Christmas Activities in London
The most wonderful time of the year is on the way, so why not get into the festive spirit with a Christmas break in London? Whether you are planning a family holiday, a couples' getaway or a festive weekend with friends, there are plenty of things to do in London at Christmas. From spectacular Christmas lights and traditional markets to ice skating, Christmas at Kew and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the capital is brimming with magical experiences and festive fun for all ages.
See London's Christmas Lights
London comes alive with spectacular Christmas lights and decorations from early November, making an evening stroll through the city one of the best ways to soak up the festive atmosphere.
See the famous angels soaring above Regent Street, admire the displays along Oxford Street and discover the colourful decorations around Carnaby. Covent Garden is another Christmas favourite, with more than 300,000 lights, giant bells and baubles, and an impressive Christmas tree creating a magical backdrop for a family day out.
For an even more immersive experience, book a visit to one of London's illuminated trails, including the spectacular Christmas at Kew.
Go Christmas Shopping
London is famous for its fantastic shopping, and Christmas is an especially exciting time to explore the capital's shops and markets.
Discover iconic department stores such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges, where spectacular window displays and Christmas departments add to the festive experience. Alternatively, browse independent boutiques and market stalls for more unusual gifts.
Westfield Stratford City offers hundreds of shops and is easily accessible by Tube from Clayton Hotel City of London, while Oxford Street combines Christmas shopping in London with some of city's best-known festive lights.
Covent Garden is another favourite for Christmas shopping, combining the Apple and Jubilee Markets with boutiques, restaurants and beautifully decorated streets. Look out for handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations and plenty of tempting festive treats.
Visit a London Christmas Market
Nothing says Christmas quite like browsing wooden chalets with a hot chocolate in hand. Christmas markets in London are great places to find gifts, enjoy seasonal food and soak up the atmosphere.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a top choice for families. Stretching along the Thames, its Alpine-style chalets offer seasonal food, warming drinks and gifts, with some of London's most famous landmarks close by.
You'll also find festive stalls and seasonal treats at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, making it easy to combine Christmas shopping with rides and entertainment.
Enjoy Festive food and drink
London does not cease to impress with its multitude of Christmas markets where each year you can enjoy the best festive drinks, taste seasonal dishes and try fun and engaging activities for all ages. Get together with your dear ones and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in the heart of London at Clayton Hotel City of London. Enjoy a festive lunch or dinner with your loved ones in the relaxed atmosphere of the Grill Restaurant.
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of London's favourite winter traditions and a fun activity for both children and adults.
Skate at Somerset House transforms its spectacular neoclassical courtyard into a beautiful open-air ice rink from November 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Families can look out for daytime skating sessions, Skate School and the Kids Skate Club.
Another option is Glide at Battersea Power Station. The riverside attraction features three interconnected ice rinks and a 200-metre skating trail, with penguin skate aids available for younger visitors.
Experience Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Explore one of the most popular UK Christmas markets at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, taking place from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027, excluding Christmas Day. This huge festive attraction brings together ice skating, rides, live entertainment, fairground attractions, Christmas market stalls and plenty of seasonal food and drink in the heart of Hyde Park.
There is plenty for families to discover, although some rides and attractions have individual age or height restrictions.
Winter Wonderland uses timed entry tickets, so pre-book through the official website before your visit, particularly if you are planning to go during a weekend or school holiday.
Discover Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is one of London's most magical festive experiences and a wonderful choice for a family evening out. Taking place on selected dates from November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027, the spectacular illuminated trail winds through the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
Follow a trail of dazzling installations, colourful illuminated trees and sparkling displays while enjoying festive food and drink along the way. The 2026 experience combines new installations with returning favourites, and families can also look out for fairground fun and Father Christmas.
Christmas at Kew is a ticketed event and popular dates can sell out, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
See a Christmas Show or Pantomime
A trip to the theatre is a classic British Christmas tradition and a great way to spend a winter afternoon or evening as a family.
London's theatres come alive over the festive season with pantomimes, musicals and Christmas productions suitable for children of different ages. From big West End shows to smaller family productions, there is usually something for everyone.
Check current performance times and age guidance when planning your visit, especially if you are travelling with younger children.
London New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Looking for a distinctive destination for a New Year’s Eve to remember? Taking place along the River Thames, the annual London New Year’s Eve fireworks event is going to be one of the most memorable festive experiences that you will be part of. This is a ticketed event since 2014 to ensure the event stays safe and fun for all so make sure you pre-book your tickets.
Fall in Love with London at Christmas
Stay at a four-star Clayton Hotel for your Christmas break away in London.
Staying in London?
FAQs: Things to Do in London at Christmas
Popular activities include seeing the Christmas lights, visiting festive markets, ice skating, Christmas at Kew and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby and Covent Garden are among the most popular places to see London's Christmas lights.
Yes, festive markets can be found across London, including the Southbank Centre Winter Market and stalls at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Popular options include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Skate at Somerset House and Glide at Battersea Power Station, with sessions suitable for families.
