From ice skating to Christmas markets, there is so much festive fun to be had this Christmas in London. The English capital has something to offer to everyone, so don’t hold back on planning a visit this year.
See The Holiday Lights at Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is a humongous 3km light trail that takes over south west London’s 300-acre World Heritage Site botanic garden. Embark on the trail and get see the space lit up with dozens of larger-than-life illuminations. The light displays cover both the venue’s glass houses and the trees in different hues, with reflections of the bulbs dancing across the water in the lake below.
For 2025, Kew’s iconic Great Pagoda will be adorned with festive lights for the very first time, too. Along the way, warming winter snacks from food vendors curated by Kerb will keep your warm and cosy and make sure to say hi to Father Christmas himself as you walk past.
Christmas at Kew has become a key date for Christmas in London’s festivities calendar since its first iteration in 2013.
Visit Winter Wonderland for Iconic Christmas in London Fun
If you enjoy ice skating, you can visit the Winter Wonderland which is located in the south-east corner of Hyde Park where they have the biggest open-air ice rink in the UK. Winter Wonderland is a family event sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
This Christmas in London event features a huge amount of festive entertainment, from Christmas markets and rollercoasters, to circus shows and live music, and the Ice Kingdom, which is made from over 500 tonnes of ice and snow, sculpted into giant trolls and more.
Of course, there’s also plenty of delicious food and drink available, from German sausages to amazing hot chocolates.
The event is open from 10am-10pm every day over the festive period, except for Christmas day itself. The main entrance is near Marble Arch, but there’s also secondary entrances on Serpentine Road.
Winter Wonderland started back in 2007, and since then has proven to be exceptionally popular, with over 14 million people visiting over its first ten years. Winter Wonderland is by far one of the very most Christmassy and exciting festive events that London has to offer, so don’t miss out this year!
Tour the Harry Potter Studios
For more Christmas in London activities, especially for our lovers of Harry Potter, magics, or film production, the Warner Brothers studios in Watford are an absolute must, especially at this time of year. Hogwarts in the Snow sees the film’s sets getting a very festive makeover, from the model Hogwarts castle being dusted in a magical layer of frosty white, to the Weasley’s kitchen being decked out with Christmas crackers and a festive feast.
The studio tour is located just 20 miles north-west of London and is easy to get to by bus, train or car. For an in-depth look behind the scenes of the wizarding world, check out our article “Unleash the magic and Return to Azkaban at the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour”.
Wander London’s Best Christmas Markets
Over the festive period, London plays host to countless brilliant Christmas markets. Some of the very most popular include the Leicester Square Christmas markets, Kingston Christmas markets, and Southbank Winter Festival. And it doesn’t get much more festive than the Christmas market on the South Bank, a line of German-style wooden chalets decorated with fairy lights and full of traders selling treats, gifts and decorations.
Christmas markets are a perfect, traditional way to get into the spirit and enjoy this Christmas in London season. The Winter Market — along with many of Southbank Centre’s festivities — are free to wander through. Be aware that some events are ticketed; however, there will be plenty of free options to enjoy so be sure to add these to your celebration of Christmas in London.
Cosy Up at the Covent Garden Christmas Village
Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic festive spots, and its Christmas Village transforms the neighbourhood into a glittering holiday wonderland. Wander the historic piazza beneath its famous giant Christmas tree, explore the artisan market stalls, and watch street performers bring the square to life.
Don’t miss the snowfall moments that take place throughout the day — a magical touch that delights both kids and adults. Warm up with a gourmet hot chocolate, snap photos under twinkling lights, and soak up one of the most atmospheric pockets of London during the season. Covent Garden is entirely free to explore and perfect for an afternoon of relaxed festive fun.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by Doughnation in Covent Garden — the perfect spot to warm up with a fresh, wood-fired pizza after your festive wander.
These are all great places and activities to add to your festive bucket list this year. If ice skating at Winter Wonderland or sipping mulled wine at the Southbank Winter Festival doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit, then nothing will. Trying out these festive experiences during the Christmas in London season is sure to put you in the holiday mood.
