From magical bus tours and sparkling light trails to ice skating and Christmas markets, here are the top festive things to do in London this holiday season.
London at Christmas is a city transformed. From mid-November through to New Year’s, the capital glitters with festive lights, bustling markets, ice rinks and cosy seasonal experiences. Whether you’re a local looking for holiday traditions or a tourist experiencing London in December for the first time, there are endless ways to enjoy the magic of the season.
To make it easy, we’ve handpicked 10 of the best festive things to do in London – blending Coco-Moola’s exclusive Christmas tours with classic activities like skating, markets and light shows. Together, they create the perfect mix of family fun, romance and timeless London tradition.
1. See the City Aglow on a London Christmas Lights Tour
London’s Christmas lights are famous around the world – and with good reason. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Trafalgar Square transform into glittering corridors of light each winter. The London Christmas Lights Tour lets you see them all from the top deck of an open-top bus.
As you cruise through the city, you’ll pass the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, window displays at Harrods and Selfridges, and the glittering angels of Regent Street. Live commentary shares the stories behind the lights, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
Why go? Families love the convenience – no tired legs from walking miles. Couples get a romantic ride under the stars, with London sparkling all around. It’s festive, fuss-free, and unforgettable.
👉 Book the Christmas Lights Tour on Coco-Moola
2. Spend Christmas Day on a Sightseeing Bus (with Lunch)
Christmas Day in London is magical – the streets are calm, the landmarks feel almost private, and the city takes on a rare sense of peace. While most public transport stops, this special Christmas Day bus tour is one of the few ways to get around easily.
The route covers highlights like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral – all without the usual crowds. Midway through the tour, you’ll sit down for a three-course Christmas lunch in Covent Garden, complete with festive decorations and classic dishes like roast turkey and Christmas pudding.
Why go? For locals, it’s a rare chance to see the city empty of traffic and stress. For tourists, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to spend Christmas in London, blending sightseeing with seasonal tradition.
👉 Discover the Christmas Day Bus Tour
3. Take a Christmas Day Trip Out of London
Want to swap London’s bustle for countryside charm? This Christmas Day tour takes you to Oxford, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, and Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Imagine wandering Oxford’s historic courtyards dusted in frost, passing storybook villages in the Cotswolds, and walking Stratford’s cobbled lanes with their Tudor houses glowing in Christmas lights. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a festive roast lunch in a cosy countryside pub – complete with crackers, carols and plenty of holiday cheer.
Why go? It’s stress-free: transport, lunch and a knowledgeable guide are included. Families can enjoy a day without planning logistics, while couples get a romantic escape into England’s most picturesque countryside.
👉 Book the Oxford & Cotswolds Christmas Tour
4. Celebrate on a Thames Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
Why choose between sightseeing and dining when you can do both? This experience starts with a panoramic coach tour of London, followed by a Christmas Day cruise on the Thames.
On board, you’ll tuck into a festive roast lunch while passing iconic sights like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. The boat itself is decorated for the season, with holiday music playing in the background to set the mood.
Why go? Families love the novelty of dining on the water, while couples get an intimate Christmas date with London’s skyline as their backdrop. It’s festive, indulgent, and one of the most unique ways to spend Christmas Day.
👉 See the Christmas Day Cruise
5. Add Sparkle to Christmas Eve with an Illuminations Tour
Christmas Eve is one of the most magical nights of the year – and London knows how to put on a show. The Illuminations of London Tour takes you through the city’s best light displays, from Piccadilly Circus to Parliament Square, all glowing in festive colours.
On board, you’ll enjoy live commentary that mixes festive tales with fun facts about the landmarks. To make the night even more special, every guest receives a complimentary Christmas gift.
Why go? It’s a wonderful way for families to build excitement for Christmas Day – kids especially love the surprise gift. Couples, meanwhile, can enjoy a sparkling, romantic ride through London before heading home to hang stockings.
👉 Book the Christmas Eve Illuminations Tour
6. Get Lost in Winter Wonderland
Every year, Hyde Park transforms into Winter Wonderland – London’s biggest Christmas event. Entry is free, and once inside you’ll find something for everyone:
- The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink
- The Magical Ice Kingdom with glittering sculptures
- A huge observation wheel with panoramic views
- Bavarian beer halls with live music
- A Christmas market packed with gifts and street food
Why go? Families can meet Santa, ride the rollercoasters and play fairground games. Couples can skate hand-in-hand or sip mulled wine while soaking up the atmosphere. It’s busy, buzzing and unmissable.
🎟️ Plan your visit at the Winter Wonderland official site
7. Go Skating at Somerset House
Few things say Christmas like ice skating under a giant tree. At Somerset House, the 18th-century courtyard becomes a dazzling rink from November to January.
Daytime sessions are perfect for families (with skating aids for beginners), while evenings bring Skate Lates with DJs spinning festive tunes. After your session, warm up with hot chocolate, waffles or mulled wine at the rink-side chalet.
Why go? It’s elegant, iconic, and perfect for both families and couples. Even if you wobble more than you glide, the setting alone makes it unforgettable.
8. Explore London’s Christmas Markets
London’s Christmas markets are as much about the atmosphere as the shopping. Some of the best include:
- Southbank Winter Market: riverside stalls selling mulled wine, crafts and street food.
- Leicester Square Market: central, cosy, with Santa’s Grotto and festive shows.
- Borough Market at Christmas: a foodie paradise for mince pies, cheeses and artisan treats.
Why go? Families can enjoy rides, games and treats, while couples can browse handmade gifts and share festive snacks. The lights, music and smells are pure Christmas magic.
9. Wander the Light Trail at Kew Gardens
Each winter, Kew Gardens hosts a stunning after-dark light trail. Expect tunnels of fairy lights, glowing sculptures, and dazzling projections on the Palm House.
The mile-long trail winds through the gardens, with food stalls along the way serving spiced cider, hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast over open fires.
Why go? Families love the interactive displays and vintage rides, while couples will find it one of London’s most romantic Christmas dates. It’s peaceful, enchanting and unforgettable.
10. Covent Garden & Trafalgar Square at Christmas
Not every festive experience costs money – and these are two of the best.
- Covent Garden: home to a 60-foot Christmas tree, giant ornaments, live performers and surprise “snowfalls.”
- Trafalgar Square: where the famous Norwegian spruce glows each evening, with carol singers filling the square with music.
Why go? Both spots are free, easy to visit, and full of atmosphere. Families can enjoy live music and festive cheer, while couples can stroll hand-in-hand through the lights.
Final Thoughts
From glittering light tours to cosy Christmas lunches, London has something for everyone this season. Whether you’re skating under the stars, wandering markets with mulled wine, or heading out to Oxford for the day, these activities capture the best of Christmas in the capital.
👉 Explore more Christmas activities with Coco-Moola and make this holiday season one to remember
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