Your guide to an extra sprinkle of holiday joy, here are 10 festive things to do in London at Christmas!
December in London mixes twinkling lights and Christmas trees with colorful windows and an unmissable holiday energy.
It’s magical.
Odds are that if you’re headed to London in December, that you’ll want to take in the holiday atmosphere. Really, why wouldn’t you?
One of the things that makes travel so special is the real-time experiences of the places we visit. Undoubtedly, the seasons help bring that to life.
If you are looking to add a bit of festive fun to your travels, than December in London just might be the perfect time for a getaway.
Find Christmas Well-Being in London
There’s a reason I find myself in London often during the holiday season, it just makes me FEEL good.
There’s a jovial spirit.
People are happy.
It’s good for well-being!
In addition, there are some unique seasonal events. Many of which really hit the spot for the wellness-minded traveler.
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know London is one of my favorite weekend getaways. For any kind of travel…wellness travel, solo travel or weekend getaways!
What’s so great about December is that even the ordinary tourist experiences get a face lift for the season. It feels a bit like being a kid again!
To help you get into the Christmas spirit, here are 10 festive things to do in London at Christmas.
Be warned, there’s fun & joy right around the corner!
The Fortnum & Mason Holiday Windows
Hands down, the Fortnum & Mason windows are the best holiday windows in the city.
Always a light-hearted Christmas theme, they are engaging and delightful. They’re absolutely guaranteed to bring happiness your way.
Stroll Festive Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the best places to stroll in the city, and there’s no better season than Christmas The pedestrian alleys and quaint corners come to life with a magic all their own.
The market itself is adorned with large bobbles that reflect thousands of glittery lights across the walls & ceilings.
It’s mindful & mesmerizing joy!
Even better, it has one of the best live Christmas trees in the city with 30,000 twinkling lights. Making it the perfect place for a festive photo or two with your loved ones.
Savor Hot Cocoa in Seven Dials
If you are a hot chocolate lover, then be sure to put this on your festive things to do in London bucket list!
Next to Covent Garden is the the Seven Dials Neighborhood. Where you’ll find one of the best hot chocolates in the city, at Hotel Chocolat.
Not only do they have a range of flavors including healthy dark chocolate, the whipped cream on top is also cocoa infused.
It’s downright divine!
And if you’re looking for some festive gifts, their seasonal range of chocolates won’t disappoint either.
Wander the Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in London are a festive treat. Dotted across the city, they are a must on any festive London bucket list!
Escape for the afternoon to wood chalets with mulled wine, street food, gifts, festive music and more.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park draws people from far and wide for it’s food stalls, German beer tent and apres ski-inspired village. The Christmas by the River market sits in a beautiful location next to Tower Bridge. It’s worth a whirl and a gluhwein, or two.
Relax with a Mulled Gin
This is the G & T lovers answer to Christmas cheer!
As a gin lover, the sight of this sign made my day.
My friend & I thought this drink may even be better than the original with red wine, a bit smoother at the end.
But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of gin. There’s plenty of mulled wine & cider around town to warm you up as you enjoy the atmosphere.
Get Lost in a London Neighborhood
Sometimes the best travel moments are the unplanned and unexpected. So, why not explore one of London’s 48 neighborhoods without agenda.
Each one has its own unique character and every single one of them has unique holiday events, decorations & cheer.
Go on, find an unworn path or find somewhere new to explore. Stretch your brain and try something a bit unknown, you never know what joy awaits you.
Soak in The London Christmas Lights
Lights criss-cross the streets of London, and everywhere in-between. These beautiful draping bulbs bring life & energy to the streets.
One thing is for sure, don’t forget your camera, holiday lights are one of the most joyous things to photograph in London!
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Regent Street (for twinkle)
- Oxford Street (hustle & bustle of the city meets lights)
- Carnaby (a different theme every year)
- Regent Street St James’s (big, yet intimate)
- Seven Dials (a more neighborhood feel)
Be Inspired by The Nutcracker
Nothing says Christmas quite like the Nutcracker and there’s nothing more engaging than a live performance!
So, why not escape with The English National Ballet and immerse yourself in an Edwardian London Christmas Eve.
The dancers, the music, and the beautiful sets. They come together perfectly to bring this classic story to life and you’ll be grounded in the present moment.
You’re sure to walk out of the performance light as air, I did!
Go Ice Skating at Somerset House
Ice skating in a neoclassical courtyard, you bet!
Ice skating is such a fun way to stay in shape while traveling. As well as, skating with in such a beautiful spot is rather relaxing (if you can stay on your feet that is)😂.
Don’t Miss a Christmas Choral Concert
If it’s awe-inspiring auditory bliss you’re looking for, then an advent service or holiday concert might just be the ticket.
My favorites choral services have been at St Martin-in-the-Fields and The Temple Church. There is something quite moving song when in the presence of such architectural beauty.
And the Advent Carol Services at St. Paul’s, with the candlelit procession under Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece…is a memory to cherish for a lifetime.
These are exactly the kind of travel experiences that expose you to beautiful cultural moments while also being nourishing self-care.
Festive Things to Do in London Bucket List
True to form, there’s an ever growing bucket list for London in December.
It includes:
- Christmas at Kew for botanical cheer
- Christmas themed afternoon tea…as a joyful way to relax & unwind
- Battersea Christmas Concert…carols, mulled wine & a doggie honor guard, it’s a no brainer to support rescue animals while celebrating the season
So tell me, what will make your London bucket list? If you have something good to recommend, send it my way! I’m all ears.
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
More London Inspiration…
- 10 Wellness Things to Do in London
- 5 Beautiful Places for Leisure Walks in London
- Richmond Park in January: A Mindful Photo Walk
