24 Festive Issues To Do For Christmas In London 2023

See the very best of Christmas in London. Dazzling decorations, soulful musical occasions, world-class leisure and neighbourhoods stuffed with festive cheer. Right here’s our information to the very best issues to do in London for Christmas 2023.

LAST UPDATE: 26 Nov 2023

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Christmas in London is magical.

Because the temperature drops, winter gloom is interrupted by the glow of lights over regal streets and iconic buildings.

All year long, there’s a bunch of incredible issues to do in London. However over Christmas, London has an unmatched power.

Hearken to the hum of carols on neighbourhood streets. Attend a Christmas live performance in a grand corridor. Stroll majestic plazas with magical lights. Pattern seasonal fare at avenue meals stalls and impromptu igloos.  

Whether or not you’re in search of classical occasions, boozy pubs, cool markets, or a feel-good festive meal, Christmas in London has one thing for everybody.

1 – THE LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

With historic structure and iconic streets, London is the right canvas for festive lights. Seeing town streets on present is likely one of the greatest methods to begin your London Christmas.

Lots of the excessive streets are embellished with elaborate, festive shows. Some characteristic a special Christmas-related theme every year. Others repeat acquainted decorations.

Most are centrally situated and straightforward to gather on foot. A few of our favourites are:

• New Bond Road – particularly the Cartier retailer.
• Regent Road – 300,000 lights over London’s grandest tackle.
• Grosvenor Sq. – memorial that includes 20,000 illuminated white roses.
• Carnaby Road has a daring celebration with neon lights.

Learn the total information — Extra nice shows plus a useful strolling tour might be present in our London Christmas Lights information.

2 – CAROLS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Royal Albert Corridor on the southern edges of Hyde Park is likely one of the most distinctive buildings within the UK.

Annually, they placed on a programme of heart-warming dwell occasions, however our favorite is Carols at Royal Albert Corridor. In spectacular environment, get pleasure from one of the crucial uplifting sing-along carols within the metropolis.

Carols on the Royal Albert Corridor run from Saturday 16 December to Sunday 24 December.

Tickets: royalberthall.com.

3 – LA CLIQUE AT SPIEGELTENT IN LEICESTER SQUARE

La Clique is a spectacular night time of unbelievable acts. It options mind-blowing circus abilities, excellent cabaret performances, and award-winning leisure.

Count on to see comedy acts, scantily clad acrobatics, gymnastic potential, soulful singers, and loads of pleasure.

La Clique is held in Spiegeltent, a big travelling leisure tent, situated within the Leicester Sq. Christmas Market.

Performances begin on 8 November 2023 and run till 6 January 2024.

It’s not for the entire household, however it’s an uplifting Christmas occasion in its personal particular means. There’s a bar within the tent and admission is restricted to 16+.

Tickets: lacliquetheshow.com

4 – THE LONDON CHRISTMAS MARKETS

It wouldn’t be a London Christmas with no go to to one of many metropolis’s charming Christmas markets.

Christmas markets within the UK are historically about trinkets and souvenirs. However, you may as well discover high quality presents and artisanal crafts.

Listed here are a few of the greatest markets in London over Christmas:

• Leicester Sq. Christmas Market – for a celebration environment.
• Winter by the River – festivities in an iconic location.
• Spitalfields Christmas Market – classic style and craft workshops.
• King’s Cross Christmas Market – handmade presents and designer style.

Learn the total information – For extra, learn our full information to the London Christmas markets.

5 – CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT AT ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a neoclassical church in Trafalgar Sq..

It has featured in TV and movie together with Notting Hill, Physician Who, and Sherlock because of its lovely façade and central London location.

Attending a live performance at St Martin-in-the-fields is likely one of the most uplifting Christmas occasions within the captial.

For 2023 they’ve Festive Household Carols and Gingerbread adorning workshops for the entire household. However the spotlight is Carols by Candlelight, a shifting expertise within the lovely church.

Tickets: St Martin-in-the-Fields.

6 – CHRISTMAS AT KEW

Christmas at Kew is likely one of the highlights of a London Christmas.

The gardens are remodeled right into a winter path that brings the spirit of the festive season to life. As you progress by the gardens, an unimaginable sound and light-weight present creates a rousing show.

