You might think I’m crazy, writing about Christmas when summer hasn’t even ended, but hear me out! Planning your Christmas activities in advance isn’t a bad idea. I imagine there are many people around the world planning their trip to London around Christmas right now. It helps to have a guide available! Personally, although I live in London, I also like to plan ahead. In fact, I have already booked not one, not two, but three (!) Christmas attractions. Partly because they sell out quickly, and partly because it’s cheaper to book them in advance. I’m a self-proclaimed biggest Christmas enthusiast in London, and here is my guide for things to do in London around Christmas – 2026 edition.
Before we get to the guide, let me mention my annual posts with lots of photos from Christmas in London from recent years. They include a lot of information too!
When is the best time to visit London for Christmas events?
Christmas events in London start as early as mid-November, but popular department stores such as Harrods usually open their Christmas shops in August.
London is a popular tourist destination all year round, but it gets particularly busy around Christmas. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, I recommend visiting London a few weeks before Christmas. Even then, it won’t be quiet – but it also won’t be as bad as mid December.
Personally, I usually book my Christmas activities in the second half of November. If you’re a tourist planning a Christmas trip to London, I suggest coming in the last week of November or first week of December. All of the Christmas markets, lights, and decorations will certainly be up in full glory by then, except for one – the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square (more about this later).
Christmas markets in central London
Let’s start with Christmas markets in central London. There are a few – they usually start popping up in early November. The main ones are:
- Leicester Square
- Trafalgar Square
- Southbank
- Winter by the river (Hay’s Galleria)
- King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
In recent years, there were other, smaller markets:
- near St Paul’s Cathedral (didn’t take place in 2025)
- near Tower of London/Tower Bridge (north bank of the Thames)
- Kingston
Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square Christmas markets are very similar. You’ll find mulled wine, street food from around the world, and some… random items. From Christmas baubles to candles or toys… You might think they’re sold by independent vendors, but the truth is, you’ll find the same items at most Christmas markets around London, and they come back in unchanged form year after year. So, they’re likely mass produced somewhere in Asia, keep that in mind.
The two markets aren’t huge, but they do the job if you fancy festive vibes whilst in central London.
Southbank Christmas market is quite similar. Located near London Eye, the Christmas market offers a variety of street food and a few gift shopping opportunities.
Street food at Christmas markets is an interesting topic. Most of the options at Christmas markets in central London have little to do with Christmas. Personally, I don’t see anything Christmassy in a Greek gyros, katsu chicken or tacos… but maybe that’s just me. If you want to eat something festive, I highly recommend a roast in a classic pub. A Sunday roast is one of UK’s most loved foods, typically served in pubs on Sundays only. But before Christmas, there’s usually a Christmas dinner variation in the menus, often available all week long. It typically includes turkey, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, braised cabbage, stuffing, and more. It’s delicious, authentic, and Christmassy!
Winter by the River is my favourite Christmas market in central London. Located between Hay’s Galleria and Tower Bridge, it’s still similar to the other central London markets, but there are more gift shopping opportunities, and the stalls are unique – there are usually a few vendors that you won’t see elsewhere. I’m not sure if they’re true small businesses, but at least they’re more unique in my eyes.
Also, the Christmas tree in Hay’s Galleria, although decorated the same every year, is my personal favourite in London.
King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard has a Christmas market too, but only open on selected days. I have visited it once and wasn’t blown away. But, the neighbourhood is full of shops – some chain brands, but also some unique ones. It might be a good place to look for Christmas presents, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to go there. King’s Cross isn’t typically the most popular tourist destination, and if you only have limited time in London, I’d focus on the main attractions.
Last year, there was a tiny Christmas market near Tower Bridge and Tower of London, on the north bank of the Thames. It only had about 5 to 10 stalls. I don’t know if it will be back in 2026.
There used to be a small Christmas market next to St Paul’s Cathedral, but it didn’t return in 2025. It’s unclear whether it will come back in 2026.
There are also less central Christmas markets that I haven’t personally visited. I heard great things about the Christmas market in Kingston, and I definitely want to visit it this year.
Where to see the best Christmas decorations in London
The most iconic Christmas illuminations are probably the angels on Regent Street and the stars on Oxford Street. I will never get bored of them!
If you’re in that area, there are a few other places nearby worth visiting. Covent Garden is beautifully decorated all year round, but it’s particularly magical around Christmas, with the giant hanging decorations and a huge Christmas tree with red lights.
Old Bond Street and New Bond Street are home to many luxurious brands, and they make sure to wow us with their festive displays.
