Christmas Kew’s iconic art installation, the Hive, will join the light trail. Standing at 17 meters tall, the Hive is a sensory installation reflecting the life of a real bee colony at Kew. Created by UK artist Wolfgang Buttress, it uses light and sound. Over 1000 LED lights will glow and respond to a new rhythm with a special soundscape.
Other highlights are the illuminated winter trail, the Palm House light show and, of course, a Fire Garden. Also, don’t miss new displays of 3-metre-high illuminated flowers and a long light tunnel at Christmas at Kew. If hungry, treat yourself to street food or stop at the Victoria Plaza Café.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Christmas at Kew Gardens will be from Wednesday 15 November 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024 (4.20 pm to 10 pm).
9. Covent Garden at Christmas in London
Did you know Covent Garden has a brand new Christmas installation with beautiful bells above the main area? If you look closely, you can spot 40 golden bells, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls.
Covent Garden may be one of the most touristy spots in this cosmopolitan city, but it’s also one of the most popular places to experience Christmas in London. This shopping and entertainment hub is famous for luxury fashion stores, perfect restaurants and, of course, the Apple Market. Wander around the Apple Market and shop some affordable souvenirs in quirky stalls at the market.
Visiting Covent Garden, with oversized silver baubles and traditional golden bells is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas .
Besides, the elegant Covent Garden with car-free Piazza is traditionally home to beautiful twinkling Christmas trees and other festive decorations.
Christmas has arrived in style. This is how gorgeous Covent Garden looks with all its displays in December.
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Also, don’t miss the Covent Garden Swing Seat and daily snow showers across the West Piazza from 12 pm until 9 pm.
Are you driving home for Christmas this year?
10. Carnaby Street at Christmas in London
Experience Christmas in London 2023 on Carnaby Street.
Have you ever heard about Carnaby Street? This pedestrianised shopping street is a bit of a London icon because it has unique festive decorations every year. You can find it just a short walk from Oxford Circus tube station. Stroll through Carnaby Street and enjoy the ‘Carnaby Universe’ installation theme with a solar system. “‘Carnaby Celebrates’ theme decorations will support the same charity as the last year.
Carnaby Universe
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Christmas lights and decorations will turn on on Wednesday, November 2023.
11. Trafalgar Square at Christmas in London
Trafalgar Square in London also comes alive during Christmas. The main highlight here is a 25-metre-tall Christmas tree. You can find it in the middle of the square. Did you know that Norway annually donates a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square? It is a symbol of remembrance of British support during World War II. This lovely Christmas tree with twinkling lights decorated in traditional Norwegian style is a cherished Christmas custom.
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Christmas carols traditionally sing beneath the tree. Make sure you don’t miss their performance. There is also a Christmas market during December.
GOOD TO KNOW:
See the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree from the 7th of December 2023 to January 2024. Don’t miss the lighting ceremony on Thursday, the 7th of December 2023 at 5.30 pm.
12. See the Christmas decorations and displays around London
Christmas decorations in London are always eye-catching every year. This one is from Annabel’s.
As we all know, London is famous for its beautiful Christmas decorations. Many restaurants, cafes and even clubs have eye-catching Christmassy displays every year. Stroll along streets and discover beautiful Christmas decorations on your walking tour in London. Don’t miss Annabel’s private member’s club, Ivy Chelsea and also Peggy Porschen Cakes.
Annabel’s giant Christmas tree with twinkling lights and baubles a few years ago.
Annabel’s Christmas decorations/ Christmas in London in 2023
13. Christmassy Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms pub has extravagant Christmas decorations every year.
Would you like to get into the Christmas spirit? Then visit the most Christmassy pub in London. It’s The Churchill Arms. Don’t worry – you will not miss it because this pretty bar has many twinkling Christmas trees on its exterior wall. They will surely get you into a holiday mood.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Find the most festive pub in London near the Nothing Hill Gate tube station.
14. Have a Christmas meal somewhere special
Ivy Chelsea
After, treat yourself and your loved ones and have a Christmas meal in one of the restaurants. There are many to choose from, and they are also beautifully decorated. A Christmas brunch in a Christmassy-decorated restaurant (or café) is a memorable experience.
15. Christmas cinema pop-ups
Do you know what feels like Christmas? Watching Christmas movies! Going to the cinema during the festive period and watching those holiday classics is one of the best things to do during Christmas in London. Luckily for you, the capital is dotted with Christmas cinema pop-ups. Start your Christmas movie marathon, get your mulled wine, snuggle up and enjoy your favourite Christmas movie!
GOOD TO KNOW:
Visit one of the following Christmas cinema pop-us in London in 2023:
- The Luna drive-in cinema, Kensington Palace
- Rivoli Pop-up cinema in Rivoli Ballroom
- Love Actually Drink-A-Long Movie Night! (@ The Grand on Sat, 16th Dec 2023 @ 6 pm – 10 pm, tickets from £20.00)
- Winter Movie Pop-Up
- Backyard Cinema and others
16. Hogwarts in the Snow
All Harry Potter fans should keep their eyes peeled for the Warner Bros Studio during Christmas in London. Did you know this iconic film set transforms into a wintery wonderland during the festive period? Hogwarts in the Snow, decorated with magical Christmas decorations, is surely one of the best things to see at Christmas in London for all Potterheads out there.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Experience Christmas in the wizarding world from 11th November 2023 – 14th January 2024.
17. Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House
As you’ve probably guessed, Nutcracker returns to the Royal Opera House this holiday season. The English National Ballet’s annual Nutcracker performance is an excellent way to celebrate the festive season in London at Christmas. Make sure you don’t miss Tchaikovsky’s magical Nutcracker ballet with your family during the festive period. It is one of the greatest classical ballets.
GOOD TO KNOW
See Nutcracker from 6th December 2023 – 13th January 2024.
18. The Love Actually filming locations
When you think about Christmas in London, all “Love Actually” lovers think of all those romantic Christmas Classics’ filming locations. From the pink home where Keira Knightley’s character lived, Trafalgar Square, the central court of Somerset House or Grosvenor Chapel. London is full of locations you’re familiar with.
Now you know what is there to do in London at Christmas!
Have you visited London during the festive season? Let us know in the comments below. If you like our post about the best things to do in London at Christmas, save it also on Pinterest.
Pin Christmas in London for later!
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Last updated: 10/12/2023
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Wow, Christmas lights, ice skating, traditional markets, Christmas shows – London looks amazing during the festive time. One of the things I would love to see is a Christmas show. I would probably choose to see a Christmas Carol. I loved your post about the Christmas Traditions from around the world, too. There was no option to leave a comment, so that’s why I am writing it here. Thanks for sharing and bringing festive cheer to your reader, Martina. I hope you are all set for Christmas. Aiva xxx
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