Christmas in London: Celebrate the Season in Style
Christmas lights make the streets in Mayfair sparkle, London. Image source: Adobe Stock
Trading Western Australia’s warmth for chilly London in December may just be the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Christmas! The United Kingdom's capital attracts visitors from around the world during the festive season for good reason—there’s nothing half-hearted about the celebrations here.
Magical sights and Christmas highlights
Go ice skating at Somerset House, explore Kew Gardens beneath sparkling displays, shop for artisanal goodies at dazzling Christmas markets and admire the spectacularly detailed decorations at Harrods. Like scenes from a fairytale, Christmas in London is irresistibly enchanting!
Big Ben stands out against wintery skies during the festive season. Image source: iStock
December in London: Christmas activities to see and do
London transforms into a winter wonderland wrapped in twinkling lights and holiday cheer during the festive season. Create special memories with these seasonal attractions and events:
See ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Old Vic
A Christmas Carol brings Charles Dickens’s timeless tale to life. Jack Thorne’s adaptation at the Old Vic follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. This performance is a highlight during London’s holiday season.
Availability: 9 November 2024 to 4 January 2025
Dance on ice at Somerset House
Skating at the outdoor rink in the courtyard at Somerset House is a favourite—and free!—activity in winter. Glide beneath the grand architecture and the crisp winter sky, then watch as sparkling lights and a soundtrack of merry tunes transform the rink in the evening. Experienced skaters and first-timers are all welcome!
Availability: 13 November 2024 to 12 January 2025
Experience the legendary Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens, one of London’s most well-known and favourite destinations, shines during the celebratory season. Walk the three-kilometre trail of glowing light tunnels, lakeside reflections and colourful installations, with the magnificent Christmas tree a highlight. Top off an extraordinary experience with seasonal treats and live performances.
Availability: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Sail merrily along the River Thames
Step aboard a handsomely decorated boat and cruise the River Thames for breathtaking views of the illuminated Tower Bridge, London Eye, Houses of Parliament and other famous landmarks. Drinks, delectable treats and exciting onboard entertainment make this a unique experience to cherish if you’re looking for an authentic Christmas in London.
Availability: 28 November to 20 December 2024
Marvel at extravagant light displays
One of the most beloved free things to do in London in December is admiring the city’s over-the-top Christmas light displays—always extraordinary and a sight to behold. The city streets will dazzle you with decorations from Oxford to Carnaby Streets to Covent Garden and Knightsbridge, celebrating the holiday spirit in grand style!
Availability: Throughout December 2024
Dine in your very own igloo
Coppa Club's riverside igloos are pure festive magic! With spectacular views of Tower Bridge and The Shard, the heated domes offer a private and cosy dining experience—the perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones in the heart of London.
Availability: Throughout winter 2024-2025
Waltz into the wizarding world of Harry Potter
Explore the snow-dusted sets of Harry Potter, Yule decor and the sparkling Hogwarts Castle model. From the Great Hall’s grand feast and intricate ice sculptures to frothy, delicious Butterbeer, every detail captures the enchanting experience of a genuine Hogwarts Christmas.
Availability: Open daily
Covent Garden Market decorated for Christmas. Image source: Adobe Stock
London’s unmissable Christmas markets
Did you know that Christmas markets started as a German tradition? Originating in the late Middle Ages, these festive markets have become a global holiday favourite here and in many other European holiday destinations. Once you’ve experienced their bewitching charm for yourself, it’s easy to see why! Here are London’s best:
Southbank Christmas Market
Indulge yourself at Southbank’s winter market, where the air is filled with the mouthwatering scent of sizzling local favourites and mulled wine. Alpine-style chalets line the walkway, where you’ll find everything from truffle fries and spicy chicken to gourmet hot dogs, pop-up bars and artisan craft stalls.
Runs from 1 November 2024 to 26 December 2024
Greenwich Christmas Market
With the historic Greenwich sites beautifully lit up each evening, Greenwich Market during the Christmas season is a delight! Find handcrafted gifts by British designers and makers, such as eco-friendly candles, handmade jewellery and leather accessories. Soak up the cheery atmosphere with street food and a hot beverage.