Bop alongside to Christmas pop tunes. Admire whimsical preparations of classics. Be delighted by this distinctive horticultural tackle Christmas.

The spotlight is the grand greenhouse illuminated in a high-tech sound and light-weight spectacular.

The path is 2.7 kilometres lengthy with meals vehicles alongside the best way plus boozy refreshments.

Tickets: kew.org

7 – SHOP IN A GRAND DEPARTMENT STORE

Whereas London is a procuring hub all year long, at Christmas the grand department shops pull out all of the stops.

Snap up some great Christmas spirit and probably even a discount.

HARRODS

Harrods has over 300 departments together with uncommon objects, luxurious style, homewares, and know-how. The meals corridor is the right place to choose up Christmas dinner goodies.

FORTNUM & MASON

Fortnum & Mason is a division retailer with old-world appeal has been serving prospects since 1707. The elegant retail house is stocked with luxurious objects. Their Christmas baskets are a sought-after reward.

SELFRIDGES

Probably the most unique department shops in London, Selfridges has a vivid trendy really feel and high-end designer manufacturers. After selecting up some presents, catch the most recent launch of their in-house cinema.

LIBERTY

Housed in a mock Tudor constructing within the west finish, Liberty is stocked with unique objects and top-end homewares. Their Christmas store on the 4th ground is filled with tasteful decorations.

8 – BRUNCH AT 34 MAYFAIR

9 – SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL

10 – COLUMBIA ROAD CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAYS

The Sunday flower market at Colombia Highway is one in every of our favorite issues to do in London.

Over the Christmas interval, the merchants stay open from 5 pm to 9 pm on Wednesdays to fill the east London avenue with festive heat.

Christmas Bushes are on sale from the flower distributors and there’s carol singing accompanied by a brass quintet.There’s loads of mulled wine to loosen up the vocal cords and avenue meals stalls to maintain you satiated.

Christmas Wednesdays takes place on Columbia Highway and Ezra Streets every Wednesday in December. The precise begin date is but to be confirmed.

11 – ICE SKATING AT SOMERSET HOUSE

Ice skating at Somerset Home is a spotlight of the London Christmas season.

The neoclassical courtyard is remodeled right into a winter wonderland with a 40-foot Christmas tree. There can be nice meals, chalet-inspired bars, and a classic boutique.

The in-house skate college is nice for newcomers and there can be periods with diminished capability on weekday mornings.

Ringside DJ’s will present tunes at Skate Lates with Rock Angel. The road-up consists of celebrated DJ’s from around the globe.

Tickets: somersethouse.org.uk

12 – MATTHEW BOURNE BALLET AT SADLER’S WELLS

Matthew Bourne, an English choreographer, places on a Christmas ballet with a contemporary twist yearly at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

For the 2023 season, Edward Scissorhands will return. The reimagining of the basic Tim Burton film has enchanted audiences because it premiered in 2005.

It will likely be a visually arresting present with world-class dance and music, backed by the magic of movie.

Performances run from 5 December 2023 by to 20 January 2024. Tickets might be bought on-line by way of the Sadler’s Wells web site.

After the ballet, stroll all the way down to the close by Exmouth Market for a post-show dinner from one of many nice eating places lining the market avenue. We just like the relaxed vibe and Spanish/Moorish bites at Morito.

13 – ATTEND AN EVENT AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Westminster Abbey has been a spot of historical past within the UK for the reason that 1st century. At present, the largely gothic constructing is likely one of the most notable buildings on the planet.

It’s the burial place of many British monarchs and since William the Conqueror, all English and British monarchs have been coronated right here.

Listening to carols resonate across the beautiful constructing, is likely one of the greatest Christmas in London experiences.

There are a number of occasions at Westminster Abbey over Christmas. A efficiency of Handel’s Messiah can be on Tuesday 5 December 2023. The common Christmas Live performance can be on Wednesday 20 December 2023.

Tickets: westminster-abbey.org

14 –THE CHURCHILL ARMS

The Churchill Arms is a neighborhood pub in Kensington that does Christmas in an epic means. They add a whopping 22,000 lights to their already elaborate façade, turning the pub right into a field of shining cheer.

Getting a shot of the magic from outdoors is a well-liked factor to do. Having a pint within the charming pub is a soul-reviving London Christmas exercise.

