FREE: 20 Things To in London for Christmas 2023

From 15th November to 7 January enjoy the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens. Wander around the botanical world with twinkling lights. Enjoy independent street food vendors to keep you warm! The event features a magical light trail across Kew Gardens, making it the perfect festive winter evening event. The trail includes 3m high illuminated flowers, cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy, and one of the longest light tunnels to ever feature at Christmas at Kew. Visitors can keep warm with seasonal street food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate, or enjoy a Christmas dinner at The Botanical restaurant. The event has limited capacity with timed entry, so it is recommended to plan ahead and book tickets in advance. The Gardens close at 10 pm with last entry at 8 pm (7 pm on 24 December 2023).

The most popular lights to see during Christmas is on Regent Street! From 9th Nov to 2nd Jan see the The Spirit of Christmas lights. The displays are switched on early in the evening and are on a timer to be more sustainable.

The most spectacular lights in London across the famous Oxford Street. See the shining stars lighting up the street while you shop and explore the street.

Walk around the cobbled streets and enjoy the festive Covent Garden. The Covent Garden Christmas Lights include massive mirror baubles and giant Christmas trees lit up. From 7th November, the lights will feature over 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls. The installation is inspired by traditional golden bells and will be displayed in Covent Garden’s iconic Market Building. In addition to the lights, Covent Garden will also host a range of festive events and activities. The Winter Warmer Festival will launch Christmas in Covent Garden with endless mulled wine pouring throughout November. The Covent Garden Sleigh will return to the West Piazza until the beginning of January, providing a magical photo opportunity for visitors.

Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights will be switched on on November 8, 2023. This year’s theme is called “Carnaby Universe” and features a solar system of neon lights that will be strung up in the sky above Carnaby’s shops. The installation will be turned on officially on November 8. Over 100 brands, restaurants, and bars will come together to offer an evening of activations and promotions alongside live music and entertainment on November 8 from 4 PM - 8 PM.

The Somerset House Christmas ice rink is a yearly favorite in London. This year, it will be sponsored by Switzerland Tourism and will be open from November 15, 2023 to January 14, 2024. The rink will be open every day except Christmas Day, from 8:45 AM to 11:15 PM. The prices for adults range from £10 to £25, while children’s tickets cost between £8 and £13. The rink is located in the spectacular courtyard of Somerset House, which will be transformed into a glorious festive destination with a uniquely Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. In addition to skating, there will be a Shelter Boutique pop-up charity shop, DJs, and a stunning 40ft Christmas tree. You can also enjoy gourmet dining at the pop-up alpine restaurant, Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia, in partnership with Switzerland Tourism. Further treats off the ice can be enjoyed at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel, where you can enjoy a glass of Provence Rosé.

The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is another popular ice rink in London. It will be open from November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024. The rink will be open every day except Christmas Day, from 10:00 AM to 8:45 PM. The prices for adults range from £15 to £17.50, while children's tickets cost between £10 and £12.50. The rink is located in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace, which is a Tudor palace with a rich history. In addition to skating, there will be a festive fayre at the palace, which will feature a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as a Christmas market. The palace will also be decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, making it a perfect destination for a festive day out.

The Alexandra Palace Ice Rink in London is a popular destination for ice skating enthusiasts during the Christmas season. The rink is transformed into a winter wonderland with a huge Christmas tree in the center, festive music, and snow. The rink is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy skating around the Christmas tree while listening to their favorite Christmas tunes. The Ally Pally team suggests booking onto one of their Festive Skate sessions or Christmas Ice Discos to enjoy whizzing around the rink. You can book your tickets online at the official website of Alexandra Palace.

The Glide at Battersea Power Station is London’s only riverside ice rink, located at the Battersea Power Station. It will be open from Friday 10th November 2023 until Sunday 7th January 2024. The rink is open seven days a week and offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can enjoy skating around the rink while enjoying the beautiful views of the Thames and the twinkling lights surrounding the rink. The rink offers three interconnecting rinks, a 30ft Christmas tree, vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, and captivating photo booths to capture precious moments . The Glass House bar will also be returning so guests can fuel up before a skate or relax with a well-earned post-skate treat. A programme of entertainment will be on offer throughout the week with pub quizzes, themed music night, DJs and live bands. You can book your tickets online at the official website of Glide at Battersea Power Station.

