What’s Happening This Christmas in London?

As the festive season approaches, it’s time to embrace the magic of Christmas and get ready for a month filled with joy, celebration, and memorable moments. This year, the local area is buzzing with holiday cheer, offering a wide range of events and activities to suit every taste and age. From enchanting light displays and Christmas markets to festive theatre performances and cosy winter-themed pop-ups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to create new traditions or revisit familiar favourites, here’s a guide to what’s happening this Christmas in the area, so you can make the most of the season and spread some holiday spirit!

 

Christmas Activities & Events

“Decades” by Louise Giovanelli at St Mary le Strand

Create London and Westminster City Council will present a new public art and architecture commission by artist Louise Giovanelli on the pedestrianised Strand Aldwych, opening on 19 November and running until 18 January 2026. London Heritage Quarter is proud to sponsor this commission. Find out more about “Decades” by Louise Giovanelli here.

 

Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays

Returning for 2025 (12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026), Skate at Somerset House transforms the iconic courtyard into one of London’s most loved winter destinations. Visitors can enjoy open-air skating, live DJ sets, festive food and drink, and exclusive experiences including the Virgin Atlantic Holidays Clubhouse, The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and the Shelter Boutique pop-up. Adult tickets from £15, children from £10.

 

Christmas Lights Night Tour with Big Bus Tours

See London sparkle this festive season on the Christmas Lights Night Tour with Big Bus Tours. Hop aboard an open-top bus and glide past Strand’s magical fairy lights and the city’s iconic landmarks all aglow with festive colour. With a live guide sharing seasonal stories along the way, it’s the perfect way to soak up the magic and joy of Christmas in London. The tour runs from 14 November to 30 December, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

Christmas by Candlelight at Westminster Abbey

On 11 December 2025, join The Passage for a magical evening of festive music at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. The musical evening will feature the St Margaret’s Choir and special celebrity readers James Nesbitt, Sophie Winkleman and Jason Watkins, with more to be announced.

The service begins at 6pm (doors open 5.30pm), followed by an optional reception in the stunning Cellarium Café from 7–9 pm (£90 per person). Book your tickets for the Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.

Services in St Margaret’s Church are always free to enter; however, The Passage kindly asks for a donation to support their work. Every ticket and donation helps fund The Passage’s vital work preventing and ending street homelessness.

 

Christmas Markets

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

The perfect way to soak up London’s festive atmosphere and pick up a few special presents. From mid-November, charming wooden chalets brim with handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Stroll beneath the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree while enjoying the sounds of carol singers spreading holiday cheer throughout December.

Strand Aldwych Christmas Market

Enjoy a festive day at the Strand Aldwych Christmas Market on 11 December from 10am to 10pm. Browse a delightful collection of local traders upon the pedestrianised space outside King’s College London and Somerset House. It’s the perfect place to enjoy London’s Christmas spirit and discover something special for everyone on your list.

 

Christmas Markets at The RSA

Step into RSA House for Christmas Markets on Saturday 6 December from 11am to 5pm. In partnership with Crafty Fox Market, browse handmade gifts from over 30 of the UK’s best independent makers, sip mulled wine and hot cider, and enjoy live music and festive pop-ups throughout the historic Georgian townhouse. Take part in craft workshops, explore guided tours of RSA House or relax in the Coffee House and MUSE bar with seasonal treats and cocktails. Perfect for families, friends, or a festive outing in the heart of the West End. Find out more about RSA House Christmas Markets here.

 

Christmas Market in Eccleston Yards

Just a five-minute walk from Victoria Station, experience the Eccleston Yards Christmas Market on 16 November 2025 from 12pm to 5:30pm. Browse a pop-up market filled with unique stocking fillers, enjoy seasonal menus from local favourites like Jones Family Kitchen and Amie, and sip on warming mulled wine as you soak up the holiday atmosphere. Don’t miss Belgravia’s nearby Christmas light switch-on happening on the same day on Elizabeth Street for an extra festive sparkle. Find out more about the Eccleston Yards Christmas Market here.

 

Christmas Shop at The Royal Mews

From 14 November 2025 to 5 January 2026, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace will host its first-ever dedicated Christmas pop-up shop. The reimagined store will offer a festive selection of gifts, decorations and luxury food items, along with a full-size advent calendar revealing new products, limited editions, and exclusive treats each day. Visitors can discover royal-inspired presents, Christmas stockings and Buckingham Palace gift wrap, everything needed for a truly Royal Christmas.

 

Christmas Light Switch Ons

Christmas Lights on Strand & Villiers Street 2025

The Strand and Villiers Street Christmas lights will be switched on 12 November 2025, featuring dazzling illuminated fairy figures inspired by the Savoy Theatre and the world’s first electric fairy lights, created for the 1882 premiere of Iolanthe. The sustainable installation includes over 96,000 low-energy LEDs and recycled materials, celebrating both heritage and innovation.

 

Christmas Lights on Victoria Street 2025

From 17 November, Victoria Street will also light up with tree-shaped displays near Westminster Cathedral Piazza, alongside giant Christmas trees at Cathedral Piazza, Victoria Tower Gardens, and Christchurch Gardens, creating a festive glow across Westminster from 19 November.

 

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting-up Ceremony

Once again, the City of Oslo will be sending us a magnificent spruce tree in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during the Second World War. This national symbol of thanksgiving and rejoicing will stand in Trafalgar Square until 5 January 2026.

The Trafalgar Tree lights switch on will take place on Thursday 4 December from 5pm. The ceremony will include Christmas carols led by the Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army and a poem to the Christmas tree written and read by children who live in Westminster. There will also be a performance by The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood and the ceremony is expected to conclude around 6:30pm.

Carol Singing on Trafalgar Square will also take place daily.

 

Belgravia Christmas Lights Switch-On Party 2025

Belgravia’s annual Christmas lights switch-on returns on Sunday 16 November 2025, from 12pm to 5pm, transforming Elizabeth Street into a festive wonderland. Visitors can meet Father Christmas, enjoy family entertainment, and see performances by the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Fulham Brass Band, and Solid Steel.

The lights will be switched on at 4.45pm, followed by celebrations across Belgravia, including seasonal offers, treats, and in-store events. Don’t miss the pop-up Christmas Market in Eccleston Yards, with gifts, mulled wine, and festive food.

 

Christmas Competitions & Offers

Online Christmas Advent Calendar

Returning soon for 2025! Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with our Online Christmas Advent Calendar, where you can win exciting prizes every day from 1 December until Christmas Eve.

Discover a fantastic range of gifts from local businesses, from luxury hotel stays and theatre tickets to afternoon teas, fitness classes, shopping vouchers and much more.

Each daily prize draw is open for just 24 hours, so be sure to check back every day. Winners will be chosen at random after each draw closes.

Visit our website on 1 December for full details on how to enter!

 

Charity & Christmas Volunteering

Give back this Christmas

Whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, supporting local charities is a meaningful way to share the spirit of Christmas. Find out ways you can support organisations across London Heritage Quarter.

 

Deliver Christmas Hampers Across Westminster

Looking to volunteer in December? Help us and the Sir Simon Milton Foundation spread Christmas cheer across Westminster by distributing hampers to over 800 residents with support and care needs. Volunteering slots are available daily from 8 to 12 December and we are particularly in need of volunteers who have vehicles and can help with deliveries by car.. Please use this form to register your interest.

 

Christmas Dining

Christmas Dining & Festive Afternoon Teas

Discover the best dining opportunities in London and ideal spots to book a Christmas party or New Year’s Eve event, or find a Festive Afternoon Tea for an extra special treat. Browse other seasonal menus below:

  • ‘Alpine Tales’ Cocktails at The Delaunay – London’s cosiest new cocktail menu is here, inspired by the myths, folklore and natural beauty of the Alps. Each drink tells its own story through classic tales and flavours with Alpine ingredients. Perfect for an after-work drink, pre-theatre tipple or a mid-afternoon pause from shopping in central London.
  • Cinnamon Bun Milkshake at Five Guys – Available for a limited time, this shake is all about cosiness, indulgence and luxury.
  • Turkey Truffler Christmas Sandwich at Yolk – Turkey, truffle mayo, cranberry, bacon, crispy shallots, rocket. It’s rich, savoury and a little bit fancy.
  • Festive Menu at Ole & Steen – From the award-winning Turkey Toastie to a whole Gingerbread Social, there’s a cosy moment waiting in every bite. Available in-store and via Click & Collect.
  • Fondue Season at Vagabond – Dig into bubbling Swiss cheese with all the trimmings. Go classic (£22pp), level up with Black Truffle (£28pp), or go full luxury with Fondue + Fizz (£30pp) perfectly paired with a glass of their exclusive Jean Comyn ‘So Blendy’ Champagne NV.
  • 3 courses for £25 at Franco Manca – Choose any bite, pizza and dessert from the main menu for just £25. Play Franco’s Tombola Napoletana, a playful twist on the much-loved Italian game families enjoy during the holidays, when you dine from the Christmas menu from 12 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
  • Naughty Elves Breakfast at The Ivy Victoria – Join Santa’s naughty elves for a special breakfast on 13, 14, 21, 22 and 23 December. The mischievous elves will be on hand for letter writing to the North Pole, tricks and treats to entertain the whole family and fabulous photo opportunities to treasure forever. £22 for children and £32.50 for adults.
  • Free Fizz at Bill’s – Dine from the Christmas Set Menu between 11 November and 3 December 2025 and enjoy a free glass of fizz! Choose from festive favourites like the King Prawn Cocktail, Turkey Breast with Festive Stuffing & Sticky Toffee Pudding. Plus, every guest who dines from this menu will receive an ‘Elf Workshop Bingo’ card: a chance to WIN a bottle of fizz for the table!
  • Free Prosecco at The Real Greek – Pre-book a table of 4 or more and enjoy this perk! Savour hearty winter dishes, festive Souvlaki, stews and fresh Greek flavours for gatherings, from £24 per person.

 

The Perfect Pairing at Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay

A luxurious winter experience just minutes from Covent Garden at The Savoy Hotel. For the first time, the restaurant’s iconic cheese trolley is available in the 1890 Bar, offering guests a chance to indulge in a curated selection of exceptional British and European cheeses without committing to the full dining experience.

Ideal for festive reunions, unique Christmas outings, or starting new holiday traditions, guests can choose five cheeses from twelve expertly presented tableside from the signature walnut trolley, in collaboration with London’s famed cheese monger, La Fromagerie. Running Tuesday to Thursday, 3:30pm to 6:30 pm and priced at £35, this intimate offering is a perfect introduction to Michelin-starred excellence in a relaxed and stylish setting. Launching 11 November, it’s the ultimate festive indulgence for those seeking world-class flavours and seasonal cheer. Find out more about Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay here.

 

Stay Alert This Winter

We’re proud to support West End Security Group’s Winter Vigilance campaign, helping everyone enjoy the festive season safely. As London gets busier, please stay alert and trust your instincts: if you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell staff, security or police, or report it online at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, always call 999.