Nods to Britishness and Winston Churchill are crammed beneath hanging pots and ceilings draped with greenery.

Native Tip // For 25 years, the Thai Kitchen on the Churchill Arms has been serving scrumptious genuine Thai meals. Bookings are important.

15 – WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is likely one of the greatest locations over Christmas for household festive enjoyable.

With theme park-style rides, Winter Wonderland has an brisk festive environment.

Skate on the UK’s largest ice rink. Go to the Ice Kingdom, an immersive sculpted ice expertise. Check your nerves on one of many many adrenaline-inducing curler coasters. Feast on Bratwurst within the German village-inspired setting.

There are ice sculpting workshops, a high-energy circus, loads of bars, Christmas markets, and a bunch of avenue meals.

It’s a large-scale occasion and it may well get busy, however earlier within the day the crowds are a lot smaller.

Entry is free throughout off-peak instances, however on-line bookings are required for all entries.

16 – WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

The Wildlife Photographer of the Yr is an annual competitors with a deal with wildlife preservation. The chosen entries are exhibited within the Pure Historical past Museum.

The exhibition options pictures from the pure world in lovely and brutal imperfection.

There are portraits from the animal kingdom, unimaginable motion captures, and photojournalism.

The exhibition runs from 13 October 2023 to 30 June 2024.

It’s an exquisite factor to do whenever you’re in search of a change from the same old Christmas in London actions.

The ice-skating rink on the Pure Historical past Museum has been closed for a number of years. The gardens have been transformed right into a hub for city wildlife.

Tickets: nhm.ac.uk (entry to the museum is included)

17 – COVENT GARDEN’S FESTIVE CHRISTMAS

18 – WINTERLAND AT NEVERLAND, FULHAM

Winterland at Neverland in Fulham is a glamorous Christmas-themed, pop-up alpine paradise.

The entire venue is a good vacation spot for festive enjoyable. Get pleasure from a mulled wine by the fireplace pit, play arcade video games, or hit the dance ground to their resident DJ.

You should purchase a common entry ticket or reserve one of many cool alpine areas.

Teams of two to 16 folks can e book a desk or couch within the Alpine Lodge. The non-public Winterland Igloos are nice for 6-8 folks.

There are additionally Bar Cabins for 4, and Bavarian Tents for 10.

An important Christmas Get together venue is the non-public Winter Chalet for as much as 35 folks.

Tickets: neverlandlondon.com

19 – A LONDON PANTOMIME

For the good thing about worldwide readers, Pantomine is a musical stage comedy primarily based on a fairytale or nursery story. It options slapstick, a person in drag, viewers participation, and delicate innuendo to make the adults giggle.

It’s embedded in British tradition and an ideal factor to do in London at Christmas.

PETER PAN

The mega panto of the London circuit is on the Palladium and it’s certain to be successful. The forged of Peter Pan consists of Julian Clary allotting the innuendo, Nigel Havers, and Jennifer Saunders.

Dates: 9 Dec 2023 – 14 Jan 2024 // Tickets: palladiumpantomime.com

DICK WHITTINGTON

Paul Merton stars because the damme Sarah the Cook dinner in Dick Whittington on the Richmond Theatre. Count on a unusual retelling of the English folklore basic concerning the mayor of London who rose from poverty by promoting his cat.

Dates: 9 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024 // Tickets: atgtickets.com

JACK & THE BEANSTALK

Held on the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Jack and the Beanstalk by ‘Killing Eve’ author Anna Jordan will characteristic unique music. One thing of a novelty for the panto circuit.

Dates: 18 Nov 2023 – 6 Jan 2024 // Tickets: stratfordeast.com

20 – THE SIXTEEN AT CHRISTMAS

The Sixteen is likely one of the world’s main choral ensembles.

Their aim is to permit everybody to expertise top-quality choral music from the Renaissance to at the moment.

They maintain two performances over Christmas at Cadogan Corridor in Chelsea, one in every of London’s main live performance venues.

The programme features a cappella variations of contemporary classics and conventional Renaissance items. It’s a gorgeous expertise with the wealthy sounds of the Sixteen wafting over the elegant house.

Performances are 14 December 2023 and 15 December 2022 at 7:30 pm. Tickets vary from £15 to £60. E-book on-line at cadoganhall.com.

