Here are the best things to do in London this Christmas 2024

London is a magical place during the holiday season. The city’s historic streets light up with twinkling lights, Christmas markets pop up in iconic locations, and festive events draw crowds from near and far. If you’re planning to spend Christmas 2024 in London, here are some of the best things to do to make the most of your jolly holiday experience.

The best Christmas activities to do in London for 2024

1. Wander the markets and more at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

The largest and most popular Christmas market in London, Winter Wonderland, returns to Hyde Park with its giant ice rink, thrilling rides, circus shows, and countless food stalls. This year a new immersive ice experience comes in the shape of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Don’t miss the chance to sip mulled wine or hot chocolate as you browse the artisan stalls selling handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and unique souvenirs. Open from 21st November to 5th January. 

Find out more about Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

2. Go ice skating at Somerset House

Set in the stunning courtyard of Somerset House, this rink is a classic choice for both locals and tourists. With a backdrop of Georgian architecture, a spectacular 40 ft Christmas tree, and a DJ playing festive tunes, it’s a truly magical experience. Look out for pop-up restaurants and bars, and special events hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays. 

Find out more about Skate at Somerset House

3. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel

Few things are more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, and London will bring some marvellous merry versions this holiday season. The Milestone Hotel’s festive tea is served in the elegant Park Lounge or Cheneston’s Restaurant and runs from 18th November to 3rd January. Savouries include turkey mayonnaise with stuffing and toasted hazelnut, and sweets a decadent chocolate and clementine layer cake. Scones too get a dust of Christmas magic: instead of raisin scones, Milestone’s doing them with cranberries. 

Find out more about The Milestone Hotel

4. Be dazzled by the lights at Christmas at Kew

Take a magical journey through Kew Gardens, which transforms into a winter wonderland every Christmas. The garden’s festive trail features millions of twinkling lights, illuminated trees, and stunning installations that will enchant visitors of all ages. This year, there will be two new world premiere installations, and each ticket sold supports Kew’s mission to protect plants and fungi for future generations.

Find out more about Christmas at Kew

5. Join The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate

It’s Christmas Eve 1843, and you’re invited to witness A Christmas Carol like never before. This is an immersive production of the timeless Charles Dickens tale, told on stage alongside a sumptuous three-course Victorian feasting menu devised by renowned chef, Ashley Clarke. Running from 1st November to 12th January in West Kensington, you’ll need to be quick to snag tickets—every one of the previous Christmas series from The Lost Estate was sold out.

Find out more about The Great Christmas Feast

6. Hang out in an igloo at The Sipping Room

Each winter London gets heated pop-ups, and one of the best places to enjoy the skyline in festivity is at The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan, overlooking the glittering West India Quay docks. There are three igloos up for grabs, each adorned with wreaths, twinkling lights, and cosy throws. Warm up with a seasonal cocktail including the Tanger-Lini, mixing Monkey 47 Gin with Disaronno, tangerine purée and sparkling wine. Yum.

Find out more about The Sipping Room

7. Party with Santa at Humbug

If festivity to you is boozing with Santa, head to Humbug, a Christmas dive bar with a raucous atmosphere. Situated in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, Santa’s watering hole entertains merry patrons with sing-a-long moments, games, immersive storytelling, and glittery live performances. There’s even a grotto dedicated to Mariah Carey. Tickets are priced from £25, and VIP from £57.50. 

Find out more about Humbug

8. Karaoke to Last Christmas at Lucky Voice

Ring in your best singing squad and book a booth at Lucky Voice. The karaoke masters have a song list spanning over 13,000 tunes, including festive faves such as Last Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You, and let’s not forget the Spice Girls’ Xmas Number Ones; 2 Become 1, Too Much, and Goodbye. There are outposts in Soho, Islington, Holborn, Liverpool Street and a shiny new one in Waterloo, plus Brighton and even Dubai! Upcoming specials include Christmas karaoke brunch and a Christmas cocktail masterclass. 

Find out more about Lucky Voice

9.  Treat yourself to the ultimate Christmas dinner at The Goring

Tis the season to go all out, and there’s no better place to do so than The Goring. This is one of London’s most special hotels, the only five-star property still owned and run by the family that built it. For Christmas magic, it’s all eyes on The Dining Room, where guests feast on the meal of their year. Sample items include the signature Goring Eggs Drumkilbo and the Longhorn beef Wellington, with a Sommelier that will pair any choice with a bottle from a vast global selection. And there’s more festivity if you’re partial to sweet: festive afternoon tea is also served in The Veranda, and the whole venue is decked out in seasonal reds and greens, making for merriest of holiday card snaps. 

