Celebrate the holidays in London with our ultimate event guide. Be you a local or a traveler, our guide will help you uncover the holiday charms of London.
Popular events during this festive season include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a whimsical attraction filled with fairground rides, Christmas markets, and an enchanting ice skating rink. Offering a unique experience, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks light up the Thames, providing a striking backdrop to the city’s skyline. And the Covent Garden Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing sparkling decorations and lively performances throughout the historic marketplace. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the London Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for London!
Top Holiday Events In and Around London
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show
- Covent Garden Christmas
- Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
- Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus
- Ice Skating at Somerset House
- Southbank Centre Winter Festival
- Miracle at Henrietta
- Skate at Battersea Power Station
See these and even more events listed below!
London Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus
What to Expect:
Vintage bus tour showcasing London's festive lights.
Description:
Explore London's iconic Christmas lights on a vintage bus tour, passing through Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square, with live guided commentary.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus
Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Illuminated botanical garden with seasonal light installations and festive food.
Description:
Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show features twinkling lights, dancing reflections, and festive food vendors amidst the botanical garden's stunning landscape.
Where: London | More Info: Kew Gardens Christmas Light Show
Traditional Black Cab Tour of London's Christmas lights
What to Expect:
Private guided tour in a classic London black cab.
Description:
Explore London's iconic Christmas lights in a traditional black cab, visiting central locations like Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden. Enjoy photo opportunities and learn about the city's festive spirit with a knowledgeable private guide.
Where: London | More Info: Traditional Black Cab Tour of London's Christmas lights
Christmas Markets at Trafalgar Square
What to Expect:
Traditional Norwegian Christmas tree with energy-efficient lights.
Description:
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a 50-60 year old Norwegian spruce, over 20 meters tall, selected from Oslo's forests. It is felled in November and transported to London, where it is decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with energy-efficient lights. The tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before Twelfth Night, symbolizing Norway's gratitude for Britain's support during World War II.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Trafalgar Square
London Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive art installations and diverse shopping options.
Description:
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival offers a vibrant array of activities, including spectacular shows, luminous art, and a wondrous Winter Market. Visitors can explore inspiring books, homeware, prints, and accessories, as well as enjoy water cascades over bronze figures and a growing pocket forest.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Covent Garden Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations and festive activities in a historic setting.
Description:
Covent Garden transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with iconic Christmas bells, giant baubles, and a 60ft Christmas tree. Enjoy festive menus, mulled wine, and unique shopping experiences.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas
Christmas Markets at Spitalfields
What to Expect:
Zero-waste theatre with eco-friendly bar and diverse entertainment options.
Description:
Spitalfields Market offers a variety of Christmas activities, including a unique show by Greenhouse Theatre, eco-friendly bar, live music, and Christmas movie screenings. Restaurants and retailers also participate with discounts and seasonal products.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Spitalfields
Christmas Markets at Greenwich
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and handmade crafts in a historic setting.
Description:
Greenwich Christmas Markets offer a variety of seasonal treats and unique gifts amidst twinkling lights and historic sites, including the annual lantern parade.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Greenwich
London Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday celebration with diverse attractions and activities.
Description:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a comprehensive holiday event featuring an array of attractions, including an open-air ice rink, carnival rides, live music, and themed areas like Santa's Grotto and the Magical Ice Kingdom. The event offers a variety of food and drink options, as well as festive shopping opportunities.
Where: London | More Info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
The Great Christmas Feast at the Lost Estate
What to Expect:
Immersive dining experience blending Victorian feasting with theatrical storytelling.
Description:
Step into Victorian London and immerse yourself in Charles Dickens' timeless classic, 'A Christmas Carol,' with a three-course feast and live music.
Where: London | More Info: The Great Christmas Feast at the Lost Estate
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
English National Ballet's Nutcracker at the London Coliseum is a classic ballet performance featuring over 100 dancers and musicians. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, this new interpretation combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. The iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Where: London | More Info: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
La Clique at Spiegeltent in Leicester Square
What to Expect:
Edgy, slick, and wonderful cabaret show with international performers.
