Things To Do In London This Christmas
Christmas in the capital? Nothing beats it!
London has more to offer than the best theatre shows in the world - don't take our word for it, wrap up warm and see it yourself...just beware of the overpriced fudge and sweets! So Christmassy you'll feel like a kid again, London is the go-to for a mulled wine (or five), twinkling lights, and getting giddy pre-show - and the greatest gift of all?
The festive fun is just one tube away. Here's what Santa has in store.
Christmas Attractions
Winter Wonderland
A classic, and very cheap. You'll probably walk around with melted chocolate on your face, listen to someone singing Christmas songs on guitar at a pop-up bar, and be drawn into a prize every time' soiree - but this place has every ride and circus act you could wish for. It's one giant festive market and is like walking in a Winter Wonderland.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
London has never looked so pretty and bright! Put your tourist hat on and see how The Big Smoke does Christmas with this epic sparkly night-time guided bus tour. Many of London's infamous landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge come to life in festive lights, and it's a great way to get into the Christmas spirit whilst ticking places to see off the list!
View Christmas Lights Bus Tour Here
Harry Potter World
Just a short broomstick (or coach) ride from central London, winter has arrived in the Wizarding world, and the sets are decked out in festive fancy. The Great Hall is lined with Christmas trees, and the rooftops of Hogsmeade are blanketed in snow. You can warm yourself with a butterbeer or a flaming Christmas pudding as you relive your favourite wizarding moments. The fireplaces roar with special effects. Even the Gryffindor common room has baubles and tinsel. Alternatively, you can always book Harry Potter and The Cursed Child tickets!
Ice Skating
Glide under the dome of Somerset House with its towering Christmas tree or spin circles at the Natural History Museum surrounded by fairy lights - and remember, no one cares if you look like a clumsy penguin! Want something even more dramatic? Head to the Queen's House Ice Rink in Greenwich - it's like skating through a Christmas card, with sweeping views of the Thames and London skyline.
Santa's Grotto A Magical Christmas
From Sunday 14th December, DUO becomes a sparkling Santa's Grotto, packed with festive magic, laughter and that warm Christmassy glow we wait all year for. Gather the whole family and settle in for a joyful afternoon with sessions running from 12pm4pm, where you'll tuck into a hearty two-course Christmas feast (food served from 1pm), complete with a classic roast and traditional pud. Kids can meet Santa himself, take home a gift, and get creative in our festive activity corner - writing letters to the North Pole, decorating ornaments, and crafting treasures to cherish!
Christmas Shows
London Coliseum, 11 Dec - 10 Jan 2026
A tale of adventure and magic, The Nutcracker is one of the Christmas season's must-see shows and who better to perform this cherished classic than the English National Ballet? Back with a brand new production for 2024 with choreography by the company's Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, be prepared to fall in love with The Nutcracker all over again when it steps into the London Coliseum from December 12th!
Old Vic Theatre, Showing Until 10 Jan, 2026
Humbugs beware! This affectionate production brings Charles Dickens' classic tale to life once again for the 2024 Holiday season! First debuting in 2017 at London's iconic Old Vic Theatre, this adaptation from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child writer Jack Thorne and Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, has been praised for its joyful and warmhearted approach to the fable. Prepare to meet a brand new Scrooge (played by John Simm) in this gloriously festive reimagining!
Sadlers Wells Theatre, Showing until 4 Jan 2026
Birmingham Repertory Theatre's wildly successful live stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs' best-loved children's book marks its 28th return to the Peacock this Christmas. Cemented as one of London's best Christmas traditions, this production makes use of a live orchestra, singing, and charming choreography. Including the haunting "Walking in the Air", the show re-imagines Briggs' book and subsequent film for new audiences and old, without losing any of its original charm.
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Alexandra Palace, Showing until 4 Jan 2026
The festive classic to end all classics, no holiday season is complete without taking your seats for a showing of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol - and this year, Mark Gatiss' version of Dickens' winter ghost story is coming to haunt the Alexandra Palace Theatre again in 2025. A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story - a thrillingly atmospheric take on the tale - promises to sweep you up in this supernatural Victorian world, with the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative supernatural Christmas Eve visitations.