I also recommend visiting famous department stores to see their Christmas shops. There are Selfridges (on Oxford Street), Liberty London, Fortnum & Mason (near Regent Street) and, of course, Harrods.
Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason usually have incredible Christmas window displays. A must see! Ideally, try to avoid rush hours… although in London, Christmas period is one long rush hour.
Harrods and Fortnum & Mason are great for gift shopping, if you want to spoil someone with a tin of fancy tea, nice chocolates, or expensive biscuits.
Fortnum & Mason also famously transforms their windows into an advent calendar. The numbers start changing colours from December 1st, and after New Year’s, the year gets updated too.
Speaking of street illuminations, I obviously have to mention the tree in Trafalgar Square. It’s a real tree, gifted by Norway every year and transported on a ship after ceremonial felling. The tree is then dressed with traditional Norwegian-style lights, and always mocked on social media. Poor tree!
The lights on the Trafalgar Square tree are always switched on on the first Thursday of December, in the afternoon. It’s probably the only Christmas icon in London which you can’t see in November.
Paid Christmas events in London
Now, let’s take a look at the paid Christmas events in London. There are a few.
First of all, there’s Winter Wonderland. A huge fun fair with arcade games, lots of street food, a Bavarian village, an ice rink, ice sculptures, a Christmas market, and more. Entry used to be free, but since the pandemic, it now costs a few pounds. Rides, circus shows, the ice sculptures exhibition and some of the other major attractions require an extra ticket. If you want to visit Winter Wonderland, you need to book in advance. It always sells out! Tickets are already available. I’ve already booked mine!
The second Christmas activity that I’ve already booked is my favourite – I wait for it all year. Christmas at Kew is a light trail in the famous Kew Gardens. It will be my fourth year in a row visiting Christmas at Kew and I can’t wait. The trails differ every year, but they’ve never disappointed. Think thousands of fairy lights, real flames, and music & light displays. Plus, mulled wine and street food stands along the way. Additionally, the gift shop offers a great opportunity for Christmas shopping. 10/10!
The third attraction already open for bookings is the Chelsea Winter village. Advertised as a light trail combined with a Christmas market, it caught my attention. I haven’t visited it before, but I know it definitely took place last year too. I can’t tell whether it’s worth the money yet, but I’m looking forward to checking it out.
I also want to mention Gingerbread City – an exhibition of gingerbread houses… or whole gingerbread towns! I visited it once, a few years ago. It was cute, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to travel for it. Last year it took place in King’s Cross, and previously in Westfield White City shopping centre in west London. As of August 2026, there is no official information about the location and dates for 2026.
Other notable Christmas icons in London
There are a few other iconic Christmassy locations in London. First of all: Annabel’s private members’ club, not too far from Oxford Street and Regent Street. Every year, they transform the front entrance into elaborate artwork. Stunning, but there are plenty of stunning Christmas decorations in London. Annabel’s Christmas display is always included in viral social media posts, and I feel like it’s slightly overhyped. Not to take away from Annabel’s effort, but if you’re on a tight schedule, perhaps stroll around New Bond Street instead? Also, don’t expect to take great photos at Annabel’s for your social media purposes. There are usually cars parked in front of the display, and there’s always a crowd of people.
The title for the most Christmassy pub in London certainly goes to Churchill Arms in Kensington. It’s insane! Probably not worth travelling for if you’re on a tight schedule and have no reason to go to Kensington otherwise. But if you happen to be nearby, definitely check it out.
I also have to mention the Natural History Museum (which is free to visit, by the way, and a must-see in London in general). In the dinosaur section, there’s a huge, animated T-Rex. At Christmas, the gator famously wears a Christmas jumper. I’ve been to the Natural History Museum countless times but never at Christmas. It’s on my list for this year!
The best Christmas walking route in London
You might see posts on social media with recommended walking routes in central London for Christmas decorations. If you like sticking to a strict plan, feel free to search for one of those. Personally, I recommend spending a good few hours strolling around Trafalgar Square – Covent Garden – Oxford Street – Regent Street – Liberty London – Carnaby Street – Piccadilly Circus – Leicester Square – Fortnum & Mason – Old Bond Street – New Bond Street – Oxford Street (again) – Selfridges, roughly in that order. Ideally, take little detours along the way to explore some of the smaller adjacent roads too!
Happy sightseeing!
So there you have it – a full guide to having the best time in London at Christmas. As much as I love summer, I can’t wait for the festive period! If you’re thinking about coming to London for Christmas from afar, now is the time to plan and book your trip. Brace yourself for huge crowds, but the stunning decorations are 100% worth it!
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