Description:
La Clique at Spiegeltent in Leicester Square offers a spectacular blend of daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, and raucous comedy, featuring all-new acts alongside beloved favorites.
Where: London | More Info: La Clique at Spiegeltent in Leicester Square
Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
What to Expect:
Unique stage adaptation of a classic tale with exceptional set and costume design.
Description:
Jack Thorne's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, joyously brought to life on stage at the Old Vic with big-hearted performances and stunning set and costume design.
Where: London | More Info: Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
Cadogan Hall Christmas Events
What to Expect:
World-class choral performances and West End musicals.
Description:
Cadogan Hall presents a variety of Christmas events, including classical choral performances by The Sixteen, a West End musical extravaganza, and festive singalongs by The Choir with No Name. These events feature a range of musical styles and traditions, from medieval carols to modern masterpieces, ensuring something for every musical taste.
Where: London | More Info: Cadogan Hall Christmas Events
Christmas Markets at Leicester Square
What to Expect:
Spectacular cabaret show with all-new acts and beloved favorites.
Description:
La Clique returns to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent for its 20th anniversary, featuring a blend of daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, and raucous comedy.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Leicester Square
The Murder Express Immersive Dining Experience
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical dining experience with a bespoke menu and live actors.
Description:
Step into the 1920s in East London for an immersive theatrical dining experience featuring a 3-course meal, crafted cocktails, and a comedic murder mystery storyline.
Where: London | More Info: The Murder Express Immersive Dining Experience
London Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at Somerset House
What to Expect:
Unmatched skating experience with gourmet dining and live music.
Description:
Ice skating at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with unrivalled skating, contemporary music, and tasty food and drink. Enjoy skating lessons, Chilled Out sessions, and trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks.
Where: London | More Info: Ice Skating at Somerset House
Skate at Battersea Power Station
What to Expect:
Interconnected ice rinks with a 30ft Christmas tree.
Description:
Glide at Battersea Power Station offers a unique ice skating experience with three interconnecting rinks, stunning views of the Thames, and a 30ft Christmas tree. After skating, enjoy festive entertainment and a variety of food and drink options.
Where: London | More Info: Skate at Battersea Power Station
Miracle at Henrietta
What to Expect:
Nostalgic Christmas decorations and festive cocktails.
Description:
Miracle at Henrietta is a Christmas-themed bar located in Covent Garden, London. It offers a nostalgic and kitschy atmosphere with festive cocktails and decorations reminiscent of Christmas past. The bar features a variety of seasonal drinks, including the Christmapolitan and Holiday Spiked Chai, served in a space adorned with tinsel, disco balls, and larger-than-life candy canes.
Where: London | More Info: Miracle at Henrietta
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
What to Expect:
World-class fireworks display synchronized to music.
Description:
Witness the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display over the Thames River, featuring a grand fireworks show synchronized to music.
Where: London | More Info: New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
What to Expect:
Symbolic nightly locking of the Tower's gates with centuries-old tradition.
Description:
The Ceremony of the Keys is a centuries-old tradition at the Tower of London, where the Chief Yeoman Warder locks the gates with the King's Keys, accompanied by a ceremonial escort. This symbolic event has taken place nightly for over 700 years, maintaining the fortress's security and historical significance.
Where: London | More Info: Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
Private chauffeur-driven tour around London's landmarks
What to Expect:
Personalized, guided tour of London's most famous sites.
Description:
Explore London's iconic landmarks with a private chauffeur-driven tour, visiting the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and Windsor Castle, among others, in a luxurious vehicle.
Where: London | More Info: Private chauffeur-driven tour around London's landmarks
Jack The Ripper & Sherlock Holmes Evening Bus Tour
What to Expect:
Explore London's dark history with a professional guide.
