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Paris Toolkit Christmas in London 2023
Tours, attractions, events in London this Christmas
London is a magical place at any time of the year but at Christmas time, London really comes alive with its Christmas decorations, Christmas lights and enormous Christmas trees.
There are so many popular attractions in London which put on fabulous Christmas displays and entertainment, we show you the best of the best this Christmas time.
As well as attractions there also a number of Christmas activities happening in London this Christmas.
From London there are also loads of festive day trips in England visiting beautiful towns and cities, visiting the best Christmas markets, and magnificent old buildings, dressed in their Christmas finery.
We also have a great selection of London events on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
Christmas festivities 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.
What you need to know...
» London's Best: lights, markets, carols & ice-skating
Best things to do at Christmas in London
Here you'll find some of the most popular attractions that visitors choose when they come to London. From perennial favourites such as Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros. Studio, the legendary Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, awesome rooftop ice-skating with views over London and the magical musical show that is Elf, to London's magnificently decorated palaces and castles, there is something here to suit everyone this Christmas.
Hogwarts in the Snow
Get whisked away by coach from central London to the much-loved Harry Potter Studio for the Hogwarts annual Christmas Yule Ball. Hogwarts in the Snow is included with your ticket until 14th Jan.
Christmas at the London Eye
London Eye's light-ups include Santa Claus, Christmas Trees, Starry Nights and Snowscapes. See the beauty of the Christmas lights of London from the top of the famous wheel.
Christmas at Tower of London
Experience Christmas at the Tower of London with magical coronation-themed installations this festive period, plus enjoy a delicious fish & chips supper to complete your day.
Legoland at Christmas
Legoland Windsor Resort gets ready for a festive build with live entertainment, Christmas carols, characters to meet, festive scenes, Christmassy activities - together with over 30 fantastic rides and attractions.
The Shard at Christmas
The Shard plays host to Aurora; a Nordic wonderland inspired by the Northern Lights and snowy wilderness of Scandinavia. At the top witness The Highest Christmas Tree in London + The Piano in the Sky.
Windsor Castle at Christmas
Windsor Castle has it all this Christmas: twinkling trees, dazzling decorations, Christmas market, fabulous outdoor light trail and the legendary open-air ice rink underneath towers and turrets.
Hampton Court Palace
Step into the festive spirit at Hampton Court Palace. The stunningly lit-up magical ice-rink is back, in addition to a wonderful artisan festive fayre full of delicious treats and gifts as well as all sorts of Tudor Christmassy festivities happening around the palace.
London Zoo at Christmas
Meet Santa at London Zoo this Christmas, and enjoy a Christmas sleigh trail around the zoo seeing the animals. Join Santa's cheeky elves as they open the Giant Advent Calendar and send your Christmas letter to Santa.
Shrek The Halls!
Shrek's Adventure! London does its annual Shrek The Halls: meet and pose for a photo with Shrek Santa. Included in your regular ticket price this Christmas until 24th Dec.
Skylight Rooftop Ice Skating Package
Glide on Europe's only rooftop ice rink at Skylight Tobacco Dock with views over London. With classic cocktail, meal to delight, tabletop games & 45-min skate.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
A full-day event featuring a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from ice skating and circus shows to a Christmas market and live music.
Elf the Musical
ELF The Musical returns to spread festive cheer at the Dominion Theatre this winter. A smash hit performance holiday favourite dazzles the West End for a strictly limited season.
Christmas things to do in London
Christmas activities in London
These tours and experiences will be sure to add some Christmas sparkle to your season in the build up to Christmas. See the best of London under the twinkling lights; from hop-on bus tours to Dickensian themed walking tours and even festive bike-tours, there are a lot of fun things happening in London this Christmas.
Christmas lights vintage bus tour
This tour will take you around London’s beautiful Christmas lights in vintage style, perfect for photography lovers. You are dropped off at Winter Wonderland at the end.
