By Kevin ObrianLast Updated: 30 October 2025

Christmas in London is a magical blend of festive charm, sparkling lights, rich traditions, and joyful celebrations that create unforgettable memories for every visitor. In 2025, the city promises an even more spectacular holiday season, offering a perfect mix of classic Christmas experiences and exciting new attractions for families, couples, and travellers of all ages. London comes alive with twinkling streets, cosy markets, dazzling shows, cultural celebrations, and winter activities that capture the true spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re planning a festive getaway, a family holiday, or a romantic break, this guide will help you discover the most wonderful things to do in London this Christmas.

Here are our favourite things to do to help you get into the Christmas spirit. For a less merry choice, see the most effective things to try to do in London this weekend.

GO FOR A ’70s-style CHRISTMAS TIPPLE AT THE MIRACLE BAR.

This kitsch merry pop-up is reopening for its third year in Covent Garden’s Henrietta building. Hidden on the hotel’s level, the bar is styled as a homesick, retro family lounge, complete with as many Christmas decorations as you might imagine. Festive-themed cocktails like the unhealthy Santa–vino, port, cordial, and Christmas spices – and the SanTaRex (tequila, mint inebriant, cacao blanc, mescal, and coconut) are just a few of the novelty drinks offered.

ADMIRE THE FESTIVE LIGHTS ACROSS LONDON

One of the brilliant sides to the darker winter nights is the twinkling Christmas displays that have popped up around the town. This year, London’s lights are dedicated to the NHS and essential employees, and to a happier 2025. You will find pink atomic number 10 ‘thank you’ signs on Carnaby Street in collaboration with the opt for Love charity, an associate installation of twenty-seven junction rectifier curtains showing the words of a literary composition dedicated to London and its tireless voters, and an enormous property vivarium tree in Coal Drops Yard.

ROOFTOP SKATING AT SKYLIGHT

East London’s coolest (quite virtually, it’s freezing) winter pop-up is coming post-lockdown. This year, it’s increasing on the far side the top higher than Pennington Street’s parking area and usurping Tobacco Dock, with Europe’s only real-ice rooftop rink, Ice Hockey and cosy igloos to stay you amused once hours, with full Covid-secure protocols in situ. Once you’re not falling over or tipping back restorative vino, soak up the views – the setting here at midnight is unimaginable.

GET CRAFTY AT PETERSHAM NURSERIES

If you’ve ever longed to create your own Christmas wreath and fancy several hours switch entirely away from all things digital, a jolly merry workshop with the professionals at Petersham (aka London’s most illustrious garden centre) ought to air the cards, using wildflowers, foraged foliage, and forest materials. Your door is about to be the best on your street. Categories are controlled in massive, spacious greenhouses, and participants are socially distanced in line with government guidelines.

NUTCRACKER DELIGHTS AT THE COLISEUM

It’s not high Christmas till the National Ballet’s annual Nutcracker performance tutus, which is its method around the Coliseum. In contrast, ancient performances are quickly put on hold, the Christmas celebration will continue with a specially custom-made choice of Nutcracker highlights for socially distanced audiences. Dancers and musicians showcase the Nutcracker’s hottest moments amid Tchaikovsky’s illustrious score. Therefore, prepare to usher in the merry season with Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and lots of sparkly treats.

DISCOVER DISTINCTIVE GIFT IDEAS AT THE CITY’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

2020 is the year Christmas got property with multiple markets across London, making it easier than ever to shop for thoughtful gifts from native businesses. Many good and property gift ideas will be found at the Greenwich Late Christmas Markets. In contrast, London’s Zero Waste Christmas Market can come to the recent President Truman still once more to host forty-five freelance and plastic-free traders. Begin designing your Christmas search with our edit of the most effective Christmas markets in London.

GET COSY AT A WINTER TERRACE

In between skating, searching, and also the general chaos that comes with the merry season, one in of the most effective ways in which to pay for Christmas in London is curled somewhere heat with a glass of vino. Among the numerous things, London will be an exceptionally cosy winter terrace, from après-ski-style hideaways to top bars reworked into captivating woods. For additional choices, see our guide to the most effective winter terraces in London.

CHRISTMAS AT KEW

Kew Gardens is the price of a visit all year round. However, it’s more spectacular than ever once it’s all togged up for its annual winter celebration. Back for the eighth year, the well-lighted evening path through the biological science gardens is brighter than ever, with over 1,000,000 twinkling pea-lights within the Tunnel of sunshine, thousands of optical device beams that remove darkness from the trees, a dramatic hearth Garden, and a shocking showing enjoying to a merry sound recording at the Palm House pool. Wrap Up Warm and gently stroll on the region’s Winter path with a spiced beverage, vino or potable. Christmas vibes and COVID-friendly practices are warranted.

FROLIC AT FLAT IRON SQUARE’S APRES-SKI LODGE

This fun eating destination in London Bridge will get a Christmas makeover this winter. There’ll be a recreation of a wood ski house bar serving whisky-based cocktails at the Talisker Cabin within the Woods, superior street food, cocktail-making workshops, and merry drinks and nibbles at the Baileys Treat Lodge.

How to Travel Around London This Christmas with MiniCabRide

Travelling across London during the festive season can be busy, but pre-booking your journeys ensures comfort, reliability and a stress-free experience. MiniCabRide offers convenient, affordable and reliable private hire services across London, ideal for Christmas market visits, holiday shopping trips, West End shows, airport transfers and family days out. With fixed-fare pricing, travellers avoid surge charges and unexpected costs during peak festive travel periods. Their fleet includes saloons, executive cars, MPVs and minibuses, making them suitable for couples, families, groups and tourists with luggage. Pre-book online or through their app to schedule pick-ups from airports, train stations, hotels or event venues, ensuring smooth and timely travel throughout your Christmas trip in London.

Travel Tips for Christmas in London 2025

Book early: December is London’s busiest month: reserve shows, attractions, restaurants and taxis in advance.
Dress warmly: The Weather is cold and often wet, so wear layers, waterproof shoes, and carry gloves and scarves.
Avoid peak hours: Plan market visits and shopping earlier in the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Check event schedules: Some attractions have limited tickets or set time slots—booking online helps secure your place.
Use fixed-fare transport: Pre-booked transfers like MiniCabRide help avoid delays and save money during busy festive periods.

FAQs

Q1: When is the best time to visit London for Christmas 2025?
Late November to late December is ideal, with most lights and events active by mid-November.

Q2: Is London expensive at Christmas?
Prices can be higher during peak periods, but booking early, choosing fixed-fare transport, and exploring free attractions helps manage costs.

Q3: Are Christmas markets free to enter?
Most markets are free, though rides, food, and some performances require payment.

Q4: How can I travel easily between Christmas attractions?
Pre-book a MiniCabRide for convenient, fixed-fare travel—especially helpful when visiting multiple spots in one day.

Q5: Can I book airport transfers in advance?
Yes. Pre-booking with MiniCabRide ensures a reliable pickup from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, or London City Airport.

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