What’s Happening This Christmas in London?

London comes alive at Christmas, with festive dining, sparkling Christmas markets, iconic ice rinks and plenty of seasonal events to fill your calendar. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas lunch with colleagues or a magical day out beneath the city’s twinkling lights, discover what’s on this Christmas in London and make the most of the festive season.

 

Thanksgiving Dining in London

Celebrate Thanksgiving in London with traditional American flavours, indulgent menus and plenty of reasons to gather around the table. From classic roast turkey with all the trimmings to inventive seasonal dishes and festive cocktails, these restaurants are ready to bring a taste of the States to the capital.

  • Thanksgiving 2026 at Rail House Café – Make Thanksgiving a proper occasion with the Riding House Café’s much-loved Stateside feast. Expect cornbread with whipped pumpkin butter, free-range turkey with all the trimmings, maple-buttered sweet potatoes and truffled mac and cheese, finished with pumpkin pie ice cream and a hot doughnut. At £65 per guest, the menu is available for lunch and dinner on 26 November across the Riding House Café restaurants, with celebrations continuing at Riding House Fitzrovia on 27 November.
  • Thanksgiving at One Aldwych – Raise a transatlantic toast with a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner at Indigo, where Executive Chef Edward Dutton gives American classics a distinctly British twist. Expect maple sourdough, pumpkin velouté, succulent Norfolk bronze turkey and pecan pie served with cinnamon ice cream, all showcasing seasonal British ingredients in the heart of the West End.
  • Saison at Raffles London at The OWO – Give Thanksgiving a luxurious London setting at Saison, where European classics meet traditional Thanksgiving favourites with a distinctive seasonal flair. Enjoy a celebratory menu accompanied by a complimentary glass of Louis Roederer Champagne, making it an elegant choice for a special occasion on 26 November.

 

Christmas Markets

Nothing says Christmas quite like wandering through a festive market, discovering unusual gifts and stopping for a warming seasonal treat. London’s Christmas markets bring wooden chalets, handmade crafts and twinkling lights to some of the capital’s most iconic locations.

  • The Belgravia Christmas Market – Taking place on Sunday 22nd November 2026, The Belgravia Winter Market will bring Christmas charm and festivities to the heart of Belgravia, with a beautifully curated collection of festive chalets lining Elizabeth Street each adorned with twinkling lights and a giant seasonal wreath created by independent florist Moyses Stevens, the street will take on a magical winter glow, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of luxury shopping and festive celebration.
  • Christmas Markets at RSA House – Get into the festive spirit at RSA House on Saturday 5 December, where a day of independent makers, live music and seasonal treats awaits in one of London’s most historic settings. In partnership with Crafty Fox Market, browse unique handmade gifts across the Great Room and Benjamin Franklin Room, join creative workshops with acclaimed artist Sean Myers, or enjoy guided tours of the historic house. Mulled wine, hot cider, mince pies and pastries will be available throughout the day, with live music pop-ups adding to the Christmas atmosphere. Running from 11am to 5pm, entry is free so be sure to book your place. Paid tickets are also available including a glass of mulled wine or cider. A lovely festive day out for friends, families and anyone looking to shop small this Christmas.
  • 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.

 

Christmas Activities & Events

  • Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays – Glide across one of London’s most iconic ice rinks, set within the magnificent courtyard of Somerset House. Running from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, this much-loved winter destination combines skating with festive drinks, seasonal shopping and a magical historic setting. Make a day of it with friends or family, then warm up off the ice and browse for a special Christmas gift.
  • 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 12 November to 30 December, excluding Christmas Day.
  • Cardinal Place, Victoria – Add a little Christmas magic to your shopping trip with live choir performances at Cardinal Place throughout December. Choirs will perform from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on selected Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1–3 December, 8–10 December and 15–17 December. It’s a lovely way to pause amid the festive rush and enjoy some seasonal singing in the heart of Victoria.

 

Christmas Light Switch Ons

  • Christmas Lights on Strand & Villiers Street 2025 – The Strand and Villiers Street Christmas lights will be switched on 12 November 2026, 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.
  • 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 from 3 December 2026. The Trafalgar Tree lights switch on will take place in December. Visit Westminster City Council’s website for full details.

 

Christmas Competitions & Offers

  • Online Christmas Advent Calendar – Back again for 2026! Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with London Heritage Quarter’s 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.

