December in London:From Christmas Markets to Secret Gems
| December in London is absolutely magical – and I’m not just talking about Christmas markets. Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences, visiting family for the holidays, or considering making this incredible city home, I’ve got something for everyone. From the festive favorites everyone knows to the hidden gems only locals discover, plus my personal dining recommendations that will make your December unforgettable – let’s dive in. |
| Festive Favorites Let’s start with the classics – because London does Christmas spectacularly. Christmas Markets: Festive Shopping & Seasonal Treats SouthBank Winter Market Transformed into a riverside winter wonderland with wooden chalets, artisan stalls, and global cuisine. The South Bank Centre hosts winter events too – it’s festive magic along the Thames. Leicester Square Market Alpine-style market stalls running for two whole months from November 8th. Traditional seasonal treats, food, drinks, and gifts right in the heart of the West End.Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) The big one! Open November 14th to January 1st with over 100 wooden cabins, the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, funfair rides, and the Magical Ice Kingdom featuring 500 tonnes of sculpted ice bringing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life. Plus the world’s largest portable roller coaster and a giant observation wheel. Yes, it’ll be crowded – but it’s iconic for a reason. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair A hidden gem! November 27-30 only, featuring 100+ independent sellers on the grounds of London’s oldest botanic garden. Think luxury artisanal goods – fine food, specialty drinks, homewares, and accessories.Ice Skating: Glide Through London’s Most Beautiful SpacesSomerset House (November 12 – January 11, 2026) Skate under the stars in this stunning neoclassical courtyard overlooking the river. DJs, contemporary music, food and drink, plus a pop-up Shelter Boutique with pre-loved items benefiting the housing and homelessness charity. Adults £15-£28.50 | Children from £10 Battersea Power Station (November 7 – January 4) River views meet vintage fairground vibes, and this year they’ve added a Skate Trail if going in circles isn’t your thing. Adults £18.70 | Children from £11.54 Leicester Square (November 1 – January 4) Skate around Shakespeare’s statue right in the West End! You can even pre-book drinks at the bar for after your session. Adults £14.50 | Children £9.50 | Families £40West End Shows & PantomimesNothing says British Christmas like a West End panto or holiday classic. It’s theatrical, over-the-top, and absolutely essential for the full London experience.  With the Little Ones Got kids? These will be the memories they talk about for years. Christmas Lights & Displays Leadenhall Market – Victorian architecture meets stunning Christmas lights in this covered historic market Oxford Street – 5,000 brilliant white stars in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital, switched on November 3rd. Don’t miss Selfridges’ world-famous Christmas windows. Regent Street – “The Spirit of Christmas” theme featuring winged angels creating a canopy of light. The “Wishing Tree” in St James’s Market lets you donate to The Felix Project and triggers a magical light display. Soho Kids – Brightly colored lights created by local primary school children! The 5th year of this initiative to spark creativity and festive cheer. Bond Street – London’s most luxurious shopping district with spectacular lights and the return of the festive Crown Jewels display. Pro tip: Take a festive bus tour to see all the lights while saving your feet – complete with mince pies, mulled wine, and singalongs! Meet Santa – Book Early, These Fill Fast! Santa at The London Transport Museum (November 27 – December 23) Perfect for train-loving kids! More relaxed atmosphere featuring a Routemaster bus inspired by a sleigh. Free with museum admission. SEND-friendly Early Explorer Morning on December 6th (8:30-10:00). Santa at London Zoo (November 22 – January 4) Multiple options from £18.50 to £42 per child. The Deluxe experience includes an immersive Christmas quest in ZooTown play area, hot drinks, sweet treats, festive animal talks, and elf storytelling. Relaxed sessions available for children with additional needs. Other Options: Victorian grotto at Museum of London Docklands, storytime at Marble Hill House, and the Jingle Bell Blast speedboat experience with Thames Rockets! Santa Steam Train Experiences Santa Steam Express (December 20 & 22 from Victoria) 75-minute journey around London in festively decorated 1970s carriages. Santa and his helpers board to deliver gifts. Upgrade available for mulled wine, snacks, and more spacious seats. The Polar Express (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays November 28 – December 21, plus December 22-23) Departs from London Euston. Tickets £59.95-£67.95 include the train ride, characters from the film, magical light show, hot chocolate, cookies, story read-along, and meeting Santa who gives you the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell!  