Find out more about The Goring

10. Or scope out Christmas lunch specials on the high street

We all have our favourite high street eateries, and things turn up a notch when they turn on the festive works to get punters in. Mildred’s fans will go gaga for the vegan Christmas sets, which include a toasted pine nut cannellini loaf and a black forest yule log. Wahaca says ‘feliz navidad’ on treats like Turkey Almond Mole Tacos and Butternut Squash Tamal. And if you’re partial to a pizza pie, that’s getting a merry makeover too. Pizza Pilgrims are rolling out It’s a Wonderful Slice (Mortadella & Pistachio) and Terrymisu desserts (using Terry’s chocs) at all their branches this season, along with an Ambassador’s Espresso Martini. Ho ho ho.

11. Visit the hot choc trolley at Hacienda 1942

Hot chocaholic? Head to Rosewood London, where the hotel has partnered up with Don Julio 1942 to create ‘Hacienda 1942’. This winter terrace is the cosiest spot in the West End, with heated lamps and throws to keep you snug while the hot choc trolley makes its way around. You can choose from both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations, and line your stomachs with Mexican-inspired sharing dishes washed down with exquisite Don Julio 1942 cocktails. DJs perform on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Find out more about Hacienda 1942

12. Get the kids cheering at Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas

Looking for family entertainment in the West End? Maddie Moate and Jennie Dale have just the Christmas cracker. The beloved children’s TV presenters will take to the Apollo Theatre stage from 6th December to 4th January, and together with the audience, use science, curiosity, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic to fix Santa’s workshop in time for a big inspection. Full of laughs and audience participation, kids (and their parents) will have a jingle of a time at this superb family adventure.

Find out more about Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas

13. Be entertained by international talent at Le Clique

Leicester Square gets its annual festive makeover this Christmas, fairy-lit and cheery with markets, food stalls, and bars from 6th November to 5th January. The congregation is thanks to their Oliver award-winning show, Le Clique, a circus of acrobatics, stunts, comedy and more, at the heart of the square pop-up…and this 20th anniversary will feature brand-new acts alongside familiar favourites, so even if you came last year it’s worth another hurrah.

Find out more about Christmas in Leicester Square

14. Turn a Beards & Daisies houseplant into a Christmas tree

Jet setters, how about swapping Christmas tree for an unkillable houseplant this year, one that you needn’t worry about when travelling—these greens are super low maintenance, needing little water and not much sunlight, and the African Fig we have is big enough to shelter presents. Pull out the tinsel, play jingle bells, and have a houseplant decoration party. Scandi Christmas diffusers from The Copenhagen Company will help set the mood. Merry (eco) Christmas all!

Find out more about Beards & Daisies

15. Pop up for a festive fun in the Sky Garden

Christmas in the clouds anyone? The Sky Garden has a bubbly treat this winter: a Moët & Chandon festive pop-up. Floor 35 is now adorned with snowy rooftops, pinecones and twinkling lights, and on floor 37, there’s raclette at an Alpine Terrace. Live music from ALR, DJs and special treats at Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant make this a one-stop shop for your pre-drink, dinner, and boogie this holiday season.

Find out more about Sky Garden

16. Party on the Southbank with Between the Bridges

Between The Bridges is back with Electric Winter, a stampede of seasonal events spanning Christmas Drag Brunches, Barrioke, and much more. Best of all, select events are completely free to attend, meaning more money to spend at the bar with your friends. Running until 22nd December, the South Bank venue is heated and features live DJs from Thursday to Sunday each week in The Dock.

Find out more about Between the Bridges

17. Shuffleboard over festive brunch at Electric Shuffle

Challenge your mates to a supercharged version of shuffleboarding, complete with vision technology to total up your scores and shoot replay footage. Festive brunch rolls every weekend through December: two hours of winter feast, bubbles, and a DJ spinning Mariah, Ed, Leona and co. And yes, the famed pizza paddles make an appearance too. Prizes are dished out for the guest in the most outrageous Christmas jumper, so go all out!

Find out more about Electric Shuffle

18. Zone out at Sandbox VR

OK, so maybe you need a break from Home Alone. How about jumping into a Squid Game, or a zombie apocalypse? Sandbox VR’s got all the tech to keep you and the gang entertained for your annual reunion, and of course, they had to throw in a little sprinkle of festivity, because, ’tis the season. At their Covent Garden centre, the resident robotic bartender will be shaking up Gingerbread Martinis to get you all extra merry before the games begin.

Find out more about Sandbox VR

But wait, there’s more…

• Planning a day out with the crew? Here are all the best group activities to try in London
• Or if you need date night ideas, we’ve just the list
• For a festive splurge, peruse the best five-star hotels in London