 

Christmas Dining

Christmas Brunches

  • Festive Saxy Brunch at All Bar One – Kick off the festive season early with a lively brunch on Saturday 28 November. Expect sparkling drinks, feel-good tunes and plenty of Christmas party atmosphere, making it a fun choice for friends looking to get into the spirit before December arrives.
  • Festive Brunch at Flight Club Victoria – Bring a competitive twist to your Christmas celebrations with Flight Club’s Festive Brunch, combining Social Darts®, bottomless sharing pizza and plenty of Prosecco-fuelled fun. Enjoy an hour of multiplayer darts across seven games, your own semi-private oche and an Action Replay highlights video to relive the best moments. Packages start from £33 per person for two hours, including a bottle of Prosecco or four beers per person, with non-alcoholic options available too. Sessions run every weekend at 12pm or 2:30pm, with the special Festive Brunch taking place every Saturday and Sunday in December. Expect Christmas jumpers, festive decorations and plenty of friendly competition, with additional festive food and drinks available to order.

 

Festive Season 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:

  • Bill’s – Let the festive feasting begin with Bill’s Christmas Set Menu, available from 12 November to 30 December. Expect seasonal favourites including creamy Camembert, juicy sirloin steak and sticky toffee pudding, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Prices start at £35.95 per person, but book for November dining and enjoy the three-course menu for just £29.95, saving up to £8 per person.
  • Mildreds Victoria – Plant-based dining gets a festive makeover with A Very Mildreds Christmas, a seasonal sharing feast inspired by winter cooking from around the world. Tuck into crunchy fried Brussels sprouts, arancini alla vodka, cranberry harissa shawarma skewers and cauliflower vol-au-vent, followed by indulgent desserts including sticky toffee pudding and dark chocolate mousse. The menu runs from 18 November to 24 December, with two courses for £45 or three for £50. Private dining and larger group bookings are available too.
  • Savoy Grill – Make Christmas lunch a little more indulgent at this iconic London restaurant, where the festive prix-fixe menu combines seasonal ingredients with classic Savoy sophistication. Expect dishes such as smoked potato soup, whisky and soy smoked salmon and confit turkey. Available on weekdays from 16 November to 4 January, prices start at £62 for two courses or £68 for three, served between 12pm and 5:45pm.
  • River Restaurant – Enjoy a festive lunch beside the Thames with a seasonal menu showcasing carefully sourced ingredients and comforting winter flavours. Highlights include yellowfin tuna tartare, smoked salmon, dry-aged fillet and braised ox cheek, followed by sticky toffee pudding or aged Beaufort cheese. Available on weekdays from 16 November to 4 January, the menu starts at £42 for two courses or £49 for three, served between 12pm and 6:30pm.
  • Indigo at One Aldwych – Celebrate Christmas in the heart of the West End with festive menus showcasing the best of seasonal British cooking. Choose from set lunches, festive table d’hôte dining and pre-theatre menus featuring dishes such as roast Norfolk bronze turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and a classic Christmas sherry trifle. With London’s theatres just moments away, it’s an ideal stop before a festive performance or a relaxed seasonal lunch with friends.

 

Christmas Day Dining

Planning the perfect Christmas Day feast? From indulgent Michelin-star menus to cosy roasts with all the trimmings, London is filled with exceptional places to celebrate in style.

 

Christmas Drinks

Looking for the perfect spot to toast the festive season? London comes alive at Christmas with cosy pubs, elegant cocktail bars and sparkling winter terraces. Whether you’re catching up with friends, planning after-work drinks, or simply soaking up the holiday atmosphere, here are the best places to enjoy Christmas cocktails and winter warmers across the city.

  • The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych – Keep the celebrations going with sparkling cocktails, Champagne Bollinger and live music in the hotel’s welcoming Lobby Bar. This winter’s festive cocktails take inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry, combining warming spice and British character for a seasonal drink in elegant surroundings.

 

Charity & Christmas Volunteering

Give back this Christmas

St. Vincent’s Family Project is our chosen charity partner for the 2026 Christmas period. Christmas for families struggling on a low income can be the worst time of year. Not only do they see fuel bills starting to go up there is the added pressure of being able to afford all the extra activities, festivities and gifts. Parents often feel guilty they cannot do what other parents can for their children. St. Vincent’s Family Project have put together a whole package of free activities for Westminster families with children under 5 to enjoy, make friends and create memories for themselves. This includes a grotto with gifts and Santa, Pantomime, Concert and other events, attended by families from Christian and non-Christian backgrounds. Any donation made will go towards making the period an enjoyable one for families. Make a donation today!

There are many other fantastic organisations you can support throughout the season too. 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.

 

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. Find out more about the Winter Vigilance campaign here.