Winter may bring the cold and dark, but London comes alive with glittering lights, mulled wine, and a vibrant season of entertainment. From twinkling markets to pantomimes and ice rinks to raucous bars, there’s enough Christmas cheer across the capital to keep you busy right up to the big day itself, as Beatrice Squires reports.
1. Miracle at Henrietta
Currently residing in Covent Garden, it’s no surprise that this hugely popular festive cocktail pop-up was born in New York. Dripping in baubles, tinsel and twinkling lights, with jolly music and the scent of Balsam fir, it screams NYC kitsch.
Fabulously over-the-top tipples include the Christmapolitan (with cranberry-sauce), a Snowball Old-Fashioned (with gingerbread) and a Christmassaurus.
Open until 23 December.
Find more information here.
2. Neverland at Kenwood
J.M. Barrie’s classic tale is brought to life with this enchanting light trail at Hampstead’s Kenwood House.
Follow Tinkerbell through a reimagined London with a glowing Big Ben and the Darling family home lighting up the way, before discovering the Lost Boys’ secret tree trunk and coming face to face with Captain Hook’s fearsome pirate ship.
Runs until 3 January.
Find more information here.
3. Santa Land & Luminarie Lane at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
The ever-popular Winter Wonderland lights up Hyde Park once again, with two exciting new additions. At the revamped Santa Land, meet Mrs Claus and join Santa’s team of elves in their workshop for activities and games. Elsewhere,
Luminarie Lane’s dazzling arches have been extended into a glittering canopy of 50,260 LED bulbs, lighting up a market of artisanal gifts beneath.
Open until 1 January.
Find more information here.
4. Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith and Sleeping Beauty at London Palladium
A fantastically silly mix of fairy tales, exaggerated characters, and audience participation – everyone loves a good panto. Follow hero Jack as he climbs into the clouds at the Lyric Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk from Sonia Jalaly and Nicholai La Barrie (Alladin). Meanwhile the London Palladium celebrates a decade of pantomimes with Sleeping Beauty, starring Catherine Tate and Julian Clary. Oh no they didn’t!
- Jack and the Beanstalk is at Lyric Hammersmith until 4 January; find out more here.
- Sleeping Beauty is at London Palladium from 6 December to 11 January.
Find more information here.
5. The Royal Mews Christmas Shop
The Royal Mews has served as a stables at Buckingham Palace for 200 years, but this Christmas it’s being partially transformed into a Christmas pop-up shop. Peruse a range of official royal gifts alongside food and drink from the Royal Collection Trust. Whether you’re seeking a keepsake to mark the season or a gift imbued with royal provenance, this collection promises something truly special.
At the heart of the shop is a full-size advent calendar, each door revealing a carefully chosen selection of limited edition items and festive exclusives
If it’s good enough for the King…
Open until 5 January.
Find more information here.
6. The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House
Choreographer Peter Wright’s production of this classic Christmas ballet has been charming audiences since 1984.
Watch in wonder as magician Herr Drosselmeyer attempts to save his nephew who has been turned into a Nutcracker by the wicked Queen of the Mice, all to Tchaikovsky’s famous score and set against the backdrop of a stunning Christmas tree.
Booking to 5 January.
Find more information here.
7. Meet Santa at London Zoo
Housing more than 8,000 animals, the world’s oldest scientific zoo is thrilling enough as it is. But factor a certain white-bearded guest into the mix and you can ramp up the excitement dial to 100.
Little ones can make festive crafts before meeting the man himself in his grotto, and everyone goes home with a Christmas gift.
Ends 24 December.
Find more information here.
8. The Polar Express Train Ride, London Euston
Step aboard The Polar Express for an unforgettable family adventure. Inspired by the 2004 motion picture, The Polar Express returns to Euston station, promising an immersive theatrical journey for all.
Families can enjoy festive singalongs before performers bring the story to life — all leading up to a special visit from Santa himself.
The train runs to 23 December.
Find more information here.
9. Fireside Tales by Punchdrunk at Wembley Park
For centuries, people gathered by the fire to share stories, a fading tradition Punchdrunk Enrichment Stores are reigniting.
Children aged 7-11 (and their adults) are invited to enter a captivating world to draw, write and share their stories. Expect an immersive experience from a stellar creative team, written and directed by Artistic Director Steve McCourt.
Final performances are on 4 January.
Find more information here.
10. Humbug: Santa’s Christmas Dive Bar Experience
Don your Santa hat and head down to the Humbug Dive Bar in the Waterloo Vaults for Christmas cabaret, sing-a-longs, immersive performances, and unexpected surprises.
