The lights are twinkling, the mulled wine is flowing and London’s festive season is in full swing.
Whether you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit or enjoy a cozy winter adventure in the city, here are 10 of the best things to do in London this season.
Run your skates on a natural ice rink.
In the colder months, many of the city’s scenic spots host great ice skating rinks. Against the stunning neoclassical architecture of Somerset House, the courtyard has been given a Swiss makeover, complete with a pop-up Alpine restaurant serving cheese fondue and waffles. There is also a series of “Skate Latte” session that spins tunes from popular DJs as you glide under the stars. Advance booking is recommended as slots sell out quickly.
If you prefer an even more… spectacular setting, Hampton Court Palace, the former residence of Henry VIII, is a 35-minute train journey from Waterloo and offers spectacular views of Tudor architecture as well as skating rinks. does. Afterwards, head inside the castle to learn more about the dramas of the Tudor court.
Enjoy the twinkling lights.
A long-time favourite, beautiful Regent St is adorned with the famous “Spirit” floating above London’s busiest shopping destination, while nearby Carnaby St, known for its unique animated Christmas lights, this year has a The galaxy is taken over by neon displays.
Savile Row, home to the city’s best tailors, has a beautiful new design of golden scissors cutting a glittering sweep of “cloth”, while Marylebone Village, one of the city’s most charming streets, is full of Features lights made from recycled plastic bottles.
For an even more festive experience, hop on over Visit the lights and sites A 60-minute journey aboard a heritage bus, with a guide in traditional conductor’s uniform, from the London Transport Museum.
Watch the Christmas card for the first time
The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell makes for a lovely family day out in the run up to the holidays. Visitors can see seasonal displays, including letters to Santa from several generations – and even the first Christmas card sent from 1843. Travel back in time on the Mail Rail, a 100-year-old underground train that used to deliver mail. Explore unseen parts of the railway on foot, through the tunnels from Paddington to Whitechapel, and on a festive Tunnel Walk led by one of the museum’s expert guides.
Step inside a festive Georgian home
Tucked away on a cobbled side street in Spitalfields, Dennis Severs House is one of the city’s best kept secrets. It was described as a “living painting” by its namesake creator, a California artist who bought the property in 1979 and spent 20 years creating a “historical imagination” of the life of an reinvented Victorian family. .
Every winter, it is decorated with vintage Christmas ornaments and paper chains, lit only by candlelight. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of centuries past on a silent tour.
Treat yourself to an afternoon of bliss.
Afternoon tea is a must-try on any trip to London – and the menus are particularly tempting at Christmas time. The offering at the Theater Royal Drury Lane, London’s oldest theater still in use, is a highlight: hot turkey and cranberry pie topped with caramelised onion sauce, followed by Earl Gray with English crumpets – Infused cream cheese and smoked salmon. A sweet treat from Baker to the Stars Lily Vanilla Includes a festive spiced chocolate pudding, served in a spectacular setting The Grand Salon.
Those on a budget can warm up with decadent hot chocolate from the luxury chocolate cafe Nopes. At a handful of locations around town, you can choose your percentage of white, milk or dark chocolate, then add festive spices or a pillowy gingerbread marshmallow.
Listen to the sweet sounds of carol singers.
Christmas concerts in the capital combine a musical feast with a monumental architectural wow factor. St Paul’s Cathedral is the best known, with carol services on weekdays and weekends throughout December. Many events are free and unticketed – a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of Christopher Wren’s masterpiece.
Less known but almost as impressive. Freemasons’ Hall In Covent Garden, a hidden gem of Art Deco design. Enjoy candlelit carols from the Belmont Ensemble and Trafalgar Sinfonia in the golden setting of the Grand Temple.
Be swept away by a night of ballet.
by Tchaikovsky Nutcracker has become a major holiday destination, and A long-running production of English National Ballet The most beloved is performed in the splendor of the London Coliseum.
For a more modern take on storytelling through dance, an adaptation of Edward Scissorhands Sadler arrives at Wells.. Dance master Matthew Bourne and company have adapted Tim Burton’s cult film score and unforgettable costumes for the stage, captivating audiences with winning set pieces and innovative visual effects.
Browse the stalls at the winter market.
Pop-up Christmas markets are fairly repetitive – yet there are a number of exceptions in London. Southbank Centre’s Winter Market sees Queen’s Walk covered in wooden licks and twinkling lights. Stroll along the Thames perusing the wares, or people-watch from a riverside igloo with hot lobster in hand.
Borough Market is irresistible to food lovers at any time of the year. In December, visitors annually “An evening of cheesePick up a gift basket or wander the stalls with a hot spiced apple drink.
Watch a blockbuster exhibition
The National Portrait Gallery has updated its major David Hockney show, Drawing from life, which was only open for 20 days in 2020 before Covid forced it to close. As well as self-portraits and works depicting his friends and family, Britain’s greatest living artist has added new pieces, including a typically animated portrait of Harry Styles.
If you like European masters, head to the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, where you’ll find a collection of over 100 objects from Henry VIII’s court that traces the career of Hans Holbein the Younger. Among the items on display are portraits of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, as well as Henry VIII’s famous adjustable armour, designed to accommodate his expanding waist.
Attend a West End show.
is one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the year. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the all-new, staged prequel to Netflix’s hit sci-fi series. Playing at the Phoenix Theatre, it follows teenage versions of Jim Hooper, Joyce Maldonado and Henry Creel in the 1950s Hawkins, and features stunning special effects and a synth soundtrack.
Young families will delight in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of the Studio Ghibli classic My neighbor Totoro At the Barbican, with jaw-dropping puppetry from Jim Henson’s studio. For a more festive treat, the Globe Theater is presenting an epic version of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Hansel and Gretelwhich promises music and magic for audiences aged five and up.
This article was first published on September 20, 2019 and was updated on November 29, 2023.