Thames Christmas Party Cruise
Running throughout December, enjoy a Christmas party like no other with on a cruise on the Thames, with Christmas-themed three-course meal.
Bateaux London Festive Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Set sail on the River Thames for Christmas 2022 while enjoying a delicious festive dinner on-board a Bateaux London cruise.
A Christmas Carol & Charles Dickens Small Group Walking Tour
Intimate small group (7 people) walking tour exploring Dickens’ London from A Christmas Carol, with expert guide.
London: Magical Christmas Walking Tour
Explore magical London witnessing the Regent Street Christmas lights, Mayfair's trendy shopping district, and themed attractions.
London Christmas Lights Bike Tour
An enchanting evening festive 3-hour bike tour with the magic of London's lights in Oxford Street and Covent Garden, Harrods & Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Christmas lights bus tour with live guide
Enjoy all the festive magic of the Christmas light displays of London as it gets dark, with views over London (choose top or lower deck) in this fabulous open-top bus.
Singalong Christmas Lights Tour with Mince Pies & Festive Drinks
Board the festively decorated Singalong Christmas Lights Tour Bus and embark on a magical adventure around London.
Day trips from London
Christmas Day trips from London
There are many day trips from London in winter. The tours below run throughout the Christmas period, visiting places such as Windsor, Oxford, Canterbury or even the Christmas markets of Paris. Whether you are looking for a fun, festive day out with the family or a wintery tour around beautifully lit-up cities, there is a day trip for everyone this Christmas.
You can even choose to take the pressure off the Big Day itself and opt for someone to cook a sumptuous Christmas meal for you - on a relaxing day tour from London.
Christmas Market day trips
Birmingham, Canterbury and Winchester Christmas markets await where you can discover traditional food and drinks with return transport from London.
Christmas Eve Leeds Castle, Canterbury Market, Dover & Greenwich
Enjoy the Christmas Market in Canterbury together with the enchanting Leeds Castle on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Lunch in Stratford with Oxford
Spend Christmas Day in Oxford and Stratford with a marvelous traditional 3-course Christmas lunch and drive through the stunning Cotswolds.
Canterbury, Dover & Greenwich & Christmas Lunch
Witness the ‘Sung Eucharist’ at Canterbury Cathedral. Following this enjoy a memorable 3-course Christmas lunch.
Boxing Day Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon & Warwick Castle
This Boxing Day visit Oxford with entry into Christ Church, Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford & the charming historic Warwick Castle with drive through Cotswolds.
Boxing Day Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge & Salisbury
Explore a multitude of iconic British locations this Boxing Day with walking tour of Windsor, entry to Stonehenge, visit to Salisbury Cathedral & coach tour of Bath.
Day Trip to Paris with Christmas Markets and Metro Travelcard
Spend a magical Christmas shopping day at the markets of Paris by fast train from St. Pancras & visit the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame.
Windsor, Oxford and Avebury's Stone Circle with Traditional Christmas Lunch
Enjoy your Christmas lunch at a traditional British pub in Oxford this year on this fantastic day tour from London.
London on Christmas Day
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve events
Looking for a Christmas Day London lunch? We've got just the right one for you. Try a Thames River cruise and be spoilt for service as you watch the spectacular scenery of London from the comfort of your seat and enjoy a delicious 3-course meal with wine. A Christmas day to remember.
On the last night of the year, why not enjoy a fabulous New Year's Eve Thames River Cruise, witnessing the spectacular fireworks over the River Thames.
Christmas Day Lunch Cruise and Guided City Tour
This tour combines the best of Christmas London by coach and boat. First you can take in sparkling London's lights with a panoramic coach tour, followed by a Christmas Day lunch with wine on the River Thames. This is a very popular and relaxing way to spend Christmas Day.
Christmas Day Traditional Lunch Cruise
Enjoy a 4-course lunch aboard the Thames Cruiser with a glass of sparkling wine and tea & coffee and mince pies to finish. Relax on this beautifully decorated festive boat, with roomy, open-air deck and large glass windows for city sightseeing at its most spectacular.