The 3-hour ticketed show practically erupts with festive fun from confetti cannons, walkthrough theatre sets and indoor snow to a live band, street food and themed cocktails. Cheers!
Booking until 31 December.
Find more information here.
11. Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas at Garrick Theatre
It’s magical mayhem in the elves’ Christmas workshop at this Olivier award-nominated family show. Maddie (CBeebies, YouTube) is helping Tinker, the trainee toymaker, and Giggles, the Head of Elf Safety, get everything in order before Mrs Claus’ big inspection.
Using science, curiosity and a little Christmas magic they must race against the clock– can they fix the workshop in time?
Runs from 12 December to 4 January.
Find more information here.
12. Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
We have Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to thank for revitalising Christmas as a time of family, festivity, and goodwill.
The classic play returns to The Old Vic in Matthew Warchus’ brilliant production, adapted by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and starring Paul Hilton (Slow Horses). Bah Humbug!
Runs until 10 January.
Find more information here.
13. Noir Kringle: The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience – The Old Railway ticket hall, Shoreditch
Established by a mother keen for her children to experience Black representation during the festive period, this dedicated grotto experience revolves around a Black Santa and his team.
Children of all ages have a whole hour to explore the magical grotto. Offering fun activities, a meet and greet with the big man, and more, the event has inclusion at its core.
Runs from 17-22 December.
Find more information here.
14. London Christmas Day Lunch Cruise, City Cruises
For a Christmas Day lunch with a difference, try tucking into your turkey while cruising down the River Thames.
This special trip departs from Westminster Pier and offers captivating views of London’s landmarks, from the London Eye to St Paul’s Cathedral, all while enjoying a three-course traditional Christmas lunch. Cheerful décor, a bar, and music add to the festive atmosphere.
Cruise on 25 December.
Find more information here.
15. Christmas concert and Lunchtime Talk: Dickens and Christmas at Westminster Abbey
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Westminster Abbey is the breathtaking setting of a much-loved Christmas concert, featuring choral works performed by the Abbey’s world-renowned Choir, carols and readings.
On 10 December, take your pew to discover how Victorian novelist Charles Dickens shaped Christmas celebrations as we know them at the Abbey’s lunchtime talk.
Lunchtime Talk: Dickens and Christmas is on 10 December; the annual Christmas Concert is on 19 December.
Find more information here.
16.Chelsea Winter Village and Illuminations
Discover a glittering wonderland at Royal Hospital Chelsea as you journey through central London’s only light trail, a whopping 1.5km of interactive installations, monumental art, glowing gardens and enchanting soundscapes.
But that’s not all – the Chelsea Winter Village has Christmas markets, artisan workshops, street food, live music, fairground rides and seasonal bars – so you can really make a day of it.
Open to 28 December.
Find more information here.
17. The Gingerbread City
Marvel at the sweet creativity of more than 100 architects and designers at the Museum of Architecture’s beloved Gingerbread City Exhibition 2025; this year popping up at Coal Drops Yard in Stable Street.
Built around the theme ‘The Playful City’, explore a magical model city made entirely of gingerbread, sweets and icing – from sugary schools to moreish museums. Perfect for all ages, you can even build your own creation.
Open until 4 January.
Find more information here.
18. Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Part of Windsor Castle’s Estate, this royal park spans a staggering 4, 800 acres.
Now in its fifth year, Windsor Great Park Illuminated once again lights up the woodland with a brand-new trail to explore.
Discover fresh magic around every corner from the Windsor Express Train and snowball elves to Woodfest, the enchanted forest, a dazzling water show and Frosty Fred, the world’s first outdoor LED screen snowman.
Watch as the forest comes to glowing life with music and woodland creatures, and warm yourself with fire-pit rest stops, hot food and drinks.
Runs to 3 January.
Find more information here.
19. Christmas Elf Cadet Training at RAF Museum London
If your children have ever wondered how Santa and his elves deliver all their presents in one short night, now’s their chance to find out.
At the RAF Museum, children aged four to 11 can train to become a highly efficient Elf Cadet.
They’ll be given important tasks including loading the sleigh, selecting an aircraft for the job and mapping a route for Santa.
Booking to 14 December.
Find more information here.
20. Peter Pan Cup
This quirky London tradition in Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake has taken place every Christmas morning since 1864.
The 100-yard swimming race took its name in 1903, when Peter Pan author Sir James Barrie donated the first trophy, the Peter Pan Cup. This coincided with the play Peter Pan‘s debut on the London stage. Like the fictional boy who never grew up, the race has taken on a legendary appeal.
Strictly a spectator event (unless you’re a hardy Serpentine Swimming Club member), you can cheer on the brave swimmers from 9am on Christmas Day.
Find more information here.