Ice Rink Canary Wharf is a seasonal ice rink located in Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, UK. It will be open for 18 weeks from 21st October 2023 to 24th February 2024. The rink is open from 10:00 AM to 10:45 PM on weekdays and 9:30 AM to 10:15 PM on weekends. The ticket prices range from £13.50 to £20.95 depending on the age of the skater and the time of the session. The tickets are available for purchase online only. Enjoy a drink at the bar or eat at one of the restaurants after your skating session.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a large annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park, London, from mid-November to early January. The ice rink is the largest open-air ice rink in the UK and is set around the charming Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park. The ice rink is open from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. The ice skating session times run every hour between 10:00 and 21:00, and each ice skating session lasts 45 minutes. The ice rink is open from November 18 to January 2, except for Christmas day. Skates are included in the ticket price and available in minimum children’s size 9, maximum adult’s size 13 (Limited supply of skate size 14/15 available). All bags and large items are required to be checked in to the cloakroom provided at £2 per item. Please wear suitable clothing for skating and wrap up warm! We have a limited supply of penguin skate aids, and are available on a first-come first-served basis from the skate hire counter for £5. The nearest stations to the Ice Rink are Victoria, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge.

The Southbank Christmas Market takes place along London’s Southbank, right in the heart of the city. It features traditional Alpine-style wooden chalets, street food stalls, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy warm drinks like mulled wine, cheese and sweet fondue, Dutch pancakes, gourmet cheese toasties, and truffle burgers. The market likely runs from 2nd November to 26th December 2023 as part of the broader Southbank Winter Festival.

The Leicester Square Christmas Market is a festive event that takes place in the heart of London’s West End. The market features over 25 wooden cabins decorated with fairy lights, adding a touch of traditional charm to the bustling city. The market is open from 10am to 10pm every day from November 8th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024, except for Christmas Day. The market is free to enter, but tickets are required for Spiegeltent shows. The market is known for its unique artisan gifts, mulled wine, festive food, and lively street performers. Some of the food options available at the market include hot chestnuts, mince pies, local craft ales, roasted hog, and traditional Christmas pudding.

Likely to run from 16th November 2023 onward. Held at Greenwich Market, a World Heritage site, from 4 pm to 6 pm. It is free entry. Highlights: Over 150 wooden Christmas stalls with handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. Enjoy British mulled wine, fruit mince pies, local cheese, artisan chocolates, and British puddings. Late-evening sessions every Wednesday in December. Festive lantern procession involving local school children. Ice skating at the nearby Queen’s House Ice Rink. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Accessible and pet-friendly. Consider exploring Royal museums in Greenwich with a day pass.

The Kingston Christmas Market is a delightful European-style market nestled in the traditional British setting of Kingston-Upon-Thames. From November 16th to December 31st, 2023, this magical market invites you to immerse yourself in festive cheer. Here’s what you can expect: Market Stalls: Wander through the Ancient Market Place adorned with twinkling fairy lights. Explore 16 stalls offering unique gifts, perfect for filling every stocking. Food and Drink: Savor the taste of Christmas with an array of delights. From continental bratwurst to hog roasts and street food from around the world, the Kingston Christmas Market has your festive cravings covered. Entertainment: Let the holiday spirit surround you! Enjoy a ride on the carousel with the kids, listen to classic Christmas carol singers, and groove to live music. Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm Closed on Christmas Day

The Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End is home to the beloved Disney musical, The Lion King. This historic venue, with its grand stage and vibrant atmosphere, promises a classic theatre experience that you’ll never forget. 🦁🎭

Matilda The Musical is a multi-award-winning show that graces the stage at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End. Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, this delightful musical is brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company and comedian Tim Minchin.

The Palace Theatre in London’s West End is where the enchanting Harry Potter and the Cursed Child comes to life. This magical play, based on an original new story by J.K.

MAMMA MIA! is a sensational musical that has been captivating audiences worldwide. It’s based on the timeless songs of ABBA and promises an unforgettable experience.

FROZEN, the award-winning musical, has found its icy home at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s West End.