Home > Best Things to Do in London at Christmas: Markets, Lights and Festive Magic
Best Things to Do in London at Christmas: Markets, Lights and Festive Magic
Hotel La Place
London at Christmas is a world of its own. Streets sparkle under thousands of twinkling bulbs, markets fill the air with sweet aromas of cinnamon and toasted nuts, and every corner feels like a scene from a festive film. Whether you’re visiting for three days or an entire week, the city is ready to welcome you into its most enchanting season.
London’s Must-Visit Christmas Markets
One of the essential festive things to do in London is exploring the city’s Christmas markets. And you’ll have no shortage of choices.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the most iconic of all, returning from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, filled with wooden chalets, mulled wine stalls, rides and festive music. Can you imagine starting your London Christmas adventure surrounded by lights and laughter?
Along the Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market stands out for its magical setting and riverside views. It’s one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in London, perfect for picking up handmade gifts or trying seasonal treats.
In Covent Garden, the giant Christmas tree, oversized decorations and softly falling artificial snow create a scene that feels straight out of a festive film. If you’re looking for a market that blends tradition and charm, this is the one.
The Most Spectacular Christmas Lights
The London Christmas lights are another highlight of the season, turning entire neighbourhoods into glowing winter wonderlands.
Oxford Street shines with thousands of LED snowflakes that seem to float in the air, filling the avenue with a soft, wintry glow. Regent Street dazzles with its iconic angels, stretching their illuminated wings above the crowds in one of the most elegant light displays in the world. And just a short walk away, Carnaby Street reinvents itself once again with bold, imaginative themes that transform the entire neighbourhood into a burst of colour and creativity. With every corner lit up in its own unique way, the city feels alive, inviting you to wander, explore and lose yourself in the magic. Who can resist a winter walk when the whole of London sparkles around you?
Festive Experiences You Can’t Miss
London is packed with unforgettable seasonal experiences in December, each one adding a new layer to the city’s festive charm. Ice-skating at Somerset House is one of the most magical things to do in London at Christmas, where the grand neoclassical courtyard transforms into a glittering stage of music, movement and winter romance. Glide under the fairy lights, warm your hands with a hot chocolate, and feel the soft hum of Christmas settling over the city.
But the magic doesn’t end there. Christmas concerts echo through historic churches such as St Martin-in-the-Fields or Southwark Cathedral, filling the air with carols and candlelight. The West End comes alive with festive performances—classic ballets, seasonal plays and family-friendly shows that turn an ordinary evening into a cherished memory. And if you want to see London from a completely different angle, a cosy Thames river cruise under twinkling lights offers a tranquil escape from the holiday buzz. Isn’t December the perfect time to discover the nostalgic, serene side of the city?
Families will find endless joy in the enchanting winter trails at Kew Gardens, where illuminated trees, glowing archways and immersive installations create a fairytale world. Santa’s grottos pop up across the city, adding an extra sparkle to little ones’ adventures. Couples, meanwhile, will fall in love with lantern-lit walks through quiet neighbourhoods, intimate riverside markets, and café windows glowing with warmth on crisp winter evenings. Whether you're seeking excitement, tradition or intimacy, London in December offers moments that feel both timeless and unforgettable.
Beyond the classics, London in December offers countless little moments that make the season feel truly special. Step into the beautifully decorated halls of the Victoria and Albert Museum for a cultural escape wrapped in seasonal charm. Warm up with a Christmas afternoon tea, complete with spiced cakes and steaming teapots, or explore the illuminated walking routes around Hampstead, Richmond or Primrose Hill, where winter landscapes reveal a quieter, dreamier side of the city. And for those who love tradition, don’t miss the carol services at the Royal Albert Hall or the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, where the towering Norwegian tree lights up the heart of London. With every step, every street and every sound, the city reminds you why December here feels like nowhere else.
Where to Stay: A Magical Base in Marylebone
After exploring the best things to do in London at Christmas, returning to a calm and central hotel makes all the difference. Hotel La Place, located in elegant Marylebone, offers the perfect blend of comfort, character and convenience.
Marylebone is one of the most beautiful districts in London, with Georgian streets, boutique shops and cosy cafés that feel made for winter strolls. Staying here means stepping outside and instantly connecting with the heart of London’s festive magic.
Isn’t it comforting to know that after wandering through Christmas markets and marvelling at London Christmas lights, you can unwind in a warm, welcoming space just minutes away?
Make Your Christmas 2025 in London Unforgettable
Christmas in London promises festive markets, glowing streets and moments you’ll treasure long after the journey ends. The city wraps itself in light, music and tradition, inviting you to slow down, wander and savour every detail. From the sparkle of Regent Street to the aroma of mulled wine drifting through the markets, December turns London into an experience rather than a destination. The question is… are you ready to experience London at its most magical and create memories that stay with you long after winter fades?
Book your stay at Hotel La Place and let the festive season begin.