New Year’s Eve Cruise on board the Silver Sockeye
Enjoy a fabulous welcome into the New Year with a stunning cruise along the River Thames. With a glass of Prosecco on arrival, you'll be sure to have a fabulous time with musical entertainment as well as fabulous views of the city’s skyline lit up against the night.
City Cruises ThamesJet NYE package
A range of NYE cruises for you to choose from. All put you in the grandstand position to witness London's spectacular NYE fireworks - right on the River Thames. Choose from dinner cruises, or simple canape's with a welcome glass of champagne and live music.
Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy Christmas Day on the water of the River Thames on this fantastic River Cruise. See sights such as Tower Bridge, Tower of London, the Coca-Cola London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Half Day Panoramic Tour of London on Christmas Eve
Panoramic tour of festive London including St. Paul’s Cathedral,Tower of London & River Thames boat ride. Upgrade to add on the London Eye.
Christmas Eve dinner & midnight mass
Experience the famous Midnight Mass at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, with 3 Course dinner with Prosecco & coach tour of the famous sights and lights of London.
Sights and Sounds of London Christmas Day
See Christmas Day in with this panoramic tour of London. Sit back and enjoy the ambiance of London whilst your guide takes you through the fascinating history of this great city.
Christmas festivities
Christmas lights, Christmas markets, Christmas carols and ice-rinks
The following activities all feature on our Christmas blogs. Best of all, you can witness the Christmas lights of London, and enjoy a stunning carol service for free!
London has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe so you are bound to find an unusual or thoughtful gift at these festive spaces.
Ice-skating has always been a popular wintery activity and we show you the best rinks this year.
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 in festive London.
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.
London Christmas events
Free events and attractions in London at Christmas
Christmas can be an expensive time so it's nice to know you can still do somethings in London for free or low-cost.
London museums at Christmas
Take some time this Christmas to visit a world class London museum and enjoy Christmas themed exhibitions to get you in the mood this season. The Natural History Museum has special exhibitions on for Christmas as well as New Year's Eve events, plus its famous ice-rink to visit. The British Museum is offering 'seasonal sleepovers', the V&A has its famous Christmas tree and Gingerbread displays, while the London Transport Museum is showcasing Santa on a stunning red Routemaster bus.
Christmas light displays in London
Shopping in London might be expensive, but there's a lot to be said for simply soaking up the atmosphere of the famous London streets as they put on their Christmas displays.
No trip would be complete without a visit to Oxford Street, where you can witness thousands of twinkling stars. Regent Street hosts its own display of shimmering angels, while Carnaby Street goes its own way with mesmerising technicolour displays.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a beautiful old Victorian building (featured in the Harry Potter films) and a great destination to visit this Christmas. See the giant Christmas tree at the centre of the Christmassy halls. There is always a light switching on around mid November and you can also enjoy festive evening guided walks every Wednesday from the end of November to mid December (these are no longer free but cost a few pounds per person).
Department store window displays
The luxury department stores Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols all put on fabulous world-famous window displays at Christmas. Harrods Luxury Department Store has been lighting up its facade in a dazzling display for Christmas since 1959.
Famous Christmas trees in London
There are lots of famous Christmas trees you can visit, the ones at Trafalgar Square and St Pancras Station are particularly well known and always beautifully decorated.
Carols in London
Visit any church (or cathedral) and you’ll be made very welcome and you can explore and enjoy the carol services at your leisure. Christmas carols at St. Paul's must be the ultimate in carol services; so enjoy the backdrop of Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural marvel, whilst you attend free, un-ticketed carol concerts, which run throughout December and include family-friendly services and a night of organ-led carols.
Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day
If you need a walk before your Christmas dinner, then make your way in the morning down to Hyde Park, by 9am, where you can watch members of the Serpentine Swimming Club take a dip in the Serpentine in the Annual Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day (running since 1864).
London at Xmas
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.
