London is one of the most magical places to visit at Christmas, from the sparkling festive lights to the gigantic Christmas trees and spectacular shopfronts. Plus, the whole family can enjoy plenty of fun activities, from carol singing to ice skating and theatre shows. If you’re looking for things to do in London at Christmas this year, these are some of our top picks for the festive season that are bound to make you feel nostalgic.
The best spots for carol singing in London
What better way to get in the festive spirit than by watching a Christmas carol concert? Head to one of these prestigious cathedrals, public squares or live music venues and enjoy your favourite Christmas carols in London.
To enjoy a festive carol service in a traditional setting, head to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Each year, they have a programme of events during the run-up to Christmas, including carols by candlelight, Advent services and a midnight Eucharist.
Price range: free
How to get there: During the week, take the Waterloo & City line from London Waterloo to Bank, then walk eight minutes to St. Paul’s Cathedral. At weekends, take the number 26 or 76 bus from London Waterloo to the cathedral.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Underneath the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, you’ll find various choirs singing carols every day in the run-up to Christmas. This is one of the capital's most popular outdoor carol concerts and a fantastic free event the whole family can enjoy.
Price range: free
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo or Northern line northbound to Charing Cross, which brings you right onto Trafalgar Square. Alternatively, you can walk across the Golden Jubilee Bridges from the station to Trafalgar Square in 18 minutes.
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
From the 2– 22 December 2022, you can attend the much-loved sing-along carol concerts held in the stunning auditorium of the Royal Albert Hall. Expect traditional carols and chart-topping festive favourites.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line westbound from London Waterloo to Westminster, then change for the District line westbound to South Kensington. Royal Albert Hall is a 13-minute walk away.
Barbican Centre hosts a series of live music events in the run-up to Christmas, including traditional carol concerts, Christmas film screenings accompanied by a live orchestra, and classical performances from the London Symphony Orchestra.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line eastbound to London Bridge, then change for the northbound Northern line to Moorgate. Barbican Centre is a six-minute walk away.
The best Christmas displays in London
Enjoy the city’s best festive décor alongside various seasonal events and attractions at these outdoor locations.
Somerset House is home to the famous ice skating rink during the winter months, and it also has one of the largest Christmas trees in the capital. If you want to get in the festive spirit, head to Somerset House for a mulled wine or hot chocolate underneath the Christmas lights adorning the spectacular courtyard.
Price range: £-££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, enjoy a leisurely, 16-minute stroll across Waterloo Bridge towards Somerset House.
Being one of London’s most popular areas for shopping, eating and drinking all year round, Covent Garden comes alive more than ever at Christmas. Wander through the markets and take in the quaint festive décor, which includes an enormous Christmas tree in the centre of the square.
Price range: free
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the northbound Northern line to Leicester Square. Covent Garden is a five-minute walk away.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
See London’s largest outdoor Christmas tree in all its festive glory in the heart of Trafalgar Square. The gigantic fir tree has been an annual gift from Norway since 1947 and can be visited on the twelve days before Christmas and twelve days after. Surrounded by famous monuments and buildings like Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church, there’s plenty to see and do around Trafalgar Square.
Price range: free
How to get there: Take the Northern or Bakerloo line northbound from London Waterloo to Charing Cross. Trafalgar Square is opposite the tube station. If you’d prefer a scenic walk from London Waterloo, cross the river via the Golden Jubilee Bridges and you’ll reach Trafalgar Square in just 18 minutes.
The best Christmas light displays in London
Whether you’re going Christmas shopping or heading to some of London’s most popular attractions, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to see the festive lights around the city.
West End
Some of London’s best Christmas lights can be found adorning the city’s busiest shopping streets in the West End, like Regent Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street, South Molton Street and Carnaby Street. The designs change yearly, but expect nostalgic festive-themed lights alongside more contemporary, dazzling displays. Here, you’ll also find some of the city’s best Christmas window displays, from Selfridges to Fenwicks.
Price range: free
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line northbound from London Waterloo to Oxford Circus.
The winter trail at Kew Gardens is the perfect place to experience London’s Christmas lights outside the city centre. This magical, family-friendly event takes place during the evening and will mesmerise visitors of any age. From brightly-lit trees to tunnels of light, a fire garden and life-size illuminations, there’s plenty to admire. If you fancy a festive tipple or a bite to eat, you’ll also find a range of independent food and drink vendors along the trail.
Seven Dials is a stone’s throw from Covent Garden and Leicester Square. The area is known for its shops and restaurants, and during the winter months it is beautifully decorated with festive lights. This is the ideal location to stroll around, grab a festive drink or do a spot of Christmas shopping.
Price range: free
How to get there: Take the Northern line northbound from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk four minutes to Seven Dials.
The best nostalgic Christmas shops in London
Visit these department stores to marvel at the most impressive Christmas window displays in London, and perhaps buy a gift or two for friends and family.
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
As London’s most iconic department store, Harrods is hard to miss as you walk through Knightsbridge, thanks to the glowing Christmas lights on the building’s exterior. It’s also renowned for its creative window displays, including festive fashion, Christmas gifts and toys, cosy home interiors and seasonal food and drink.
Price range: £££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line westbound to Green Park, then change for the westbound Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge. Harrods is a four-minute walk away.
Founded in 1707, Fortnum and Mason is the oldest department store in the capital and has long been known for its fabulous Christmas window displays. This is the place to go for luxurious food and drink gifts at Christmas, with their hampers being a popular choice.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line northbound from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus, then walk four minutes to Fortnum and Mason.
If you’re visiting London with children at Christmas, Hamleys toy shop is sure to capture their imaginations. Filled with all the toys and gifts they could imagine, this is a truly magical shopping experience for little ones – and probably the closest you can get to Santa’s workshop outside the North Pole!
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo line northbound to Oxford Circus, then walk four minutes to Hamleys.
In search of a family friendly Christmas activity? Watch one of London’s award-winning theatre shows. These are some of the best pantos, musicals and plays to see in the capital this winter.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
Little ones will be delighted to see Disney’s Frozen movies brought to life on stage in this show-stopping West End musical. Get discounted theatre tickets on select performances of Frozen the Musical with SWR Rewards and plan a fun day out for all the family this Christmas.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: Take the number 76 or 341 bus from London Waterloo to Aldwych stop, a two-minute walk from the theatre.
The London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF
For a classic Christmas pantomime that’s sure to make you feel nostalgic, take the whole family to seeSleeping Beauty at the London Palladium this winter from 9 December - 7 January. Looking for more of the best pantos in the south west? Check out our guide to what’s on during the festive period.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo line northbound to Oxford Circus, then walk two minutes to the theatre.
Once you’re ready to plan your Christmas day out in London, explore the different ticket types we offer and book in advance to get the best prices. Check whether you’re eligible for Railcards and discounts or make the most of our GroupSave tickets if you’re travelling with others, and you could save even more on your journey.
Top Christmas shopping spots in London and the South West
Shopping at Christmas can be a magical experience with festive lights and dazzling window displays at the top spots. Read our guide here. Travel with South Western Railway.
