London at Christmas: My Ultimate List of Festive Activities!
So, it’s the end of November, which basically means it’s Christmas in London. The city is already doing the absolute MOST. The Oxford Street Christmas lights are twinkling, the “mulled wine available” signs are up in every pub, and I am fully ready to lean into the festivities. I’ve lived in London forever at this point, so I’ve put together the most magical, sparkly, jam-packed list of things to do this December, from iconic traditions to hidden gems. This is perfect if you’re a London local or visiting the city for the first time this December!
Grab your warmest coat, pop on a red lip, and let’s make this the Christmassiest Christmas ever…
If you do anything this season, do this. London’s lights are on another level. Start with the angels on Regent Street (um, the supermodels of Christmas lights), float into Carnaby, and wander through Covent Garden, where the giant tree gives is just stunning.
The thing I love about this, is you can walk through, pop into shops, all with a warm drink in hand. There are loads of routes online, but honestly, just follow the glow.
Every year, Claridge’s unveils a Christmas tree so fabulous it should have its own agent. This year’s design is, once again, so iconic. Please do yourself a favour: pop in, admire the magic, and order the coldest glass of champagne in London.
Liberty at Christmas is an emotion. Head up to the Christmas Shop and treat yourself to a bauble or decoration, something special that you’ll put on your tree every year and say, “Oh yes, that’s my Liberty one.” This is something I’ve been doing for years, and I hope to keep doing forever!
Also: Liberty usually has carol singers, often out on the steps or tucked inside. They are always incredible and so worth going to hear!
The Great Christmas Window Tour
Take yourself on a solo festive date and stroll past London’s iconic store windows. Here are my favourites:
· Selfridges is Disney-themed this year (YES, really).
· Fortnum’s is always stunning. The giant advent calendar on the shop fronts this year is unreal.
· Harrods goes full theatre.
Top tip, go at dusk (ideally on a weekday so it’s slightly less busy!) for the best sparkle-to-photo ratio.
Hot Chocolate (or Mulled Wine) Tour
Right. Let’s talk hot choc. Here are my absolute faves:
· Gelateria Danieli, Richmond – The (incredibly viral) thick Italian-style hot chocolate. Practically a pudding. You need a spoon. Heaven.
· Knoops – Ok, it’s a chain but it’s incredible. Choose your cacao percentage, add flavours, customise it to high heaven. A chocolate sommelier moment.
· Claridge’s & The Ritz – If you’re feeling fancy, their festive hot chocolates are decadent, velvety, and the best treat.
If hot chocolate isn’t your thing, swap for mulled wine and tour London’s Christmas markets – Southbank, Borough, Covent Garden, or my personal fave: the pubs in Coal Drops Yard, so you can wonder around the shops afterwards.
Ice Skating
There are so many amazing places to go ice skating in London. You can even go to the Natural History Museum to skate. But honestly, Somerset House is the classic choice, romantic and very photogenic. Whether you glide or cling to the railings for a full 30-minutes, it’s all part of the festive fun.
Panto is the most gloriously camp, chaotic, tradition-filled Christmas activity. Expect sparkles, silliness and audience participation. I’d recommend the big West End pantos for full effect but it’s worth checking out what’s in your local area too.
If you’ve never been to a panto as an adult – GO. It’s honestly just silly and fun. Plus, you can do it with wine!
The famous light trail is genuinely breathtaking. Trees glowing, reflections shimmering on the water, fire gardens, toasted marshmallows… it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
This one is (still, just about!) a hidden gem and so wholesome. On Wednesdays in December, Columbia Road hosts late-night shopping with live carol singers, mulled wine, and flower stalls bursting with wreaths and winter blooms. It’s cosy, local Christmas at its best. My top tip, go early!
Support Local Choirs
This is honestly one of the most heartfelt things you can do in December. Local choirs perform across the city, filling churches with pure magic.
My brother-in-law sings with Voce Chamber Choir, and their Christmas concerts are beautiful. Candlelight + beautiful traditional Christmas music = instant festive spirit. It’s a highlight every single year – be quick, tickets always sell out!
If you want something less touristy than the big markets, this is for you. Artisanal traders, festive food, atmospheric design, and warm, twinkly lighting everywhere.
Whether at the Royal Opera House or a smaller theatre, The Nutcracker is the ballet equivalent of putting your tree up. I cried so hard the first time I went to see it. So incredible!
And that’s the full festive list… London at Christmas is pure magic, so get out there, explore, and make some memories worthy of their own Hallmark movie. If you see me doing my annual Christmas lights tour with a mulled wine in hand, come say hi.
Love,
Lisa xx