Christmas in London

Christmas in London really is magical. Yes it’s dark, cold and none of us can afford to put the heating on, BUT the antidote to all the midwinter gloom is that the city is transformed into a wintry wonderland, glittering with Christmas lights and creatively decorated trees. It’s also chock-full of winter pop-ups, there’s Christmas markets around every corner and Christmas songs are wafting through the air where ever you go.

Winter Wonderland

This fun family event is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas. Featuring a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from ice skating and circus shows to a Christmas market and live music, there’s enough fun things to do to fill a whole day and evening.

Here’s what you can get up to at this year’s Winter Wonderland:

Skate to live music on the Winter Wonderland ice rink, the UK’s largest outdoor rink.
Marvel at the acrobatic wonders at a circus show.
Soar into the sky on the iconic Giant Observation Wheel and see the twinkling London lights below.
Ride on a traditional carousel or brave the giant loops of nine different roller coasters at the fairground.

Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour

About

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

Ice skating at Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland. Image courtesy of Fanatic Creative.

Get your skates on at the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Glide around a Victorian bandstand, beneath a canopy of fairy lights, and enjoy the sounds of a live band on Winter Wonderland’s ice rink. Afterwards, explore the bustling Christmas markets, enjoy the fairground and tuck into seasonal food. 18 Nov-2 Jan

Somerset House Ice Rink

Skate at Somerset House

Glide along the ice at one of London’s most picture-pretty locations with Skate at Somerset House. Spin around the neoclassical courtyard with its giant Christmas tree during a daytime skating session or make the most of late-night skates, with DJ soundtracks playing under the stars. Afterwards, warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat, or sip on a cocktail or two in the Moët & Chandon Skate Lounge. 16 Nov-15 Jan

Queen’s House Ice Rink

Family and friends skating at The Queen’s House Ice Rink. Image courtesy of Royal Museums Greenwich.

Skate in the gorgeous surrounds of a Unesco World Heritage Site with a trip to south London’s picturesque Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich. Glide along the ice like a royal, before treating yourself to a well-deserved winter warmer, while admiring the views over the river Thames and the sparkling lights of Canary Wharf. 17 Nov-8 Jan

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Image courtesy of The Academy

PREnjoy a magical ice-skating experience under sparkling lights at Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, the rink stays open until the end of February, far longer than most other winter London ice rinks. Once your session has ended, head to the rink-side bar for a drink or check out the many buzzing restaurants and bars nearby. 22 Oct-25 Feb

Skylight London Ice Rink

Skylight London’s rooftop ice rink © Skylight London. Image courtesy of Skylight London.

Skate in style at Skylight Ice Rink, which you can find on the rooftop of Tobacco Dock. Besides sweeping views of London’s riverside, find heated après-skate bars serving cocktails, warming drinks and tasty street food, as well as cosy igloos providing the perfect place for a post-skating break. 29 Oct-Jan 2023 

Battersea Power Station Glide Ice Rink

Illustration of the brand new Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station. Image courtesy of Solid Creative Ltd.

London’s first and only riverside ice rink will come to Battersea Power Station in 2022. A magnificent open-air rink, Glide is made up of three interconnecting rinks with a spectacular Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Off the ice, skaters can enjoy vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment and fun photo booths. 11 Nov-8 Jan

Westfield ice rink at the Winter Village

London Westfield ice rink Winter Village, image courtesy of HKS Strategies

At the centre of one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, enjoy the festive season at Westfield London and its Winter Village. After your shopping spree, strap on a pair of skates and join your friends on one of the capital’s largest ice rinks, complete with spectacular illuminations. Other activities taking place in Westfield Square include Christmas choirs, bowling with elves, and a chance to meet Santa! Book your tickets now for some winter fun at the Westfield ice rink*. 19 Nov-8 Jan

Best places for Christmas shopping in London

Pick up gifts that will make those special people love you forevermore at these top places for Christmas shopping.

Covent Garden and Seven Dials

Christmas shopping in Covent Garden. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Check out the dazzling array of designer brands, including British style from Hackett, classic jewellery from Tiffany & Co and must-have bags at Mulberry. For all things beauty-licious, head to Covent Garden’s Beauty Quarter, a cosmetics heaven home to iconic brands including skincare pioneer DECIEM, bespoke fragrances from Jo Malone and the flagship Charlotte Tilbury store.

Oxford Street and Regent Street

Christmas lights above Regent Street. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Shoppers flock to the shops on Oxford Street and Regent Street all year round, but during the winter months, the grand streets are lit up with spectacular Christmas lights.

Fill your Instagram feed with snaps of the famous Christmas window displays at Selfridges on Oxford Street or venture to nearby John Lewis for even more gift choices and check out the department store’s winter-themed rooftop bar while you’re there.

Regent Street is also excellent for gift ideas, filled with a range of flagship stores and international brands including Hamleys, Liberty London and the Apple Store.

Carnaby

Christmas display on Carnaby Street. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

The 14 pedestrianised streets that make up Carnaby are perfect for shopping for gifts for that super cool friend or family member.

Carnaby Street is one of London’s trendiest shopping destinations, lined with independent fashion boutiques and cutting-edge brands, including Diesel, Sweaty Betty and the quintessentially British Fred Perry. Treat your loved ones to a rockin’ Christmas with items from the Rolling Stones’ first flagship store, RS No.9 Carnaby.

The famous Christmas lights on Carnaby Street sparkle above shoppers’ heads and are themed each year.