What to do at Christmas in London 2019
A London Christmas to remember. Explore attractions, tours and more.
The magic of Christmas in London comes alive every year. Famous Christmas lights are turned on to make the shopping experience even more special. Giant Christmas trees start appearing in hotel lobbies and in public squares. Attractions create amazing Christmas themes, all combining to really make the whole of London experience all that is good about Christmas time.
On this page you'll find that we truly enjoy the Christmas spirit too and have created an easy to use guide to all the amazing things you can experience at a London Christmas this year.
We feature tours and attractions ideal for families, couples, groups and single travellers, helping you to experience the best Christmas London can offer.
Popular Christmas experiences
London has something for everyone with a whole range of tours to suit every interest. The tours and attractions here however are always incredibly popular and rightly so. Discover what most visitors choose to experience in London at Christmas.
Tours at Christmas time
Here we list all the tours you can experience over the festive season in London. Including perennial favourites like Christmas lights, Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor and the hop-on hop-off buses that make getting around London easy.
London Christmas attractions
All the major London attractions will have their own unique Christmas themes to entice and entertain their visitors. Here you'll find some of the best attractions and the activities you can enjoy during Christmas in London.
Celebrating the festive season in London
Although London is always a very busy and bustling city, it is worth knowing that on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and new Year's Day certain attractions will be closed. Use our links below to discover what you can do on these days in and out of London this Christmas.
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Our most popular experiences at Christmas in and around London
Here you'll find some of the most popular tours and attractions that visitors choose when they come to London. There are a huge range of possible tours and attractions in London at Christmas time but these ones are always perennial favourites.
London bus tour
Enjoy a half day on a vintage double decker bus discovering London's amazing sights and learning their history from an experienced guide. This tour includes changing of the guard, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and ends with a beautiful river cruise.
Christmas lights tour
This tour will take you around London’s beautiful Christmas lights in vintage style, perfect for photography lovers. You'll see the famous Oxford Street, Regent's Street and Knightsbridge Christmas light displays. You'll also make a photo stop at the beautifully lit London Eye.
Christmas day tour, lunch & cruise
Climb aboard a vintage double decker open top bus to see the main sights of London in style. Then cruise along the Thames, enjoying beautiful river views of London whilst enjoying a fantastic 4-course Christmas dinner. A unique and very memorable way to spend Christmas day.
Stonehenge tour
Enjoy an incredible world heritage site with an extended visit on this tour. You'll have plenty of time to experience the mystical beauty of Stonehenge. This tour includes modern coach transport and an audio guide to accompany your visit.
Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath tour
Explore Windsor castle including St George’s Chapel, host to the Royal weddings this year. Visit Stonehenge and discover the world heritage site, a free lunch pack will recharge you as you move onto historic Bath and the iconic Roman Baths.
West End shows
A night out at the theatre is a highlight of any stay in London. At Christmas time visitors flock to see some of the amazing shows on offer. Choose from a variety of long running classics or try out a new modern masterpiece.
Christmas at Shrek's Adventure!
Enjoy 12 fun-filled fairytale themed live shows where you'll meet Shrek and his Dreamworks friends. Then step into the magical swamp where Santa's Grotto and the big man himself await. You'll need a main entrance ticket first and then add the Grotto entrance additionally.
Elves Eye View at The London Eye
Your kids will love helping the Chief Elf navigate Santa around the London skyline. A Santa's Grotto visit is included plus a guided tour of the London skyline by the Chief Elf, an Elf hat and official Elf certificate completes the Christmas themed experience for the kids.
The view from The Shard
Experience incredible views across the London skyline from the iconic Shard building. This very popular ticket gains you entry to enjoy the view at your leisure with optional additional champagne. At Christmas the view in the evenings can be extra special with all the lights on show.
Friends Festive
The ultimate Friends event is coming to Shoreditch and spreading comedy this Christmas. Relax with a glass of mulled wine as you visit the sets you know so well from the much-loved series. Set in the Old Truman Brewery; a creative, and independent space with shops, galleries, markets, bars and restaurants.
City Cruises Sail with Santa
Santa fun on the river with this 1-hr cruise along the Thames to or from Tower Pier. Each child will receive a gift from Santa, along with a soft drink and a cookie; while adults can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Lots of Christmassy fun and entertainment for everyone on board from Santa and his faithful elves.
Legoland at Christmas
Come and take part in LEGOLAND's great themed builds, with seasonal activities and favourite characters. Jump aboard the Brickmas Express or take a winter stroll to Miniland, where a miniature LEGO Father Christmas and his reindeer wait, delivering mini LEGO presents. Or - come and visit the real Father Christmas in his magical log cabin.
Discover the best Christmas tours in and around London
A tour is the best way to discover new places and learn the most about an area or attraction you visit. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable easy transport, you can focus on what's important and get the best experience possible from your day. See all our Christmas tours that run on specific day like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.
Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
A great way to experience London at your own pace with routes that take you to all the major attractions. In winter you also get 24-hr extra free.
Christmas Eve tour
Enjoy the Total London experience tour on Christmas Eve and visit a host of major attractions. Cruise the River Thames and fly on London Eye.
Stonehenge tour
The world heritage sight is amazing any time of the year but frost and snow can add an extra magical touch in Winter. Be sure to check opening times.
Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath
Three of the most popular UK destinations in one tour. Discover Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath in a day.
London's best Christmas attractions
At Christmas in London all the attractions up their game to offer amazing Christmas themed entertainment. Take a look at some of our favourite attractions this Christmas in London.
London Zoo
After dark at London Zoo, when the animals go to sleep you can experience a festival of Christmas lights guiding you through to a mulled wine finish.
Hogwarts in the snow
Festive magic is not the only magic available this Christmas. Enjoy a snowy Hogwarts as the attraction bedecks itself once again for the iconic Yule ball.
Christmas carols
There are many churches throughout London, all of which will give you a warm welcome and will be running carol and thanksgiving services.
Christmas markets
We've compiled a list of the top 10 Christmas markets to visit this year. Discover great gifts, food and drink and some amazing locations.
Ice rinks
Pop up ice skating rinks have appeared all over London. Strap on your skates and enjoy yourself next to some of London's most iconic buildings.
Christmas lights
Oxford Street, Regents Street and Knightsbridge have world famous displays and this year Carnaby Street has a Bohemian Rhapsody themed light show.
Shopping & January sales
Christmas shopping need not be stressful. Enjoy yourself at beautiful department stores or experience some authentic market style shopping.
NYE in London
See in the new Year in style with an evening cruise along the River Thames with live music, bubbly and the famous London Eye fireworks to celebrate.
What you need to know
We'll help make it easy for you to get around in London this Christmas so you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your destination. We've also got in-depth reviews on all the places you can stay in London at Christmas so you can effortlessly pick the best location.
Public transport
The public transport system runs a more limited service during the festive season with nothing at all running on Christmas Day itself.
Use our guide to public transport in London. We also recommend checking National rail and Transport for London.
Food & drink
If you are looking to book a table in a restaurant for a traditional Christmas Day roast, then we recommend that you book well in advance.
You could also consider an alternative Christmas meal from places like Chinatown which will be open as usual.
Where to stay in London
If you are coming to enjoy the festive season in London, it is important you understand which area of London will suit you best.
Use our link to help you choose the right location and accommodation type for your budget and interests.
