Adults
1
Children
Age 0-18
0
Things to do in London at Christmas 2026, Winter Wonderland, markets, lights, ice skating, panto and carols, plus the best areas to stay.
London does Christmas properly. From early November the streets light up, markets pop up along the river and in the squares, and Hyde Park turns into a winter funfair.
Whether you're here for a weekend of shopping or the whole festive fortnight, here's what's worth your time this year.
London's biggest Christmas event runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Expect fairground rides, an ice rink, circus and ice shows, Bavarian-style bars and a huge Christmas market.
Book entry in advance as weekends and evenings often sell out, prices range from:
Staying in Kensington or Notting Hill puts you a short walk or bus ride from the park.
There's a market for every mood: riverside chalets at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, crafts and food at Covent Garden, street food at Borough Market, and independent makers at Old Spitalfields. New for 2026 is a market at Granary Square in King's Cross.
See our full guide to London's Christmas markets and lights for dates and the best ones to visit.
The West End switches on first, Carnaby Street on 4 November and Regent Street on 5 November, with Covent Garden and Bond Street following on 12 November and Oxford Street on 9 November. Walk Oxford Street → Regent Street → Carnaby Street → Covent Garden after dark for the best of them in about an hour.
Skating under the lights is a London Christmas ritual. As well as the rink at Winter Wonderland, look out for the rink at Somerset House open from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Book a slot ahead, especially for evenings!
Christmas at Kew turns the botanic gardens into an illuminated trail through the trees (on Selected dates between 13 November 2026 and 3 January 2027). Greenwich Market and the riverside around the Cutty Sark make a good afternoon out, with the market's lights going on from 18 November.
Panto, shows and carols
A West End show is a Christmas tradition in itself, and the London Palladium's pantomime is the big one for families with this year being Cinderella running from 5 December 2026, to 10 January 2027. For something quieter, St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey hold carol services through December, and Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree, a gift from Norway every year, hosts carol singing through the season.
Borough Market's Christmas season runs from 30 November to 6 January, mulled wine, cheese, mince pies and everything for a Christmas feast. If you're staying in an apartment, it's the place to stock up and cook your own festive dinner.
Pick your base by what you want to do. The City (Liverpool Street, Monument, St Paul's) puts you close to Spitalfields and Leadenhall Market's lights and an easy walk to the river. Kensington and Notting Hill are best for Winter Wonderland and the museums. King's Cross is ideal if family are arriving by train.
Browse our short stay apartments in London, or read our guide to where to stay in London for Christmas and New Year.
FAQ
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Book entry in advance for evenings and weekends.
Carnaby Street switches on on 4 November and Regent Street on 5 November 2026, with Covent Garden and Bond Street on 12 November. Most displays stay up until early January.
Very little, there's no public transport at all, and most shops and attractions close. Parks, church services and restaurants serving Christmas lunch (booked ahead) are the main options. See our Christmas Day in London guide.
For markets and lights, the City and Covent Garden side of town; for Winter Wonderland and museums, Kensington and Notting Hill; for easy train arrivals, King's Cross.
Very, especially on weekends from late November to Christmas Eve. Visit popular markets on weekday mornings, and book Winter Wonderland, skating and shows in advance.
Our London apartments give you a kitchen for festive feasts and room to spread out after a day at the markets.
Christmas dates fill up fast, so book early and if you'd rather beat the crowds, January stays come with 20% off your London stay (between 1 – 31 January 2027) using code WINTER20 if you book before 30 November 2026. (Terms and conditions apply)
Skip the fees and book direct with Your Apartment. YA Insiders get 5% off and lots more added extras!
Pocket Guide: How to be a Londoner
A guide to fitting into one of the world’s biggest cities, from travel tips to the best places to stay in the city.
Parking in London
Finding parking in London can sometimes pose a challenge, but fear not! We're to help with our handy parking guides!
