London transforms into a winter wonderland every Christmas, bursting with twinkling lights, bustling markets, and magical experiences across the city. Whether you’re hunting for handmade gifts at Covent Garden, skating under the stars at Somerset House, or watching the streets glow from a Christmas bus tour, there’s something for everyone. Below, you’ll find a complete calendar of London’s Christmas events for 2025 — from mid-November festivities to Christmas Eve carols — helping you plan your most festive season yet.
London Christmas Calendar 2025
From dazzling light trails to festive feasts, here’s your definitive guide to Christmas events in London 2025 — including dates, ticket info and local highlights.
1. Spirit of Christmas Fair — Olympia London
Dates: 3–9 November 2025
Tickets: From £25 adults, under-12s free
Kickstart your Christmas shopping early at Kensington’s Spirit of Christmas Fair, featuring over 600 independent brands, artisan food producers, and luxury lifestyle stalls.
Tip: Weekdays are quieter and ideal for browsing interiors and gifts.
spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
2. Christmas at Kew — Kew Gardens
Dates: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets: From £22 adults, £15 children
The city’s most enchanting winter light trail returns to Kew Gardens, transforming the landscape into a glowing wonderland of illuminated tunnels and sculptures.
Tip: Book early for prime 6–7pm entry slots.
kew.org
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — Central London
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Dates: Mid-November onward
Tickets: Free entry; food and activities priced individually
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
4. London Christmas Markets — Across the City
Dates: Mid-November onward
Tickets: Free entry; food and activities priced individually
London’s festive markets pop up across the capital, each offering its own vibe — from riverside cabins to heritage courtyards:
- Southbank Winter Market — riverside wooden chalets, hot chocolate, and handmade crafts.
- Covent Garden Christmas Village — giant baubles, mulled wine stands and live performers.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market — small and central, ideal for last-minute shopping.
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market — beneath the famous tree with carol performances.
- Winter by the River (London Bridge City) — great food and Thames views.
- Union Wharf Christmas Market — Greenwich— 6 December 2025, 12pm–8pm at Creekside, 1 Mallow Walk, SE8 3GS.
Enjoy live music, local crafts, winter treats and a family-friendly atmosphere — even pets are welcome!- Tip: Make a day of it — visit Winter by the River before hopping on the DLR to Greenwich for Union Wharf’s evening festivities.
Tip: Southbank and London Bridge are the best for riverside lights and food stalls.
visitlondon.com
5. Hogwarts in the Snow — Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Dates: 15 November 2025 – 18 January 2026
Tickets: From £53 adults, £43 children
Experience the Harry Potter film sets transformed for winter — with the Great Hall dressed for Christmas and Diagon Alley covered in snow.
Tip: Time slots sell out weeks ahead; book early online.
wbstudiotour.co.uk
6. Festive Fayre — Hampton Court Palace
Dates: 5–7 & 12–14 December 2025
Tickets: From £28 adults, £14 children (includes palace entry)
Held in the courtyards of Henry VIII’s historic palace, this foodie favourite blends festive history, artisan producers, and seasonal street food.
Tip: Try the mulled cider tents and live chef demos in the East Front Gardens.
hrp.org.uk
7. Christmas Lights & Displays — Citywide Sparkle
Dates: November – January
Tickets: Free
London’s famous Christmas lights are switched on from early November — here’s where to go:
- Oxford Street — the city’s largest and most iconic display.
- Regent Street — “The Spirit of Christmas” angels stretch the full boulevard.
- Carnaby Street — colourful themed lights (new creative concept each year).
- Covent Garden — dazzling baubles, mistletoe chandeliers, and a 60-ft tree.
- Trafalgar Square — the giant tree gifted annually from Norway since 1947.
- King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard — contemporary art installations and arches.
Tip: Walk from Oxford Circus to Leicester Square to see five displays in under an hour.
timeout.com
8. Ice Skating in London — Iconic Rinks
Dates: Throughout December
Tickets: From £10–£20 depending on rink and session
Skate under the stars at Somerset House, Tower of London, or Battersea Power Station. Most feature festive music and pop-up bars nearby.
Tip: Visit Somerset House at sunset for the perfect golden-hour photo.
timeout.com
9. Christmas Shows & Pantomimes — West End & Beyond
Dates: Early December – Christmas
Tickets: From £25–£80 depending on show and seat
Enjoy the magic of London’s theatre scene, from ELF the Musical and A Christmas Carol to traditional pantos across the city.
Tip: Check off-peak matinees for family discounts.
westendtheatre.com
10. Christmas Eve in London — Carols & Candlelight
Date: 24 December 2025
Tickets: Many services are free (donations welcome)
Soak up London’s Christmas Eve spirit with candlelit carols and last-minute shopping.
Top venues: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral.
Tip: Arrive early — services fill quickly.
visitlondon.com
11. Christmas Day Walks & Lunch Cruises — River Thames
Date: 25 December 2025
Tickets: Walks free; lunch cruises from £110 per person
Christmas Day in London is quiet yet enchanting. Take a festive cruise on the Thames or enjoy peaceful walks through Hyde Park, Primrose Hill, or along the South Bank.
Tip: Most restaurants and public transport close — plan ahead for reservations and taxis.
visitlondon.com
Don’t Miss These Festive Highlights
- Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park – London’s flagship Christmas experience, featuring rides, shows, and mulled wine galore.
- Christmas at Kew – The city’s most breathtaking light trail through botanical gardens.
- Hogwarts in the Snow – A magical day out for families and Harry Potter fans.
- Covent Garden Christmas Market – Expect giant baubles, pop-ups, and the famous tree.
- Somerset House Ice Rink – The capital’s most picturesque skating spot.
- Christmas Lights Bus Tour – A relaxed, warm way to see London at its glittering best.
Tips for Planning Your London Christmas
- Book early for Winter Wonderland, Kew Gardens and theatre shows — they sell out fast.
- Weekdays are quieter for markets and lights.
- Wrap up warm — London’s December evenings can dip below 5°C.
- Public transport: Check TfL for festive timetables and Christmas Day closures.
- Stay nearby: If you’re visiting, explore Essential Living’s London apartments for seasonal short-stays near festive hubs.
Conclusion
From dazzling light trails to festive theatre and riverside markets, London offers endless ways to celebrate the season. But for a truly local touch, don’t miss the Union Wharf Christmas Market in Greenwich — a warm community event with crafts, winter treats, music and family-friendly fun at one of Essential Living’s own neighbourhoods. Browse available apartments across London, and find winter home inspiration at Homequarters.co.uk.
FAQs about christmas activities and events in London 2025
Where can I see the best Christmas lights in London?
Regent Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Carnaby Street host the most famous displays, all free to view from November.
Which Christmas markets are free to enter?
Most markets — like Southbank Winter Market and Covent Garden — are free; you only pay for food, drinks, or rides.
When does Hyde Park Winter Wonderland open?
In 2025, it runs from 14 November to 1 January. Pre-book entry tickets online.
What’s open on Christmas Day in London?
Public transport is limited, but you can enjoy festive walks, brunches, or river cruises.
What are the best family-friendly Christmas events?
Christmas at Kew, Hogwarts in the Snow, and Winter Wonderland all cater to families with child-friendly attractions.
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And for stylish interiors inspiration this season, visit Homequarters.co.uk — your guide to cosy, design-led living.
