Christmas In London 2025: The Best Things To Book Now
THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
For the first time ever, Buckingham Palace is set to host a festive pop-up shop. From 14th Nov to 5th Jan, guests can visit the Royal Mews Christmas Shop where you'll find a range of gifts and festive treats, as well as an advent calendar filled with goodies. Keep your eyes peeled for more details soon...
Elsewhere, Southbank Centre’s Winter Market (3rd Nov-4th Jan) will return with Bavarian-inspired treats – from bratwurst to strudel – and Scandi-style wooden chalets selling everything from handmade ceramics to mulled wine. For thoughtful gifts, head to King’s Cross’s weekly Canopy Market where you’ll find a range of independent makers and small-batch treats. Of course, Winter Wonderland (14th Nov-1st Jan) will return to Hyde Park with high-octane fun, rides and numerous festive food stalls. And beyond the capital, Winchester Cathedral’s market and Bath’s Christmas Market are worth the train ride.
THE FESTIVE SHOWS
If you book one thing over the season, make it one of the many shows, ballets or festive extravaganzas happening in the West End and beyond. Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall is the season’s centrepiece, with highlights including sing-along carols (14th-24th Dec), Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas (11th Dec), The Nutcracker by Birmingham Royal Ballet (29th-31st Dec), and a set from the London Community Gospel Choir (16th Dec). Our pick? Home Alone in Concert (6th-13th Dec), complete with live score from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Elsewhere, A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic (12th Nov-10th Jan) remains a must-book, while Carols at St Martin-in-the-Fields (2nd-28th Dec) and Handel’s Messiah at St Paul’s Cathedral (3rd Dec) offer a more traditional take. And don’t forget about The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum – (11th Dec-11th Jan), an annual highlight for many. Expect twinkling snowflakes, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and English National Ballet at its most enchanting.
THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
From classic pantos to magical musicals, this year’s festive theatre line-up is full of crowd-pleasers. Cinderella at Hackney Empire (22nd Nov-31st Dec) promises big laughs and bold staging, while Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium (6th Dec-11th Jan) brings star power and glittering production value (starring Catherine Tate, Julian Clary and Jon Culshaw). Over at the Barbican, audiences can watch Wendy & Peter Pan (21st Oct-22nd Nov), a fresh take on the classic tale, while the Lyric Hammersmith’s Jack and the Beanstalk (15th Nov-4th Jan) is our pick for little ones. Also for younger audiences at the same venues is Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas (19th Nov-27th Dec). Finally, the Unicorn Theatre – which parents will be familiar with – will show a charming production of Briggs’ much-loved tale, How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? (15th Nov-3rd Jan).
THE IMMSERSIVE EXPERIENCES
There are lots of fun immersive experiences to pre-book ahead of time – perfect for a day out with friends or a festive date night. The Great Christmas Feast (14th Nov-4th Jan) does storytelling best, with an experience that transports guests back to Victorian London. Expect themed dining and live music in a secret London location. For festive chaos Humbug: Santa’s Christmas Dive Bar (from 18th Nov) is a new pop-up promising kitsch décor, karaoke and cocktails. And if you like the sound of something kitsch, you’ll love Miracle at Henrietta hotel in Covent Garden (from 10th Nov), a pop-up bar imported from the US by the Experimental Group. If last year is any clue, expect outrageously festive cocktails served in equally ridiculous glassware. Finally, over at the Museum of Architecture, The Gingerbread City (from Nov) returns with its edible metropolis, showcasing intricate biscuit-built skylines and sustainable design in miniature.
THE SKATING RINKS
Somerset House (12th Nov-11th Jan) remains the capital’s most iconic skating spot – think twinkling lights, DJ nights, and a culinary chalet where you can enjoy alpine-inspired drinks like galette and mince pie cookie cups. This year there will also be a shopping pop-up in collaboration with Shelter with all proceeds going to the housing and homelessness charity. Over in Battersea, Glide at the Power Station (7th Nov-4th Jan) is set to return with riverside views and a buzzy après-skate scene. This year there’s a cool new skate trail with gentle slopes for more confident skaters, as well as new festive food and drink options. For something more traditional head to Queen’s House Ice Rink (21st Nov-4th Jan) in Greenwich or Alexandra Palace’s indoor rink (11th Dec-5th Jan). And if you want to make a day of it, visit Hampton Court Palace for skating (21st Nov-4 Jan), ice sculpting displays, DJ sets, Santa on ice, hot toddies and more.
THE LIGHT TRAILS
For something truly atmospheric, London’s light trails offer a dose of festive escapism – think candlelit pathways, glowing installations and heritage backdrops transformed after dark. Christmas at Kew (14t Nov-4th Jan) remains a highlight in the festive calendar, with its glittering tunnel of lights, fire garden and illuminated glasshouses drawing crowds year after year. And over in west London, Kenwood House will illuminate Hampstead Heath with its ‘Neverland’ trail featuring new twinkling light displays and seasonal food stalls (25th Nov-3rd Jan).
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