Off the Beaten Path Now for something completely different – the London experiences you didn’t know you needed. Unexpected London: Beyond the Traditional God’s Own Junkyard (Walthamstow) This neon wonderland is electric, vibrant, and completely unexpected. Perfect for non-traditional Christmas seekers who love art and Instagram-worthy moments. Dennis Severs’ House (Spitalfields) Step into 18th-century London in this atmospheric, candlelit time capsule. Immersive theater meets history – totally unique and hauntingly beautiful. Late-Night Museum Openings The V&A and Science Museum host evening events with cocktails, DJ sets, and exhibitions minus the daytime crowds. Culture with a sophisticated edge. West End Musical Christmas at Lyric Theatre (December 15) A surprise cast of West End stars in this feel-good, festive production. An alternative Christmas experience with serious talent. Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park (December 25) Cheer on the brave members of the Serpentine Swimming Club as they take an icy Christmas Day dip in this historic open-water race. It’s a London tradition! Backyard Cinema They transform warehouses into immersive experiences – expect something magical this year! Think themed bars, cabaret, and surprise performances.  Flying Solo Spending Christmas on your own? This city makes it easy – and honestly, pretty magical. Historic Christmas Homes: Step Back in Time Dennis Severs’ House (Spitalfields) – £15-30 This 18th-century time capsule is extraordinary. Silent candlelit tours take you through rooms frozen in time, decorated as a Huguenot family would have experienced Christmas in the 1700s. No photos, no talking – just pure atmospheric magic. Ham House (Richmond) – £12.50 (free for National Trust/Art Fund members) Tudor-style Christmas decor with natural, simple elegance. The festive dining room setup is beautiful. Don’t miss Petersham Nurseries’ magical Christmas displays nearby. Museum of the Home (Hackney) – Free Showcases Christmas decorations through the ages – from the 1500s to the 1970s – in historically accurate room settings. A beloved London tradition. Christmas Concerts & Performances Join festive concerts at Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and St Martin-in-the-Fields. Book in advance – these fill up fast! Explore London’s Hidden Neighborhoods Richmond Classic homes with twinkling lights, beautiful shopfronts, and if you’re lucky, a dusting of snow. Visit the Orange Tree Theatre or Richmond Theatre. The Strand Central but somehow quieter than Covent Garden. Visit Temple, grab pastries at Toklas Bakery, and take in Somerset House’s festive atmosphere. East London – Columbia Road & Hackney Columbia Road mid-week is peaceful perfection. On Saturdays, Broadway Market comes alive with 70+ stalls. East London has some of the city’s best bakeries (Forno, E5 Bakehouse, Yeast Bakery). Pro tip: Don’t miss trying a Christmas sandwich – it’s a very British tradition. Pret a Manger does a great affordable version.  Dining Decoded Because no London experience is complete without incredible food – here’s where to eat this December. Where to Eat This December: Festive Menus Worth Booking Daphne’s (South Kensington) – Italian The most beautiful AND delicious festive restaurant in London. Every year they transform the space with baubles and ribbons cascading from the ceiling. The Italian food is exceptional (their pasta and tiramisu are perfection). Book ahead or try walking in at opening (noon) on a weekday. Churchill Arms (Kensington) – Thai Yes, Thai food in a traditional pub! But what makes it unmissable at Christmas is the exterior: over 90 Christmas trees covering the facade. They spend around £25k annually on flowers and festive displays. The juxtaposition is quintessentially London. Coppa Club (Tower Bridge) – European Heated igloos with Tower Bridge views. Winter dining done right – cozy, atmospheric, and perfect for groups. Book ahead (minimum spend around £35 per person). Hot Chocolate Experience at The Chinoiserie (Knightsbridge) – British For £18, you get the milkiest, thickest hot chocolate in London plus a tower of adorable toppings – gingerbread men, marshmallows, sprinkles. Located in The Carlton Tower Jumeirah Hotel. Cozy luxury at its finest. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Library, Marriott County Hall – British Tradition Request a window table and enjoy unlimited tea, sandwiches, pastries, and festive treats while looking out at Big Ben. Perfect introduction to this quintessentially British experience. Pro booking tip: All of these spots get busy during the holiday season, so reserve ahead wherever possible!  Whether you’re visiting or already dreaming of calling London home, December reveals the magic of this incredible city – from grand traditions to hidden gems, from bustling markets to peaceful neighborhood walks. |
