The Complete Christmas in London Guide: What to See, Book and Avoid
Planning Christmas in London? Save this before everything sells out
Christmas in London opens in mid-November and closes early January. This year, Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December with Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December, meaning the substitute bank holiday sits on Monday 28 December. New Year's Eve is Thursday 31 December. Book all ticketed experiences now—the Nutcracker, Hogwarts in the Snow, and premium ice-rink slots sell out fastest. Avoid Boxing Day shopping (expect queues of 90 minutes before 11am) and Christmas Day itself when all public transport stops and most attractions close. Instead, visit on weekday mornings in early November or between 27-30 December when crowds thin and discounts remain. Most markets open from 10am to around 10pm, though some close on Christmas Day. Transport resumes Boxing Day with limited service; plan routes in advance using TfL's website.
Nutcracker
London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, West End · Ballet, December · 17 December 2026–10 January 2027, matinees and evenings, book now
The English National Ballet's 2026 production of the Nutcracker runs from 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, and tickets are now available—book early, as this beloved Christmas tradition tends to sell out quickly. Matinee performances typically take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to Saturdays at 2.30pm, and on Wednesdays at 1pm, while evening performances usually take place Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm. Children under 16 years of age will receive a discount of 25% on their tickets.
Hogwarts in the Snow
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Watford, 20 miles west · Harry Potter exhibition · 14 November 2026–17 January 2027, book tickets in advance, round-trip coach from central London
Hogwarts in the Snow 2026 takes place from 14 November 2026 until 17 January 2027, transforming the Harry Potter Studio Tour Christmas experience into a snowy spectacle for all ages. The magic starts as soon as you enter the Great Hall, lit with the warm glow of floating candles, with the authentic set decorated with towering Christmas trees, a festive feast and flaming puddings. All Christmas features are included with standard admission. This is a half-day commitment best done mid-week; book train or coach transfers when you buy tickets to avoid traffic.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, near Hyde Park Corner · Christmas market with ice rink, rides, shows · 19 November 2026–3 January 2027, free entry but ticketed attractions
For 2026, Winter Wonderland runs from Thursday 19 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027 and is closed on Christmas Day, with the site closing at 10pm each evening, although opening times vary. Hyde Park transforms into London's ultimate Christmas destination with the UK's largest outdoor ice rink, panoramic views from the Giant Wheel, and rides like the Ice Slide, plus over 100 market stalls for treats and gifts. Book ice skating in advance online; the market itself is first-come-first-served, though it fills from 5pm onwards.
Somerset House ice rink
Strand, Covent Garden · Ice skating in historic courtyard · Late November 2026–early January 2027, timed bookings required
The 2026 Somerset House ice skating season is set to run from late November through early January, with each session typically lasting 40 to 50 minutes. The rink is closed on Christmas Day, December 25. It features a 40-foot fairy-lit Christmas tree and includes amenities such as the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse with seasonal drinks and views, and The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia. Book well ahead; peak evening slots on Saturdays in December sell out by early November.
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting
Trafalgar Square, central London · Christmas tree ceremony and market · 3 December 2026 lighting, market runs 15 November–5 January 2027
The annual Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square is set for December 3rd, 2026. The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a Christmas tree given to the people of London by the city of Oslo each year since 1947, displayed from the beginning of December until 6 January, as a token of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War. If you want to see it without the crush, come on a weekday morning after the ceremony week has passed. The ceremony draws thousands; arrive by midday for decent sightlines.
Covent Garden Christmas market and lights
Covent Garden Piazza, central West End · Christmas market with lights and tree · 11 November 2026–2 January 2027, free entry
Covent Garden is home to an iconic 55ft Christmas Tree, giant bells and baubles within the Market Building plus canopies of light surrounding the Seven Dials' monument. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Leicester Square station is a 5-minute walk and often less crowded; if the lift queue at Covent Garden station is long, walk from Leicester Square or Holborn instead. The piazza fills earliest between 4pm-8pm on weekends; go mid-morning or after 9pm for photos without crowds.
South Bank Winter Market
Queen's Walk, South Bank Centre · Christmas market with bars and food · 2 November 2026–4 January 2027, free entry
The South Bank Winter Market runs from 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, located at The Queen's Walk, not far from the London Eye, with craft stalls open 11am to 9pm, food stalls 11am to 10pm, and bars 11am to 11pm. The market stretches along the Thames from Waterloo Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge and is a more relaxed, locally-loved alternative to Winter Wonderland, featuring around 50 stalls selling artisan food and crafts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal gifts, with stunning views of the Thames and St Paul's Cathedral.
London Palladium Pantomime
London Palladium, Argyll Street, West End · Pantomime · 5 December 2026–10 January 2027, matinee and evening shows
Now in its 11th year at the London Palladium, the show will return from 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, with the title of this year's panto to be announced later in the year, along with casting. Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite on the West End stage for the first time in 17 years as the wickedly hilarious Ugly Sisters, along with Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge. Book matinees in the week between Christmas and New Year; evening shows sell out by mid-November.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Town Centre, south-east London · Year-round market with Christmas stalls · 18 November 2026–24 December 2026, free entry
Greenwich Market runs from 18th November to 24th December 2026, with a Lantern Parade on opening day from 4pm to 4:50pm. Browse Greenwich Market's stalls and independent shops for everything from stocking fillers and fashion to handmade crafts and original artworks, then wander the historic maritime neighbourhood of Greenwich, which is decked out in festive lights and a nautical-inspired Christmas tree. The fantastic ice rink outside the Queen's House looks over the London skyline, and there are many other attractions including the Naval College, the Painted Hall, the Observatory, and the National Maritime Museum.
Christmas in London: Avoid 25 December and Boxing Day morning
All of London · Transport and closures · Christmas Day (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec), plan alternatives for 27–30 December
Most restaurants, shops and attractions will be closed on Christmas Day, since it is a public holiday in the UK; supermarkets are also closed, and public transport will not operate, however public spaces such as parks remain open, alongside many churches and a handful of pubs. On Boxing Day, by 11am the queues for fitting rooms are 90-120 minutes; tills are 30-45 minute waits; if you're not committed to the 5am queue, shift to Dec 27-30 when the same discounts apply with manageable crowds. To avoid the biggest crowds, visit London a few weeks before Christmas.
Share this article
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation. Only registered users can comment.
No comments yet. Be the first.