Description:
Embark on a chilling journey through haunted London, retracing the steps of Jack the Ripper and visiting iconic sites like Smithfield Market and the Sherlock Holmes Pub.
Where: London | More Info: Jack The Ripper & Sherlock Holmes Evening Bus Tour
Black Taxi Tour – Private sightseeing tour in a London cab
What to Expect:
Personalized sightseeing tour in a classic London black cab.
Description:
Explore London's iconic landmarks and hidden gems with a private, bespoke tour in a classic black cab. Led by knowledgeable London taxi drivers and guides, these tours offer a unique insight into the city's history, architecture, and culture.
Where: London | More Info: Black Taxi Tour – Private sightseeing tour in a London cab
The Da Vinci Code – Walking tour of Dan Browns book
What to Expect:
Explore ancient Knights Templar sites and famous London landmarks.
Description:
Embark on a 2.5-hour guided walking tour through central London, uncovering the mysteries of Dan Brown's bestseller, The Da Vinci Code. Visit actual film locations and landmarks like Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey, while learning fascinating facts about the novel and its movie adaptation.
Where: London | More Info: The Da Vinci Code – Walking tour of Dan Browns book
Haunted Halloween Adventure with Ghost Equipment
What to Expect:
Immersive ghostly experience in a historic palace setting.
Description:
Explore Henry VIII's notoriously haunted palace, where atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects transform the grand corridors and courtyards. Feel the chilling presence of infamous ghosts hiding around every corner. After exploring, hear spooky stories and relax with a Halloween-themed treat from the café.
Where: London | More Info: Haunted Halloween Adventure with Ghost Equipment
Indoor Skydiving Session with iFLY at The O2
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels for a realistic flying experience.
Description:
At iFLY, experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in a safe and fun environment. With state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels, you can soar like a bird and enjoy the sensation of flying. Perfect for all ages and abilities, this activity is ideal for those looking to try something new or hone their skills in indoor skydiving.
Where: London | More Info: Indoor Skydiving Session with iFLY at The O2
The Formula 1 Exhibition at London's ExCel Centre
What to Expect:
Interactive experience with historic and modern F1 cars.
Description:
The Formula 1 Exhibition at London's ExCeL Centre offers an immersive journey through the past, present, and future of Formula 1, featuring extensive contributions from F1's greatest teams and drivers. The exhibition includes six principle rooms, each specially commissioned for the show, offering a unique perspective on the extraordinary story of Formula 1. It combines historic and modern-day race cars, previously unseen film and interviews, and interactive elements including racing simulators.
Where: London | More Info: The Formula 1 Exhibition at London's ExCel Centre
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- City of Westminster (1 miles)
- Islington (2 miles)
- Camden Town (2 miles)
- Chelsea (2 miles)
- Chalk Farm (3 miles)
- Battersea (3 miles)
- Holloway (3 miles)
- Brixton (3 miles)
- Highbury (3 miles)
- Peckham (3 miles)
- Fulham (4 miles)
- Archway (4 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (4 miles)
- Kilburn (4 miles)
- Canary Wharf (5 miles)
- Stamford Hill (5 miles)
- Bow (5 miles)
- Willesden (5 miles)
- Cricklewood (5 miles)
- Putney (5 miles)
- Streatham (6 miles)
- Stratford (6 miles)
- Muswell Hill (6 miles)
