Christmas In London - Best Ways To Be Festive

Are you looking to spend Christmas in London? Great idea! Many different things happen during the season, including Christmas markets, Christmas lights, and seasonal food and drink, so it's a perfect spot to get festive whether you live here or are visiting the city for the holidays.

London has a lot of activities to enjoy over the Christmas season, so we've created a brief guide of things to do. Let's get straight to it!

Christmas In London - Popular Things To Do

Visit London Christmas markets

A trip to one of London's charming Christmas markets is a must for any true London Christmas celebration. These tiny markets are the ideal spot to look for gifts for friends and family, sample some new tasty foods, sip mulled wine, and get into the Christmas spirit. They are filled with stocking stuffers, holiday decorations, clothes, and street cuisine.

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens with a massive amusement fair, an ice rink, games, a Christmas market, and seasonal meals and drinks. Christmas by the River is a charming riverbank market including pop-up bars, snacks, and crafts. Leicester Square Christmas Market is a bustling market located in the city center. And The King's Cross Christmas Market spans six weeks with eight different themed markets.

Allyssa, an enthusiastic traveler, advises - "The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park was a delightful experience, featuring carnival rides, games, and food, making it an ideal Christmas market worth visiting."

See the London Christmas lights

Admiring the stunning lights of the capital is the nicest part of celebrating Christmas in London. Iconic locations such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden are adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical ambiance that captures the holiday spirit. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, enjoy window displays, and feel the warmth of the season.

Robert, a traveler, advises - "During a December flying visit to London, I had a chilly but enjoyable experience. I took a Friday off to enjoy the wonderful festive lights along Oxford St and Regent St, New Bond St, and the side alleys and arcades. I highly recommend going there."

See the famous Trafalgar Square Tree

Norway has been donating trees to Great Britain annually since 1947. This has since become a tradition. Oslo has sent London a Christmas tree every year since World War II in appreciation of Britain's assistance during the war.

The tree is a prominent feature in Trafalgar Square during Christmas season. The lighting ceremony, typically held in early December, marks the official start of the festive season. The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, brings a magical and picturesque scene to London, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Go ice skating

In London, winter ice skating is always extremely popular. SKATE at Somerset House is one of the top ice skating places. Shops and restaurants surround the large ice.

Pretty ice rinks pop up at places like Canary Wharf and Hampton Court Palace from October right through until January — including ones that open on Christmas Day. Don't forget to treat yourself to a hot chocolate after you skate at the top ice rinks in London!

Christmas In London - The Weather

London experiences cool temperatures in the Christmas season. The average high temperature in December is 9°C/49°F, while the average low temperature is 5°C/41°F. Rainfall is moderate, and occasional showers are common, making it advisable to bring rubber boots and an umbrella if you’re keen on staying dry.

December in London is likely to bring a couple of days of snowfall. When celebrating Christmas in London, it's crucial to wear warm mittens and snow boots to stay warm.