Top Christmas-Themed Things to Do in London

It’s that time of the year again when the nights are getting colder, the streets are lit by sparkly lights, and everybody is humming their best take on Mariah Carey’s Christmas special. From November until the end of December, London sheds its skin and replaces it with something a whole lot twinklier. Christmas is looming, and there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by diving head-first into the city’s top Christmassy activities. Here’s the ultimate list for those looking for the top Christmas-themed things to do in London.

(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)

This is an image of Regent Street's angel Christmas lights front and centre.

See the Christmas lights around the city

Undoubtedly, one of the top Christmas-themed things to do in London is to see the legendary Christmas lights. Nothing quite gets you in the festive spirit more than the Christmas lights switch on, and from early November, Oxford Street’s dangling stars illuminate London’s most famous street, while Regent Street and St. James’s lights follow shortly after. Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and Carnaby Street are also excellent spots to see even more lights and soak up the festive feelings.

Read here where to see Christmas lights in London

This is an image of a group of people cheersing over a festive table.

Image courtesy of City Cruises

Enjoy a Christmas lunch cruise on the Thames

Hop on board for a festive cruise down the Thames and see London’s best landmarks while tucking into a Christmas-style lunch. On the menu? Think maple-roast turkey with all the trimmings, crab croquettes and plenty of other seasonal favourites. Veggie or vegan? Don’t worry, there are options for you too. To keep things extra jolly, there’ll be live entertainment and Christmas carols along the way. Basically, all the holiday vibes you need while floating through the city.

City Cruises Christmas Lunch Cruise | Westminster | WA* | Several dates available

*See more about City Cruises’s accessibility information here.

This is an image of the beautiful Somerset house decked out with lights and a big skating rink.

Try your hand at ice skating at Somerset House

As soon as November comes around, ice rinks start popping up across the city in anticipation of the Christmas period. Somerset House is perhaps home to the most famous rink, and the neoclassical courtyard transforms into a festive dream. Expect a giant ice rink, a 40ft tree decorated with fancy Swiss themed decorations and the gourmet Chalet Suisse restaurant serving a menu of Alpine-inspired dishes. Make sure you book tickets in advance for this one.

Skate at Somerset House | Covent Garden | WA | 12th November 2025 to 11th January 2026

Afternoon tea spread at Savoy; experiencing festive afternoon teas is one of the best Christmas-themed things to do in London

Image Courtesy of The Savoy

Enjoy a Christmas-themed afternoon tea

There isn’t anything more British than afternoon tea, but make that Christmas-themed, and you’re in for a real treat. After all, ’tis season for eating far too much cheese and drinking far too much wine. The Savoy always puts on a show when it comes to afternoon tea, Christmas or not, and last year’s menu included candied Christmas cake and white chocolate ganache with spiced cherry compote. The Ned is keeping it classic with gingerbread and jaffa cake, plus more mince pies than you can shake a stick at (you can have a poke at last year’s menu if you’re curious as this year’s has yet to be released). Other spots worth checking out that usually host an excellent Christmas-themed afternoon tea include The Dilly and The Landmark London.

This is an image of a Christmas market with lots of little stalls, lights and people.

Wander around a Christmas Market

Every year, around the festive period, Christmas markets pop up all around the city and are filled with twinkly lights, mulled wine, mince pies and everything and anything Christmas-themed. Winter Wonderland (14th November 2025 to 1st January 2026) is London’s biggest and most famous (and therefore, most crowded) Christmas market, filled with fairground rides, beer tents, street food and German-inspired markets. Other markets include the one on the South Bank (dates have yet to be announced) and the Christmas market at Leicester Square (dates have yet to be announced).

This is an image of a lady making a wreath on a busy table full of plants and supplies.

Go to a wreath-making workshop

Another one of our favourite Christmas-themed things to do in London is to take part in a wreath-making workshop. Petersham Nurseries’ masterclasses are popular, where they teach you how to forage your own materials from woodlands and your garden to craft your own festive-themed wreath for your front door from scratch. They’re known for their outlandish arrangements, using floristry techniques to craft unique, wild wreaths finished off with festive berries and seed heads.

Petersham Nurseries | Richmond | WA | Several dates available

This is an image of a well-lit, sparkling archway and someone walking through it with a red umbrella.

Image Courtesy of Kew Gardens via Facebook

Go on the winter lights trail at Kew Gardens

Every year, Kew Gardens puts on a spectacular light trail, illuminating the gardens and marking that Christmas is just around the corner. Follow the trail through lit tunnels and past glistening lakes, and grab a bite to eat at any of the street food stalls serving up festive treats along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas; he’s also set to make an appearance along the route.

Christmas at Kew Gardens | Kew Gardens | WA | 14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 (selected dates)

This is an image of the inside of St Paul's Cathedral with lots of people sitting in pews and a big Christmas tree in the background.

Image Courtesy of St. Paul’s Cathedral via Facebook

See Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral

This might be one of the most quintessentially British ways to get into the festive spirit in London. Every year, this London landmark hosts a series of carol concerts, including family-friendly services and a traditional carol service on Christmas Eve. The best bit? They’re mostly free, except for a few charity gigs. It’s worth a visit just to get a glimpse of Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece. Fun fact: St. Paul’s Cathedral famously survived a vigorous night of Blitz bombings in WWII (Google the pics, they’re eerily beautiful).

St Paul’s Cathedral | City of London | WA | Carol dates to be announced

This is an image of a big movie theatre where a Christmas tree is lit-up in the corner and the movie Elf is playing on the big screen.

Image Courtesy of Luna Cinema

Watch a festive film at a Christmas pop-up cinema

Last up on our list of the top Christmas-themed things to do in London is watching a festive flick at a pop-up cinema. Nothing quite beats getting cosy and watching a film on the big screen with a steaming hot chocolate in hand. If you’re a bit of a film fanatic, you’ll be pleased to hear that Christmas cinema pop-ups are always in abundance in London. Backyard Cinema tends to deck its space out in a winter wonderland, and this year, Rivoli Pop-Up Cinema is showing classics in their beautiful ballroom alongside warming mulled wine. Another favourite is Luna Cinema, in four locations around the city, who are encouraging you to don your best Christmas jumper for winter film fun.

More festive recommendations for your London trip: