London in late November through early January is basically one long, sparkling street party—twinkling shopping streets, riverside markets, pop-up ice rinks, festive light trails, carols in historic churches, and a New Year countdown that pulls the whole city toward the Thames.
This guide focuses on the 2025–26 festive season (from early November 2025 through mid-January 2026, with a few winter extras running into February).
London Christmas 2025–26 at a glance
Best weeks for the full “Christmas London” effect: mid-November to the first weekend of January
Peak crowd dates: Fridays and Saturdays in December, Christmas week, and 31 December
Typical daily sweet spot: arrive for lights and markets around 4–6pm, then keep the evening flexible for skating, shows, or cocktails
If you only do three things, make them:
A West End Christmas lights walk
A riverside Christmas market
One ticketed highlight experience (such as Christmas at Kew or Winter Wonderland)
The iconic Christmas lights walk (self-guided, 2–3 hours)
This route is designed to feel festive the entire way, with minimal backtracking and plenty of stops for hot chocolate, shopping, and photos.
Suggested route: Oxford Street → Carnaby Street → Regent Street → Covent Garden → Trafalgar Square
Start: Oxford Circus
Finish: Trafalgar Square / Embankment
Oxford Street
A glowing canopy of star-like lights turns Oxford Street into a bright corridor of Christmas energy. Lights typically run daily from late afternoon until midnight and stay up into early January.
Carnaby Street (Soho)
Carnaby is small but bold. Its themed displays change every year and often carry a playful or artistic twist. Pedestrian-friendly streets make it perfect for lingering and photos.
Regent Street & St James’s
The famous angel lights over Regent Street deliver one of London’s most recognisable Christmas scenes. The wide boulevard feels grand after dark.
Covent Garden
A huge Christmas tree, dense fairy lights, and decorated balconies make Covent Garden one of the most atmospheric festive spots in the city.
Trafalgar Square
Finish beneath the traditional Christmas tree gifted by Norway, framed by historic buildings and winter stalls.
Tip: For fewer crowds, walk this route on a weeknight and start closer to 7pm.
Christmas markets worth planning an evening around
Winter by the River (London Bridge City)
What it is: A riverside market with Tower Bridge views—one of London’s most photogenic Christmas settings.
Dates: Mid-November 2025 to early January 2026
Hours: Daily late morning to late evening (shorter hours on Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day)
Address: London Bridge City, SE1
Expect wooden chalets, festive food, hot drinks, and a relaxed riverside atmosphere. Hay’s Galleria nearby often hosts free choir performances throughout December, adding to the seasonal mood.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
What it is: A lively stretch of alpine-style huts along the Thames near the London Eye.
Dates: Early November 2025 to early January 2026
Hours: Daily from late morning to late evening (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
Address: Southbank Centre, SE1
This market is ideal for casual grazing—churros, mulled wine, street food—combined with one of the best riverside walks in London.
Christmas in Leicester Square
What it is: A compact central market combined with a festive ice rink, surrounded by theatres and cinemas.
Dates: Early November 2025 to early January 2026
Hours: Typically 10:00–22:00
Address: Leicester Square, WC2
Perfect to combine with a West End show or a late dinner.
Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park)
What it is: London’s largest Christmas attraction, mixing a market, fairground rides, ice rink, big bars, and live entertainment.
Dates: Mid-November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Address: Hyde Park, W2
This is the most high-energy option—busy, loud, and unapologetically festive.
Ticketed Christmas experiences to book early
Christmas at Kew (light trail)
An immersive evening walk through illuminated gardens, featuring glowing tunnels, music-synchronised installations, and themed food stops.
Dates: Selected evenings from mid-November 2025 to early January 2026
Time: From late afternoon until late evening
Location: Kew Gardens, TW9
Midweek visits are calmer and better for photography.
Hogwarts in the Snow (Warner Bros. Studio Tour)
A seasonal transformation of the Harry Potter studio sets, with the Great Hall dressed for Christmas and snow-covered iconic locations.
Dates: Mid-November 2025 to mid-January 2026
Location: Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Recommended visit time: 3–4 hours
A popular winter day trip from London, especially for families and fans.
Ice skating in London: best rinks for winter 2025–26
Skate at Leicester Square
Dates: Early November 2025 to early January 2026
Hours: From morning until late evening
Address: Leicester Square, WC2
Central, lively, and easy to pair with dinner or theatre.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Season opens: Late October 2025
Address: Canada Square Park, E14
A modern skyline backdrop with a slightly calmer, local feel.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Dates: Late November 2025 to early January 2026
Hours: Daytime and early evening sessions
Address: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
One of the most atmospheric rinks, set against a historic royal palace.
Carols and Christmas services in historic churches
Westminster Abbey
A world-famous setting for traditional Christmas services and choral music. Arrive early—many services fill up quickly.
St Paul’s Cathedral
A grand Christmas atmosphere under the dome, ideal to combine with an evening walk through the City.
St Martin-in-the-Fields (Trafalgar Square)
Known for its musical tradition and welcoming Christmas programme, right next to the city’s main Christmas tree.
New Year in London: 31 December and New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
London’s main countdown takes place along the Thames and is ticketed, with fireworks launched at midnight. Viewing areas open in the evening, and the event runs past midnight.
Alternative idea: If you prefer less crowd pressure, book a restaurant, live music venue, or hotel bar for New Year’s Eve instead.
London New Year’s Day Parade
A colourful start to the year with marching bands, performers, and themed floats.
Date: 1 January 2026
Time: Early afternoon
Route: Piccadilly, Regent Street, St James’s, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall
Viewing: Free standing areas available; grandstands are ticketed
Ready-made Christmas itineraries
1-day Christmas highlights
Afternoon: Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street lights
Evening: Leicester Square market and skating
Night: Covent Garden lights and dessert
2-day festive weekend
Day 1:
West End lights walk, Christmas shopping, evening theatre show
Day 2:
Southbank Winter Market → riverside walk → Winter by the River at London Bridge
4–5 days for first-time visitors
One evening at Christmas at Kew
One night at Winter Wonderland
One day trip to Hogwarts in the Snow
One ice-skating session (Leicester Square, Canary Wharf, or Hampton Court)
New Year’s Eve celebration plus New Year’s Day Parade
Practical tips for Christmas in London
Book early:
Popular experiences, ice rinks, and shows sell out quickly in December.
Dress for standing outdoors:
Layers, gloves, and a scarf are essential—markets and fireworks involve a lot of time outside.
Choose your crowd level:
Weekends bring energy and buzz; weekdays offer a calmer, more relaxed experience.
Transport planning:
Public transport can be limited on major holidays and New Year’s Day, so plan routes in advance.
FAQ: Christmas season in London 2025–26
When do Christmas markets close?
Most central markets run into the first week of January, with several closing around 4–5 January 2026.
Is Winter by the River worth visiting?
Yes—especially after dark, when Tower Bridge and the Thames create a dramatic festive backdrop.
Do I need tickets for New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Yes, official viewing areas require tickets.
What’s the best single Christmas experience in London?
For atmosphere and visual impact, Christmas at Kew is one of the most memorable winter events in the city.