- Chiswick (6 miles)
- Barnes (6 miles)
- Canning Town (6 miles)
- Catford (6 miles)
- Wood Green (6 miles)
- Acton (6 miles)
- Blackheath (6 miles)
- Wimbledon (7 miles)
- Tottenham (7 miles)
- Finchley (7 miles)
- Leytonstone (7 miles)
- Walthamstow (7 miles)
- Mitcham (8 miles)
- Wembley (8 miles)
- Beckenham (8 miles)
- Brent (8 miles)
- Morden (8 miles)
- Richmond (8 miles)
- Edmonton (9 miles)
- Eltham (9 miles)
- Croydon (9 miles)
- Barking (9 miles)
- Ilford (9 miles)
- Woodford Green (9 miles)
- New Malden (9 miles)
- Isleworth (10 miles)
- Carshalton (10 miles)
- Greenford (10 miles)
- Chingford (10 miles)
- Enfield Town (10 miles)
- Wallington (10 miles)
- Harrow (10 miles)
- South Croydon (10 miles)
- Barnet (10 miles)
- Hounslow (10 miles)
- Welling (11 miles)
- Southall (11 miles)
- Thamesmead (11 miles)
- Northolt (11 miles)
- Heston (11 miles)
- Surbiton (11 miles)
- Hadley Wood (11 miles)
- Becontree (11 miles)
- Sutton (11 miles)
- Purley (12 miles)
- Borehamwood (12 miles)
- Ewell (12 miles)
- Hanworth (12 miles)
- Bexley (13 miles)
- Hayes (13 miles)
- Dagenham (13 miles)
- Potters Bar (13 miles)
- Coulsdon (13 miles)
- Feltham (13 miles)
- Banstead (13 miles)
- Ruislip (14 miles)
- Epsom (14 miles)
- Cheshunt (14 miles)
- Esher (14 miles)
- Romford (14 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (15 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (15 miles)
- Swanley (15 miles)
- Hornchurch (15 miles)
- Ashford (15 miles)
- Dartford (15 miles)
- Watford (15 miles)
- Uxbridge (16 miles)
- Caterham (16 miles)
- Leatherhead (17 miles)
- Staines (17 miles)
- Hatfield (18 miles)
- Hoddesdon (18 miles)
- Redhill (19 miles)
- St Albans (19 miles)
- Reigate (19 miles)
- Egham (19 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (19 miles)
- Grays (20 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (20 miles)
- Hertford (20 miles)
- Brentwood (20 miles)
- Slough (20 miles)
- Windsor (20 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (21 miles)
- Harlow (21 miles)
- Sevenoaks (21 miles)
- Gravesend (22 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (22 miles)
- Woking (23 miles)
- Horley (23 miles)
- Harpenden (23 miles)
- Amersham (24 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (24 miles)
- Chesham (24 miles)
- Billericay (25 miles)
- Basildon (25 miles)
- Maidenhead (26 miles)
- Berkhamsted (26 miles)
- Guildford (27 miles)
- East Grinstead (27 miles)
- Strood (27 miles)
- Stevenage (27 miles)
- Crawley (27 miles)
- Pitsea (28 miles)
- Tonbridge (28 miles)
- Bracknell (28 miles)
- Bishops Stortford (28 miles)
- High Wycombe (28 miles)
- Rochester (28 miles)
- Luton (29 miles)
- Wickford (29 miles)
- Camberley (29 miles)
- Chatham (30 miles)
- South Benfleet (30 miles)
- Chelmsford (30 miles)
- Gillingham (30 miles)
- Crowthorne (30 miles)
- Canvey Island (30 miles)
- Sandhurst (31 miles)
- Godalming (31 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (31 miles)
- Farnborough (31 miles)
- Dunstable (31 miles)
- Hitchin (31 miles)
- Wokingham (31 miles)
- Rayleigh (32 miles)
- Horsham (32 miles)
- Maidstone (32 miles)
- Yateley (32 miles)
- Letchworth Garden City (33 miles)
- Aldershot (33 miles)
- Crowborough (33 miles)
- Fleet (34 miles)
- Lower Earley (35 miles)
- Haywards Heath (35 miles)
- Farnham (36 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (36 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (36 miles)
- Aylesbury (36 miles)
- Reading (37 miles)
- Maldon (38 miles)
- Burgess Hill (38 miles)
- Witham (39 miles)
- Braintree (39 miles)
- Sittingbourne (39 miles)
- Ampthill (39 miles)
- Bordon (42 miles)
- Bletchley (42 miles)
- Basingstoke (45 miles)