Runs from 20 November 2024 to 2 January 2025
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Visit the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market in Hyde Park, a seasonal favourite featuring abundant rides, food stalls and interactive games in a well-known London setting. One of the largest markets in the city, take care of your Christmas and souvenir shopping with gifts, crafts, jewellery, trinkets and decor.
Runs from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
King’s Cross Canopy Market
Why not try a Christmas shopping experience under a canopy of stars? This year, King’s Cross Christmas Market features eight fun-filled markets, with a variety of homewares, arts, crafts, fashion and beauty stalls so you can spoil yourself or a loved one with an extra-special gift. Enjoy the markets even more with a glass of mulled wine while you sample artisan food and listen to live music.
Runs from 29 November to 22 December 2024
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Giant gold bells, twinkling mirror balls and a massive Christmas tree lit up with thousands of lights make this market the perfect spot to find handmade goods and stocking fillers. Whether you're strolling through Piazza, Market Building, Neal's Yard or Seven Dials, experience the festive energy for which this area is known.
Runs from 29 November to 22 December 2024
Ice-skating outside the Natural History Museum in London. Image source: Adobe Stock
More fun in London: Unusual things to do
London's traditional holiday activities may leave you yearning for something different. If so, explore the city’s unusual side this winter with these unique and thrilling things to do:
Tour the Dino Gallery out-of-hours
Discover the Dinosaurs Gallery on an exclusive guided tour before the Natural History Museum opens! Between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, visitors aged 11 and older can uncover the evolution and significance of dinosaurs, featuring chewing mechanisms and connections to modern birds. The tour concludes with a Q&A session to satisfy your curiosity.
Availability: Selected dates from 15 November 2024 to 27 January 2025
Be captivated by Hansel and Gretel
Named one of the Evening Standard’s Best Children’s Shows for Christmas 2023, Hansel and Gretel returns to the Globe Theatre with a fresh twist. Directed by Nick Bagnall and reimagined by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm classic includes poetry, music and charm, suitable for anyone aged five and above.
Availability: 29 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Hop on the Mail Rail
Take a ride on the Mail Rail at the Postal Museum, once the beating heart of the Royal Mail from 1927 until 2003. Nowadays, you can relive its fascinating history with an offbeat adventure by riding through the narrow tunnels on an immersive journey beneath the city streets.
Availability: Bookings open until 29 December 2024
Play a gigantic game of Monopoly
Step into Monopoly Lifesized—a larger-than-life take on the classic board game! Featuring all the famous London locations, you can roll the dice, trade properties, collect rent from rivals and solve escape room-style challenges to win cash and claim victory. Be prepared for an interactive and energetic game filled with fun surprises!
Availability: Tuesdays to Sundays
Bend your mind at the Twist Museum
Welcome to a world of illusions, where over 60 interactive exhibits challenge your perception of colours, shapes, sounds and even reality itself! Created by experts in art and science, the Twist Museum’s experiences will leave you questioning how your brain interprets the world every moment of every day!
Availability: Open daily
Snow falls over the River Thames in London at dusk. Image source: iStock
Where to experience a white Christmas in the UK
Dreaming of a white Christmas? While London rarely experiences snow in December, there are other destinations in the UK where a blanket of white is more likely. Northumberland, County Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Suffolk and Dartmoor usually experience snow for Christmas.
Outside of Britain, Scotland is the next best option. Find breathtaking snowy vistas in the Cairngorms, Glencoe and the remote Highlands—ideal for those chasing a storybook Christmas! Despite its name in Wales, the peaks of Snowdonia National Park occasionally live up to their snowy expectations, with higher elevations often dusted with white from October onward.
Travel in style from Perth Airport to London this festive season. Image source: Perth Airport
Don’t miss out on an extraordinary Christmas in London
More good news—Qantas, Emirates, Qatar and Singapore Airlines offer flights from Perth to London, allowing you to experience a truly magical Christmas and festive season. Flying via Perth Airport couldn’t be easier. Start your trip stress-free by sorting out your spending money at Travelex or shopping duty-free, online or in-store. Before takeoff, treat yourself to a touch of luxury and unwind in Oceania’s leading airport lounge. Aspire Lounge in T1 International is the perfect place to start your unforgettable Christmas holiday.
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