21 – CATCH A FESTIVE FILM

Catching a nostalgic movie in an atmospheric location filled with festive appeal is likely one of the London Christmas highlights. There are a number of nice methods you possibly can watch your favourite Christmas Traditional, rugged up beneath a winter skyline.

LUNA CINEMA

Watch your favorite vacation movie in type at Luna Cinema. They’ve one location at Kensington Palace within the beautiful Pavillion, and a second within the Victoria City Corridor within the Battersea Arts Centre. Seating choices embody sofas, beanbags and chairs.

The bar shares Christmas-themed treats. Examine the schedule at thelunacinema.com.

ST KATHARINE DOCKS FLOATING FILM FESTIVAL

For one week solely, catch a basic Christmas movie on a comfy couch or deck chair, floating on a pontoon on the Thames. Blankets and heaters make this an all-weather occasion. The meals from the Turkish restaurant Kilikayas Gastro Lounge is scrumptious.

The schedule runs from Monday 4 December to Sunday 10 December and can embody Bridget Jones Diary, Miracle on thirty fourth Road and different classics. E-book at skdocks.co.uk.

PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA

Yearly the. Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Sq. places on a Christmas schedule displaying festive and not-so-festive classics. For 2023 you possibly can see The Godfather, It’s a Fantastic Life, Eyes Huge Shut, Residence Alone, and Love Precise, simply to call just a few.

Examine the schedule at: princecharlescinema.com.

22 –THE SELFRIDGES’ CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAYS

The Selfridges home windows have been a practice of London Christmas since 1909.

Annually, a brand new and artistic tackle a Christmas theme is unveiled within the iconic London division retailer.

There are 15 home windows in whole and it’s top-of-the-line free issues to do in London at Christmas.

Begin at Orchard Road finish of the shop on Oxford Road and make your means all the way down to Duke Street. Don’t miss the home windows across the nook on Duke Road as nicely.

The theme for 2023 is Showtime.

23 – ENJOY A CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL

London all the time places on a superb cocktail. However at Christmas, pop-up bars, themed-up speakeasies and basic venues add additional heat to your festive drink. Listed here are some locations we suggest on your Christmas cocktails.

MIRACLE AT HENRIETTA

Hidden away on the mezzanine ground of the Henrietta Resort, Miracle does a basic cocktail with a nostalgic twist. This 12 months, get pleasure from retro decorations impressed by a 70’s dwelling. It’s an ideal place to finish up after exploring the Christmas actions in Covent Backyard.

Miracle at Henrietta is open from 13 November 2023 to 23 December 2023. Bookings are important.

DISCOUNT SUIT COMPANY

The Low cost Go well with Firm does basic cocktails by way of conventional recipes. The neighbourhood bar with a clandestine speakeasy vibe, rocks to Northern Soul. It’s one in every of our favorite cocktail bars in London.

Situated in a delightfully run-down constructing close to Spitalfields, in an ideal place to finish up after procuring on the Spitalfields Christmas market.

OPIUM COCKTAIL BAR

The Nineteen Twenties-themed surrounds of the Optium Cocktail Bar are the right place for a particular Christmas beverage. Over 3 seductive bars, get pleasure from an enterprising cocktail with an oriental twist. The dimmed, candle-lit atmosphere and professional creations make it an evening to recollect.

Situated in Chinatown you may go to Opium on the finish of our London Christmas lights stroll.

24 – DINE IN AN IGLOO

There’s no denying that the diminished daylight and funky temperatures amplify the Christmas vibe in London. Probably the greatest methods to expertise all of it is to dine out in an igloo restaurant.

Get pleasure from nice meals, and festive drinks whilst you dine in a pop-up snow globe.

• Wagtail London Winter Igloos gives a panoramic 360-degree view of the London Skyline.
• Coppa Membership Igloos has a few of the greatest views over the Thames and Tower Bridge with an in depth menu.
• Aviary delivers a cosy house on their rooftop terrace full with heaters and fairy lights.
• Fireplace and Fromage on the Southbank dishes up raclette and s’mores in a totally festive environment.

MAP | THINGS TO DO IN LONDON AT CHRISTMAS

Discover a Christmas factor to do in London close to you. All of the occasions and points of interest listed on this information are on the under map.

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