As London shrugs on its sequined festive jacket, there’s no better place to take in the magic of Christmas; the air is scented with mulled wine, the streets twinkle brighter than a Hollywood smile, and even the most Grinch-like among us can’t help but feel at least a tiny flutter of festive cheer. Whether you’re in it for the tradition, the sparkles, or simply the chance to eat your body weight in mince pies, London has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Yuletide delights. Here’s our curated guide to the crème de la crème of Christmas 2024, featuring everything from dazzling light trails to festive karaoke.
Christmas at Kew
Until 5 January 2025, Kew Gardens
If there’s one thing Londoners love, it’s a good light display, and Christmas at Kew delivers in spades. This sprawling botanical wonderland transforms into a luminous spectacle, with glowing pathways, glittering trees, and glasshouses bathed in rainbow hues. It’s all gloriously magical, but the pièce de résistance is the lake, where lights dance on the water’s surface like a kaleidoscope of Christmas joy. Warm up with a hot toddy, nibble on roasted chestnuts, and don’t forget to wave hello to Father Christmas in his grotto. If you’ve been before, go again – it never gets old.
Skate at Somerset House
Until 12 January 2025, Aldwych
Few things call out festive romance like gliding (or wobbling) around Somerset House’s iconic ice rink. Against the backdrop of its grand Georgian façade and 40-foot Christmas tree, it feels like stepping into a Richard Curtis film. The Skate Lates sessions add a dollop of cool, with DJs spinning everything from Rinse FM beats to retro classics. Whether you’re a figure-skating virtuoso or a cling-to-the-side novice, it’s impossible not to feel a little Christmassy here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Until 5 January 2025, Hyde Park
A bit of a marmite event, Winter Wonderland is London’s answer to Disneyland for Christmas. Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying its sheer scale: from the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink to the Real Ice Slide and an entire Santa Land for little ones. Beyond the rides and games, there are festive markets, Bavarian beer halls, and enough churros to fuel a small army. Pro tip: go early or midweek if you’d like to avoid the crowds (and the queues for mulled wine).
Dennis Severs’ House at Christmas
Until 12 January 2025, Spitalfields
Stepping into Dennis Severs’ House is like stepping back in time. This 18th-century Huguenot home is an immersive experience that’ll have you questioning if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a Charles Dickens novel. Each room tells its own festive story, with figgy puddings, gingerbread men, and lavishly adorned Christmas trees. For an extra sprinkling of magic, book a Silent Night evening tour, where the house is illuminated solely by candlelight.
Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral
30 November – 24 December 2024, St Paul’s Cathedral
There’s something inherently spine-tingling about hearing carols in St Paul’s Cathedral. Maybe it’s the soaring architecture, or perhaps it’s the sheer joy of belting out Hark. The Herald Angels Sing with strangers. From free family-friendly concerts to ticketed charity events like A Celebration of Christmas (12 December), this is the quintessential London Christmas experience. Be prepared to queue – and to leave feeling absurdly festive.
Rivoli Ballroom Christmas Pop-Up Cinema
20–22 December 2024, Brockley
Picture this: a vintage Grade I-listed ballroom, decked out in red and gold – now imagine it with the smell of popcorn in the air, and a screening of Elf or Love Actually to transport you to peak Christmas nostalgia. The Rivoli Ballroom’s pop-up cinema is the place to soak up the season’s magic while curled up with a blanket and a mince pie. Bonus points if you can sneak in a debate about whether Die Hard truly counts as a Christmas film.
Anya’s Grotto
Until 24 December 2024, Belgravia
For a more boutique take on the Santa experience, head to Anya Hindmarch’s Village store. This isn’t just a grotto; it’s a wonderland with candy cane forests and snowy caves. The little ones get a story and a gift from Father Christmas, while grown-ups are rewarded with a hot drink (mulled wine, anyone?) and the chance to shop for limited-edition Anya Hindmarch treasures. It’s Christmas, but make it chic.
DIY Christmas Art Market
7 December 2024, Peckham
For those who like their gifts with a side of creativity, the DIY Christmas Art Market is a must. Expect a riot of amazing and edgy finds: zines, prints, ceramics, totes, and more. This is where London’s independent makers shine, with one-of-a-kind treats that scream “thoughtful present” rather than “last-minute panic buy.” Grab a mulled wine, soak up the buzz, and prepare to leave with bags of inspiration (and goodies).
LondonSwede’s Lucia Night
14 December 2024, South Kensington
Inject a little Scandi charm into your Christmas with this traditional Swedish celebration. Lucia Night is all about ethereal white gowns, candlelit processions, and hauntingly beautiful choir performances. There will be songs in both Swedish and English, plus a good dose of fika and glögg (think coffee and mulled wine). It’s hygge, but make it Christmassy.
The Macmillan Carol Concert
3 December 2024, King’s Road
If you like your carols with a side of star power, the Macmillan Christmas Carol Concert is the event for you. Hosted by Joanna Lumley and Floella Benjamin, it promises a mix of traditional tunes and a new piece by War Horse composer Adrian Sutton. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support, so you can feel good about spreading festive cheer while doing your bit for a worthy cause.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Until 5 January 2025, Hampton
For a skating experience steeped in history, look no further than Hampton Court. Gliding (or wobbling) around this rink, you’ll be surrounded by the grandeur of Henry VIII’s former palace. It’s especially enchanting at dusk when the rink lights up against the Thames. Refuel post-skate with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine at the rinkside café.
Massaoke: Christmas Live
29 November – 20 December 2024, South Bank
If belting out Last Christmas is your thing, Massaoke will be your Christmas highlight. It’s karaoke, but communal – with a live band, lyrics on a giant screen, and all your favourite festive hits. Don your tackiest jumper, pour yourself a prosecco, and get ready to channel your musical talents.
This Christmas, whether you’re skating in front of a palace or sipping mulled wine at a market, London is pulling out all the stops to make the season merry and bright. So grab your gloves, wrap up warm, and dive into the festivities – the city’s sparkling, and so should you.
