Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells! December is finally here, and London is in full festive mode. The city’s lit up with sparkling Christmas lights, the sound of holiday music is everywhere, and there is no shortage of Christmas markets and festive film nights to get you in the spirit.
Of course, December is not just about Christmas. London’s theatre scene is buzzing this month. You can also enjoy quintessential winter fun too: ice skating, festive pop-ups, brisk walks in the cold, and warming up in a cosy pub afterward.
December is brimming with festive cheer in the City of London, making it an ideal time to plan a day out with friends and family. There is plenty to discover this month.
Here’s my pick of the top things to do in London this December! 🙂
Discover London’s festive Christmas markets
London is already decked out in festive splendour, and the city’s Christmas markets are calling your name. These charming markets are popping up throughout November and will be in full swing come December, ready for you to soak up the holiday cheer—dare to explore them all?
Some of London’s notable Christmas markets are:
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
- Covent Garden Christmas Market
- Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
- Greenwich Christmas Market
- Southbank Winter Market
- Leicester Square Christmas Market
- Borough Market
- Leadenhall Market
Take in the dazzling Christmas lights sparkling across London
Oxford Street glimmers with sustainable starry displays ?, Mayfair dazzles with its sparkling triangular archways, and Covent Garden shines bright with 115,000 twinkling lights—and that is only the tip of the iceberg. You can find the displays on:
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Covent Garden
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Every year, Hyde Park transforms into Winter Wonderland, a 350-acre festive extravaganza and one of the UK’s biggest Christmas events. Returning for its 17th year in 2024, it is set to welcome 2.5 million visitors over six magical weeks, from the 21st of November 2024 to the 5th of January 2025.
Highlights include fairground rides, Santa Land with Santa’s Grotto, traditional Christmas markets, circuses, and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, illuminated by over 100,000 lights. You can glide to the sound of Christmas tunes, try the Real Ice Slide, or join an ice sculpting workshop. And when it is time for you to warm up, you can head to the Bavarian Village for frothy steins and cosy vibes.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s iconic ice rink is a beloved Christmas tradition, offering skaters the chance to glide against the backdrop of a stunning Georgian architecture and a giant Christmas tree. Skate at Somerset House is one of London’s top winter experiences, kicking off the festive season with skating, music, and food and drink. From taking skating lessons at the Skate School to dancing to top DJs on the rink-side decks, there is something for everyone.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Glide at Battersea Power Station is back for its third year, offering ice skating and slides in front of the iconic Grade II-listed building and a sparkling 30-feet Christmas tree. After skating, you can go warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine at The Glass House, right by the rink.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Ice Rink Canary Wharf has become one of London’s favourite seasonal attractions, offering a unique and luxurious winter experience in East London. The 875-square-meter rink, set beneath the Canary Wharf buildings, creates a stunning backdrop for both seasoned skaters and beginners. It is the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable outing in the capital.
Visit London’s Museums
Lots of London’s museums are free to enter and open to the public. Whilst visiting museums is not a winter activity per se, if you are feeling chilly while out and about, you can step into one of these!
Some of the top free museums in London include:
- The British Museum
- Tate Modern
- The Natural History Museum
- The National Portrait Gallery
- The National Gallery
December in London is a magical time, filled with festive fun, exciting events, and plenty of unforgettable experiences. Whether you are gliding on ice beneath twinkling lights, checking out incredible exhibitions, or enjoying the magic of Christmas markets, there is always something for everyone, for people of all ages. Now you are ready to wrap up warm, grab your camera, and take full advantage of everything that this vibrant city has to offer this holiday season.
